NCERT Solutions for Class 8th: Ch 1 The Ant and the Cricket (Poem) Honeydew English
Working with Poem
1. The cricket says, “Oh! What will become of me?” When does he say it, and why?
Answer
The cricket said the given line when it found that its cupboard was empty and winter had arrived. It could not find a single crumb to eat on the snow covered ground and there were no flowers or leaves on the tree. It wondered what would become of it because it was getting cold and since there was nothing to eat, it would starve and die.
2. (i) Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” (Shakespeare).
(ii) What is you opinion of the ant’s principles?
Answer
(i)The lines in the poem that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” are ‘But we ants never borrow; we ants never lend.’
(ii) I agree with what the ant says first that one should save something for the future so that he does not need to borrow or lend. But I don’t agree with the ant’s principle what he told later. If he says he is a friend of cricket then he should also help the cricket at the time of distress. On the other hand I believe that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
3. The ant tells the cricket to “dance the winter away”. Do you think the word ‘dance’ is appropriate here? If so, why?
Answer
The ant told the cricket to “dance the winter away” because when it asked the cricket what it did in the summers and why it had not stored any food for summers, the cricket answered that it sang through the warm and sunny months of summers. Therefore, in reply to this, the ant asked the cricket to “dance” the winter away just like it “sang” all through the summers and did not bother to store food for winters.
4. (i) Which lines in the poem express the poet’s comment? Read them aloud.
(ii) Write the comment in your own words.
Answer
(i) The lines in the poem that express the poet’s comment are “Folks call this a fable. I’ll warrant it true.”
(ii) This comment by the poet means that this poem is indeed a fable as it had a moral behind it. The cricket did not have anything to eat during the winters because it did not bother to store some food during summers. It was negligent and sang all through the summers. The ant, on the other hand, had built a nice home for itself and had stored food so that it would not starve during winters. It worked hard during summers to achieve this. Thus, the moral of the poem is to be prepared for the adverse times and always work hard instead of being negligent.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II
Questions:
Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of the following statements.
Ernest’s words reminded people of the wise old sayings. __________
Total strangers from far away, who visited Ernest in the valley, found his face familiar. _______
The Great Stone Face confirmed Ernest’s view that the poet could be worthy of its likeness. _______
When Ernest and the poet met, they respected and admired each other equally. ________
The poet along with Ernest addressed the inhabitants of the valley. ___________
The poet realised that Ernest’s thoughts were far nobler than his own verses. _________
Answers:
True
True
False
True
False
True
Working With the Text (Page 137)
Answer the following questions. Question 1: How was Ernest different from others in the valley? Answer: Ernest was unlike other commoners in the valley. He was a good, simple hearted, noble and thoughtful person. He had been under observation. He did not go with the crowd. He welcomed total strangers as the prophets.
Question 2: Why did Ernest think the poet was like the Stone Face? Answer: The poet wrote wonderful songs. He had celebrated the Great stone Face in one of his poems. When Ernest read this poem he became convinced that the poet was like the stone face.
Question 3: What did the poet himself say about his thoughts and poems? Answer: The poet confessed that he was not worthy to be compared with the Stone Face. His actions did not match with his thoughts.
Question 4: What made the poet proclaim Ernest was the Stone Face? Answer: Ernest and the poet together went to a meeting place. Ernest addressed the gathering. His words had power and his thoughts had depth. They were the words of life, a life of good deeds and selfless love. The poet was convinced that Ernest – was much nobler than him. Ernest’s face had such a grand expression that he declared that Ernest bore the likeness of the Great Stone Face.
Question 5: Write ‘Ernest’ or ‘Poet’, against each statement below.
(i) There was a gap between his life and his words. (ii) His words had the power of truth as they agreed with his thoughts. (iii) His words were as soothing as a heavenly song but only as useful as a vague dream. (iv) His thoughts were worthy. (v) Whatever he said was truth itself. (vi) His poems were noble. (vii) His life was nobler than all the poems. (viii) He lacked faith in his own thoughts. (ix) His thoughts had power as they agreed with the life he lived. (x) Greatness lies in truth. Truth is best expressed in one’s actions. He was truthful, therefore he was great.
Answer:
(i) Poet (ii) Ernest (iii) Poet (iv) Poet (v) Ernest (vi) Poet (vii) Ernest (viii) Poet (ix) Ernest (x) Ernest
Question 6:
(i) Who, by common consent, turned out to be like the Great Stone Face? (ii) Did Ernest believe that the old prophecy had come true? What did he say about it?
Answer:
(i) Ernest was accepted by common consent exactly like the Great Stone Face. (ii) No, Ernest still was not convinced that the old prophecy had come true. He hoped that some day, a man wiser and nobler than him would come, and would look truly similar to the Great Stone Face.
Working With Language (Page 137)
Question 1: Mark the meaning that best fits the word or a phrase in the story.
(i) (sun) going down
(a) becoming smaller (b) weakening (c) setting
(ii) brightening
(a) making (it) look bright and cheerful (b) lending (it) a special glow (c) causing (it) to appear hopeful
(iii) spacious
(a) lonely and wild (b) big and wide (c) special and important
(iv) prophecy
(a) proverb (b) prediction (c) rumour
(v) marvellous
(a) wonderful (b) surprising (c) shocking
(vi) proclaim
(a) reveal (b) declare (c) shout
(vii) cease
(a) happen (b) stop (c) remain
(viii) (a night’s shelter)
(a) stay (b) safety (c) hospitality
(ix) gazed
(a) wandered about (b) stared at (c) thought of
(x) took on (an expression)
(a) challenged (b) resembled (c) assumed
Answers:
(i) c (ii) a (iii) b (iv) b (v) a (vi) b (vii) b (viii) a (ix) b (x) c
Question 2: (i) Read the following sentences.
(a) I do hope I’ll live to see him. (b) He will come! Fear not, Earnest: the man will come. (c) Gathergold is arriving tomorrow, people said. (d) Blood-and-Thunder starts his journey back to the valley next week, everyone proclaimed. (e) The great man is going to spend his old age in his native town. Notice that in the above sentences, verbs in bold type are in four different forms, denoting four important ways of expressing future time. None of these can be said to be exclusively used to show future time, though each is used to refer to some action in future.
(ii) Which form of the verb is more natural in these sentences? Encircle your choice.
(a) I’m not free this evening. I will work/am working on a project. (b) Have you decided where you will go for your higher secondary? Yes, I have. I will go/ am going to the Kendriya Vidyalaya. (c) Don’t worry about the dog. It won’t hurt/isn’t hurting you (d) The weatherman has predicted that it will snow/is snowing in Ranikhet tonight. (e) Swapna can’t go out this evening. Her father will come/is coming to see her.
Answers:
(a) am working (b) am going (c) won’t hurt (d) will snow (e) is coming.
Question 3: (i) Complete these pieces of conversation using will or going to with the verbs Answer:
(a) am going to listen (b) will lend (c) is going to rain (d) will have (e) am going to make (f) will go (g) am going to get, will get
(ii) Let pairs of children take turns to speak aloud the dialogues. Answer: For class activity
Speaking and Writing (Page 139)
Question 1: Each of the following words has the sound /f/ as in feel/ The words on the left have it initially. Those on the right have it finally. Speak each word clearly.
flail life
philip puff
flowed deaf
fact tough
fail laugh
fast stiff
Answer:
Attempt yourself.
Question 2: Underline the letter or letters representing / f/in each of the following words.
Question 3: Imagine that you are the poet. You have come to your native valley to meet a famous preacher called Ernest. the incident of your first meeting with him. Answer: I lived so far away from the valley. But I had heard about Ernest’s character and wisdom. One summer day I called on him. I found him reading a book. We sat down together and talked. I found Ernest wise, gentle and kind. Ernest greeted me warmly and called me a ‘gifted guest’ Then I introduced myself as one who wrote the poems Ernest was reading. Ernest compared my face with the Stone Face. He had hoped to see the fulfilment of the prophecy but he was disappointed. I told him I was not worthy of that likeness. I said that my thoughts and actions had no harmony. I went with my host to a meeting place. I heard his address and found depth in his thoughts. In the golden light of the setting sun, Ernest appeared to me exactly like the Great Stone Face. The gathering also agreed with me.
Question 4: (i) Put each of the following in the correct order to construct sentences.
a resident of Noida near Delhi/is visually impaired/George Abraham.
confidence and competitive spirit/and infuses discipline among the participants/It provides.
he has helped/The brain behind the World Cup Cricket, /the disabled to dream.
to the blind school in Delhi/It was a chance visit/that changed his life.
sport is a powerful tool/the disabled/He believes that/for rehabilitation of.
Answer:
George Abraham, a resident of Noida near Delhi, is visually impaired.
It provides confidence and competitive spirit and infuses discipline among the participants.
The brain behind the World Cup Cricket, he has helped the disabled to dream.
It was a chance visit to the blind school in Delhi that changed his life.
He believes that sport is a powerful tool for rehabilitation of the disabled.
(ii) Now rearrange the sentences above to construct a paragraph.
