Let’s Rewind – Comprehension Questions
1. What happened when the narrator began reading the medical encyclopaedia?
→ He believed he had all the diseases mentioned in it.
2. How did the narrator’s visit to the doctor change his perspective on life?
→ It helped him realise that simple lifestyle habits can keep us healthy and there’s no need to panic.
3. What aspect of the narrator’s character is revealed in the story?
→ He is imaginative, humorous, and a bit of a hypochondriac (someone who worries too much about their health).
4. How does the narrator’s experience show the risks of self-diagnosis?
→ It shows how reading symptoms without understanding can lead to fear and confusion.
5. What does “A healthy mind in a healthy body” mean in this story?
→ It means that physical health and mental peace are connected, and healthy habits lead to both.
Let’s Explore – Activity 1
A. Rearranged events in correct order:
- Jerome goes to the British Museum.
- He reads about diseases and believes he has all of them.
- He decides to consult his doctor.
- He tells the doctor his fear.
- The doctor examines him and gives a prescription.
- Jerome goes to the pharmacy.
- The chemist reads it and returns it.
- Jerome reads it for the first time.
- It is common-sense advice.
- Jerome leaves the pharmacy feeling hopeful.
B. Narrative based on events:
One day, Jerome visited the British Museum to read about hay fever. As he flipped through the pages of a medical book, he started believing that he had every illness except housemaid’s knee. Terrified, he rushed to his doctor friend and told him everything. The doctor jokingly examined him and gave him a mysterious prescription. Jerome went to the pharmacy, but the chemist returned it, saying he couldn’t help. Curious, Jerome read the note—it was advice to live healthily. He felt relieved and decided to follow the advice from that day.
Activity 2 – Diary Entry
Sample Diary Entry of the Chemist:
Monday, 18 June
A very strange thing happened today! A man came in with a folded paper, saying it was a prescription from his doctor. I opened it, expecting a medicine list, but it said: “Eat well, walk, sleep early, and don’t worry about what you don’t understand.” I told him I couldn’t help him. He looked confused at first, then read it and smiled. I’ve never seen such a wise prescription in such simple words. I’d like to know if he followed it—and if it changed his life.
C. Compare and Complete the Table
| Aspect | Sample A | Sample B | |
| Point of view | Third person | First person | |
| Purpose | To describe an event or incident | To record personal thoughts and feelings | |
| Style | Descriptive | Reflective | |
| Structure | A beginning, middle, and end | Dated entry with thoughts and emotions |
D. Write the Chemist’s Diary Entry
Monday, 18 June
A very strange thing happened today! A man came into my shop with a folded prescription. I expected a list of medicines, but when I opened it, I was surprised. It said, “Eat a balanced diet, take a walk every morning, sleep at 11 p.m., and don’t stuff your head with things you don’t understand.”
I told him I don’t sell these things—after all, I’m only a chemist, not a grocery store or a gym! He looked puzzled, then read it carefully and slowly smiled. I think he understood the wisdom behind it.
I wonder if he followed that advice. It’s rare to see such a prescription—but maybe this one really saved his life.
Activity 3 – Healthy Habits
A. Is the prescription helpful?
→ Yes. It promotes a balanced lifestyle and reduces stress. It’s a smart way to stay healthy without medicines.
B. Add to the list:
Healthy Habits:
- Exercise regularly
- Spend time in nature
- Practise mindfulness or yoga
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Keep a daily routine
C. Unhealthy Practices to Avoid:
- Eating too much sugar
- Skipping meals
- Sleeping late
- Smoking or harmful substances
- Negative thinking
D. Paragraph – The Role of Habits in Shaping Health and Well-being:
Good habits are the foundation of a healthy life. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and getting enough sleep help our body work well. At the same time, avoiding harmful habits like junk food, laziness, and negative thoughts keeps us mentally strong. When we practise healthy habits daily, we not only avoid sickness but also feel happier and more energetic. A healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy mind and body.