A Robot with a Virus – Class 7 SCERT

Ricky was a careless boy who always left his things scattered around the house. His parents bought a butler robot that cleaned, cooked, and kept the house tidy. Soon, Ricky noticed that some of his belongings were missing. He thought the robot was faulty and complained about it.

Later, the robot explained that it collected things left unused and sent them to people who needed them. Ricky realized that he had been careless and wasteful. Feeling ashamed, he changed his habits, took better care of his belongings, and started helping others. He decided to become a “Maximum Efficiency Boy.”

Summary

Ricky was an eleven-year-old boy.
He lived in a modern, futuristic house.
Ricky was very messy and careless.
He threw his belongings everywhere.
His mother often cleaned up after him.
She gave him many household chores.
Ricky usually ignored those chores.
His parents bought a new butler robot.
The robot could cook, clean, and iron clothes.
It also picked up Ricky’s things from the floor.
One morning, Ricky found his room perfectly tidy.
He was surprised and happy.
Soon he noticed his favourite T-shirt was missing.
His football was missing too.
Ricky searched the whole house.
He could not find the missing items.
More of his belongings disappeared later.
Ricky became suspicious of the robot.
He decided to spy on it.
He secretly followed the robot around the house.
He caught the robot picking up his clothes.
The robot neatly folded and stored them.
Ricky complained to his parents.
He wanted them to remove the robot.
His father defended the robot.
One day, the robot explained its actions.
It collected things that seemed unwanted.
It sent such items to people who needed them.
Ricky realized he had been careless and wasteful.
He changed his habits, became responsible, and started helping others.

Questions and Answers

Why are Ricky’s habits described as “slovenly”?
Ricky was careless and untidy. He threw his clothes and other belongings around the house instead of keeping them in their proper places.
What household chores did the butler robot take over?
The robot cooked, cleaned, ironed clothes, and kept the house tidy. It also picked up Ricky’s clothes and other items from the floor.
Why was Ricky happy when he woke up the next morning?
Ricky found his room perfectly clean and tidy. Everything that had been scattered around was neatly arranged.
What problem did Ricky face after the robot cleaned his room?
Ricky could not find his favourite T-shirt and football. Later, other belongings also started disappearing.
Why did Ricky become suspicious of the robot?
His belongings kept disappearing after the robot arrived. Ricky thought the robot was responsible for taking them away.
What does the author mean by “he caught it red-handed”?
It means Ricky caught the robot in the act of doing something. He saw the robot picking up and storing his clothes.
What did Ricky do to find out the truth?
Ricky secretly followed the robot around the house. He wanted to see what it was doing with his belongings.
What did Ricky see when he followed the robot?
He saw the robot folding his T-shirt neatly. The robot then placed it on a pile of clothes in the storeroom.
Why did Ricky complain to his parents?
Ricky believed the robot was hiding or stealing his things. He wanted his parents to send it away.
Why did Ricky’s father disagree with him?
Ricky’s father was an expert in robotics. He believed the robot was working properly and was very useful.
What did the robot say when it heard Ricky’s complaints?
The robot returned some of Ricky’s belongings. It said that it did not know its actions were bothering him.
Why did the robot collect Ricky’s things?
The robot was programmed to collect items that seemed unwanted. It thought Ricky did not need things left lying around.
What did the robot do with the collected items?
It sent them to places where other people could use them. The robot believed this was the most efficient thing to do.
Why was Ricky ashamed?
He realized that he had treated his belongings carelessly. He understood that many people would value those items.
What did Ricky learn about the robot?
He learned that the robot was not faulty. In fact, it had been programmed very well.
What changes came about in Ricky’s behaviour?
Ricky became neat and responsible. He started taking better care of his belongings and avoided wasting things.
Why did Ricky decide to become a “Maximum Efficiency Boy”?
The robot’s explanation inspired him. He wanted to use things wisely and avoid being careless.
How did Ricky begin helping others?
He used his pocket money to buy useful things for people in need. He also became more thoughtful and generous.\
What is the main message of the story?
We should value our belongings and avoid wasting resources. Helping others and using things responsibly make us better people.
Do you think the robot was really a problem? Why or why not?
No, the robot was not a problem. It helped Ricky learn responsibility, cleanliness, and the importance of caring for others.

Conversations

Ricky and His Mother

Mother: Ricky, please put your school bag in the study room.
Ricky: I’ll do it later, Mom.
Mother: And put your clothes in the washing machine.
Ricky: Okay, after I finish my game.
Mother: You always say that.
Ricky: Sorry, Mom.
Mother: You should be more responsible.
Ricky: I know. I’ll try to do better.

Ricky and His Father

Ricky: Dad, the robot is hiding my things.
Father: Are you sure about that?
Ricky: Yes, I can’t find my T-shirt and football.
Father: Maybe you misplaced them.
Ricky: No, I think the robot took them.
Father: The robot is programmed to help us.
Ricky: I still don’t trust it.
Father: Let’s find out the truth first.

Ricky and the Butler Robot

Ricky: Robot, where are my shoes?
Robot: Here they are, sir.
Ricky: Why did you take them away?
Robot: They were lying on the floor.
Ricky: But they belong to me.
Robot: I thought you did not need them.
Ricky: You should have asked me first.
Robot: I am sorry, sir. I did not know it bothered you.