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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 3 Macavity : The Mystery Cat are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 3 Macavity : The Mystery Cat.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew (Poem)
Chapter	Chapter 3
Chapter Name	Macavity : The Mystery Cat
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Macavity : The Mystery Cat

STANZAS FOR COMPREHENSION

I. Macavity’s a Mystery Cat : he’s called the Hidden
Paw–
For he’s the master criminal who can defy the Law.
He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s
despair :
For when they reach the scene of crime—Macavity’s
not there! (Page 50)

हिंदी अनुवाद-मैकाविटी एक रहस्यपूर्ण बिल्ला है। उसे ‘छिपा पंजा’ का दूसरा नाम भी (उसकी रहस्यमयता के कारण) मिला है। वह बड़ा कुशल अपराधी है जो बिना किसी डर के कानून तोड़ता है। उसके काम स्काटलैंड की पुलिस को घबरा देते हैं। उड़न दस्ते ने व्यर्थ ही उसे पकड़ने का प्रयत्न किया है। जब तक वे अपराध-स्थल पर पहुँचते हैं, मैकाविटी गायब हो जाता है।

Paraphrase. Macavity is a mysterious cat. His mystery has given him another name also—’Hidden Paw’. He is an expert criminal who can disobey the law with impunity. His actions puzzle the police of Scotland Yard. The Flying Squad has in vain tried to chase him. By the time they reach the scene of crime, Macavity disappears.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Macavity is a mystery cat because
(a) he has hidden powers
(b) no-one understands his ways
(c) Scotland Yard is baffled by him
(d) he has a hidden paw.

2. Macavity is never punished because
(a) he disappears into thin air
(b) he has a hidden paw
(c) he is never found at the scene of crime
(d) Scotland Yard does not understand him.

3. Macavity breaks
(a) the pots
(b) the wall
(c) a fakir’s honour
(d) human laws.

4. The adjective from the word mystery is
(a) mysterious
(b) mystic
(c) mystify
(d) mysticism.

Answers
1. (b) no-one understands his ways
2. (c) he is never found at the scene of crime
3. (d) human laws
4. (a) mysterious

II. Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like
Macavity,
He’s broken every human law, he breaks
the law of gravity.
His powers of levitation would make a fakir
stare,
And when you reach the scene of crime
-Macavity’s not there! (Page 50)

हिंदी अनुवाद-मैकाविटी, मैकाविटी ; मैकाविटी जैसा कोई नहीं। उसने सभी मानवीय कानून तोड़ डाले हैं। वह गुरुत्वाकर्षण का नियम तोड़ता है। फकीरों के पास रहस्यपूर्ण शक्तियाँ होती हैं। बिना सहारे हवा में उसके उड़ने की शक्ति किसी फकीर को भी चकित कर देगी और जब तुम अपराध के घटनास्थल पर पहुँचते हो तो मैकाविटी वहाँ नहीं होता है।

Paraphrase. There is no one like Macavity. He has broken all man-made laws. He has broken even the law of gravity. Fakirs have mysterious powers. His floating in the air without support would astonish even a fakir. Above all when you reach the scene of crime, Macavity is nowhere to be seen.

Questions
1. Who is Macavity ?
2. What does Macavity do ?
3. Do people like Macavity ?
4. What does the word ‘levitation’ mean?

Answers
1. Macavity is a cat.
2. Macavity does not follow any human law. He is a criminal.
3. No, the people do not like Macavity.
4. The word ‘levitation’ means “floating in the air’.

III. You may seek him in the basement, you
may look up in the air
But I tell you once and once again,
Macavity’s not there!
Macavity’s a ginger cat, he’s very tall and
thin ;
You would know him if you saw him, for
his eyes are sunken in. (Page 50)

हिंदी अनुवाद -आप मैकाविटी को शायद तहखाने या हवा में तलाश करने का प्रयत्न करें पर वह व्यर्थ होगा। इस प्रकार उसे तलाश करने वाला उसे कहीं नहीं खोज पाएगा-न धरती के नीचे, न ऊपर। मैकाविटी अदरक के रंग वाला बिल्ला है। वह लंबा और पतला है। अगर आप उसे मिलेंगे तो उसकी धंसी हुई आँखों से उसे आसानी से पहचान लोगे।

Paraphrase. You may try to find Macavity in the basement or in the air but in vain. Thus, one who looks for him finds him nowhere—under or over the earth. Macavity is a ginger coloured cat. He is tall and thin. If you meet him, you will easily recognise him because of his deep-set eyes.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The great difficulty is that Macavity
(a) is easily found
(b) is very difficult to be found
(c) is a ginger cat
(d) is tall and thin.

2. Ginger in the passage is
(a) a thing that Macavity likes
(b) something which resembles Macavity
(c) the colour of Macavity
(d) the breed of Macavity.

3. The poet’s name is
(a) R.N. Tagore
(b) Zulfikar Ghose
(c) William Blake
(d) T.S. Eliot.

4. The word ‘sunken’ in the passage means
(a) deep-set
(b) drowned
(c) floating
(d) attractive.

Answers
1. (b) is very difficult to be found
2. (c) the colour of Macavity
3. (d) T.S. Eliot
4. (a) deep-set

IV. His brow is deeply lined with thought, his
head is highly domed ;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements
like a snake;
And when you think he’s half asleep, he’s always wide awake. (Pages 50–51)

हिंदी अनुवाद -मैकाविटी का माथा झुर्रियों से भरा है। उससे ऐसा लगता है कि हर समय वह गहरे विचारों में डूबा हुआ है। उसका सिर उसके शरीर पर किसी इमारत के ऊपर लगे गुंबज की तरह ऊँचा है। उसके शरीर की देखभाल ठीक से नहीं की जाती है। अतः उसकी खाल धूल-भरी और मूंछे बिखरी हुई हैं। साँप की तरह वह अपना सिर इधर-उधर हिलाता रहता है। वह सदा सतर्क रहता है। जब वह आपको उनींदा हुआ दिखाई दे तब भी वह पूरी तरह सतर्क होता है।

Paraphrase. Macavity’s forehead is wrinkled. From that he appears lost in deep thinking all the time. His head sits high on his body like the dome on a building. His body is not well looked after. So the skin is dusty and the whiskers are uncombed. He moves his head from side to side like a snake. He is always alert. When you think he is dozing, he is wide awake.

Questions
1. What is the passage about ?
2. What is he doing with his deeply lined brow ?
3. What does the word ‘coat refers to in the passage ?
4. Find word in the passage which is the opposite of ‘heed’.

Answers
1. The passage is about a cat named ‘Macavity.
2. He is thinking of his new criminal act.
3. The word ‘coat refers to the skin.
4. ignore.

V. Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,
For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in
the square
But when a crime’s discovered, then Macavity’s not there ! (Page 51)

Paraphrase. Macavity is special. There is no parallel to him. He is a devil in the body of a cat. He is morally corrupt like a monster ! Ordinarily, you may find him anywhere on your way. He may be there in a by-lane or in a square. However, when, his crime is discovered and people look for him, he is nowhere to be found.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The fiend in feline shape is
(a) Macavity
(b) a dog
(c) a human being
(d) the poet.

2. It is difficult to find Macavity when
(a) he lives in the square
(b) he lives in a by-street
(c) he is a fiend
(d) he commits a crime.

3. Macavity is compared to
(a) man
(b) a dog
(c) a cat
(d) a devil.

4. The word depravity means
(a) deep thought
(b) moral corruption
(c) bad actions
(d) mystery.

Answers
1. (a) Macavity
2. (d) he commits a crime
3. (d) a devil
4. (b) moral corruption

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

WORKING WITH THE POEM (Page 51)

Question. 1.
Read the first stanza and think.
(i) Is Macavity a cat really ?
(ii) If not, who can Macavity be ?

Answer:
(i) Macavity is a cat.
(ii) If not, Macavity can be a thief.

Question. 2.
Complete the following sentences.
(i) A master criminal is one who ___
(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because ___
(iii) ____ because Macavity moves much faster than them.

Answer:
(i) A master criminal is one who is never caught.
(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because with all its might, it is unable to lay its hand upon Macavity.
(iii) Flying Squad is not able to get Macavity because Macavity moves much faster than the Flying Squad.

Question . 3.
“A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through”. (Jules Verne)
Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above ?

Answer:
The law of gravitation.

Question. 4.
Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.

Answer:
Macavity is a ginger coloured, very tall and thin cat with sunken eyes and high head. He has a wrinkled forehead, dusty coat and uncombed whiskers. He is always alert and moves his head from side to side like a snake.

Question . 5.
Say ‘False’ or ‘True’ for each of the following statements.
(i) Macavity is not an ordinary cat.
(ii) Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do.
(in) Macavity has supernatural powers.
(iv) Macavity is well-dressed, smart and bright.
(v) Macavity is a spy, a trickster and a criminal, all rolled in one.

Answer:
(i) True
(ii) False
(iii) False
(iv) False
(v) True.

Question. 6.
Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does he call Macavity a fiend and monster ?

Answer:
The poet is fond of the cats. That is why, he describes a big cat in such detail. However, for the rats the cat is certainly a fiend and a monster. So the poet gives him those adjectives as well.

Question. 7.
Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect ? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.

Answer:
Yes. The following lines show that:
“He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the
Flying Squad’s despair.”
“His powers of levitation would make a
fakir stare.”
“For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster
of depravity.”

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 3 Macavity : The Mystery Cat help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 3 Macavity : The Mystery Cat, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English
Chapter	Chapter 3
Chapter Name	Glimpses of the Past
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 45)
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 ?
2. In picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s “superior weapons” ?
3. Who is an artisan ? Why do you think the artisans suffered ? (picture 3)
4. Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt ?

Answers
1. The Hindi song’s opening lines are :

The singer is Lata Mangeshker. Others in the picture are Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lai Bahadur Shastri and Smt. Indira Gandhi.
In the picture below there are national leaders who worked tirelessly for the Indepen-dence. They are : Rani Laxmi Bai, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Bahadur Shah Jafar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
2. “Company’s superior weapons” refers to their more efficient guns.
3. An artisan is a person who is skilled in an applied art; a craftsperson. The expert artisans of India worked so well that there was no parallel to their creation. So British goods could not be sold in the country as long as they produced goods. To make them incapable of doing their work, the British cut their thumbs.
4. The first part of picture no. 7 reveals the first sparks of revolt. In it the santhals are seen revolting in 1855. They massacred Europeans and their supporters alike.

WORKING WITH THE TEXT (Page 45)
Answer the following questions.

Question. 1.
Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757 ?

Answer:
Indian princes were indeed short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757. They fought against each other and sought the help of the British. They could not see that this will eventually make the British most powerful. This happened and they had to suffer for their short-sightedness.

Question. 2.
How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes ?

Answer:
Indian princes fought one another. Very often they sought the help of East India Company to do so. As a result they became weak. The company subdued them all one by one.

Question. 3.
Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.

Answer:
The words of Raja Ram Mohan Roy were : “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.”

Question. 4.
In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians ?

Answer:
The British passed a resolution. Under it an Indian could be jailed without trial in a court. British goods were imported into India tax-free. The English prospered on the company’s loot while Indian industries began to die. Even the Governor-General Bentinck reported, “The bones of cotton weavers are bleaching the plains of India.”

Question. 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).

Answer:
(i) Tipu Sultan
(ii) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(iii) Lord Macaulay
(iv) Nana Saheb Peshwa and Kunwar Singh

Question. 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) (a) The British passed a resolution under which an Indian could be jailed with-out trial in a court.
(b) The British supported the British industry. To do so they made imports to India tax-free. Consequently Indian industry began to die.
(iii) (a) The British did not care about the needs of Indians.
(b) The farmers were heavily taxed and the thumbs of the artisans were cut.
(iv) (a) Santhals had lost their lands. They became desperate. They revolted and killed the British and their supporters alike.
(b) The white soldiers got huge pay. The Indian soldier was lowly paid. This created discontentment among the soldiers.
(c) Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow was bitter. She had lost her kingdom.
(d) Many landlords were sore. They had lost their lands because of the Britishers’ policies.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE (Page 45)
In comics what the characters speak is put in bubbles. This is direct narration. When we report what the characters speak, we use the method of indirect narration.
Study these examples.
First farmer : Why are your men taking away the entire crop ?
Second farmer : Your men have taken away everything.
Officer : You are still in arrears. If you don’t pay tax next week. I’ll send you to jail.

• The first farmer asked the officer why his men were taking away the entire crop.
• The second farmer said that their men had taken away everything.
• The officer replied that they were still in arrears and warned them that if they did not pay tax the following week, he (the officer) would send them (the farmers) to jail.

Question 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 ___

Answer:
The first man said that they must (had to) educate their brothers.
The second man added that they had to try to improve their material conditions also.
The third man suggested that for the education and material conditions of the people they must (had to) convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
(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 soldier said that ___
The second soldier remarked that ___
The third soldier asked ___

Answer:
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 Britishers were to abolish their customs.

