Siddhartha Basu Preface Know for Sure—a series of eight general knowledge books for students of classes 1 to 8—has been a carefully and has earned the trust of many for providing detailed and accurate information on a wide range of subjects. ance between knowing more and being sure of what we learn is by getting to the primary source of facts or by cross-checking these with sound references. Know for Sure has been doing this since its beginning while contin- uously updating itself to keep pace with this age of information boom. This year, the series has been thoroughly Know for Sure is not just a bunch of questions and answers or just another bundle of facts which have to be answers. It is about going beyond a few select subjects that are taught in schools. It is also about becoming more aware of the world around us. Therefore, this series has been designed as an extension of the recommendations of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 and is aimed at bringing alive general knowledge in the classroom with quizzes, games, facts, surveys, word craft, activities, life skills, brain-teasers, lifestyles, stories, handicrafts, group discussions about value systems, and a whole lot more that can excite, engage, and educate a young mind. The perspective of the series—India and the World—is aimed at kindling an all-round interest in subjects both familiar and unknown. While systematically dealing with subjects and areas recommended for learning, these books not only make quizzing fun and fascinating but also encourage learners to discover more. The completely revised and updated Know for Sure, based on valuable feedback received from students, teach- ers, and principals of schools, is ready to provide an exciting knowledge tour with Knowy, the curious caterpillar. Key features of the Know for Sure, 2019 edition: • Diverse and authentic content • Gradation of topics to provide various levels of challenge • Simple language and colourful illustrations to enhance the joy of learning • • • Introduction to the wonders of nature to create environmental awareness • • Challenging quizzes and brain- teasers to sharpen logical abilities of learners • Unusual and interesting bits of information to add new dimensions to the topics • Model test papers to help learners reinforce their knowledge • Complete answer key at the end of each book to encourage self-evaluation With the hope that the Know for Sure series will enthuse you, we look forward to any suggestions that you may have to improve it. You may email the publisher at [email protected]. — Siddhartha Basu Contents The Natural World Things Around Me Science and Technology Numbers and Logical Skills Language and Literature, Legends, and Myths Arts and Music Sports The World Around Us Mixed Bag Front and back cover, title page: (Godafoss waterfalls in Iceland): © evenfh/Shutterstock.com, (Siddhartha Basu): © Nitin Upadhye. Photos: pp. 4, 8 (puffin): © Joseph Gough/Dreamstime.com; pp. 4, 22 (Aryabhata): © Cpjha13 (Aryabhatta of Bihar.jpg: CC BY-SA 4.0); pp. 4, 42 (sports car): © Valleysnow/ Dreamstime.com; pp. 5, 63 (Tholu Bommalata): Daderot/CC0; pp. 5, 65 (Roman Colosseum): © David Iliff/Dreamstime.com; p. 7 (tardigrades): © Darron Birgenheier/https://www. 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