Answer: George Abraham, a resident of Noida near Delhi, is visually impaired. The brain behind the World Cup Cricket, he has helped the disabled to dream. It was a chance visit to the blind school in Delhi that changed his life. He believes that sport is a powerful tool for rehabilitation of the disabled. It provides confidence and competitive spirit and infuses discipline among the participants.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: What changes come to be seen in Ernest with passing of time? Answer: Ernest was now a man of middle age. His hairs turned white and there were wrinkles across his forehead and furrows in his cheeks. He had become wiser with profound thoughts. The valley people respected him and took his advice on several occasions.
Question 2: Why did Ernest become sad after he examined the poet’s features? Answer: The poet had celebrated the Great Stone Face in one of his poems. When Ernest read that poem he became convinced that the poet had the likeness of the Great Stone Face. But when he met the poet, all his hopes shattered. He found no resemblance between the poet and the Stone Face. This was the reason why he became sad.
Question 3: Why did the poet’s eyes fill with tears? Answer: The poet became sentimental to listen to Ernest. His words had power because they had depth. They were the words of life, a life of good deeds and selfless love. The poet felt that the life and character of Ernest were nobler strain of poetry that he had ever written. His eyes filled with tears and he said to himself that never was there so worthy a sage as that thoughtful face, with the glim of white hair diffused about it.
II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: Give a character-sketch of Ernest. Answer: Ernest was a small boy when he became interested in the Great Stone Face. He felt that the face smiled on him. He wished to love the man with such a face. He was dutiful and helpful to his Mother. He grew up to be a gentle and quiet youth. He regarded the Stone Face as his teacher. He turned to the face for advice. He was not influnced by the common belief that Gathergold or Blood- and-Thunder General had any resemblance with the Stone Face. Even the poet’s face made him sad. And he was right when the poet himself admitted that he wasn’t worthy to be the likeness of the face. Finally, the same poet shouted with joy that Ernest himself was the likeness of the Stone Face. But Ernest remained humble to the last. He kept hoping that some wiser and better man than himself would appear.
Question 2: How did Ernest feel when people hailed him as the likeness of the Stone face? Answer: Ernest was truly noble and humble. His deeds matched with his thoughts. He received the poet warmly. For a while he thought the writer of those poems was truly the greatest and wisest person. The poet and the people ultimately hailed him as the man with the likeness of the Stone Face. But Ernest did not agree with them. He kept hoping that a wiser and better man than himself would appear to make the prophecy true.
Question 3: Describe in brief Ernest’s reaction on three occasions when Gathergold, General Blood-and-Thunder and the poet came to the valley. Answer: The inhabitants of the valley believed the story that one day a man bearing resemblance to the Stone Face would come there. The first one to arrive was a rich merchant Gathergold. The people were greatly excited. But Ernest noticed no resemblance between Gathergold’s face and that of the Stone Face. Likewise he did not agree with the people who welcomed General Blood-and-Thunder as the greatest man. But Ernest almost believed that the poet was the person he had been waiting for. But again he was disappointed. In fact, Ernest himself was accepted as the Prophet.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 9 – The Great Stone Face I
Question 1:
Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of the following statements.
1. The Great Stone Face stood near where Ernest and his mother lived. ______
2. One would clearly distinguish the features of the Stone Face only from a distance. ______
3. Ernest loved his mother and helped her in her work. ______
4. Though not very rich, Gathergold was a skilful merchant. ______
5. Gathergold died in poverty and neglect. ______
6. The Great Stone Face seemed to suggest that Ernest should not fear the general. ______
ANSWER:
1. False
The Great Stone Face stood miles away from where Ernest and his mother lived.
2. True
3. True
4. False
Gathergold was very rich.
5. True
6. False
The Great Stone Face seemed to suggest that Earnest should not lose heart, but believe that the man whose face resembled the Great Stone Face would come.
Page No 130:
Question 1:
(i) What was the Great Stone Face?
(ii) What did young Ernest wish when he gazed at it?
ANSWER:
(i) The Great Stone Face was a work of nature. It was formed on the perpendicular side of a mountain by some immense rocks that had been thrown together so that when viewed at a proper distance, they resembled the features of a human face.
(ii) Gazing at the Great Stone Face, young Ernest wished that it could speak because it looked so very kindly that he thought its voice must be pleasant. He also said that if he ever saw a man with such a face, he would love him very much.
Page No 130:
Question 2:
What was the story attributed to the Stone Face?
ANSWER:
The story that was attributed to the Stone Face was that at some future day, a child would be born near there, and he would be destined to become the greatest and noblest person of his time. His face, in manhood, would bear an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
Page No 130:
Question 3:
What gave the people of the valley the idea that the prophecy was about to come true for the first time?
ANSWER:
The people got the idea that the prophecy was about to come true from a rumour that went throughout the valley. The rumour was that the great man, who was to bear a resemblance to the Great Stone Face, had appeared at last. Many years before, a young man named Gathergold had left the valley and settled at a distant seaport. He had set up as a shopkeeper and being sharp in business matters, had become so rich that it would have taken him a hundred years only to count his wealth. In time, he thought of his native valley, and decided to go back there and end his days where he had been born. The people believed that this was the prophesied man.
Page No 130:
Question 4:
(i) Did Ernest see in Gathergold the likeness of the Stone Face?
(ii) Who did he confide in and how was he proved right?
ANSWER:
(i) No, Ernest did not see in Gathergold the likeness of the Stone Face.
(ii) He confided in the Great Stone Face. When everybody else believed that Gathergold resembled the Stone Face, he turned away from the wrinkled shrewdness of that unpleasant face and gazed up the valley, where the Stone Face seemed to say “He will come! Fear not, Ernest; the man will come!” He was proved right when later Gathergold died and was buried. His wealth, which was the body and spirit of his existence, had disappeared before his death. Since the time he lost his gold, it had been generally agreed that there was no likeness between him and the majestic face upon the mountain.
Page No 130:
Question 5:
(i) What made people believe General Blood-and-Thunder was their man?
(ii) Ernest compared the man’s face with the Stone Face. What did he conclude?
ANSWER:
(i) The people believed that General Blood-and-Thunder was their man because he had become a soldier many years before. After a great deal of hard fighting, he became a famous commander. He had lately expressed a desire to return to his native valley as he was old and tired. Preparations of welcoming him were made. It was being said that at last, the likeness of the Great Stone Face had actually appeared. When they saw him, they could see the resemblance and were sure that he was the man as they believed he was the greatest man of that or any other age beyond a doubt.
(ii) When Ernest compared the man’s face with the Stone Face, he concluded that there was no resemblance. If there was such a likeness as the crowd proclaimed, then Ernest could not recognise it.
Page No 130:
Question 1:
Write the noun forms of the following words by adding -ness or -ity to them appropriately. Check the spelling of the new words.
(i)
lofty ______________
(vi)
enormous ______________
(ii)
able ______________
(vii)
pleasant ______________
(iii)
happy ______________
(viii)
dense ______________
(iv)
near ______________
(ix)
great ______________
(v)
noble ______________
(x)
stable ______________
ANSWER:
(i)
lofty loftiness
(vi)
enormous enormity
(ii)
able ability
(vii)
pleasant pleasantness
(iii)
happy happiness
(viii)
dense density
(iv)
near nearness
(ix)
great greatness
(v)
noble nobility
(x)
stable stability
Page No 130:
Question 2:
Add -ly to each of the following adjectives, then use them to fill in the blanks.
perfect
near
kind
pleasant
eager
(i) Why didn’t you turn up at the meeting? We all were _______ waiting for you.
(ii) _________ write your name and address in capital letters.
(iii) I was _________ surprised to see him at the railway station. I thought he was not coming.
(iv) It is _________ believable that I am not responsible for this mess.
(v) He fell over the step and _________ broke his arm.
ANSWER:
(i) Why didn’t you turn up at the meeting? We all were eagerly waiting for you.
(ii) Kindly write your name and address in capital letters.
(iii) I was pleasantly surprised to see him at the railway station. I thought he was not coming.
(iv) It is perfectly believable that I am not responsible for this mess.
(v) He fell over the step and nearly broke his arm.
Page No 131:
Question 3:
Complete each sentence below using the appropriate forms of the verbs in brackets.
(i) I _________ (phone) you when I _________ (get) home from school.
(ii) Hurry up! Madam _________ (be) annoyed if we _________ (be) late.
(iii) If it _________ (rain) today, we _________ (not) go to the play.
(iv) When you _________ (see) Mandal again, you _________ (not/recognise) him. He is growing a beard.
(v) We are off today. We _________ (write) to you after we _________ (be) back.
ANSWER:
(i) I will phone you when I will get home from school.
(ii) Hurry up! Madam will be annoyed if we are late.
(iii) If it rains today, we will not go to the play.
(iv) When you see Mandal again, you will not recognize him. He is growing a beard.
(v) We are off today. We will write to you after we are back.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
Comprehension Check (Page 115)
Questions:
Why is the author not able to see Bijju?
What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes up?
Answers:
The author could not see Bijju because of the mist that concealed the hills. He could only hear his voice but could not see him.
When the mist comes up, it covers the hills and spreads silence.
Comprehension Check (Page 117)
Questions:
When does the monsoon season begin and when does it end? How do you prepare to face the monsoon?
Which hill-station does the author describe in the diary entry?
For how many days does it rain without stopping? What does the author do on these days?
Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter? Why?
What did the author receive in the mail?
Answers:
The monsoon season in Mussorie begins from June 24/25. By August 2, the people are fed up with rain. It ends by August 31. Then begins winter rains which end by late March. We take out our rain coats and umbrellas to face the monsoon.
Mussoorie
It rains non-stop for eight or nine days. The author keeps pacing the room and looking out of the window.
The rodents and snakes take shelter in roofs, attics and godowns. They do so because their holes are flooded with rain water.
The author received a cheque in the mail.
Working With the Text (Page 118)
Question 1: Look carefully at the diary entries for June 24-25, August 2 and March 23. Now write down the changes that happen as the rains progress from June to March. Answer: Rains in Mussoorie begin in June and end by March. June 24 is the first day of monsoon mist which covered the hills and spreads silence. On August 2 it rained all night and made sleeping difficult. By late March ends winter as well as the rains.
Question 2: Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the Chuchundar? Answer: The grandmother told the children not to kill the Chuchundars because they brought good luck and money.
Question 3: What signs do we find in Nature which show that the monsoons are about to end? Answer: By the end of the monsoon the greenery is at its peak. The seeds of the cobra lily turn red. A rainbow is formed in the sky.
Question 4: Complete the following sentences.
Bijju is not seen but his voice is heard because__________ .
The writer describes the hill station and valley as _________ .
The leopard was’ successful in________ but had to flee when
The minivets are easily noticed because _________ .
It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when_________.
During the monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because _________.
Answer:
dense mist covers and hides the hills.
‘A paradise that might have been.’
killing a dog but had to flee when Bijju’s mother arrived crying curses.
of their bright colours.
they are covered by a variety of flowers.
their holes are flooded with water and these places provide them convenient shelter.
Question 5: ‘Although tin roofs are given to springing unaccountable leaks, there is a feeling of being untouched by, and yet in touch with, the rain.’
Why has the writer used the word, ‘springing’?
How is the writer untouched by the rain?
How is the writer in touch with the rain at the same time?
Answer:
The word ‘springing’ is used to show suddenness with which water starts leaking.
Because he is inside the room.
He hears the drumming of rain on the tin roof. He also looks out of the window to see the rains.
Question 6: Mention a few things that can happen when there is endless rain for days together? Answer: A long spell of rain makes life miserable. One is closed up in his room. Everything becomes damp and soggy. Rodents, snakes and insects enter the house for shelter.
Question 7: What is the significance of cobra lily in relation to the monsoon season, its beginning and end? Answer: At first cobra lily appears with the arrival of the monsoon. When the cobra seeds begin to turn red, it indicates the rains are coming to an end.
Working With Language (Page 118)
Question 1: Here are some words that are associated with the monsoon. Add as many words as you can to this list. Can you find words for these in your languages?
Answer: rain, water, fog, raincoats, thunder, dampness, lakes etc. In my language I find the alternative words like the following: बौछार , बूंदाबांदी , तुषार, धुंध , सीत , छतरी, रेनकोट , आंधी , इत्यादी l
Question 2: Look at the sentences below. (i) Bijju wandered into the garden in the evening. (ii) The trees were ringing with birdsong. Notice the highlighted verb. The verb wandered tells us what Bijju did that evening. But the verb was ringing tells us what was happening continually at same time in the past (the birds were chirping in the trees). Now look the at sentences below. They tell us about something that happened in the past. They also tell us about other things that happened continually* at the same time in the past.
Put the verbs in the brackets into their proper forms. The first one is done for you.
We (get out) of the school bus. The bell (ring) and everyone (rush) to class.
The traffic (stop). Some people (sit) on the road and they (shout) slogans.
I (wear) my raincoat. It (rain) and people (get) wet.
She (see) a film. She (narrate) it to her friends who (listen) carefully.
We (go) to the exhibition. Some people (buy) clothes while others (play) games,
The class (is) quiet. Some children (read) books and the rest (draw).
Answer:
We got out of the school bus. The bell was ringing and everyone was rushing to class.
The traffic stopped. Some people were sitting on the road and they were shouting slogans.
I wore my raincoat. It was raining and people were getting wet.
She saw a film. She was narrating it to her friends who were listening carefully,
We went to the exhibition. Some people were buying clothes while others were playing games.
The class was quiet. Some children were reading books and the rest were drawing.
Question 3: Here are some words from the lesson which describe different kinds of sounds.
drum swish tinkle caw drip
(i) Match these words with their correct meanings.
to fall in small drops.
to make a sound by hitting a surface repeatedly.
to move quickly through the air, making a soft sound.
harsh sound made by birds.
ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.).
(ii) Now fill in the blanks using the correct form of the words given above.
Ramesh _______ on his desk in impatience.
Rain water_____ from the umbrella all over the carpet.
The pony______ its tail.
The_____ of breaking glass woke me up.
The_____ of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.
I saw thick black clouds in the sky and___ ____ it soon started raining heavily.
The blue umbrella was___ ____ for the brother and sister.
The butterflies are___ _____ to get noticed.
The lady was___ _____to chase the leopard.
The boy was____ ____ to call out to his sister.
The man was____ ____ to offer help.
The victim’s injury was____ _____ for him to get admitted in hospital.
That person was____ _____ to repeat the same mistake again.
He told me he was sorry and he would compensate for the loss. I said, ‘___ _____’.
Answer:
sure enough
big enough
colourful enough
brave enough
anxious enough
kind enough
serious enough
foolish enough
Fair enough
Speaking (Page 120)
Question 1: Do you believe in superstitions? Why, or why not? Working with your partner, write down three superstitious beliefs that you are familiar with. Answer: Truly speaking, I don’t believe in superstitions. These are blind beliefs. The ignorant and conservative people observe them. Superstitions have no scientific base or proof. The common superstitions are: (i) 13 is an ominous number. (ii) Don’t start a new project on Saturday. (iii) Stop if a black cat crosses your path.
Question 2: How many different kinds of birds do you come across in the lesson? How many varieties do you see in your neighbourhood? Are there any birds that you used to see earlier in your neighbourhood but not now? In groups discuss why you think this is happening. Answer: We come across different kinds of birds in this lesson. These are minivets, drongos, tree creepers and crows. We see sparrows, pigeons, and nightingales in our neighbourhood. Earlier we used to see big birds like kites and parrots in our neighbourhood. But these have become extinct now.
Writing (Page 121)
Question 1: The monsoons are a time of great fun and even a few adventures: playing in the rain and getting wet, wading through knee-deep water on your way to school, water flooding the house or the classroom, power cuts and so on. Write a paragraph describing an incident that occurred during the rains which you can never forget. (See NCERT Text Book Page 121) Or Write a poem of your own about the season of spring when trees are in full bloom. Answer: Attempt it yourself.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
I. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: What is a diary? What do the extracts from Ruskin Bond’s diary portray? Answer: A diary is a record of personal experiences/events that occur in one’s life. It is written day after day over a long period of time. The extracts from Ruskin Bond’s diary portray monsoon season and the changes that occur as the rains progress from June to March.
Question 2: How does the author describe the first day of monsoon mist? Answer: On the first day of monsoon mist all the birds suddenly fall silent and with it absolute silence is spread. The hills got hidden by the mist. The forest is deadly still as though it were midnight.
Question 3: How does the author describe the scarlet minivets? Answer: The scarlet minivets are seen during rainy season. They flit silently among the leaves like brilliant jewels. No matter how leafy the trees, these brightly coloured birds cannot hide themselves.
Question 4: Why couldn’t the author sleep on August 2 night? Answer: On August 2 it rained throughout the night. The rain had been drumming on the corrugated tin roof. There had been a steady swish of a tropical downpour. The author, therefore, couldn’t sleep.
Question 5: What happened on August 12? Answer: Heavy downpour started on August 12. The rain continued for eight or nine days. Everything got damp and soggy. The author had to stay inside during these days.
Question 6: Name the flowers that you come across in the lesson. Answer: Wild balsom, dahlias, begonias, ground orchids, cobra lilies etc.
II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: Who are the seasonal visitors? How does the author describe them? Answer: The seasonal visitors are a leopard, several thousand leeches and different kinds of birds. The leopard created nuisance. It lifted a dog from near the servants’ quarter below the school. In the evening, it attacked one of Bijju’s cows. The scarlet minivets flitted silently among the leaves like brilliant jewels. No matter how leafy the trees, these brightly coloured birds could not conceal themselves. There was also a pair of drongos. They looked aggressive and chased the minivets away. A tree creeper moved rapidly up the trunk of the oak tree, snapping up insects, all the way.
Question 2: Sum up the main ideas of the author’s Monsoon Diary in about 100 words. Answer: The writer was in Mussoorie, a hill station in U.P. The first day of monsoon brought mist. The birds got silent and the hills became invisible. On June 25, came the early monsoon rain. He described the hill station as A paradise’ that might have been’ to a school boy. With the onset of the monsoon one could see leopards and leeches and the colourful minivet birds. There was no dearth of insects for the birds to eat. On August 2, it rained heavily and non-stop. The roofs began to leak. The rain stopped on August 3. The sunlight fell on the hills and the song birds began to sing. On August 12, there was heavy downpour and mist for more than a week. Everything was damp. Meanwhile wild flowers began to appear. August 31 saw the greenery at its peak. Snakes and rodents came out of their flooded holes and hid in roofs or godowns. Winter rain, hailstones and snow came on October 3. The author couldn’t go outside and he felt very lonely in his room. Late March saw the end of winter. He received a cheque in the mail.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 7 – A Visit To Cambridge
Page No 104:
Question 1:
Which is the right sentence?