SPEAKING AND WRITING (Page 46)

Question 1.
Playact the role of farmers who have grievances against the policies of the government. Rewrite their ‘speech bubbles’ in dialogue form first.

Answer:
Speech bubbles
First farmer : “The English are taking all my crops.”
Second farmer : “Even after taking all my crops they say I have arrears to pay. They threaten to send me to jail.”
First farmer : “Our cotton crop was sold at high price. Now the English force us to give it cheap to them.”
Second farmer : “Then the famines have broken our backs.”
First farmer : “Yes, there are no signs of rain this year too.”
Second farmer : “We grow food but we are dying of hunger.”

Question 2.
Look at the pictures.

(i) Ask one another questions about the pictures.

• Where is the fox ?
• What is the fox thinking ?
• What does she want to know ?
• What happens next ?
• Where is the fox now ?
• How did it happen ?
• Who is the visitor ?
• What’s the fox’s reply ?
• Where is the goat ?
• What is the goat thinking ?

(ii) Write the story in your own words. Give it a title.
____________________________________
____________________________________

Answers
(i)

• The fox is in the well.
• It was an accident.
• The fox is thinking of getting out.
• A goat is the visitor.
• She wants to know if the water is sweet.
• The fox replies that it is very sweet indeed.
• The goat jumps into the well.
• Now the goat is in the well.
• The fox is out of the well now.
• The goat is thinking of her mother’s advice.

She had advised her to be careful while taking the advice of strangers.

(ii) The Fox and the Goat
There was a fox in a forest. Accidentally the fox fell into a well. It did not know how to get out. After some time, there came a goat. The goat peeped into the well. She saw the water and the fox. She asked the fox if the water was sweet. The fox replied that it was very sweet. He added that he had drunk too much. The goat expressed a desire to taste it. The fox asked it to jump into the well. The goat did so. All at once the fox jumped on the goat’s back. From there it jumped out of the well. Then the fox said to the goat ‘Come out when you can ?’ The goat now understood that she had been fooled. She remembered her mother’s advice. The mother had told her to be careful while taking the advice of the strangers.

Question 3. Read the following news item.
History becomes fun at this school
Mumbai : Students in the sixth grade of a certain school in Navi Mumbai love their history lessons thanks to a novel teaching aid. It is not surprising given the fact that their study material includes comic books and they use their textbooks for reference to put things into perspective. Besides, students are encouraged to tap other sources of information as well. During History classes, students pore over comic strips of historical periods, enact characters of emperors and tyrants, and have animated discussions on the subject. History has become fun.

In the class students are asked to read the comic strip aloud, after which they break up into groups of four, discuss what they have heard and write a summary. Each group leader reads his group’s summary aloud and the whole class jumps into discussion and debate, adding points, disagreeing and qualifying points of view. A sixth grade student says, ‘It’s a lot of fun because everyone gets a chance to express themselves and the summary takes everyone’s ideas into account.’

According to the school principal the comic strip format and visuals appeal to students. A historian feels that using comics in schools is a great idea. Comics and acting help students understand what characters in the story are actually thinking.
(adapted from The Times of India, New Delhi, October 2007)

Based on this news item, write a paragraph on what you think about this new method of teaching History.

Answer:
There is no doubt that this new method of teaching history is novel and interesting. Moreover, the pictures stay in the mind longer than the words. So it will be very useful if the history is taught through comic strips. There is, however, one snag. At present the syllabus is so huge that it may not be possible to do so. Moreover, many students may spend long time in looking at the pictures. They will have fixed ideas about a historic personality. The pictures may give them the ideas which may not be completely true.

Question 4. Find the chapters in your History book that correspond to the episodes and events described in this comic. Note how the information contained in a few chapters of history has been condensed to a few pages with the help of pictures and the ‘speech bubbles’.

Answer:
Attempt yourself.

Question 5. Create a comic of your own using this story.
Once the Sun and the Wind began to quarrel, each one saying that he was stronger than the other. At last they decided to test each other’s strength. A man with a cloak around his shoulders was passing by. The Wind boasted, ‘Using my strength I can make that man take off the cloak.’ The Sun agreed. The Wind blew hard. The man felt so cold that he clasped his cloak round his body as tightly as possible.

Now it was the turn of the Sun which shone very hot indeed. The man felt so hot that he at once removed the cloak from his body. Seeing the man taking off the cloak, the Wind conceded defeat.

Answer:
Attempt yourself with the help of your art teacher.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew (Poem)
Chapter	Chapter 6
Chapter Name	The Duck and the Kangaroo
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo

STANZAS FOR COMPREHENSION

I. Said the Duck to the Kangaroo,
‘Good gracious ! how you hop !
Over the fields and the water too,
As if you never would stop ! (Page 97)

हिंदी अनुवाद- बत्तख कंगारू से बोली कि कंगारू की कूद लगाने की क्षमता पर वह चकित है। यह पानी को भी ऐसे ही लांघ जाता है जैसे कि मैदानों को। कंगारू को फुदकते देखकर ऐसा लगता है मानो यह कभी रूकेगा ही नहीं।

Paraphrase. The Duck said to the Kangaroo that he was surprised at his capacity to hop. Kangaroo jumps as easily over the water as it does over the fields. Seeing, a Kangaroo hop, one feels that he would never stop.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who was it that couldn’t hop ?
(a) the Duck
(b) the Kangaroo
(c) the frog
(d) some other animal.

2. The phrase ‘Good gracious’ here, shows
(a) shock
(b) fear
(c) anger
(d) surprise.

3. The one which moves easily over the fields and water too’ is
(a) the Duck
(b) the Kangaroo
(c) the deer
(d) the lion.

4. The word ‘gracious’ means
(a) decent
(b) good-looking
(c) kind
(d) happy.

Answers
1. (a) the Duck
2. (d) surprise
3. (b) the Kangaroo
4. (c) kind

II. My life is a bore in this nasty pond,
And I long to go out in the world beyond !
I wish I could hop like you !
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo. (Page 97)

हिंदी अनुवाद- बत्तख ने कंगारू को कहा कि उसका (बत्तख का) जीवन उबाऊ है। उसे सारा समय तालाब के गंदे पानी में बिताना पड़ता है। बत्तख की इच्छा थी कि वह तालाब के बाहर के संसार की यात्रा करे। उसे बड़ी इच्छा थी कि वह कंगारू की तरह उछला करे।

Paraphrase. The Duck said to the Kangaroo that he led a dull life. He lived all the time in the dirty water of the pond. The Duck desired to travel to the world beyond that pond. He very much wished to hop like a Kangaroo.

Questions
1. Where does the Duck live ?
2. What does the Duck feel about his life?
3. What does the Duck want to do?

Answers
1. The Duck lives in a pond.
2. He (The Duck) feels that he is leading a very dull life in a nasty pond.
3. The Duck wants to hop like the Kangaroo.

III. Please give me a ride on your back !
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.
‘I would sit quite still, and say nothing but “Quack,”
The whole of the long day through ! (Pages 97-98)

| हिंदी अनुवाद-बत्तख ने कंगारू से विनती की कि वह उसे अपनी पीठ पर सवार करके घुमाये ! उसने बिल्कुल निश्चल रहने का वचन दिया। वह टर्राने के अतिरिक्त कोई शब्द नहीं बोलेगा। इसी प्रकार वह पूरा, सारा दिन बिता देगा !

Paraphrase. The Duck requested the Kangaroo to give him a ride on his back. He promised to sit very quiet. He would say nothing but only quack. Thus, he would remain quite still all through the long day.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The Duck desired to
(a) say ‘Quack’
(b) stay still
(c) ride on Kangaroo’s back
(d) say nothing.

2. Quack’ is a sound made by
(a) the Duck
(b) the Kangaroo
(c) a rider
(d) every animal.

3. It promised to sit still and be quiet because
(a) it pleased him
(b) it was his habit
(c) it was trying to persuade Kangaroo
(d) it had to go a long way.

4. The word ‘quite’ means the same as
(a) quiet
(b) silent
(c) noisy
(d) utterly.

Answers
1. (c) ride on Kangaroo’s back
2. (a) the duck
3. (c) it was trying to persuade Kangaroo
4. (d) utterly

IV. And we’d go to the Dee, and the Jelly Bo Lee,
Over the land, and over the sea ; —
Please take me on a ride ! O do !’
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo. (Page 98)

| हिंदी अनुवाद-बत्तख का इरादा डी और पहाड़ी-स्थल जेली बो ली पर जाने का था। वह पृथ्वी और समुद्र के ऊपर सैर करना चाहता था। वह कंगारू से बड़ी गर्मजोशी से कहता है कि वह उसकी विनती मानकर उसे सवारी दे।

Paraphrase. The Duck proposed to go to the Dee and to the mountain side called “Jelly Bo Lee’. He wanted to travel over the land and sea. He makes a fervent appeal to the Kangaroo to accede to his request and take him on a ride.

Questions
1. Who are ‘we’ in the first passage ?
2. What did the Duck want ?
3. Where did they want to go ?
4. What does the phrase ‘O do !’ indicate ?

Answers:
1. The word ‘we’ refers to the Duck and the Kangaroo.
2. The Duck wanted to ride on Kangaroo’s back and go about the world.
3. They wanted to travel everywhere-over the land and over the sea.
4. The phrase ‘O do !’ indicates the intense desire of the Duck to get the ride.

V. Said the Kangaroo to the Duck,
“This requires a little reflection ;
Perhaps on the whole it might bring me luck,
And there seems but one objection. (Page 98)

| हिंदी अनुवाद – कंगारू ने उत्तर दिया कि बत्तख के प्रस्ताव पर कुछ विचार करने की आवश्यकता थी। कुल मिलाकर शायद इस योजना से कंगारू का भी भाग्योदय हो जाए। पर फिर भी एक कठिनाई थी।

Paraphrase. The Kangaroo said that the Duck’s proposal needed some thought. Considering all aspects of it, the proposal might even be lucky for the Kangaroo. However, there was just one difficulty.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. “This’ in the passage refers to
(a) the Kangaroo
(b) the Duck
(c) the coming to Kangaroo
(d) the proposal of Duck.

2. What was expected to bring luck ?
(a) the Duck
(b) the Kangaroo
(c) the objection he is thinking of
(d) the travel with the Duck.

3. ‘Me’ refers to
(a) the Kangaroo
(b) the Duck
(c) the poet
(d) the objection.

4. ‘Reflection’ means the same as
(a) work
(b) thought
(c) action
(d) attention.

Answers
1. (d) the proposal of Duck
2. (d) the travel with the Duck
3. (a) the Kangaroo
4. (b) thought

VI. Which is, if you’ll let me speak so bold,
Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold,
And would probably give me the roo
Matiz !’ said the Kangaroo. (Page 98)

हिंदी अनुवाद-कंगारू ने कहा कि अगर बत्तख उसे साफ-साफ बोलने की अनुमति दे तो बस एक ऐतराज (कठिनाई) है। वह यह कि बत्तख के पैर कंगारू के लिए कष्ट का कारण बनेंगे। वे बहुत गीले और ठंडे हैं। कंगारू के शरीर को जब वे छुएँगे तब उसे गठिया हो सकता है।

Paraphrase. The Kangaroo said that if the duck allowed him to speak frankly there was just one objection. It was that the Duck’s feet would cause the Kangaroo some discomfort. They were very wet and cold. Their touch on the Kangaroo’s body could cause him rheumatism.

Questions
1. What does the word ‘which’ refer to ?
2. What is Kangaroo’s fear?
3. What is roo-Matiz ?
4. Whose feet are these?

Answers
1. The word ‘which’ refers to the ‘objection’ raised by Kangaroo.
2. Kangaroo fears that he might suffer from rheumatism.
3. The word ‘roo-Matiz’ is actually ‘rheumatism’. It is a disease that makes the muscles and joints painful, stiff and swollen.
4. These are the feet of the Duck.

VII. Said the Duck, ‘As I sat on the rocks,
I have thought over that completely,
And I bought four pairs of worsted socks
Which fit my web-feet neatly. (Page 98)

हिंदी अनुवाद-बत्तख बोला कि वह इस समस्या के प्रति पहले से सजग था। चट्टान पर बैठे हुए उसने इस पर विचार किया। इस समस्या के निराकरण के लिए उसने चार जोड़े ऊनी जुराबें खरीद लिए हैं। ये जुराबें उसे बिलकुल फिट आते हैं।

Paraphrase. The Duck said that he was already aware of that problem. Sitting on the rock he had pondered over it. To overcome the problem, he had bought four pairs of worsted socks. These socks fitted him well.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The Duck sat on the rock thinking
(a) about the ride
(b) about Kangaroo
(c) of the objection raised by Kangaroo
(d) how to get out of the pond.

