Robinson Crusoe Discovers a Footprint — Class 5 English (CBSE)
From the current Class 5 English Marigold textbook. Read the story of Crusoe's discovery on the island, then attempt the practice questions.
1. About the author
Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was an English writer and journalist. He wrote 'Robinson Crusoe', one of the first novels in English literature, published in 1719. The novel is based on the real story of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who lived alone on an island for four years. The Class 5 version is adapted for young readers.
2. Summary
Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked and living alone on a deserted island. He has survived for many years by building a shelter, finding food, and staying safe. One day, while walking on the beach, he sees something terrifying — a footprint in the sand. It is clearly not his own footprint. Crusoe is shocked and frightened. He wonders who made it. Is there someone else on the island? Are there cannibals? His peaceful life is shattered by the fear of the unknown.
The story captures Crusoe's emotions — his shock, his fear, his imagination running wild, and his determination to protect himself. It is a classic tale of survival and the human response to the unexpected.
3. Characters
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Robinson Crusoe | A shipwrecked sailor living alone on an island |
4. Theme and values
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fear | Crusoe's terror at finding another person's footprint. |
| Survival | Living alone on a deserted island and staying safe. |
| Isolation | Being completely alone with no one to help. |
| Imagination | Crusoe's mind imagines all kinds of dangers. |
| Courage | Despite his fear, Crusoe prepares to protect himself. |
Values to learn
- Face your fears instead of running from them.
- Stay calm in difficult situations.
- Use your intelligence to solve problems.
- Being alone can be hard, but courage helps.
5. Key vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shipwrecked | Stranded after a ship accident |
| Deserted | Empty of people |
| Footprint | A mark left by a foot on the ground |
| Terrifying | Extremely frightening |
| Cannibal | A person who eats human flesh (in stories) |
| Shelter | A place that protects you from danger |
| Survivor | Someone who continues to live after a difficult event |
| Island | Land surrounded by water |
| Shore | The land along the edge of the sea |
| Panic | Sudden, uncontrollable fear |
6. Reading comprehension
Questions to think about while reading
- Where is Robinson Crusoe living?
- What does he find on the beach one day?
- How does Crusoe react when he sees the footprint?
- What thoughts run through his mind?
- How does Crusoe try to protect himself after the discovery?
Understanding Crusoe's fear
The footprint represents the unknown. Crusoe has been alone for years and has made peace with his situation. The footprint shatters his sense of security. His fear is natural — any human would be shocked to discover evidence of another person in a place they thought was empty.
7. Writing practice
Prompt 1: Imagine you are alone on an island. Describe a day in your life — what you do, how you feel, what you miss most.
Prompt 2: Write a short paragraph about a time when something unexpected scared you. How did you handle it?
Prompt 3: Imagine you are Robinson Crusoe. Write a diary entry on the day you found the footprint.
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking the story is about Robinson Crusoe's whole life Fix: This chapter focuses on one specific event — discovering the footprint.
- Mistake: Confusing the adapted Class 5 version with Defoe's original novel Fix: The original novel is much longer. The Class 5 version is a simplified adaptation.
- Mistake: Writing that Crusoe was not scared Fix: Crusoe was very scared. His fear is a central part of the story. Acknowledge it in your answers.
9. Self-test
- Who wrote the original novel 'Robinson Crusoe'?
- Where is Robinson Crusoe living at the start of the story?
- What does Crusoe discover on the beach?
- How does Crusoe feel when he sees the footprint?
- What does the discovery make Crusoe realise?
10. Answer key
-
Who wrote the original novel 'Robinson Crusoe'? Answer: Daniel Defoe.
-
Where is Robinson Crusoe living at the start of the story? Answer: He is living alone on a deserted island after being shipwrecked.
-
What does Crusoe discover on the beach? Answer: He discovers a footprint in the sand that is not his own.
-
How does Crusoe feel when he sees the footprint? Answer: He is shocked, terrified, and frightened. His mind fills with fears about who might be on the island.
-
What does the discovery make Crusoe realise? Answer: He realises that he may not be alone on the island. His sense of safety is broken.
11. Quick revision
- Author: Daniel Defoe (original novel, 1719).
- Setting: A deserted island.
- Main character: Robinson Crusoe.
- Key event: Crusoe discovers a footprint on the beach.
- Emotions: Shock, fear, panic, determination.
- The story is about survival and facing the unknown.
- Connect to times when you faced unexpected situations.
- The adapted version focuses on a single dramatic moment.