“Cambridge was my metaphor for England.” To the writer,
(i) Cambridge was a reputed university in England.
(ii) England was famous for Cambridge.
(iii) Cambridge was the real England.
ANSWER:
(iii) To the writer, Cambridge was the real England.
Page No 104:
Question 2:
Which is the right sentence?
The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house
(i) from the nearest phone booth.
(ii) from outside a phone booth.
(iii) from inside a phone booth.
ANSWER:
(ii) The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house from outside a phone booth.
Page No 104:
Question 3:
Which is the right sentence?
Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because
(i) he wasn’t sure what he wanted to ask.
(ii) he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
(iii) he was face to face with a legend.
ANSWER:
(ii) Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesiser.
Page No 104:
Question 4:
“I felt a huge relief… in the possibilities of my body.” In the given context, the highlighted words refer to
(i) shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
(ii) standing up, walking,
(iii) speaking, writing
ANSWER:
(i) In the given context, the highlighted words refer to shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist.
Page No 104:
Question 1:
Answer the following questions.
(i) Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
(ii) Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?
ANSWER:
(i) Yes, the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking made the writer nervous. He was to meet a great personality and that too one who had achieved greatness despite his disabilities. Clearly, it was a big moment, a great honour for the writer. So it is not surprising that he was nervous at the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking.
(ii) Yes, he felt excited at the same time because it made him stronger to see somebody like him achieving something huge. This made him aware of the many possibilities present before him, thereby helping him to reach out further than he ever thought he could.
Page No 104:
Question 2:
Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.
ANSWER:
The writer might have asked the scientist if he had been brave to reach where he had.
Page No 104:
Question 3:
Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think there was a choice? What was it?
ANSWER:
The writer thought that there was a choice. Stephen Hawking could have chosen to leave everything, and be sad and depressed. He could have sulked. However, he chose to live creatively knowing the reality of his disintegrating body.
Page No 104:
Question 4:
“I could feel his anguish.” What could be the anguish?
ANSWER:
Stephen Hawking’s mind was active with many thoughts that he wanted to express. However, his thoughts came out in phrases, without reflecting his feelings or emotions. His sentences were mere lines, without any sentiment. The writer felt he could understand his anguish and frustration at that.
Page No 104:
Question 5:
What endeared the scientist to the writer so that he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?
ANSWER:
The writer asked Stephen Hawking if he found it annoying that someone like him came and disturbed him in his work. To this query, the scientist replied in the affirmative, frankly and honestly. Then, he smiled his one way smile and this was what endeared him to the writer. The writer felt that he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world.
Page No 104:
Question 6:
Read aloud the description of ‘the beautiful’ man. Which is the most beautiful sentence in the description?
ANSWER:
The most beautiful sentence in the description is, “…you look at his eyes which can speak, still, and they are saying something huge and urgent….”
Page No 105:
Question 7:
(i) If ‘the lantern’ is the man, what would its ‘walls’ be?
(ii) What is housed within the thin walls?
(iii) What general conclusion does the writer draw from this comparison?
ANSWER:
(i) If ‘the lantern’ is the man, its ‘walls’ would be the man’s body.
(ii) The incandescence or the inner glow of the man is housed within the thin walls.
(iii) The conclusion that the writer drew from this comparison was that the body exists only like a case made of shadows. It is just an accessory. It is the soul that matters. Each individual is what he is from his heart and soul, and not from the body.
Page No 105:
Question 8:
What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?
ANSWER:
The message that he gave to the disabled was that they should concentrate on what they were good at.
Page No 105:
Question 9:
Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
ANSWER:
When Stephen Hawking said that things such as disabled Olympics were a waste of time, the writer agreed with him. He remembered the years which he spent trying to play a Spanish guitar that was considerably larger than he was. He was very happy when he unstringed it one night. It supports Stephen Hawking’s idea that the disabled should only concentrate on what they are good at, and not take up things unnecessarily.
Page No 105:
Question 10:
The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is the gratitude for?
ANSWER:
The writer expressed his gratitude to Stephen Hawking because he had been an inspiration for him. He saw him as the embodiment of his bravest self. He felt that if he had been as brave as Stephen, he would have achieved a lot. He felt he was moving towards that embodiment that he had believed in for many years. That is why he expressed his greatest gratitude to him as he had made him realise what great heights he could reach.
Page No 105:
Question 11:
Complete the following sentences taking their appropriate parts from both the boxes below.
(i) There was his assistant on the line …
(ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave, …
(iii) There he was, …
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, …
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know …
A
tapping at a little switch in his handand I told himthat there are peopleas if you have a courage accountand they are saying something huge and urgent
.
B
trying to find the words on his computer.I had come in a wheelchair from India.on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque.smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.it is hard to tell what.
ANSWER:
(i) There was his assistant on the line and I told him I had come in a wheelchair from India.
(ii) You get fed up with people asking you to be brave, as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque.
(iii) There he was, tapping at a little switch in his hand trying to find words on his computer.
(iv) You look at his eyes which can speak, and they are saying something huge and urgent − it is hard to tell what.
(v) It doesn’t do much good to know that there are people smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.
Page No 106:
Question 1:
Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using the appropriate forms of the words given in the following box.
guide
succeed
chair
travel
pale
draw
true
(i) I met a _______________ from an antique land.
(ii) I need special _____________ in mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject.
(iii) The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy ________________to Isaac Newton.
(iv) His other problems ______________ into insignificance beside this unforeseen mishap.
(v) The meeting was ____________ by the youngest member of the board.
(vi) Some people say ‘yours ___________’ when they informally refer to themselves.
(vii) I wish it had been a ___________ match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least.
ANSWER:
(i) I met a traveller from an antique land.
(ii) I need special guidance in mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject.
(iii) The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy successor to Isaac Newton.
(iv) His other problems paled into insignificance beside this unforeseen mishap.
(v) The meeting was chaired by the youngest member of the board.
(vi) Some people say ‘yours truly’ when they informally refer to themselves.
(vii) I wish it had been a drawn match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least.
Page No 106:
Question 2:
Make six phrases using the words given in the box.
read/session
smile/face
revolve/chair
walk/tour
dance/doll
win/chance
ANSWER:
(i) Reading session
(ii) Smiling face
(iii) Revolving chair
(iv) Walking tour
(v) Dancing doll
(vi) Winning chance
Page No 106:
Question 3:
Use all or both in the blanks. Tell your partner why you chose one or the other.
(i) He has two brothers. _________ are lawyers.
(ii) More than ten persons called. _________ of them wanted to see you.
(iii) They ____________ cheered the team.
(iv) ___________ her parents are teachers.
(v) How much have you got? Give me ___________ of it.
ANSWER:
(i) He has two brothers. Both are lawyers.
(ii) More than ten persons called. All of them wanted to see you.
(iii) They all cheered the team.
(iv) Both her parents are teachers.
(v) How much have you got? Give me all of it.
Page No 107:
Question 4:
Complete each sentence using the right form of the adjective given in brackets.
(i) My friend has one of the ____________cars on the road. (fast)
(ii) This is the ______________ story I have ever read. (interesting)
(iii) What you are doing now is _____________ than what you did yesterday. (easy)
(iv) Ramesh and his wife are both ____________. (short)
(v) He arrived __________as usual. Even the chief guest came___________ than he did. (late, early)
ANSWER:
(i) My friend has one of the fastest cars on the road.
(ii) This is the most interesting story I have ever read.
(iii) What you are doing now is easier than what you did yesterday.
(iv) Ramesh and his wife are both short.
(v) He arrived late as usual. Even the chief guest came earlier than he did.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 6 This is Jody’s Fawn
Comprehension Check (Page 90)
Questions:
What had happened to Jody’s father?
How did the doe save Penny’s life?
Why does Jody want to bring the fawn home?
How does Jody know that the fawn is a male?
Answer:
Jody’s father had been bitten by a rattlesnake.
Jody’s father killed the doe or she dear. He used her heart and liver to draw out the snake’s poison. In this way the doe saved Penny’s life.
Jody’s father had killed the doe. Without the mother-deer, the fawn was likely to starve to death in the forest. So Jody wanted to bring the young fawn home.
The spots on the fawn’s body made Jody know that it was a male.
Comprehension Check (Page 91)
Questions:
Jody didn’t want Mill-wheel with him for two reasons. What were they?
Why was Mill-wheel afraid to leave Jody alone?
Answer:
Jody didn’t want Mill-wheel to join him in the search for the fawn. The reason was that he was not sure about the fawn’s safety. He didn’t want Mill-wheel to see his disappointment.
Mill-wheel was afraid that Jody might be lost in the jungle.
Comprehension Check (Page 94)
Questions:
How did Jody bring the fawn back home?
Jody was filled with emotion after he found the fawn. Can you find at least three words or phrases which show how he felt?