2. The Duck bought the socks
(a) to comfort himself
(b) to make the feet look better
(c) to cause no trouble to Kangaroo
(d) to be fashionable.

3. Web-feet’ refers to the feet of
(a) the Duck
(b) the Kangaroo
(c) the poet
(d) the rocks.

4. The word ‘neatly’ means the same as
(a) well
(b) trimly
(c) badly
(d) beautifully.

Answers
1. (c) of the objection raised by Kangaroo
2. (c) to cause no trouble to Kangaroo
3. (a) the Duck
4. (b) trimly

VIII. And to keep out the cold I’ve bought a cloak,
And every day a cigar I’ll smoke,
All to follow my own dear true
Love of a ‘Kangaroo ! (Page 98)

हिंदी अनुवाद-बत्तख बोला कि उसने सर्दी से बचने के अन्य उपाय भी किए हैं। उसने एक लबादा खरीदा था। इसी कारण से उसने प्रतिदिन एक सिगार पीने का निश्चय भी किया था। यह सब उसने अपने सच्चे प्रिय कंगारू के साथ रहने के लिए ही किया था।

Paraphrase. The Duck said that he had taken other measures too, to keep out the cold. He had bought a cloak. He had also decided to smoke a cigar everyday for the same reason. He had done so much only for the sake of following his true beloved, the Kangaroo.

Questions
1. Who bought a cloak and why ?
2. Why did he smoke a cigar ?
3. What does the speaker really want to do?
4. Name the poet.

Answers
1. The Duck bought a cloak to keep away the cold.
2. He smoked a cigar also to keep the cold away.
3. The speaker really wants to travel around the world riding on the back of the Kangaroo.
4. The poet’s name is ‘Edward Lear’.

IX. Said the Kangaroo, ‘I’m ready!
All in the moonlight pale,
But to balance me well, dear Duck, sit steady!
And quite at the end of my tail ! (Page 98)

हिंदी अनुवाद – कंगारू ने बत्तख से कहा कि वह उसे सवार करने के लिए तैयार है। पीली चाँदनी में कंगारू ने अपने प्रिय मित्र बत्तख से कहा कि वह बिल्कुल स्थिर होकर बैठे। कंगारू अपना संतुलन रख सके, इसलिए ऐसा करना आवश्यक था। उसने उससे कहा कि वह (बत्तख) बिल्कुल पूँछ के किनारे पर ही बैठे।

Paraphrase. Kangaroo said to the Duck that he was ready to give him a ride. In the pale moonlight the Kangaroo asked his dear friend Duck to sit motionless. It was necessary for the Kangaroo to balance himself. He asked him to sit at the very end of his tail.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Kangaroo was ready
(a) to marry the Duck
(b) to take the Duck for a ride
(c) to give the Duck a cloak
(d) to give the Duck a cigar.

2. It was a pale moonlight when
(a) the Kangaroo agreed
(b) the Kangaroo refused
(c) the Kangaroo prepared himself and the duck for a ride
(d) the Kangaroo and the Duck quarrelled with each other.

3. The Duck was asked to sit
(a) comfortably
(b) quietly
(c) noisily
(d) still

4. ‘Quite’ in the passage means
(a) exactly
(b) freely
(c) quietly
(d) comfortably

Answers
1. (b) to take the Duck for a ride
2. (c) the Kangaroo prepared himself and the duck for a ride
3. (d) still
4. (a) exactly

X. So away they went with a hop and a bound,
And they hopped the whole world three times round;
And who so happy, — O who,
As the Duck and the Kangaroo ? (Page 98)

हिंदी अनुवाद-इस प्रकार बत्तख और कंगारू उछलते-कूदते अपनी यात्रा पर निकल पड़े। उन्होंने तीन बार संसार का चक्कर लगाया। बत्तख और कंगारू से अधिक प्रसन्न कोई न था।

Paraphrase. Thus the Duck and the Kangaroo started their journey jumping and leaping. They travelled round the world thrice. There was no one happier than the Duck and the Kangaroo

Questions
1. Who went away?
2. What did they do?
3. Why did they have to hop ?
4. Find the phrase in the passage which means “jumping and leaping’.

Answers
1. The Duck and the Kangaroo went away.
2. They travelled three times around the world.
3. Kangaroos hop as they move and the Duck was on the Kangaroo’s back.
4. ‘a hop and a bound’.

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

WORKING WITH THE POEM (Page 99)

Question. 1.
Taking words that come at the end of lines, write five pairs of rhyming words. Read each pair aloud
For example, pond—beyond

Answer:
(i) You—Kangaroo
(ii) back—Quack
(iii) Lee—sea
(iv) Duck—luck
(v) Reflection—objection

Question. 2.
Complete the dialogue.
Duck : Dear Kangaroo ! Why don’t you
___________
Kangaroo : With pleasure, my dear Duck,
though _________
Duck : That won’t be a problem. I will
___________

Answer:
Duck : Dear Kangaroo ! Why don’t you give me a ride on your back ?
Kangaroo : With pleasure, my dear Duck, though your cold and wet feet cause a problem.
Duck : That won’t be a problem, I will cover them with four pairs of worsted socks which fit my feet neatly.

Question. 3.
The Kangaroo does not want to catch ‘rheumatism’. Spot this word in stanza 3 and say why it is spelt differently. Why is it in two parts ? Why does the second part begin with a capital letter ?

Answer:
The words are : “… are unpleasantly wet and cold. And would probably give me the roo-Matiz. It is spelt differently because ‘roo’ reminds the readers of Kangaroos. So ‘roo-Matiz’ seems to be a disease concerned with the Kangaroos. It is interesting because the Kangaroos hop as if they could never suffer from rheumatism. For, if they did, they would not hop ?

Question. 4.
Do you find the poem humorous ? Read aloud lines that make you laugh.

Answer:
The poem is humorous. Look at the following lines :
“And everyday a cigar I’ll smoke,”
“But to balance me well, dear Duck, sit steady !
And quite at the end of my tail.”

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 2 The Tsunami are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 2 The Tsunami.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English
Chapter	Chapter 2
Chapter Name	The Tsunami
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 2 The Tsunami

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the correct options from, among the given ones :

I. 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 direction. He never saw them again. His wife was also swept away. Only the three other children who came with him were saved. – (Page 25)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. These lines have been taken from the lesson named
(a) Tsunami
(b) The best Christmas present in the world
(c) The Summit Within
(d) This is Jody’s Fawn.

2. Whose children were they
(a) Javed’s
(b) Ignesious
(c) Sanjeev’s
(d) Almas’s.

3. They ran in the opposite direction because of
(a) chaos
(b) Tsunami
(c) confusion
(d) his parents.

Answers
1. (a) Tsunami
2. (b) Ignesious’
3. (c) confusion

II. Almas Javed was ten years old. She was a student of Carmel Convent in Port Blair where her father had a petrol pump. Her mother Rahila’s home was in Nancowry island. The family had gone there to celebrate Christmas. (Page 26)

Questions
1. Who was Almas Javed ?
2. What was his father ?
3. Where had Javed’s family gone and why ?

Answers
1. Almas Javed was a ten year old student of Carmel Convent in Port Blair.
2. Javed’s father owned a petrol pump.
3. Javed’s family had gone to Andaman and Nicobar to celebrate Christmas.

III. “The water was swelling and kept coming in,” Penny Smith remembered. “The beach was getting smaller and smaller. I didn’t know what was happening.” (Page 27)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The water referred to in the above lines is
(a) the boiling water in a pot
(b) the water of a river
(c) the sea water
(d) none of the above.

2. Penny Smith was
(a) an iron-smith
(b) Tilly’s mother
(c) a teacher
(d) an American woman.

3. Penny is describing a scene from
(a) India
(b) England
(c) America
(d) Thailand.

Answers
1. (c) the sea water
2. (b) Tilly’s mother
3. (d) Thailand.

IV. The family took refuge in the third floor of the hotel. The building withstood the surge of three tsunami waves. If they had stayed on the beach, they would not have been alive. (Page 28)

Questions
1. Which family is being talked of here ?
2. What was threatening their lives ?
3. Where were they before coming to this building ?

Answers
1. It was a family of Smiths.
2. Tsunami was threatening their lives.
3. They were at the sea-beach.

V. Many people believe that animals possess a sixth sense and know when the earth is going to shake. Some experts believe that animals’ more acute hearing helps them to hear or feel the earth’s vibration. They can sense an approaching disaster long before humans realise what’s going on. (Page 29)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. How many senses do the humans have ?
(a) seven
(b) eight
(c) four
(d) five.

2. Animals’ sense of hearing—as compared to human beings—is
(a) better
(b) worse
(c) same
(d) negligible.

3. The word ‘acute’ in the passage means
(a)sharp
(b) small
(c) good
(d) bad.

Answers
1. (d) five
2. (a) better
3. (a) sharp

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

BEFORE YOU READ (Page 24)
Look at the map of the Andaman and Nicobar islands given here.

Now read the sentences below. Rewrite the incorrect ones after correcting the mistakes.
1. Katchall is an island
2. It is part of the Andaman group of islands.
3. Nancowry is an island in the Nicobar group.
4. Katchall and Nancowry are more than a hundred miles apart. (Hint: the scale of the map is given.)
5. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are to the west of India.
6. The Nicobar islands are to the north of the Andaman Islands.

Answers
1. It is correct statement.
2. It is part of Nicobar group of islands.
3. It is correct statement.
4. Katchall and Nancowry are less than a hundred miles apart.
5. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are to the east of India.
6. The Nicobar Islands are to the south of the Andaman Islands.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 27)
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.

Answers
1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Pages 28-29)
Answer the following in a phrase or sentence.
1. Why did Tilly’s family come to Thailand ?
2. What were the warning signs 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 ?

Answers
1. Tilly’s family came to Thailand to celebrate Christmas.
2. Both of them saw the sea rise and start to foam, bubble and form whirlpools.
3. No, Tilly’s mother was not alarmed by them.
4. In the video which her geography teacher had shown to the class.
5. They went to the third floor of the hotel to escape from the tsunami.
6. The geography teacher must have felt very pleased and satisfied.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 30)
Answer using a phrase or a sentence.
1. In the tsunami 1,50,000 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 ?

Answers
1. Only a few.
2. 60 people and two animals.
3. They say that they saw them running from the beach. The elephants had sensed it an hour before the tsunami hit the coast.
4. They refused to go to the beach for their daily runs.

WORKING WITH THE TEXT (Page 30)
Discuss the following questions in class. Then write your own answers.

Question. 1.
When he felt the earthquake, do you think Ignesious immediately worried about a tsunami ? Give reasons for 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 of the tremors. That was why he took his television off the table and put it on the ground. Ignesious family did not have any time to discuss and plan their course of action. That was why, there was only chaos and confusion. The following sentence 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.” (Page 14)

Question. 2.
Which words in the list below describe Sanjeev, in your opinion ?
(Look up the dictionary for words that you are not sure of.)

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 ‘brave’, ‘heroic’ and ‘selfless’ describe Sanjeev, as I feel.
(i) ambitious or brash
(ii) heroic and selfless
(iii) careless or humorous

Question. 3.
How are Meghna and Almas’s stories similar ?

Answer:
Meghna and Almas were both lucky survivors. Meghna was swept away with her parents and seventy seven other people. All but Meghna died. She floated on a wooden door for two days. Relief helicopters did not see her but a wave brought her back to the shore.

Similarly, all the members of the family of Almas Javed were swept away by the tsunami. She climbed a log of wood. She fainted but remained on it for a long time. She was ultimately saved.

Question. 4.
What are the different ways in which Tilly’s parents could have reacted to her behaviour ? What would you have done if you were in their place ?

Answer:
Instead of heeding to Tilly as they did, Tilly’s parents could have ignored her. Alternatively they could have scolded her and asked her to behave. In either case, they would have all died.

There is no doubt that they made the best move. In their place, I am afraid, I might not have been so wise. I might have asked her not to be panicky or make a scene.

Question. 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:
Tilly’s award should be shared with her geography teacher. It was because of him that Tilly could see the coming tsunami before anyone else.

Question. 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. This helps them get over the crises.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE (Page 31)

Question 1.
Go through Part-I carefully, and make a list of as 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

There are more words in column no. 1. The reason is the description of tsunami. Tsunami swept away everything very fast. The other word is ‘rushed’. The people who wanted to escape tsunami had to move very fast. So their movement is described by the word ‘rush’.

Question 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) tremors
(ii) confusion
(iii) relief
(iv) rescue
(v) excitement

3. Study the sentences in the columns A and B.

Compare the sentences in A to the ones in B. Who is the ‘doer’ of the action in every case ? Is the ‘doer’ mentioned in A, or in B ?

