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Extract from the Play
RAM DATT
:
Your Highness, I discovered that the camel is lame in one of its legs.
KING
:
And how did you
deduce
this?
RAM DATT
:
From its tracks on the road, I observed that only three feet left distinct impressions. The fourth was faint, indicating a limp. The pattern of the tracks told the tale of a creature struggling to bear its weight evenly.
KING
:
(Nodding thoughtfully)
Impressive observation. You have sharp eyes, indeed.
Summary in Bullet Points
- Ram Datt tells the King that he knew the camel had trouble walking on one leg by looking at its footprints.
- Three footprints were clear, but the fourth was faint.
- This showed that the camel was not putting the same amount of weight on all four legs.
-
The King understands the logic and praises Ram Datt’s careful observation.
deduce
= reach a conclusion by reasoning
distinct impressions = clear marks
limp = an uneven way of walking
Board Pattern
Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Short Answer
2 marks
What clue showed Ram Datt that the camel was lame?
2 Marks
How to answer:
Describe the four footprints.
View Answer
Answer: Three feet left clear impressions, while the fourth footprint was faint. This showed that the camel was not placing equal weight on one leg.
Longer Short Answer
3 marks
Explain Ram Datt’s reasoning from clue to conclusion.
3 Marks
How to answer:
Write the chain: footprint pattern → uneven weight → limp.
View Answer
Answer: Ram Datt saw that only three footprints were clear and the fourth was faint. A healthy animal would place its weight more evenly. The faint fourth print showed that the camel was protecting one leg and walking with a limp. Therefore, he concluded that it was lame.