How did the deer drink milk from the gourd?
Why didn’t the fawn follow Jody up the steps as he had thought it would?
Answer:
Jody picked up the fawn into his arms and proceeded to home. After some distance, he kept the fawn down and took rest. Later on, the fawn followed him. Thus he brought the fawn back home.
(i) (The fawn) shook him through with the stare of its liquid eye. (ii) The touch of the fawn made him delirious. (iii) As though the fawn were a china deer.
Jody dipped his fingers in the milk. Then he left the fawn suck his fingers. He did so several times. Finally, the fawn drank off all the milk from the gourd.
The fawn didn’t know how to raise its feet to climb the steps.
Working With the Text (Page 94)
Questions 1: Why did Penny Baxter allow Jody to go find the fawn and raise it? Answer: Penny was convinced by Jody’s argument that it would be ungrateful if they left the fawn in the forest to starve. He realised that Jody was right.
Question 2: What did Doc Wilson mean when he said, “Nothing in the world ever comes quite free”? Answer: Doc Wilson meant that Penny must pay back to the doe whom he had killed for his own gain by bringing up her fawn.
Question 3: How did Jody look after the fawn, after he accepted the responsibility for doing this? Answer: Jody looked after the faWh like a mother. He made it drink milk with his fingers dipped in milk. This is how a mother feeds her baby. Jody was glad that he had found the fawn.
Question 4: How does Jody’s mother react when she hears that he is going to bring the fawn home? Why does she react in this way? Answer: Jody’s mother turned her nose when she heard that he was going to bring back the fawn. She gasped with surprise because she didn’t want to see an animal in her home.
Working With Language (Page 94)
Question 1: Look at these pairs of sentences. Penny said to Jody, “Will you be back before dinner?” Penny asked Jody if he would be back before dinner. “How are you feeling, Pa?” asked Jody. Jody asked his father how he was feeling.
Here are some questions in direct speech. Put them into reported speech.
Penny said, “Do you really want it son?”
Mill-wheel said, “Will he ride back with me?”
He said to Mill-wheel, “Do you think the fawn is still there?”
He asked Mill-wheel, “Will you help me find him?”
He said, “Was it up here that Pa got bitten by the snake?”
Answer:
Penny asked his son if he really wanted the fawn.
Mill-wheel enquired if Jody would ride back with him.
Jody asked Mill-wheel if he thought the fawn was still there.
He asked Mill-wheel if he would help him find the fawn.
Mill-wheel wanted to know if that was the place where Pa had got bitten by the snake.
Question 2: Look at these two sentences.
He tumbled backward.
It turned its head.
The first sentence has an intransitive verb, a verb without an object. The second sentence has a transitive verb. It has a direct object. We can ask: “What did it turn?” You can answer. “Its head. It turned its head.” Say whether the verb in each sentence below is transitive or intransitive. Ask yourself a “what’ question about the verb, as in the example above. (For some verbs, the object is a person, so ask the question ‘who’ instead of ‘what’).
(i) Jody then went to the kitchen. (ii) The fawn wobbled after him. (iii) You found him. (iv) He picked it up. (v) He dipped his fingers in the milk. (vi) It bleated frantically and butted (vii) The fawn sucked his fingers. (viii) He lowered his fingers slowly into the milk. (ix) It stamped its small hoofs impatiently. (x) He held his fingers below the level of the milk, (xi) The fawn followed (xii) He walked all day. (xiii) He stroked its sides. (xiv) The fawn lifted its nose. (xv) Its legs hung limply.
Answer:
Question 3: Here are some words from the lesson. Working in groups, arrange them in the order in which they would appear in the dictionary. Write down some idioms and phrasal verbs connected to these words. Use the dictionary for more idioms and phrasal verbs. Answer:
Idioms or phrasal verbs connected to the above words. Clearing: clearing, campaign Close: close shave, close up, close quarters Draw: draw the curtain on/over, draw a blank Light: in the light of, bring to light Make: make the most of, make up Part: part with, parted comparing Pick: pick up, pick and choose Scrawny: the scrawny neck Sweet: have a sweet tooth, sweet seventeen, sweet tongued, sweet nothings Wonder: wonder world, wonder load, nine day’s wonder, wonder about, do wonders.
Speaking (Page 96)
Question 1: Do you think it is right to kill an animal to save a human life? Give reasons for your answer. Answer: Most of the animals are our friends. Dogs, horses, elephants, cows are a few such animals that serve us. But man has been killing codfish or the whales for oil. Tigers are killed for their skin and bones. This is not fair. But there is no harm if any of them are killed strictly to save human life, properly and agriculture. However, killing animals is a crime. It is wrong to kill wild life for their hide or for pleasure.
Question 2: Imagine you wake up one morning and find a tiny animal on your doorstep. You want to keep it as a pet but your parents are not too happy about it. How would you persuade them to let you keep it? Discuss it in groups and present your arguments to the class. Answer: The young ones of cats, dogs and some birds attract us as does a human child. When I was a child, I wanted to adopt a kitten or a puppy as pet. I found a good breed puppy at my doorstep one day. But it created a commotion in the house. My mother got irritated at the veiy presence of pets in the house. They bite and bark, enter the kitchen or sit on our beds and make things dirty. But I assured her that I would look after my puppy and train it. The loyal dog would act as security guard and a playmate. My parents finally relented and let me have the poor puppy as a pet.
Writing (Page 96)
Question 1: Imagine you have a new pet that keeps you busy. Write a paragraph describing your pet, the things it does, and the way it makes you feel. Here are some words and phrases that you could use.
frisky, smart, disobedient, loyal, happy, enthusiastic, companion, sharing, friend, rolls in mud, dirties the bed, naughty, lively, playful, eats up food, hides the newspaper, drinks up milk, runs away when called, floats on the water as if dead.
Answer: I have taken a kitten as my pet. It is female with silky fur and skin. She keeps me busy. My mother does not take interest in my pet. She curses the little one for doing mischief, for moving about in the house, for making the bed and floor dirty. The kitten enters the kitchen and drinks up milk. She is naughty and disobedient also. She is most unlike a dog which is loyal, obedient and strong. Still I like my pet because it is lively, playful and frisky.
Question 2: Human life is dependent on nature (that’s why we call her Mother Nature). We take everything from nature to live our lives. Do we give back anything to nature? (i) Write down some examples of the natural resources that we use. (ii) Write a paragraph expressing your point of view regarding our relationship with nature. Answer: (i) Man and nature are complementary to each other. Man for ages has been using forests, minerals and chemicals for his survival. Earth and nature are our lifelines. They help us directly or indirectly. Take for example the paper we print, our books and newspapers. They are products of trees. We get fruits, flowers and fodder from nature. We get water and air free from nature. It is unfortunate that we are over using the limited resources and are also polluting them.
Nature is our Mother. We must not use up anything to the extent that it is not restored naturally. By cutting down trees or killing whales we are, in a way, depriving our children of their share. Let us give back to nature for the benefits we get from it.
(ii) Some of the natural resources that we use are water, coal, mineral oil, etc.
Question 3: In This is Jody’s Fawn, Jody’s father uses a “home remedy’ for a snake bite. What should a person now do if he or she is bitten by a snake? Are all snakes poisonous? With the help of your teacher and others, find out answers to such questions. Then write a short paragraph on—What to do if a snake chooses to bite you. Answer: Snakes are the most dreaded of wild creatures. This is why we use sticks to kill them. There are many poisonous snakes. Green snakes or water snakes are not poisonous. Still we cannot be sure of it. So we don’t take a chance. We call in a snake charmer to draw the cobra out of the house. A snake-bite can kill the victim in a few minutes. But the victim can be saved if he gets the first aid in the form of blood-letting and anti-venom serum. The cure for snake bite is prepared front the snake’s poison.
In case I am bitten by a poisonous snake, the first thing I would do is to put a band tightly over the bitten part. Then I shall use a blade or knife to make a small cut on the bitten part, and press the poisonous blood out. Then I shall go to hospital for medical help. I shall not go to sleep until I feel better and safe.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
I. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: When and why does Jody’s father need a remedy? Answer: Penny, Jody’s father, is bitten by a poisonous rattlesnake. Instead of going to a doctor, he kills a she deer and uses her liver to draw out the poison.
Question 2: How does Jody react to the cruelty of his father? Answer: Jody, the small boy, tells his father that he had left the fawn alone and defenceless to die. So it is their moral duty to save the innocent and hungry young one of the doe.
Question 3: How does Penny take his son’s argument? Answer: Penny agreed with Jody’s argument that it would be ungrateful to leave the fawn to starve.
Question 4: What did Doc Wilson say about Jody’s suggestion? Answer: Doc Wilson said that they had to pay the price for everything. He justified the plan of Jody and Penny about the fawn.
Question 5: Why did Jody see only vultures and kites feeding on the dead body of the doe? Answer: The sand showed large footprints of tigers or leopards but they did not eat up the dead doe. The reason was that the big cats killed an animal themselves to eat its flesh. Vultres and kites are birds of prey. They also feed on the dead bodies.
Question 6: How did Jody approach and win the trust of the fawn? Answer: The fawn shook with fear as Jody drew near. It lifted its nose and scented the visitor. Jody moved forward on all fours and put his arms around its body.