Notice the verbs in A : ‘was swept away’, ‘was hit’, ‘were washed away’, ‘were found’. They are in the passive form. The sentences are in the Passive Voice. In these sentences, the focus is not on the person who does the action. ,

In B, the ‘doer’ of the action is named. The verbs are in the active form. The sentences are in the Active Voice.

• 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.___

Answers
(ii) Passive Voice P
(iii) Active Voice A
(iv) Passive Voice P
(v) Active Voice A
(vi) Active Voice A

SPEAKING AND WRITING (Page 32)

Question 1.
Suppose you are one of the volunteers who went to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for relief work after the Tsunami. You work in the relief camps, distributing food, water and medicine among the victims. You listen to the various stories of bravery of ordinary people even as they fight against odds to bring about some semblance of normalcy in their lives. You admire their grit and determination. Write a diary entry.
You may start in this way.
31 December, 2016
The killer Tsunami struck these islands five days ago. But the victims are being brought in even now. Each one has a story to tell…

Answer
… All of them rouse our pity. But a few inspire me too. There is an old woman of about 65. She has survived along with her 8 year-old granddaughter. The people in the camp suggest that the granddaughter be sent to an orphanage. The old lady refuses to listen. She says that she will not let her daughter go away from her. In fact she wants no charity. She is willing to do some useful work to help her granddaughter.

Question 2.
The story shows how a little girl saved the lives of many tourists when a tsunami struck the beach, thanks to the geography lesson that she had learnt at school. She remembered the visuals of a tsunami and warned her parents.

Do you remember any incident when something that you learnt in the classroom helped you in some way outside the classroom ?

Write your experiences in a paragraph of about 90-100 words or narrate it to the whole class like an anecdote.

Answer
The other day I was walking back from school. Suddenly my eyes fell on a cyclist. He seemed to be losing balance. Before I could think of helping him, he had somehow got down the cycle. However, he just left the cycle and lay on the side of the road. He was perspiring and breathing with difficulty. Soon a crowd gathered. I immediately remembered the lesson my biology teacher had taught me. I requested the people to stay away and sent one of them to call a doctor. In the meantime I fanned him to help him get a lot of fresh air. Then very tenderly, I massaged his heart. That was what my teacher had advised me to do. The man felt relief and was breathing easily when the doctor arrived.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 2 The Tsunami help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 2 The Tsunami, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 2 Geography Lesson are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Chapter 2 Geography Lesson.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew (Poem)
Chapter	Chapter 2
Chapter Name	Geography Lesson
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Chapter 2 Geography Lesson

STANZAS FOR COMPREHENSION

I. When the jet sprang into the sky,
it was clear why the city
had developed the way it had,
seeing it scaled six inches to the mile. (Page 34)

हिंदी अनुवाद- जब जेट प्लेन तेज़ी से आसमान में उठा, कवि ने अपने नीचे की ओर देखा। वह समझ गया कि नगर क्यों बेतरतीव ढंग से विकसित हुआ था। उसे शहर बहुत छोटा लग रहा था। एक मील छः इंच के बराबर नज़र आता था।

Paraphrase. When the jet rose fast into the sky, the poet saw below him. He could understand why the city had grown into haphazard way. He saw the city look small. A mile of the ground looked as small as six inches.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The “jet’ in the passage refers to :
(a) jet black
(b) jet engine
(c) jet liner
(d) jet stream.

2. The poet realised why
(a) he was in the sky
(b) the city had developed
(c) there were new ways in the city
(d) the city had taken the shape it had.

3. The city appeared from the sky
(a) very big
(b) very small
(c) very wide
(d) very beautiful.

4. The word ‘scaled’ in the passage means :
(a) measured
(b) spotted
(c) climbed
(d) like a scale.

Answers
1. (c) jet liner
2. (d) the city had taken the shape it had
3. (b) very small
4. (a) measured

II. There seemed an inevitability
about what on ground had looked haphazard,
unplanned and without style
When the jet sprang into the sky. (Page 34)

Paraphrase. The jet went up into the sky. Looking below, one could see the inevitable way in which the city had developed. It certainly had a logic. On the earth it seemed ugly and without a method.

Questions
1. What did the poet see from the jet ?
2. What seemed inevitable ?
3. Why is logic not seen on the earth ?

Answers
1. From the jet the poet saw how his city had developed.
2. The way the city had developed seemed inevitable.
3. On the earth one cannot have the whole view. One can see only a part at a time. So the logic of geography is not seen on the earth.

III. When the jet reached ten thousand feet,
it was clear why the country
had cities where the rivers ran
and why the valleys were populated. (Page 34)

हिंदी अनुवाद-जेट-प्लेन आकाश में और ऊँचा दस हज़ार फीट तक गया। वहाँ से नीचे देश की ओर देखकर यह स्पष्ट रूप से समझा जा सकता था कि देश के नगर नदियों के किनारे क्यों विकसित हुए थे। ऐसा स्वाभाविक था क्योंकि मनुष्यों को जल की आवश्यकता होती है। उसी प्रकार उस ऊँचाई से कवि देख सका कि घाटियों में क्यों लोग बस गए थे।

Paraphrase. The jet plane went higher upto ten thousand feet in the sky. Looking below at the country, one could clearly see why the cities in the country had developed along the rivers. It was natural because people need water. In the same way from that height the poet could see why people had settled in valleys.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. From the height of ten thousand feet the poet was observing
(a) his city
(b) his country
(c) the earth
(d) the sky

2. The cities are developed
(a) in the open space
(b) on the hill-side
(c) by the river-side
(d) in the deserts.

3. The valleys are populated because
(a) the climate is good
(b) people love the hills
(c) the life is safe there
(d) the water is easily available.

4. The word ‘valley’ means the same as
(a) vale
(b) valet
(c) valour
(d) value.

Answers
1. (b) his country
2. (c) by the river-side
3. (d) the water is easily available
4. (a) vale

IV. The logic of geography,
that land and water attracted man
was clearly delineated
When the jet reached ten thousand feet. (Page 34)

हिंदी अनुवाद-जेट प्लेन में बैठकर 10 हजार फुट की ऊँचाई से कवि ने देश को देखा। उसे भूगोल के तर्क समझ आए। वह समझ गया कि लोग वहाँ जाकर बसे जहाँ भूमि और जल सहज उपलब्ध थे। यह पाठ स्पष्ट लिखा दिखाई देता था।

Paraphrase. From the height of ten thousand feet in the jet plane the poet observed the country. He understood the contentions of geography. It was that people settled where land and water were easily available. This lesson seemed clearly written.

Questions
1. What did the poet see from the height of ten thousand feet?
2. Where did man settle ?
3. Name the poet.
4. What does the word ‘delineated’ mean?

Answers
1. From the height of ten thousand feet man saw the logic of geography.
2. Man settled on the land which was close to the water.
3. The poet is “Zulfikar Ghose’.
4. The word ‘delineated’ means ‘drawn’.

V. When the jet rose six miles high,
it was clear the earth was round
and that it had more sea than land.
But it was difficult to understand (Pages 34–35)

हिंदी अनुवाद- कवि का जेट प्लेन आकाश में और ऊँचा उठा। यह ज़मीन से 6 मील ऊपर उठ गया। अब पृथ्वी गोल दिखाई देती थी जैसा कि उसने भूगोल में पढ़ा था। यह भी दिखाई दिया कि जल पृथ्वी के अधिक भाग को आच्छादित किए है। अतः समुद्र का क्षेत्रफल भूमि से अधिक था। पर कुछ ऐसा था जिसे वह समझ नहीं पाता था।

Paraphrase. The poet’s jet plane went higher into the sky. It rose six miles up the ground. Now the earth seemed round as he had learnt in geography. It was also shown that water covers the better part of the earth. So sea had an area larger than the land. However, there was something which he could not understand.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The passage has been taken from :
(a) Geography Lesson
(b) The Ant and the Cricket
(c) The Last Bargains
(d) Macavity : The Mystery Cat.

2. From that height the poet saw that
(a) the earth is full of people
(b) the earth has hills and deserts
(c) the earth has much water
(d) the earth has much land.

3. From the height of the jet, the earth looked
(a) flat
(b) round
(c) rectangular
(d) triangular.

4. The noun form of ‘difficult is
(a) difference
(b) diffident
(c) diffract
(d) difficulty.

Answers
1. (a) Geography Lesson
2. (c) the earth has much water
3. (b) round
4. (d) difficulty

VI. that the men on the earth found
causes to hate each other, to build
walls across cities and to kill.
From that height, it was not clear why. (Page 35)

हिंदी अनुवाद-ऊपर आसमान में पहुँच कर कवि को भूगोल की बातें समझ आ गयीं। पर वह मानव की आपसी घृणा को नहीं समझ सका। वह नहीं समझ पाया कि क्यों उन्होंने एक-दूसरे से अलग रहने का निश्चय किया है। क्यों लोग एक-दूसरे को मारना चाहते हैं ? उस ऊँचाई पर यह एक ऐसी उलझन थी जिसे कवि सुलझा नहीं पाता था।

Paraphrase. From high in the sky, the poet understood logic of geography. However, he could not understand the logic of human hatred for each other. He could not understand why they have decided to live separately. Why are there walls across the cities ? Why do people want to kill each other ? It was one puzzle which the poet could not answer from that height.

Questions
1. What did the poet understand from ‘that height?
2. What did he not understand ?
3. What does the phrase ‘building walls’ mean?
4. Give the adjective form of ‘heighť.

Answers
1. From that height, the poet could understand how the cities developed.
2. The poet could not understand why people on the earth quarrelled. He could also not understand why they separate themselves from their fellow beings.
3. The phrase ‘building walls’ indicates man’s desire to segregate.
4. high.

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

WORKING WITH THE POEM (Page 35)

Question. 1.
Find three or four phrases in stanzas one and two which are likely to occur in a geography lesson.

Answer:
The following phrases are likely to occur in a geography lesson :
(a) scaled six inches to the mile (stanza 1)
(b) why valleys were populated (stanza 2)
(c) land and water attracted man (stanza 2)
(d) clearly delineated (stanza 2)

Question. 2.
Seen from the window of an aeroplane, the city appears
(i) as haphazard as on ground.
(ii) as neat as a map.
(iii) as developed as necessary.
Mark the right answer.

Answer:
(iii) as developed as necessary

Question. 3.
Which of the following statements are examples of “the logic of geography.”
(i) There are cities where there are rivers.
(ii) Cities appear as they are not from six miles above the ground.
(iii) It is easy to understand why valleys are populated.
(iv) It is difficult to understand why humans hate and kill one another.
(v) The earth is round, and it has more sea than land.

Answer:
(i), (iii), and (v) are the correct statements.

Question. 4.
Mention two things that are
(i) clear from the height.
(ii) not clear from the height.

Answer:
(i) The earth is round and that it has more sea than land. These two things are clear from the height.
(ii) Men hate each other and build walls across the cities to kill each other. It is not clear why they do so.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 2 Geography Lesson help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 2 Geography Lesson, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew (Poem)
Chapter	Chapter 1
Chapter Name	The Ant and the Cricket
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew (Poem) Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket

STANZAS FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow each :

I. A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing
Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring,
Began to complain when he found that, at home,
His cupboard was empty, and winter was come. (Page 21)

हिंदी अनुवाद-एक मूर्ख युवा झींगुर था। गर्मी और बसंत के धुपहले महीनों को गाते हुए बिता देना उसकी आदत थी। जब सर्दी का मौसम आया तो वह दु:खी हो उठा। खाने के लिए कुछ न था। घर पर उसका भंडार खाली था।

Paraphrase. Once there was a foolish young cricket. It was his habit to pass the sunny months of summer and spring in singing. When winter came, he began to grumble. There was nothing to eat. His cupboard at his home was empty.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The passage is taken from
(a) Geography Lesson
(b) On the Grasshopper and Cricket
(c) The Ant and the Cricket
(d) The Duck and the Kangaroo.

2. The two qualities of the Cricket described here are
(a) foolish and a singer
(b) wise and a singer
(c) foolish and a writer
(d) intelligent and a speaker.

3. The weather in the poem is
(a) warm and gay
(b) cold and dry
(c) rainy and stormy
(d) hot and sunny.

4. ‘Accustomed to’ means
(a) happy
(b) unhappy
(c) used to
(d) irritated.

Answers
1. (c) The Ant and the Cricket
2. (a) foolish and a singer
3. (b) cold and dry
4. (c) used to

II. Not a crumb to be found
On the snow-covered ground;
Not a flower could he see,
Not a leaf on a tree.
“Oh! what will become,” says the cricket, “of me ?” (Page 21)

हिंदी अनुवाद-झींगुर को सर्दी में भोजन नहीं मिला। हर जगह बर्फ ही बर्फ थी। न कोई फूल और न ही किसी पेड़ पर कोई पत्ती दिखाई देती थी। झींगुर चिंता में बोल उठा ‘मेरा क्या होगा ?’

Paraphrase. The cricket did not find any food in winter. There was ice everywhere. Neither a flower nor a leaf on a tree could be seen. The cricket wondered aloud what would become of him.

Questions
1. Who was looking for the crumbs ?
2. What did the Cricket usually do ?
3. Why was the Cricket worried ?

Answers
1. The Cricket was looking for the crumbs.
2. Usually the Cricket sang.
3. The Cricket was worried because he had no food.

III. At last by starvation and famine made bold,
All dripping with wet, and all trembling with cold,
Away he set off to a miserly ant,
To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant (Page 21)

हिंदी अनुवाद-झींगुर मरने लगा। वह भूख से मर रहा था। अतः उसने हिम्मत जुटायी। वर्षा से भीगता और ठंड से कांपता वह एक कंजूस चींटी के पास पहुँचा। उसने जानना चाहा कि क्या चींटी जिंदा रहने में उसकी सहायता करेगी।

Paraphrase. The cricket came on the verge of death. He was dying of hunger. So he took courage. Wet with rain and shivering with cold, he went to a miserly ant. He wanted to know if the ant would help him keep alive.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who was suffering from starvation and famine ?
(a) the Ant
(b) the Cricket
(c) the poet
(d) a man.

2. Why was he dripping with wet ?
(a) It was raining hard.
(b) He had dived in a pond.
(c) He had no shelter.
(d) He had taken a bath.

3. What did he expect to get from the miserly ant ?
(a) good advice
(b) food
(c) shelter
(d) food and shelter.

4. What does the word ‘grant mean?
(a) kind
(b) generous
(c) take
(d) give.

Answers
1. (b) the Cricket
2. (c) He had no shelter
3. (d) food and shelter
4. (d) give

IV. Him shelter from rain,
And a mouthful of grain.
He wished only to borrow;
He’d repay it tomorrow;
If not, he must die of starvation and sorrow. (Page 21)

हिंदी अनुवाद-झींगुर ने चींटी से निवेदन किया कि वह उसे वर्षा से बचाये। वह थोड़ा सा अन्न भी चाहता था। उसका इरादा था कि वह इस कर्ज को शीघ्र ही उतार देगा। वह बोला कि अगर चींटी ने दया नहीं की तो वह मर जायेगा।

Paraphrase. The cricket requested the ant to give him protection from rain. He also wanted a small quantity of food. His intention was to repay the debt soon. He said that if the ant was not kind, he would die.

Questions
1. Who is ‘him’ in the first line ?
2. What did he want?
3. From whom did he hope to borrow ?
4. Give the opposite of the word ‘borrow’.

Answers
1. ‘Him’ refers to the Cricket.
2. He wanted food and shelter.
3. He hoped to borrow from the ant.
4. lend.

V. Says the ant to the
cricket, “I’m your servant
and friend,
But we ants never
borrow; we ants never
lend.
But tell me, dear cricket,
did you lay nothing by
When the weather was
warm ?” Quoth the cricket,
“Not I! (Page 22)

हिंदी अनुवाद- चींटी झींगुर से बोली, “मैं आपकी सेवक और मित्र हूँ। पर हमारा सिद्धांत है कि हम ने उधार देते हैं और न उधार लेते हैं। पर प्रिय झींगुर, क्या गर्मी के मौसम में तुमने सर्दी के लिए कुछ बचाकर नहीं रखा ?” झींगुर ने उत्तर दिया “नहीं।”

Paraphrase. The ant said to the cricket. “I am your servant and friend. However, it is our principle that we neither borrow nor lend. But, dear cricket, did you not save anything for the bad weather during the warm days ?” The cricket said that he didn’t.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. What do you think that of the ant’s behaviour ? What was it like?
(a) a servant
(b) a friend
(c) both
(d) neither

2. What do the ants not do according to the passage ?
(a) don’t borrow
(b) neither borrow nor lend
(c) don’t lend
(d) don’t help.

3. The ant scolded the Cricket because
(a) he never lent
(b) he never borrowed
(c) he never saved
(d) he was foolish.

4. The word ‘Quoth’ means
(a) wept
(b) laughed
(c) said
(d) asked.

Answers
1. (d) neither
2. (b) neither borrow nor lend
3. (c) he never saved
4. (c) said

VI. My heart , was so light
That I sang day and night,
For all nature looked gay.”
“You sang, Sir, you say ?
Go then,” says the ant, “and dance the winter away.” (Page 22)

हिंदी अनुवाद-“मेरा दिल ऐसा खुश था कि मैं दिन-रात गाता ही रहा। सारी प्रकृति प्रसन्न दिखाई दे रही थी”, (झींगुर बोला)। चींटी ने कहा, “ श्रीमन्, अगर आपने गर्मियाँ गाकर बिता दीं, तो जाओ सर्दियँ नाच कर बिता दो।”

Paraphrase. “I felt so light at heart that I sang and sang all through the day and night. Every object of nature seemed very happy”, (said the cricket). The ant said, “Sir, if you passed the summer in singing, pass the winter in dancing”.

Questions
1. Whose heart was it ? How did it feel ?
2. What did he do ?
3. How was the weather ?
4. Who questions the wisdom of his action ?

Answers
1. It was Cricket’s heart. It felt very happy.
2. He sang day and night.
3. The weather was fine.
4. The ant questions the wisdom of his action.

VII. Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket,
And out of the door turned the poor little cricket.
Folks call this a fable. I’ll warrant it true :
Some crickets have four legs, and some have two.

हिंदी अनुवाद-ऐसा कह कर चींटी ने दरवाजा बंद कर दिया। इस प्रकार बेचारा युवा झींगुर चींटी के घर के बाहर निकला। लोग कहते हैं कि यह एक नीति-कथा है। कवि का विश्वास है कि यह सच्ची बात है। वह कहता है कि संसार में दो पैरों वाले ऐसे लोग हैं जो कहानी के चार पैरों वाले युवा झींगुर की तरह व्यवहार करते हैं।

Paraphrase. So saying he (the ant) closed the door. So the poor young cricket came out of the ant’s house. People say that it’s a story with a moral. The poet believes it’s true. He says that there are people in the world who behave like that cricket of the story.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who lifted the wicket?
(a) the Ant
(b) the Cricket
(c) the poet
(d) a man.

2. Why did he lift the wicket?
(a) because it was so light.
(b) because he was tired.
(c) because he wanted his visitor to go.
(d) because it was cold.

3. What does the poet mean when he says that ‘some crickets have two legs’ ?
(a) These are some strange crickets with two legs.
(b) The poet dislikes all crickets.
(c) The poet is referring to people who do not save for a rainy day.
(d) All men are crickets with two legs.

4. The word ‘fable’ here means
(a) able
(b) poem
(c) epilogue
(d) story with a moral.

Answers
1. (a) the Ant
2. (c) because he wanted his visitor to go
3. (c) The poet is referring to people who do not save for a rainy day.
4. (d) story with a moral

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

WORKING WITH THE POEM (Page 23)
Question. 1.
The cricket says, “Oh ! what will become of me ?” When does he say it, and why ?

Answer:
The cricket speaks these words on the arrival of winter. He says so because he finds that there is no food for him in his house.

Question. 2.
(i) Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be’ (Shakespeare).
(ii) What is your opinion of the ant’s principles ?

Answer:
(i) The line is :
“We ants never borrow ; we ants never lend.”
(ii) I do not agree with the ant’s principle. On the other hand, I believe that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Question. 3.
The ant tells the cricket to “dance the winter away”. Do you think the word ‘dance’ is appropriate here ? If so, why ?

Answer:
Yes the word ‘dance’ is appropriate here. It is so because the cricket had spoken of his love of singing. Singing and dancing go together.

Question. 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 are :
“Folks call this a fable ; I’ll warrant it true.
Some crickets have four legs, and some have two.”

(ii) People say that this is a short story with a moral. However it is true. There are people in this world who spend all their earnings. They do not save anything for the future. In the moments of crisis or in their old age they come to grief. They find they have no money to depend upon. Such people, says the poet, are like the cricket of the story.

Question. 5.
If you know a fable in your own language, narrate it to your classmates.

Answer:
Once there was an old man. He had four sons. These sons always quarrelled with one another. So the old man was sad. When he was about to die, he called them all. He asked them to bring four sticks. Then he asked them to tie them in a bundle. After that he asked each of them to break the bundle. No one could do it. Then he untied the bundle and gave a stick to each of them. They easily broke them. Thus, the old man explained them the value of unity. He told his sons that if they remained united no one would ever harm them.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English
Chapter	Chapter 1
Chapter Name	The Best Christmas Present in the World
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the correct options from among the given ones :

I. It was going for very little money. I thought I could restore it. It would be a risk a challenge, but I had to have it. (Page 9)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The speaker of these lines is
(a) the narrator
(b) the author
(c) Jim
(d) Connie.

2. The ‘it’ in the first sentence refers to
(a) a country
(6) a chair
(c) a desk
(d) a letter.

3. The temptation to buy it was
(a) a risk
(b) a challenge
(c) the quality
(d) the cheap price.

Answers
1. (a) the narrator
2. (c) a desk
3. (d) the cheap price.

II. There was something in there. I reached in and took out a small black tin box. Sello- taped to the top of it was a piece of lined notepaper, and written on it in a shaky handwriting : “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. (Page 10)

Questions
1. What does the word ‘something’ refer to ?
2. What was the sello taped thing ?
3. Where was the letter found ?
4. Whom was the letter addressed to ?

Answers
1. ‘Something’ refers to the tin box.
2. The sello taped thing was the piece of a newspaper.
3. The letter was found in the tin box. ,
4. The letter was addressed to Jim’s wife.

III. When we had got over the surprise, some of us shouted back. “Same to you, Fritz ! Same to you !” I thought that would be that. We all did. But then one of them was up there in his grey greatcoat and waving a white flag. (Page 11)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. ‘We’ in the first line refers to
(a) French soldiers
(b) the British soldiers
(c) Jim and Connie
(d) the narrator and his friend.

2. ‘Same to you’ here means
(a) Happy Christmas
(b) good feelings
(c) we are same
(d) we are fine.

3. ‘I thought that would be that’. It means that I thought that
(a) it was all
(b) it was a mistake
(c) it was a joy
(d) it was dangerous.

4. The phrase ‘got over’ means
(a) passed
(b) overcame
(c) excited
(d) got out.

Answers
1. (b) the British soldiers
2. (a) Happy Christmas
3. (a) it was all
4. (b) overcame

IV. “Ah, Dorset,” he smiled. “I know this place. I know it very well.” We shared my rum ration and his excellent sausage. And we talked, Connie, how we talked. He spoke almost perfect English. But it turned out that he had never set foot in Dorset, never even been to England. (Page 12)

Questions
1. Who was it that smiled ?
2. How did he know Dorset ?
3. Who is Connie ?
4. Find a phrase in the passage which means ‘so happened’.

Answers
1. It was Hans Wolf that smiled.
2. He had read about Dorset in Hardy’s novels.
3. Connie is Jim’s wife.
4. turned out.

V. Our boys gave them a rousing chorus of While Shepherds Watched. We exchanged carols for a while and then we all fell silent. We had had our time of peace and goodwill, a time I will treasure as long as I live. (Page 13)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The phrase ‘our boys’ refers to
(a) the students
(b) German soldiers
(c) some British soldiers
(d) the author’s sons

2. Who prompted these boys to sing ?
(a) their boss
(b) their commander
(c) their friends
(d) the German soldiers.

3. Carols are sung on
(a) Christmas
(b) Good Friday
(c) Holi
(d) Diwali.

Answers
1. (c) some British soldiers
2. (d) the German soldiers.
3. (a) Christmas

VI. I folded the letter again and slipped it carefully back into its envelope. I kept awake all night. By morning I knew what I had to do. I drove into Bridport, just a few miles away. I asked a boy walking his dog where Copper Beeches was. (Page 14)

Questions
1. Who had written the letter ?
2. Whom was the letter addressed to ?
3. Why did he drive to Bridport ?
4. Why did he keep awake all night ?

Answers
1. The letter was written by Jim.
2. The letter was addressed to Jim’s wife Connie.
3. He drove to Bridport because he wanted to give that letter to Connie.
4. He kept awake all night thinking about the contents of the letter he had read.

VII. As I was speaking her eyes never left my face. I opened the tin box and gave it to her. That was the moment her eyes lit up with recognition and her face became suffused with a sudden glow of happiness. I explained about the desk, about how I had found it, but I don’t think she was listening. (Page 15)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The speaker of the above passage is
(a) the author
(b) the narrator
(c) Jim
(d) Hans Wolf.