Question 7: How did Jody feel as he touched the fawn’s skin? Answer: Jody found the fawn’s skin very soft and clean. He stroked its sides gently as though it were made of clay and would break soon.
Question 8: How did Jody feed the fawn? Answer: Jody decided to give away his share of milk to the fawn. He poured the milk into a small pot. Then he dipped his fingers in the milk and put them into its mouth. The fawn sucked slowly until the milk vanished.
Question 9: What message does the story of the fawn convey to the readers? Answer: The story highlights two things. It is not fair to kill an animal for its use as a cure. Secondly, one should have pity and love for the animals.
II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: How did Jody persuade his father to go to the forest to bring back the fawn? Answer: Jody was a small, brave and sensitive boy. He was with his father when he (his father) was bitten by a rattlesnake. His father quickly killed a doe and used its heart and liver to draw out the snake’s poison. Jody was happy to see that his father got a new life but at the same time he was worried for the little fawn who was left alone without its mother. He wanted to bring back the fawn. He requested his father to allow him to go to the forest to find the fawn. He told him that he didn’t need to drink milk because he was now a big boy. He would give the milk to the fawn. He also said that it was ungrateful to leave the fawn to starve. His father was in a fix. He couldn’t say “no’ to his son. And finally allowed him (Jody) to go to the forest to find the fawn.
Question 2: How did Jody feed the little fawn? Answer: Jody poured milk into a small gourd. He dipped his fingers in the milk and thrust them into the fawn’s soft wet mouth. It sucked greedily. When he withdrew them, it bleated frantically and butted him. He dipped his fingers again and as the fawn sucked, he lowered them slowly into the milk. The fawn blew and sucked and snorted. It stamped its small hoofs impatiently. As long as he held his fingers below the level of the milk, the fawn was content.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 The Summit Within
Comprehension Check (Page 80)
Question 1: Standing on Everest, the writer was (i) overjoyed (ii) very sad. (iii) jubilant and sad. Choose the right item.
Question 2: The emotion that gripped him was one of (i) victory over hurdles. (ii) humility and a sense of smallness. (iii) greatness and self importance. (iv) joy of discovery. Choose the right item.
Question 3: “The summit of the mind” referes to (i) great intellectual achievements. (ii) the process of maturing mentally and spiritually. (iii) Overcoming personal ambition for common welfare. (iv) living in the world of thought and imagination. (v) the triumph of mind over worldly pleasures for a noble cause. (vi) a fuller knowledge of oneself Mark the item(s) not relevant.
Answers:
(iii) jubilant and sad.
(ii) humility and a sense of smallness.
(vi) a fuller knowledge of oneself.
Working With the Text (Page 81)
Question 1: Answer the following questions. (i) What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb? Answer: The three qualities that ensured the success of the author were ‘endurance, persistence and will power’.
(ii) Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable? Answer: Mountain climbing is a great adventure but is also risky. It is a great challenge and a doing challenging job is in itself pleasurable. It gives immense joy to the doers.
(iii) What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible? Answer: Mount Everest attracted the author because it is the highest, the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts. It takes the last ounce of one’s energy.
(iv) One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really? Answer: Conquering summit is a great physical achievement. But more than that, it gives the climber the emotional and spiritual satisfaction. It satisfies man’s eternal love for adventure. (v) “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe”. This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion? Answer: That emotion is ‘humility’.
(vi) What were the ‘symbols of reverence’ left by members of the team on Everest? Answer: The author left on Everest a picture of Guru Nanak. Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga. Phu Durgi left a relic of the Buddha. Edmund Hillary, being a Christian, buried a Cross under the rock. All these were symbols of reverence for God.
(vii) What according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him? Answer: The experience of having conquered Mount Everest changed him completely. It made him realise his own smallness.
Question 2: Write a sentence against each of the following statements. Your sentence should explain the statement. You can pick out sentences from the text and rewrite them. The first one has been done for you.
(i) The experience changes you completely. One who has been to the mountains is never the same again. _________________________________________________ (ii) Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. _________________________________________________ (iii) Mountains are nature at its best _________________________________________________ (iv) The going was difficult but the after-effects were satisfying _________________________________________________ (v) The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience _________________________________________________
Answer:
(ii) The obstacles in climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to a summit is a test of endurance and will power. It is a challenge that is difficult to resist. (iii) Everest is the highest and the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts. (iv) When the summit is climbed, there is the joy of having done something, one has the feeling of victory and of happiness. (v) Mountains are a means of communion with God.
Working with Language (Page 82)
Question 1: Look at the italicised phrases and their meanings given in brackets. Mountains are nature (nature’s best form and appearance) at its best. Your life is at risk. (in danger; you run the risk of losing your life.) (it was his best/worst performance.) He was at his (it was his best/worst performance.) best/worst in the last meeting.
Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box.
at hand at once at all at a low ebb at first sight
Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the Principal________________ and submit your explanation. Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first?
Arun: Are you unwell? Ila: No, not___________________ Why do you ask? Arun: If you were unwell. I would send you to my uncle. He is a doctor.
Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love________________________ . David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries?
You look depressed. Why are your spirits_______________________ today? (Use such in the phrase) Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I never heard before.
Your big moment is close______________________ . Jyoti: How should I welcome it? Shieba: Get up and receive the trophy.
Answer:
at once
at all
at first sight
at such a low ebb
at hand.
Question 2: Write the noun forms of the following words adding -ance or -ence to each.
endure ______________________
persist_____________
signify____________________
confide___________
maintain ___________________
abhor_____________
Answer:
endurance
persistence
significance
confidence
maintenance
abhorrence.
Question 3: (i) Match words under A with their meanings under B.
Answer:
(ii) Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with appropriate words from under A.
There were ___________________ obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely.
We have no __________________ of finding out what happened there.
Why he lives in a house ______________________ from any town or village is more than I can tell.
__________________ by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice.
The old castle stands in a _______________________ position above the sleepy town.
Answer:
formidable
means
remote
Overwhelmed
dominant.
Speaking and Writing (Page 83)
Write a composition describing a visit to the hills, or any place which you found beautiful and inspiring. Before writing, work in small groups. Discuss the points given below and decide if you want to use some of these points in your composition.
Consider this Sentence Mountains are a means of communion with God.
Think of the act of worship or prayer. You believe yourself to be in the presence of the divine power. In a way, you are in communion with that power.
Imagine the climber on top of the summit—the height attained; limitless sky above; the climber’s last ounce of energy spent; feelings of gratitude, humility and peace.
The majesty of the mountains does bring you close to nature and the spirit and joy that lives there, if you have the ability to feel it. Some composition may be read aloud to the entire class afterwards.
Answer: For self attempt
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
I. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: What do you know about H.P.S. Ahluwalia? Answer: Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia was a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965.
Question 2: Which other summit has been talked to by the author? Answer: The other summit that has been talked to by the author is the summit of the mind. In the author’s opinion climbing this
Question 3: Why do people climb mountains? Answer: People climb mountains because it is a difficult task. They take delight in overcoming obstacles. The obstacles in climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to- a summit means endurance, persistence and will power. The demonstration of these qualities is exhilarating.
Question 4: How does the author view mountains? Answer: The author finds great joy in the company of mountains. He feels miserable in the plains. Their beauty and majesty pose a great challenge. The author believes that mountains are a means of communion with God.
Question 5: What features of Everest did draw the author to it? Answer: The beauty of Everest, its aloofness, might and ruggedness drew the author to it. The difficulties that the author encountered on the way also were taken by him as challenges which he couldn’t resist.
II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question 1: Why did the author climb Mount Everest? Answer: The author climbed Mount Everest because it is the highest, the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts. It takes the last ounce of one’s energy. It is a brutal struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up halfway because the passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards. And then, when the summit is climbed, there is the exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won. There is a feeling of victory and of happiness.
Question 2: How does Ahluwalia explain the title of the lesson, ‘The Summit Within’? Answer: The writer was a member of the team that reached the summit of Mount Everest. It was a great achievement. But he did not feel vain or heroic. He felt that his conquest of Everest was merely a physical experience. There was another summit within every person. It was his own mind. One has to climb it also to get fuller knowledge of oneself. This exercise is difficult. It also changes one as does standing on the summit of Mt. Everest.
Question 3: How did Ahluwaliah feel standing on the summit? Answer: Ahluwalia was overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and thankfulness. Looking round from the summit, Ahluwalia told himself that his adventure, though risky, was worthwhile. The surrounding peaks looked like a jewelled necklace. It was an ennobling and enriching experience. He was filled with humility. He thanked God and then left on Everest a picture of Guru Nanak.
Question 4: How does Ahluwalia describe his achievement? Answer: Ahluwalia feels that Everest is not just a physical climb. Standing on the mountain’s top he felt how small he was in the big universe. He experienced a sense of fulfilment. It satisfied his love for adventure. The experience was not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
Question 5: What problems do the climbers face as they climb a mountain? Answer: Breathing at great height is difficult. The climber has to cut the steps in the hard ice and he has to strain every nerve as he takes every step. Sometimes he curses himself for undertaking such a task. There are moments when he feels like going back for relief. But there is something that does not let him give up the struggle.
NCERT Solution for Class 8th: Ch 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory Honeydew English
Comprehension Check
Page No: 62
1. Why did the man stare at Bepin Babu in disbelief?
Answer
The man stared at Bepin Babu in disbelief because Bepin Babu did not recognise him even though he was sure that he knew him and had met him in Ranchi.
2. Where did Bepin Babu say he went in October’ 58?
Answer
Bepin Babu said that he spent the Puja holidays in ’58 with a friend in Kanpur.
3. Mention any three (or more) things that Parimal Ghose knew about Bepin Babu.
Answer
Parimal Ghose knew following things about Bepin Babu: → That Bepin Babu slipped near Hudroo falls and hurt his leg.
→ That Bepin Babu stayed in a Bungalow because he preferred food by bawarchi. → That Bepin Babu’s wife died 10 years ago.
Page No: 65
1. Why did Bepin Babu worry about what Parimal Ghose had said?
Answer
Bepin Babu continuously worried about what Parimal Ghose had said because he had shown that he knew many intimate facts about him. He knew about the bag of books, his wife’s death and his brother’s insanity. Considering that Parimal Ghose knew so much about him, Bepin Babu couldn’t say with conviction that he was making a mistake about the Ranchi trip.
2. How did he try to decide who was right – his memory or Parimal Ghose?
Answer
He tried to decide whether his memory was right or Parimal Ghose by looking at his right knee where Parimal had claimed that there would be a cut. There was certainly a mark of an old cut. However, he could not decide if the cut was the result of his fall in Ranchi or due to some incident in his childhood. Then, he decided to ask Dinesh Mukherjee, who according to Parimal Ghose was with him in Ranchi. He felt that asking him would put an end to his confusion.
3. Why did Bepin Babu hesitate to visit Mr Mukerji? Why did he finally decide to phone him?
Answer
Bepin Babu hesitated to visit Mr Dinesh Mukerji because he was afraid of the ruthless sarcasm he would have to face. He felt that if the whole story about Ranchi was false, then Mr Mukerji would think that he had gone insane. Being constantly troubled by the incident at the bookshop and having no other meansfor verifying the claims of Primal Ghose, Bepin Babu finally decided to ask Mr Mukerji. However, he decided to phone him because that way his embarrassment wouldn’t be visible to the latter.
4. What did Mr Mukerji say? Did it comfort Bepin Babu, or add to his worries?
Answer
Mr. Mukerji, after checking his diary ,said that they had visited Ranchi in October’58. This added to Bepin Babu’s worries as he could not figure out how he could possibly have forgotten about the trip.
Page No: 68
1. Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?
Answer
Chunilal was an old schoolmate of Bepin Babu. He had been having a rough time lately and had been coming to see Bepin Babu for a job.
2. Why was Dr Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu’s loss of memory?
Answer
Dr Chanda was puzzled because he had never dealt with a case such as Bepin Babu’s. It was outside his field of experience. The unusual thing about Bepin Babu’s case was that he remembered everything in his past except for one particular incident. Dr Chanda said that Bepin Babu must have been to Ranchi. However, due to some unknown reason, the entire episode had slipped out of his mind.
Page No: 70
1. Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?
Answer
No, Bepin Babu had not really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi. It was a trick played by Chunilal.
2. Why do you think Chunilal did what he did? Chunilal says he has no money; what is it that he does have?
Answer
Chunilal did what he did because Bepin Babu did not help him at a time when he had no money and required a job. However, Bepin Babu did not do anything for him. So he wanted to punish him by rekindling haunting memory of his fall near Hudroo.
Chunilal seems to be a good writer with very fertile imagination. That is what he believes would help him to tide over his bad phase.
Working with Text
1. The author describes Bepin Babu as a serious and hardworking man. What evidence can you find in the story to support this?
Answer
The author has described Bepin Babu as a serious and hardworking man. He worked daily in his office. It was a big firm and he was doing a responsible job. He had been with the firm for twenty-five years. He had a reputation for being a tireless, conscientious worker.
2. Why did Bepin Babu change his mind about meeting Chunilal? What was the result of this meeting?
Answer
Bepin Babu changed his mind about meeting Chunilal because he thought that it might be possible that the latter remembered something about the Ranchi trip. When Chunilal confirmed that Bepin Babu had been to Ranchi, Bepin Babu decided to see a specialist doctor.
3. Bepin Babu lost consciousness at Hudroo Falls. What do you think was the reason for this?
Answer
Bepin Babu lost consciousness at Hudroo Falls because he had a fall. He had broken his hip.
4. How do you think Bepin Babu reacted when he found out that Chunilal had tricked him?
Answer
After finding out that Chunilal had tricked him, Bepin Babu must have been filled with remorse for his ‘unfeeling behaviour’ towards an ‘old friend down on his luck’. He would have realised that he had indeed been a victim of forgetfulness as he had forgotten the meaning of friendship in a time of ‘affluence’. Page No: 71
Working with Language
1.Fill in the blanks below using ‘had to’/ ‘have to’/ ‘has to’.
(i) I ____________cut my hair every month. (ii) We _____________ go for swimming lessons last year. (iii) She ____________tell the principal the truth.
(iv) They ______________take the baby to the doctor.
(v) We _____________ complain to the police about the noise. (vi) Romit ___________finish his homework before he could come out to play. (vii) I _______________repair my cycle yesterday.
Answer
(i) I have to cut my hair every month. (ii) We had to go for swimming lessons last year. (iii) She has to tell the principal the truth. (iv) They had to take the baby to the doctor. (v) We have to complain to the police about the noise. (vi) Romit had to finish his homework before he could come out to play. (vii) I had to repair my cycle yesterday.
3. Study the sentences in the columns below.
A
B
I saw this movie yesterday.
I have seen this movie already.
Bepin Babu worked here for a week last year.
Bepin Babu has worked here since 2003.
Chunilal wrote to a publisher last week.
Chunilal has written to a publisher.
I visited Ranchi once, long ago.
I have visited Ranchi once before.
Compare the sentences in the two columns, especially the verb forms. Answer the following questions about each pair of sentences.
(i) Which column tells us the Bepin Babu is still working at the same the place? (ii) Which column suggests that Chunilal is now waiting for a reply from the publisher? (iii) Which column suggests that the person still remembers the movie he saw? (iv) Which column suggests that the experience of visiting Ranchi is still fresh in the speaker’s mind?
Answer
(i) Column B (ii) Column A (iii) Column B (iv) Column B
Page No: 72
4. Given below are jumbled sentences. Working in groups, rearrange the words in each sentence to form correct sentences. You will find that each sentence contains an idiomatic expression that you have come across in the lesson. Underline the idiom and write down its meaning. Then use you dictionary to check the meaning.
(i) Stop/and tell me/beating about/what you want/the bush Ans: ________________________________________________________________ Idiom: _______________________________________________________________
(ii) don’t pay/if you/attention/you might/the wrong train/to the announcement/board Ans: ________________________________________________________________ Idiom: _______________________________________________________________
(iii) The village/tried/the crime/on the young woman/to pin Ans: ________________________________________________________________ Idiom: _______________________________________________________________
(iv)Bepin Babu/orders to/telling people/under/loved/doctor’s/eat early/that he was Ans: ________________________________________________________________ Idiom: _______________________________________________________________
(v)the student/The teacher/his eyebrows/when/said that/all their lessons/raised/they had revised Ans: ________________________________________________________________ Idiom: _______________________________________________________________
Answer
(i) Stop beating about the bush and tell me what you want. Idiom: beating about the bush – avoiding the main topic, not coming straight to the point
(ii) If you don’t pay attention to the announcement, you might board the wrong train. Idiom: pay attention – listen carefully
(iii) The villagers tried to pin the crime on the young woman. Idiom: pin the crime – place the responsibility of the crime
(iv) Bepin Babu loved telling people that he was under doctor’s orders to eat early. Idiom: under doctor’s orders – in complete necessity
(v) The teacher raised his eyebrows when the students said that they had revised all their lessons.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8th: Ch 3 Glimpses of the Past Honeydew English
Comprehension Check
1. Look at picture 1 and recall the opening lines of the original song in Hindi. Who is the singer? Who else do you see in this picture?
Answer
The original song is “Ae mere watan ke logon….” The singer is Lata Mangeshkar. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Laxmi Bai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi are also seen in the picture.
2. In Picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s “superior weapons”?
Answer
The company’s superior weapons mean all their wits, strength, rules and regulations.
3. Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (picture 3)
Answer
An artisan is a skilled manual worker who crafts items that may be functional or strictly decorative. The artisans suffered because the British were extracting very high taxes from them, which ruined them economically. Moreover, machine-manufactured goods imported from Britain were sold extensively, which ruined the business of the artisans’ hand-made goods.
4. Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt?
Answer
Picture 7 ‘The Sparks’ reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt.
Working with Text
Answer the following questions:
1. Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
Answer
Yes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757.
2. How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?
Answer
The Indian princes were constantly at war with each other. They called the English merchants to help them in their fights. The people had no peace due to such constant fights. The rivalries helped the East India Company subdue the Indian princes one by one.
3. Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
Answer
According to Ram Mohan Roy, “Cows are of different colours, but the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions, but the essence of every religion is the same.”