2. The lady being talked to, is
(a) Connie
(b) the matron
(c) Hans Wolf’s wife
(d) none of the above three.

3. The lady was not listening because
(a) she was sick
(b) she was deaf
(c) she was too happy
(d) she had recognised the speaker

Answers
1. (b) the narrator
2. (a) Connie
3. (c) she was too happy

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 10)
1. What did the author find in a junk shop ?
2. What did he find in a secret drawer ? Who do you think had put it in there ?

Answers
1. The author found a very old 19th century roll-top desk in a junk shop. It was made of oak. It was in a bad condition. So it was being sold at a cheap price.

2. In a secret drawer of the roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. There was a letter in that box.

There was a piece of lined newspaper pasted on the box. On it, these words were written : “Jim’s last letter received January 25,1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” This clearly indicated that it was placed there by the addressee. The address on the envelope revealed that it was for Mrs. Jim Macpherson of 12, Copper Breeches Bridport, Dorset.” So Connie, the wife of Jim Macpherson must have put it there.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 14)
1. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when ?
2. Why was the letter written—what was the wonderful thing that had happened ?
3. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers ?
4. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset ? Why did he say he knew it ?
5. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war ? How do you know this ?

Answer
1. Jim Macpherson was a captain of the British army. He wrote this letter while fighting the German forces. The letter was dated December 26, 1914. It was addressed to his wife Connie.

2. The letter was written to describe a wonderful incident. It occurred on the Christmas day of 1914. The wonderful thing was that the two armies fighting against each other had celebrated Christmas together.

The initiative was taken by the Germans. First they shouted ‘Happy Christmas’ to the English from the no man’s land. The English responded with “same to you”. This encouraged the Germans. They waved a white flag and crossed the no man’s land to reach the English camp.

Once together, they were very happy. They ate, drank and played a football match. Ultimately when they parted, they did so with a heavy heart.

3. Hans Wolf played the cello in the orchestra when he was not a soldier. Jim Macpherson was a teacher in Dorset when not a soldier.

4. No. Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He had been reading English books. Hardy was his favourite author. Hardy’s novel ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ was his favourite book. This book describes Dorset. So Hans Wolf said he knew Dorset well.

5. Macpherson never came back from the war. His wife Connie knew about his death. That was why she kept the letter in a tin box. She wrote on the top of the box that it was Jim’s last letter.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 15)
1. Why did the author go to Bridport ?
2. How old was Mrs Macpherson now ? Where was she ?

Answer
1. The author went to Bridport in search of Mrs. Jim Macpherson. He wanted to give her back her important letter.
2. Mrs. Macpherson was now 101 years old. She was in the conservatory of a nursing home.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 16)
1. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was ?
2. Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity ?

Answer
1. Connie Macpherson thought that her visitor was her husband Jim Macpherson.
2. The sentence in the text is—“I explained about the desk, about how I found it.”

WORKING WITH THE TEXT (Page 16)

Question. 1.
For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter ? Give reasons for your Answer.

Answer.
Connie had kept Jim’s letter for a long time. She had received it on January 25, 1915. Jim had written it on December 26, 1914. At that time Jim was an officer, a captain in the English army. A captain in the army is always a young man. It means that Jim’s wife Connie must have also been young. In the story she is 101. It means the letter was about 70¬75 years old.

There are hints also. The table containing the letter was found in a junk shop. Again it indicates its oldness.

Question. 2.
Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when ?

Answer.
The desk must have been sold when Connie’s house had burnt. The table had been damaged by fire as well as water. The fireman must have used water to douse the flames of the burning table.

Question. 3.
Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts ? Do you agree ?

Answer.
Jim and Hans are people whose heart is full of human kindness. Serving the army, they have been a witness to all the sufferings of war. So it is natural for them to hate war. However the problems between two nations are bound to be there. A non-violent method to resolve these problems is what they desire. It occurs to them that this method could be to compete in games. So they think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts.

I agree that some non-violent method must be found to resolve disputes between nations.

Question. 4.
Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other ? Find evidence from the story to support your Answer.

Answer.
The soldiers of the two armies are like each other. The story is all about it. They like to greet each other. They play football. They eat and drink together. The two captains talk affectionately about their lives away from the field. They agree that the problems can be resolved by playing games instead of fighting wars.

The soldiers of both the armies are eager for the war to end. They want to go back to their families. Thus, there is much which is common between them.

Question. 5.
Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.

Answer.
It was the Christmas that made the British and German soldiers friends. The Germans waved a white flag and wished the British a happy Christmas. The British responded with ‘same to you.” They were surprised when the Germans moved further towards them without arms. The British captain was alarmed that it might be a trick. But it wasn’t so.

Then they came close. They shook hands. The Christmas and the ways of celebrating it were common between the two. They played, they ate and they sang carols. The two captains talked of their families. They talked of their own fields of activity when there was no war. They had the same tender feelings about life. They did not want to fight. They wanted peace. They wanted to be with their families as soon as possible.

Question. 6.
What is Connie’s Christmas present ? Why is it “the best Christmas present in the world” ?

Answer.
Connie’s Christmas present was the letter which the author had brought for her. However, in her muddled state she thought that it was not the author but her Jim. She called the author Jim and made him sit beside her. She kissed him on the cheek. For her, her husband had returned after such a long time. So she said that it was the best Christmas present she had ever got.

Question. 7.
Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it ? Can you think of any other title(s) ?

Answer.
The title of the story is Quite suitable. ‘The Best Christmas Present in the World’ refers to the present for the old lady. Otherwise also the story is woven around Christmas. However, it is always possible to find alternate titles. For example, ‘War’ can be another title. The story is after all an anti-war story. ‘Christmas’ could also be a title because the story narrates two important Christmas days.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE (Page 17)

Question. 1.
Look at these sentences from the story.
I spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport… The man said it was made in the early nineteenth century… This one was in bad condition…

The italicised verbs are in the past tense. They tell us what happened in the past, before now.

(i) Read the passage below and underline the verbs in the past tense.
A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.

Answer
— A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.

• Now look at these sentences. –
  The veneer had lifted almost everywhere. Both fire and water had taken their toll on this desk.
• Notice the verb forms had lifted, had taken (their toll).
  The author found and bought the desk in the past.
  The desk was damaged before the author found it and bought it.
  Fire and water had damaged the desk before the author found it and bought it.

1. We use verb forms like had damaged for an event in the ‘earlier past’. If there are two events in the past, we use the ‘had’… form for the event that occurred first in the past.
2. We also use the past perfect tense to show that something was wished for, or expected before a particular time in the past. For example. I had always wanted one…
3. Discuss with your partner the difference in meaning in the sentences below.
   When I reached the station, the train left.
   When I reached the station, the train had left.

The first sentence means that the speaker was able to get the train. The second sentence means that he missed it. In fact, the first sentence gives the idea as if the train was only waiting for the speaker to get to the station. It left as soon as he reached there. In the second sentence, there was no sign of the train when the speaker reached the station.

(ii) Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
My little sister is very naughty. When she (a)__(come) back from school yesterday, she had (b)___(tear) her dress. We (c)__(ask) her how it had (d)___(happen). She (e)__(say) she (f) __(have, Quarrel) with a boy. She (g)___(have, beat) him in a race and he (h)___(have, try) to push her. She (i)__(have, tell) the teacher and so he (j)__ (have, chase) her, and she (k)___(have, fall) down and (l)__ (have, tear) her dress.

Answer
(a) came
(b) torn
(c) asked
(d) happened
(e) said
(f) had Quarreled
(g) had beaten
(h) had tried
(i) had told
(j) had chased
(k) had fallen
(l) had torn.

(iii) Underline the verbs and arrange them in two columns, Past and Earlier past.
(a) My friends set out to see the caves in the next town, but I stayed at home, because I had seen them already.
(b) When they arrived at the station, their train had left. They came back home, but by that time I had gone out to see a movie !
(c) So they sat outside and ate the lunch I had packed for them.
(d) By the time I returned, they had fallen asleep !

Answer
(a) My friends set out to see the caves in the next town, but I stayed at home, because I had seen them already.
(b) When they arrived at the station, their train had left. They came back home, but by that time I had gone out to see a movie !
(c) So they sat outside and ate the lunch I had packed for them.
(d) By the time I returned, they had fallen asleep !

2. Dictionary work
By the end of the journey, we had run out of drinking water.
Look at the verb run out of in this sentence. It is a phrasal verb : it has two parts, a verb and a preposition or an adverb. Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the meanings of their parts.

• Find these phrasal verbs in the story.
  burn out
  light up
  look on
  run out
  keep out

Write down the sentences in which they occur. Consult a dictionary and write down the meaning that you think matches the meaning of the phrasal verb in the sentence.

Answer
1. No. 12 turned out to be nothing but a burnt out shell, the roof gaping. (Page 14)
Meaning : ‘Burnt out’ here means ‘completely destroyed by fire’.
2. That was the moment her eyes lit up with recognition and her face suffused with a sudden glow of happiness. (Page 15)
Meaning : ‘Lit up’, here means ‘became bright with happiness’.
Note : ‘Burned out’ and ‘burnt out’, both are correct.
3. Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered. (Page 12)
Meaning : ‘Looked on’ here means ‘continued to look’ i.e., went on observing as long as they played.
4 .…the schnapps and the rum and the sausage had long since run out. (Page 13)
Meaning : ‘Run out’ here means ‘consumed’.
5. Hans wolf cheered clapping our hands and stamping our feet to keep out the cold as much as anything (Page 12)
Meaning : ‘Keep out’ here means ‘be away from’.

3. Noun phrase

• Read the following sentence.
  I took out a small black tin box.
  – The phrase in italics is a noun phrase.
  – It has the noun—box—as the head word, and three adjectives preceding it.
  – Notice the order in which the adjectives occur—size (small), colour (black) and material (tin) of which it is made.
  – We rarely use more than four adjectives before a noun and there is no rigid order in which they are used, though there is a preferred order of modifiers/adjectives in a noun phrase, as given below.
  

Answer
Read and learn yourself.

4. The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to describe each noun. You might come up with some funny descriptions !

Answer
1. a wild, large elephant.
2. a cheerful, round chubby face.
3. a cheerful, circular, multicoloured large brick building.
4. enormous, multicoloured, cold water.

SPEAKING (Page 19)

Question 1.
In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries.Then present your arguments to the whole class.

Answer
Wars are never a good way to end conflicts between countries. It is because wars are devastating. They ruin humanity. They can only harm us. A large number of men and women are killed. Many families are destroyed. If we try to find a peaceful solution of the conflicts, the countries would flourish. There would always be peace. Countries will be strong.

Question 2.
What kind of presents do you like and why ? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy presents for others ? Discuss with your partner.
(For example, you might buy a book because it can be read and re-read over a period of time.)

Answer
Whenever we buy presents we keep various factors in mind. First its utility, then durability and then price. We also think of giving the maximum benefit of the present to the person concerned.

WRITING (Page 20)

Question 1.
Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how you feel about the changes you see and the events that occur in your town. You could begin like this
25 December, 1919
It’s Christmas today, but the town looks…
Or
Suppose you are the visitor. You are in a dilemma. You don’t know whether to disclose your identity and disappoint the old lady or let her believe that her dear Jim has come back. Write a letter to a friend highlighting your anxiety, fears and feelings.

Answer
It’s Christmas today but the town looks gloomy. It’s so natural. This town has lost many of its great sons in the war. The hearts of the people who know them, are burdened with sorrow. They cannot feel cheerful. They know that it’s Christmas. They see the beautiful cold weather and the crisp frosty morning associated with it. They see the beauty but they can’t feel it.

The politicians have visited the town. They have praised the bravery of the dead. They have raised their statues. They have honored their parents. Yet, how can they compensate the loss of a child, a husband or a brother ? War is the most dreadful thing I know of. How I wish an end of all wars ! The problems are bound to be there. Man should find some peaceful way to resolve these problems. Perhaps one world Government will be a good idea. But how to reach it ?
Jim ,

Or

23 Dorset
20 May, 1920
My dear Tom

A recent happening has so surprised me that I can’t help sharing it with you. You know I always wanted a roll-top desk. At last I got a second hand one from a junk shop. I decided to restore it on the 24th December. In the process I came upon a letter in one of the drawers.

It was a very old letter written in early twentieth century. The writer was a captain Jim of the British army. It was kept in a box with the words : Jim’s last letter received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” The address on the envelope was “Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport.” I decided to search the lady to whom this letter belonged.

I found her in a conservatory. She was a little confused. She looked at me vacantly. But when I gave her the letter, her eyes lit up. She thought that I was Jim. She made me sit beside her and kissed me. She said that she had got that day the best Christmas present in the world. I tried to tell her who I was and how I had found her letter. But she was not listening.