4. In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Answer
The British officers exploited Indians in many ways. They imposed heavy taxes on Indians farmers and reduced import duty on goods manufactured in England and imported to India. Even they cut the thumbs of expert artisans.
5. Name these people
(i)The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting. (ii) The person who wanted to reform the society. (iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India. (iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.)
(ii) Ram Mohan Roy (iii) Macaulay (iv) Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad and Peshwa Nana Saheb
6. Mention the following.
(i) Two examples of social practices prevailing then. (ii) Two oppressive policies of the British. (iii) Two ways in which common people suffered. (iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.
Answer
(i) Untouchability and child marriage
(ii)The British decided to do away with import duty on goods manufactured in England. This severely affected Indian industries. In 1818, they passed Regulation III. Under it, an Indian could be jailed without trial in a court.
(iii)They lost their old jobs and lands. They were being converted by the British.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence were:
→ Indians had become slaves in their own country. → The East India Company destroyed Indian industries. → There was huge difference in the treatment of the English men and the Indians. → The use of grease on the bullet was spoiling the customs of Indians as it was made of the fat of the cows and pigs.
Working with Language
1. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
(i) First man: We must educate our brothers. Second man: And try to improve their material conditions. Third man: For that we must convey our grievances to the British Parliament The first man said that _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ The second man added that _________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________The third man suggested that ___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
(ii) First soldier: The white soldier gets huge pay, mansions and servants. Second soldier: We get a pittance and slow promotions. Third soldier: Who are the British to abolish our customs? The first man said that _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ The second soldier remarked that ____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________The third soldier asked ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
Answer
(i) The first man said that they must educate their brothers. The second man added that they must try to improve their material conditions.
The third man suggested that they must convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
(ii)The first soldier said that the white soldier got huge pay, mansions and servants.
The second soldier remarked that they got a pittance and slow promotions. The third soldier asked who the British were to abolish their customs.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8th: Ch 2 The Tsunami Honeydew english
Say whether the following are true or false.
1. Ignesious lost his wife, two children, his father-in law, and his brother-in-law in the tsunami. 2. Sanjeev made it to safety after the tsunami. 3. Meghna was saved by a relief helicopter. 4. Almas’s father realised that a tsunami was going to hit the island. 5. Her mother and aunts were washed away with the tree that they were holding on to.
Answer
1.True 2.False Sanjeev was swept away when he jumped into the water to rescue the wife of the guesthouse cook. 3.False Meghna saw relief helicopters overhead, but they did not see her. She was brought to the shore by a wave.
by a wave.
4.True 5.True
Answer the following in a phrase or sentence.
1. Why did Tilly’s family come to Thaliand?
2. What were the warning sign that both Tilly and her mother saw? 3. Do you think Tilly’s mother was alarmed by them? 4. Where had Tilly seen the sea behaving in the same strange fashion? 5. Where did the Smith family and the others on the beach go to escape from the tsunami? 6. How do you think her geography teacher felt when he heard about what Tilly had done in Phuket?
Answer
1. Tilly’s family came to Thailand to celebrate Christmas.
2. Tilly’s mother saw that the water was swelling and the beach was getting smaller and smaller. And Tilly saw that the sea was slowly rising, bubbling and forming a whirlpool.
3. Tilly’s mother could not understand what was happening and only realised that it was serious when Tilly got frightened and mentioned what a Tsunami was.
4. Tilly had seen the sea behaving in the same strange fashion in a video of tsunami which was shown in her class by her geography teacher.
5. The Smith family and the others on the beach took refuge on the third floor of a hotel.
6. Her geography teacher felt very happy because her student and geography lesson saved many people from tsuna
Answer using a phrase or a sentence.
1. In the tsunami 150,000 people died. How many animals died? 2. How many people and animals died in Yala National Park? 3. What do people say about the elephants of Yala National Park? 4. What did the dogs in Galle do?
Answer
1. Although no data is given in the story but it says the number of dead animals was far less compared to human casualties.
2. Sixty visitors and only two water buffaloes died at the Yala National Park.
3. The people at the Yala National Park had seen three elephants running away from the Patanangala beach about an hour before the tsunami hit.
4. The dogs refused to go for their daily run on the beach.
Working with Text
Discuss the following questions in class. Then write your own answers. 1. When he felt the earthquake, do you think Ignesious immediately worked about a tsunami? Give reasons of your answer. Which sentence in the text tells you that the Ignesious family did not have any time to discuss and plan their course of action after the tsunami struck?
Answer
No, when he felt the earthquake Ignesious did not think about the tsunami. He thought only about the tremors. That was why he took his television off the table and put it on the ground. In fact the Ignesious family did not have any time to discuss and plan their course of action after tsunami struck. That was why there was only chaos and confusion. The following tells it clearly: “In the chaos and confusion, two of his children caught hold of the hands of their mother’s father and mother’s brother and rushed in the opposite directions.”
2. Which words in the list below describe Sanjeev, in your opinion?
(Look up the dictionary for words that you are not sure of.)
cheerful
ambitious
brash
brave
careless
heroic
selfless
heartless
humorous
Use words from the list to complete the three sentences below.
(i) I don’t know if Sanjeev was cheerful, ____________ or _____________.
(ii) I think that he was very brave, ______________ and ____________.
(iii) Sanjeev was not heartless, ____________ or _____________.
Answer
The words that would describe Sanjeev are brave, heroic, and selfless.
(i) I don’t know if Sanjeev was cheerful, ambitious or humorous.
(ii) I think that he was very brave, heroic and selfless.
(iii) Sanjeev was not heartless, brash or careless.
3. How are Meghna and Almas’s stories similar?
Answer
Both Meghna’s and Almas’ families were washed away. Both of them kept floating in the sea for days. Meghna floated in the sea for two days holding on to a wooden door. She was brought to the shore by a wave. Similarly, Almus climbed on to a log of wood and fainted. She woke up in a hospital. Both the girls were traumatised after the incident. While Meghna was seen walking on the seashore in daze, Almus does not talk about the inciden
4. What are the different ways in which Tilly’s parents could have reacted to her behavior? What would you have done if you were in their place?
Answer
Not taking her seriously, Tilly’s parents could have tried to calm her down thinking that she had been frightened by something. As a result, they could have been washed away by the tsunami waves. If I were in their place, I too would have listened to her and realised that there was a danger approaching. Consequently, I too would have rushed away from the beach.
5. If Tilly’s award was to be shared, who do you think she should share it with – her parents or her geography teacher?
Answer
If Tilly’s award was to be shared, she should share it with her geography teacher who made her aware of tsunami in the first place. It was this awareness that helped her save so many lives.
6. What are the two different ideas about why so few animals were killed in the tsunami? Which idea do you find more believable?
Answer
The first idea is that the animals have a sixth sense. They know when the earth is going to shake. The second idea is that the animals have a more acute sense of hearing. This helps them to hear or feel the earth’s vibration. In this way they sense the coming disaster much before the human beings. So they run away to safer places. To me the first idea seems more believable. It is so because many animals get an idea of the coming rains. Now rain has nothing to do with the sense of hearing. So it is more sensible to think that nature has provided them some sixth sense which helps them get over the crises.
Working with Language
1. Go through Part – I carefully, and make a list of a many words as you can find that indicate movement of different kinds. (There is one word that occurs repeatedly – count how many times!) Put them into three categories.
fast movement
slow movement
neither slow nor fast
Can you explain why there are many words in one column and not in the others?
Answer
Fast movement
Slow movement
Neither slow nor fast
Earthquake
Floating
Walking
Rushed
Recede
Tremors
Swept
Ran
Fell
Climb
The ‘fast movement’ column has many more words as compared to the other two columns. This is because the story is about tsunami, which is a fast movement of waters. Due to tsunami, all the immediate actions are fast, such as running, climbing and sweeping away of people by water.
2. Fill in the blanks in the sentences below (the verbs given in brackets will give you a clue).
(i) The earth trembled, but not many people felt the ____________. (tremble) (ii) When the zoo was flooded, there was a lot of ________and many animals escaped into the countryside. (confuse) (iii) We heard with _________that the lion had been recaptured. (relieve) (iv) The zookeeper was stuck in a tree and his _______ was filmed by the TV crew. (rescue) (v) There was much ____________in the village when the snake charmer came visiting. (excite)
Answer
(i)The earth trembled, but not many people felt the trembling.
(ii)When the zoo was flooded, there was a lot of confusion and many animals escaped into the countryside.
(iii)We heard with relief that the lion had been recaptured.
(iv)The zookeeper was stuck in a tree and his rescue was filmed by the TV crew.
(v)There was much excitement in the village when the snake charmer came visiting.
3. Say whether the following sentences are in the Active or the Passive voice. Write A or P after each sentence as shown in the first sentence.
(i) Someone stole my bicycle. ____A____
(ii) The tyres were deflated by the traffic police._________
(iii) I found it last night in a ditch near my house. __________
(iv) It had been thrown there. __________
(v) My father gave it to the mechanic. ______________
(vi) The mechanic repaired it for me. ______________
Answer
(i)Someone stole my bicycle. A
(ii)The tyres were deflated by the traffic police. P
(iii)I found it last night in a ditch near my house. A