Now I was in a dilemma. Shall I force my identity on her and disappoint her ? Or shall I let her believe that her dear Jim had come back ? I thought and thought. Then I decided to do the latter. I walked away from her Quietly after sometime.
Michael

Question 2.
Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline.
A young, newly married doctor___freedom fighter___exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the British___infamous Cellular Jail __ prisoners tortured___revolt by inmates___doctor hanged___wife waits for his return___becomes old__continues to wait with hope and faith.

Answer
This story belongs to the early 20th century. The young Indians wanted to be free. Ironically, most of them had had Western and English education. One such person was a young doctor named Kripal Singh. He was married and had a good practice. One day he came in contact with freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad. He joined their party.

The struggle required money. So he was involved in an attack on a government bank. He was caught. He was tried in court and sent to exile in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Together with others of his type, he was kept in infamous Cellular Jail. There the prisoners were tortured. The doctor could not stand it. He revolted against the prison authorities. He was hanged there.

Back in India, his wife knew nothing. Meanwhile the country became free in 1947. The lady expected her husband to come back but how could he ? She is now very old. Still she is convinced that Kripal Singh would come back. She continues to wait with hope and faith.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew
Chapter	Chapter 10
Chapter Name	The Great Stone Face II
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the correct options among the given ones :

I. Unsought for, undesired, had come the fame which so many seek. He had become famous beyond the limits of the valley. College professors, and even the active men of cities, came from far to see and converse with Ernest, (Page 133)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is it that many seek ?
(a) health
(b) wealth
(c) fame
(d) love.

2. Ernest had become famous for his
(a) health
(b) wisdom
(c) wealth
(d) love.

3. The phrase ‘unsought for’ means
(a) hated
(b) undesired
(c) loved
(d) unasked.

Answers
1. (c) fame
2. (b) wisdom
3. (d) unasked

II. “Because,” replied Ernest, “all through life I have awaited the fulfillment of a prophecy, and when I read these poems, I hoped that it might be fulfilled in you.” (Page 134)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Ernest was talking to
(a) his mother
(b) a poet
(c) a neighbour
(d) General Blood-and-Thunder.

2. The prophecy concerned
(a) himself
(b) his mother
(c) the poet
(d) The Great Stone Face.

3. Ernest had expected that the poet’s face would resemble
(a) his own face
(b) Gathergold
(c) The Great Stone Face
(d) his mother’s face.

Answers:
1. (b) a poet
2. (d) The Great Stone Face
3. (c) The Great Stone Face

III. The prophecy was fulfilled. But Ernest, having finished what he had to say, took the poet’s arm, and walked slowly homeward, still hoping that some wiser and better man than himself would by and by appear, bearing a resemblance to the Great Stone Face. (Page 136)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The prophecy was fulfilled in
(a) the poet
(b) Ernest
(c) Gathergold
(d) General Blood-and-Thunder.

2. Ernest believed the prophecy
(a) was yet to be fulfilled
(b) was now fulfilled
(c) will never be fulfilled
(d) was fulfilled long ago.

3. The story is written by
(a) Nathaniel Hawthorne
(b) John Keats
(c) Ruskin Bond
(d) Zulfikar Ghose.

Answers
1. (b) Ernest
2. (a) was yet to be fulfilled
3. (a) Nathaniel Hawthorne

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 136)

Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of the following statements.
1. Ernest’s words reminded people of the wise old sayings.___
2. Total strangers from far away, who visited Ernest in the valley, found his face familiar.___
3. The Great Stone Face confirmed Ernest’s view that the poet could be worthy of its like-ness. ___
4. When Ernest and the poet met, they respected and admired each other equally.___
5. The poet along with Ernest addressed the inhabitants of the valley.___
6. The poet realised that Ernest’s thoughts were far nobler than his own verses.___

Answers
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True

WORKING WITH THE TEXT (Page 137)

Answer the following questions.
Question. 1.
How was Ernest different from others in the valley ?

Answer:
There were thousands of inhabitants in the valley. Ernest was good and simple hearted. He did noble deeds every day. He was a humble and thoughtful person. He had wise thoughts in his mind. He became famous throughout the world. In this way, he was different from others in the valley.

Question. 2.
Why did Ernest think the poet was like the Stone Face ?

Answer:
The poet wrote songs with lofty thoughts. While he was talking to Ernest, he looked wise, gentle and kind. Even the Great Stone Face appeared bending forward to listen to his talk. The Stone Face even looked kindly at the poet, though he was a complete stranger. Therefore, Ernest thought the poet was like the Stone Face.

Question. 3.
What did the poet himself say about his thoughts and poems ?

Answer:
The poet said that his thoughts contained the distant voice of a heavenly song. However, his life had been different from his poems. He himself lacked faith in his dreamy thoughts.

Question. 4.
What made the poet proclaim Ernest was the Stone Face ?

Answer:
Through Ernest’s speech, the poet judged his greatness. He felt that Ernest’s life and character were a nobler kind of poetry.

Moreover, Ernest’s white hair looked like the Great Stone Face surrounded by white clouds. Ernest’s face also assumed a grand expression. It moved the poet’s heart. It also made him proclaim Ernest as the 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.
(viii) 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) By common consent, Ernest turned out to be like the Great Stone Face.
(ii) No, Ernest did not believe that the old prophecy had come true. He still hoped, that some day, some man, wiser and better than himself would appear. He would bear a likeness to the Great Stone Face.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE (Page 137)
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
(а) 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) —> (b)
(iii) —> (b)
(iv) —> (b)
(v) —> (a)
(vi) —> (b)
(vii) —> (b)
(viii) —> (a)
(ix) —> (b)
(x) —> (c).

2. (i) Read the following sentences.
(a) I do hope I’ll live to see him.
(b) He will come! Fear not, Ernest; 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/’I’ is snowing in Ranikhet tonight.
(e) Swapna can’t go out this evening. Her father will come/is coming to see her.

Answers
(i) Do yourself.

Question 3.
(i) Complete these pieces of conversation using will or going to with the verbs given
(a) Rani : Why are you turning on the radio ?
Ravi : I___(listen) to the news.
(b) Rani : Oh, I can’t buy this book. I have no money.
Ravi : Don’t worry. I___(lend) you some.
(c) Rani : Look at those dark clouds.
Ravi : I think it__(rain).
(d) Rani : What shall we have for dinner ?
Ravi : I can’t decide.
Rani : Make up your mind.
Ravi : All right, then. We___(have) fried rice and dry beans.
(e) Rani : Why are you filling the kettle with water ?
Ravi : I___(make) coffee.
(f) Rani : We need some bread and butter for breakfast.
Ravi : All right. I___(go) to the bakery and get some.
(Before he goes out, Ravi talks to their father.)
Ravi : I__(get) some bread and butter. Do you want any thing from the bakery ?
Father : Yes, I want some salt biscuits.
Ravi : Fine, I___(get) you a packet.

(ii) Let pairs of children take turns to speak aloud the dialogues.

Answers
(i) (a) am going to listen
(b) will lend
(c) is going to
(d) will have
(e) am going to make
(f) will go, am going to get, will get

(ii) Do yourself.

SPEAKING AND WRITING
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.

Answer
Do 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. Narrate the incident of your first meeting with him.

Answer
Meeting Ernest
It was a summer evening. I arrived at Ernest’s door. I found him reading a book. Between his readings, I found him looking lovingly at the Great Stone Face. I greeted him. Then I asked for a night’s shelter. He gladly agreed to grant me that. Then he said that the Great Stone Face was looking very hospitably at me.

I sat beside him. We talked for a long time. Never before, I had met so wise and gentle and kind a person. Then suddenly, he gazed into my eyes, called me gifted and asked who I was. I pointed to the book in his hand. I said that I was the one who wrote that book. I felt that he was now comparing my features to those of the Great Stone Face. It made him sad because he did not find the desired resemblance. I told him that I was not worthy of that likeness. Ernest asked, “Why not ?” I told him that my life did not correspond with my thoughts. Ernest’s eyes were full of tears.

At the hour of sunset, he took me to a place. Here he spoke to a group of neighbours in the open air. While listening to Ernest, I felt that I had before me the worthiest sage.

As I looked at the Great Stone Face. I couldn’t help shouting, “Behold ! Behold ! Ernest is himself the likeness of the Great Stone Face !”

All the people there looked and saw that what I said was true. The prophecy was fulfilled. Ernest however, was too humble to believe it.

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
___________________________________________________
(ii) Now rearrange the sentences above to construct a paragraph.
George Abraham,_____________________________________

Answers
(i) • 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) 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.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10 The Great Stone Face II, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face I are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face I.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew
Chapter	Chapter 9
Chapter Name	The Great Stone Face I
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face I

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the correct options among the given ones :

I. “Mother,” said he, while the Great Face smiled on him, “I wish that it could speak, for it looks so very kindly that its voice must indeed be pleasant. If I ever see a man with such a face, I should love him very much.” (Page 125)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who is ‘he’ in these lines ?
(a) Ernest
(b) Gathergold
(c) General Blood-and-Thunder
(d) a poet.

2. That which is looking very kindly is
(a) Great stone Face
(b) the mother
(c) the poet
(d) Gathergold.

3. Ultimately there appears a man with such a face who is
(a) a poet
(b) Gathergold
(c) Ernest
(d) General Blood-and-Thunder.

Answers
1. (a) Ernest
2. (a) Great stone Face
3. (c) Ernest

II. Ernest had had no teacher, but the Great Stone Face became one to him. When the work of the day was over, he would gaze at it for hours, until he began to imagine that those vast features recognised him, and gave him a smile of kindness and encouragement. (Page 126)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Ernest was now
(a) a child
(b) a youth
(c) an oldman
(d) a middle-aged man.

2. All Ernest’s education came from
(a) his mother
(b) a teacher
(c) Great Stone Face
(d) the society.

3. The Great Stone Face was able to
(a) feed Ernest
(b) look after Ernest
(c) talk to Ernest
(d) inspire and encourage Ernest.

Answers
1. (b)a youth
2. (c) Great Stone Face
3. (d) inspire and encourage Ernest

III. He attracted little notice from the inhabitants of the valley. They saw nothing remarkable in his way of life, except that, when the labour of the day was over, he still loved to gaze upon the Great Stone Face. Their idea was that this was a folly, but pardonable, because Ernest was industrious, kind and neighbourly. (Page 127)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The inhabitants of the village
(a) took some notice of him
(b) took no notice of him
(c) sent him a notice
(d) got a notice from him.

2. The villagers pardoned his folly which was
(a) to take little notice
(b) to have nothing remarkable
(c) to labour all day
(d) to look upon the Great Stone Face.

3. The word ‘industrious’ means the same as
(a) the owner of an industry
(b) industrial
(c) hardworking
(d) ran an industry.

Answers :
1. (b) took no notice of him
2. (d) to look upon the Great Stone Face
3. (c) hardworking

IV. His wealth, which was the body and spirit of his existence, had disappeared before his death. Since the melting away of his gold, it had been generally agreed that there was no great likeness, after all, between the ruined merchant and the majestic face upon the mountain. (Page 128)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. This passage is about
(a) Gathergold
(b) Ernest
(c) General Blood-and-Thunder
(d) a poet.

2. The passage says there was no likeness between
(a) Gathergold and Ernest
(b) Gathergold and the Great Stone Face
(c) Ernest and Gathergold
(d) Blood-and-thunder and Ernest.

3. The melting away of gold means
(a) making a gold pot
(b) making goldcoins
(c) melting gold coins
(d) vanishing of wealth.

Answers:
1. (a) Gathergold
2. (b) Gathergold and the Great Stone Face
3. (d) vanishing of wealth

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 129)

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. ___

Answers:
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. False

WORKING WITH THE TEXT (Page 130)

Answer the following questions.
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 side of a mountain by huge rocks. They had been thrown together in such a position that they resembled a human face.

(ii) Young Ernest gazed at the Great Stone Face. It smiled on him. Ernest wished that it could speak because it looked very kindly. Its voice must be pleasant. He would love the man whoever bore such a face dearly.

Question. 2.
What was the story attributed to the Stone Face ?

Answer:
The story attributed to the Stone Face was that a special child should be born there. He would become the greatest and noblest person of his time. In manhood, his face would bear an exact likeness to the Great Stone Face.

Question. 3.
What gave the people of the valley the idea that the prophecy was about to come true for the first time ?

Answer:
There was a rumour in the valley that the great man resembling the Great Stone Face had appeared. A young man, named Gathergold had left the valley. He had grown a rich merchant by the time he became old. He had decided to return to his native valley. The rumour went that he had the living likeness of the Great Stone Face. It made the people of the valley think that the prophecy was about to come true.

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 the likeness of the Stone Face in Gathergold.

(ii) Ernest confided in the valley, where the Stone Face was formed. He was proved right because Gathergold died after sometime. He was then a poor man. All the people, then, said that he had no likeness with the stone face.

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) General Blood-and-Thunder rose in position from a soldier. He desired to return to his native valley. The residents of the valley said that he bore the likeness of the Great Stone Face. His childhood friends also said that the General had always looked like the Stone Face. It made people believe ‘General Blood-and- Thunder’ was their man.

(ii) Ernest compared the face of Blood-and-Thunder with the Stone Face. He could not recognise any likeness between them. He concluded that the man, bearing likeness to the Stone Face had yet to come.

WORKING WITH LANGUAGE (Page 130)

Question 1.
Look at the following words.
like – likeness
punctual – punctuality
The words on the left are adjectives and those on the right are their noun forms.
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 ___
(ii) able ___
(iii) happy___
(iv) near ____
(v) noble ___
(vi) enormous ___
(vii) pleasant ___
(viii) dense ___
(ix) great ___
(x) stable ___

Answers:
(i) loftiness
(ii) ability
(iii) happiness
(iv) nearness
(v) nobility/nobleness
(vi) enormity
(vii) pleasure
(viii) density
(ix) greatness
(x) stability

Question 2.
Add -ly to each of the following adjectives, then use them to fill in the blanks.

(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.

Answers
(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.

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.

Answers
(i) I phoned you when I got/had got home from school.
(ii) Hurry up! Madam will be annoyed if we are late.
(iii) If it rains today, we shall not go to the play.
(iv) When you see Mandal again, you will not recognise him. He is growing a beard.
(v) We are off today. We shall write to you after we are back.

SPEAKING AND WRITING (Page 131)
Question 1.
Imagine you are Ernest. Narrate the story that his mother told him.

Begin like this : My mother and I were sitting at the door of our cottage. We were looking at the Great Stone Face. I asked her if she had ever seen any one who looked like the Stone Face. Then she told me this story.

Answer:
… My mother said that there is an old prophecy. According to it we may one day come across a man with exactly such a face. A child would be born near here. He will become the greatest and noblest person of his time. In manhood, this man will wear exact resemblance to the Great Stone face. Some people believe in the prophecy, some don’t.

Question 2.
Imagine you are Gathergold. Write briefly the incident of your return to the valley.

Begin like this : My name is Gathergold. I left the valley of the Great Stone Face fifty years ago. I am now going back home. Will the people of the valley welcome me ? Do they know that I am very rich ?

Answer:
… Some selfish, greedy persons should certainly come forward to welcome me. I should be careful about it. They can cause me loss of money as well as respect.

We hope the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face I help you. If you have any query regarding NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face I, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary are part of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English. Here we have given NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary.

Board	CBSE
Textbook	NCERT
Class	Class 8
Subject	English Honeydew
Chapter	Chapter 8
Chapter Name	A Short Monsoon Diary
Category	NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow choosing the correct options among the given ones :

I. Through the mist Bijju is calling to his sister. I can hear him running about on the hillside but I cannot see him. (Page 113)

Multiple Choice Questions
1. The scene being described here is
(a) the first day of monsoon
(b) the last day of monsoon
(c) an ordinary day on the hills
(d) a winter day.

2. The author cannot see Bijju because
(a) he is not in the line of his eyes
(b) it is misty
(c) it is night
(d) he is blind.

3. The passage is written by
(a) Satyajit Ray
(b) Rabindranath Tagore
(c) Nathaniel Hawthorne Answers
(d) Ruskin Bond.

Answers:
1. (a) the first day of monsoon
2. (b) it is misty
3. (d) Ruskin Bond

II. In the evening it attacked one of Bijju’s cows but fled at the approach of Bijju’s mother, who came screaming imprecations.
As for the leeches, I shall soon get used to a little bloodletting every day. (Page 114)

Questions
1. What does ‘it’ in the first line refer to ?
2. What causes the bloodletting ?
3. What did Bijju’s mother do ?
4. Find a word in the passage which means ‘curses’. Answers

Answers:
1. ‘It’ refers to the leopard.
2. The leeches cause the bloodletting.
3. Bijju’s mother chased the leopard away.
4. Imprecations.

III. It is a good sound to read by—the rain outside, the quiet within—and, although tin roofs are given to springing unaccountable leaks, there is a feeling of being untouched by, and yet in touch with, the rain.

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Here, the author is praising
(a) tin roofs
(b) rain
(c) springing
(d) leaks.

2. The ‘good sound’ is produced by
(a) rain only
(b) tin roofs only
(c) rain and tin roofs
(d) rain and leaks.

3. The word ‘springing’ here means
(a) jumping
(b) creating
(c) a season
(d) finishing.

Answers:
1. (a) tin roofs
2. (c) rain and tin roofs
3. (b) creating

IV. The blackest cloud I’ve ever seen squatted over Mussoorie, and then it hailed marbles for half an hour. Nothing like a hailstorm to clear the sky. Even as I write, I see a rainbow forming. (Page 117)

Questions
1. What season is being described ?
2. What do the ‘marbles’ refer to ?
3. What does the author mean by ‘clear sky’ ?

Answers:
1. Rainy season is being described here.
2. The marbles refer to ‘hails’.
3. A clear sky means ‘a sky free of clouds’.

TEXTUAL EXERCISES

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 115)
1. Why is the author not able to see Bijju ?
2. What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes up ?

Answers
1. The author is not able to see Bijju because of the mist. The mist has blocked the vision.
2. The mist covers the hills and all the atmosphere. So they cannot be seen. The second change is that the birds stop singing. This makes the hills suddenly silent.

COMPREHENSION CHECK (Page 117)
1. When does the monsoon season begin and when does it end ? How do you prepare to face the monsoon ?
2. Which hill-station does the author describe in this diary entry ?
3. For how many days does it rain without stopping ? What does the author do on these days ?
4. Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter ? Why ?
5. What did the author receive in the mail ?

Answers
1. The monsoon generally begins in the end of June. It generally ends in the end of August or in the beginning of September. We buy raincoats or umbrellas to face the monsoon.
2. Mussoorie.
3. It has rained for eight or nine days without stopping. During these the author has been pacing the room or looking out of the window.
4. The snakes and rodents take shelter in roofs, attics and godowns. They do so because their holes are flooded with water. Out of the holes, these are the convenient places for them.
5. 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:
Monsoon arrives on June 24. The first real monsoon shower comes on June 25. The whole nature welcomes it. The author feels the joy himself and in everything around him.

By August 2, the people become weary of the monsoon. It is so because the movement in the open has become difficult. There is no sunshine for more than a week.

March 23 heralds the end of winter. After a hailstorm, there is a rainbow in the sky. It shows the beauty of nature.

Question. 2.
Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the Chuchundar ?

Answer:
Grandmother believed that Chuchundars are lucky. She thought that with them came money. So she asked the children not to kill it.

Question. 3.
What signs do we find in Nature which show that the monsoons are about to end ?

Answer:
At the end of the monsoon, the lush monsoon growth reaches its peak. The seeds of the cobra lily turn red. These things show that the monsoons are about to end.

Question. 4.
Complete the following sentences.
(i) Bijju is not seen but his voice is heard because___.
(ii) The writer describes the hill station and valley as___.
(iii) The leopard was successful in but had to flee when___.
(iv) The minivets are easily noticed because___.
(v) It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when___.
(vi) During the monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because___.

Answer:
(i) the mist obstructs the author’s vision.
(ii) ‘A paradise that might have been’.
(iii) killing a dog but had to flee when Bijju’s mother arrived crying curses.
(iv) of their bright colours.
(v) they are covered by a variety of flowers.
(vi) their holes are flooded with water and these things provide them convenient shelters.

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.’
(i) Why has the writer used the word, ‘springing’ ?
(ii) How is the writer untouched by the rain ?
(iii) How is the writer in touch with the rain at the same time ?

Answer:
(i) The word ‘springing’ gives the idea of suddenness.
(ii) The author is untouched by the rain because he is in a room. The room pro-tects him from rain.
(iii) The writer hears the sound of rainfall on his tin-roof. So he is in touch with the rain.

Question. 6.
Mention a few things that can happen when there is endless rain for days together.

Answer:
When there is endless rain for days together, the life becomes difficult. To go out becomes difficult. One gets bored living in the room all the time. Everything becomes damp and soggy. The washed clothes do not get dried. Constant rainfall is an invitation for many insects, rodents and snakes to enter the house.

It can also cause diseases. The sun is the source of life. If sunlight doesn’t reach people for a long time, they fall ill.

Question. 7.
What is the significance of cobra lily in relation to the monsoon season, its beginning and end ?

Answer:
The first cobra lily is seen with the arrival of the monsoon. When its seeds begin to turn red, it is an indication that the rains are over.

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 ?

Answers
rainwater, fog, overcast, damp, soggy, raincoat, darkness, leaks.
Hindi words for those given in the question are :

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 verbs.

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 at the 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.
(i) We (get out) of the school bus. The bell (ring) and everyone (rush) to class.
We got out of the school bus. The bell was ringing and everyone was rushing to class.
(ii) The traffic (stop). Some people (sit) on the road and they (shout) slogans.
(iii) I (wear) my raincoat. It (rain) and people (get) wet.
(iv) She (see) a film. She (narrate) it to her friends who (listen) carefully.
(v) We (go) to the exhibition. Some people (buy) clothes while others (play) games.
(vi) The class (is) quiet. Some children (read) books and the rest (draw).

Answers:
(ii) The traffic stopped. Some people were sitting on the road and they were shouting slogans.
(iii) I was wearing my raincoat. It was raining and people were getting wet.
(iv) She had seen a film. She was narrating it to her friends who were listening carefully.
(v) We went to the exhibition. Some people were buying clothes while others were playing games.
(vi) 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.

(i) Match these words with their correct meanings.
(a) to fall in small drops
(b) to make a sound by hitting a surface repeatedly
(c) to move quickly through the air, making a soft sound id) harsh sound made by birds
(e) ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.)

(ii) Now fill in the blanks using the correct form of the words given above.
(a) Ramesh__on his desk in impatience.
(b) Rain water___from the umbrella all over the carpet.
(c) The pony___its tail.
(d) The___of breaking glass woke me up.
(e) The___of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.

Answers:
(i) (a) —> drip
(b) —> drum
(c) —> swish
(d) —> caw
(e) —> tinkle

(ii) (a) Ramesh drummed on his desk in impatience.
(b) Rain water dripped from the umbrella all over the carpet.
(c) The pony swished its tail.
(d) The tinkle of the breaking glass woke me up.
(e) The caw of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.

Question 4.
And sure enough, I received a cheque in the mail.
Complete each sentence below by using appropriate phrase from the ones given below.

1. I saw thick black clouds in the sky. And ___ ___ it soon started raining heavily.
2. The blue umbrella was ___ ___ for the brother and sister.
3. The butterflies are ___ ___ to get noticed
4. The lady was ___ ___ to chase the leopard
5. The boy was ___ ___ to call out to his sister.
6. The man was ___ ___ to offer help.
7. The victim’s injury was ___ ___ for him to get admitted in hospital
8. That person was ___ ___ to repeat the same mistake again.
9. He told me he was sorry and he would compensate for the loss. I said,___ ___

Answers:
(i) sure enough
(ii) big enough
(iii) colourful enough
(iv) brave enough
(v) anxious enough
(vi) kind enough
(vii) serious enough
(viii) foolish enough
(ix) “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:
No. I don’t believe in superstitions. However there is one snag in this statement. One man’s belief may be superstitious to the other and vice versa.
Three common superstitions are :
(i) No. 13 is ominous
(ii) Stop if a black cat crosses your path.
(iii) Do not sleep with your feet pointing towards south.

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 five kinds of birds in this lesson. These are: minivets, drongos, crow, whistling thrush and ‘shrew’. We do not see many varieties in our neighbourhood. There are two birds which used to be seen in our neighbourhood but have now disap-peared. These are peacocks and vultures. Poaching, felling of trees and pollution of the environment are three important reasons for its happening.

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, powercuts and so on.
Write a paragraph describing an incident that occurred during the rains which you can never forget.
Or
Write a poem of your own about the season of spring when trees are in full bloom.

Answers:
A rainy day in summer is a great blessing. Last Friday, I had not yet left for school, when it began to rain. It rained heavily. Going to school was out of question. So I placed my books on the table and stood near the window. Water had collected everywhere. People were wading through water with raincoats on. Some had umbrellas in their hands. But these gave them little shelter. Children absented themselves from schools.

They played in rain-water and cared little for their mothers who got angry. The roads became slippery. Some persons who slipped on the road, spoiled their clothes. The children had a hearty laugh.
Or
Spring is the season of joy
When Nature becomes a toy.
The trees are in full bloom
Some flowers are in my room.
In spring comes Holi
Let’s play with colour and roli.
There is summer in the air
How lovely the birds and hare !
Spring is the season of joy
When Nature becomes a toy
The trees are in full bloom
I have roses in my room.

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