Malleswari

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past Summary In English

This chapter tells us about the history of India during the years 1757 to 1857 through pictures. We come to know about the conditions that prepared the ground for the First War of Independence in 1857. A great number of countrymen laid down their lives for the sake of India’s freedom.

The story begins with the arrival and expansion of the British East India Company in India. At that time India was broken into small states ruled by short-sighted princes. Their rivalries helped the British to subdue them. The British were also able to extend their power in India on account of their superior weapons. Thus, we became their slaves. The British rule in India was an oppressive one. Their administrative policies made people poor and unhappy.

They imposed heavy taxes on farmers and small industries and destroyed them. Through foreign trade, they took away a huge sum of money from their country. Fortunately, there emerged social reformers like Ram Mohan Roy, who awakened the Indian masses. The spread of western education in India also changed the outlook of the people. They came to understand the causes behind their misery and suffering.

They revolted against the British rulers. The revolt of 1857 was started by a regiment of soldiers in Meerut. It spread far and wide. The Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the Emperor of India. Almost all the classes of the Indian society joined hands to uproot the British from India.

Rebellions were organized by former rulers like Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow and Maulvi Ahmed- dull of Faizabad, etc. Kanpur. Jhansi and Allahabad became major centers of the armed struggle. Nana Saheb – the leader of the revolt, Tatya Tope, Azimulla Khan, and many others fought bravely. Eighty-year-old Kunwar Singh of Bihar received a bullet in his wrist. He died saying,” Mother Gangal This is my last offering to you.”

Glimpses of the past Summary In Hindi

यह पाठ हमें चित्रों के द्वारा 1757 से 1857 तक भारत के इतिहास के बारे में बताता है। हमें उन परिस्थितियों की जानकारी मिलती है जिन्होंने 1857 के प्रथम स्वतंत्रता संग्राम की भूमिका तैयार की। देश वासियों ने बहुत बड़ी संख्या में भारत की स्वतंत्रता के लिए अपना बलिदान दिया।

कहानी ब्रिटिश ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी के भारत आगमन तथा प्रसार से शुरू होती है। उस समय भारत छोटे-छोटे राज्यों में विभाजित था जिन पर अदूरदर्शी भारतीय शासक राज्य करते थे। उनकी आपसी शत्रुता ने ही उनका दमन करने में अंग्रेजों की सहायता की। अंग्रेज अपने श्रेष्ठ किस्म के शस्त्रों द्वारा भी भारत में अपनी शक्ति बढ़ाने में सफल रहे। इसे प्रकार हम उसके दास बन गए। भारत में अंग्रजी शासन दमनकारी था। उनकी प्रशासनिक नीतियों के कारण लोग निर्धन तथा अप्रसन्न हो गए। भारतीयों पर भारी टैक्स लगा दिए और हमारे कुटीर उद्योगों को नष्ट कर दिया। वे विदेशी व्यापार द्वारा देश का बहुत सा धन अपने देश ले गए।

भाग्यवश राजा राममोहन राम जैसे समाज सुधारकों का उदय हुआ जिन्होंने भारत के प्रसार ने भी भारतीयों का दृष्टिकोण बदला। उन्हें अपने कष्टों एवं दुःखों के कारणों का पता चल गया । इसलिए उन्होंने अंग्रेजी शासन के विरुद्ध विद्रोह कर दिया। 1857 में मेरठ में भारतीय सेना द्वारा शुरू किया गया विद्रोह दूर-दूर तक फैल गया।

दिल्ली के मुगल बादशाह बहादुर शाह को भारत का सम्राट घोषित किया गया। समाज के सभी वर्गों ने अंग्रेजी शासन का अंत करने के लिए हाथ मिलाए। लखनऊ में बेगम हजरत महल, फैजाबाद के मौलवी अहमदुल्ला ने विद्रोहियों को व्यवस्थित करा कानपुर, झांसी और इलाहाबाद भी विद्रोह के बहुत बड़े केन्द्र बन गए। पेशवा नाना साहिब, विद्रोह के नेता, तात्या टोपे अजीमुल्ला खान तथा अन्य सभी वीरतापूर्वक लड़े। बिहार के 80 वर्षीय कुंवर सिंह को बाजू में गोली लगी। उन्होनें इन शब्दों के साथ अपने प्राण त्यागे: ” हे मां गंगे। यह मेरी आपकों अंतिम भेंट है।

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 3 Glimpses Of The Past Summary 

Glimpses Of The Past Hindi Translation Of The Lesson

Here are some pictorial glimpses of the history of our country from 1757 to 1857. These pictures and ‘speech bubbles’ will help clarify your understanding of the conditions that led to the event known as the First War of independence in 1857.

यहां 1757 से 1857 तक के हमारे इतिहास की कुछ सचित्र झलकियां दी गईं हैं। ये चित्र और संवाद आपको वे स्थितियां स्पष्ट कर देंगे जो 1857 के प्रथम स्वतन्त्रता संग्राम का कारण बनीं।

1. The Martyrs

Word Meanings

countrymen – men who live in a country, देशवासी
recall-call to mind,
sacrifices – loss of lives, for
martyr – one who voluntarily suffers death for a cause, शहीद

2. The Company Conquests (1757-1849)

Word Meanings

superior- of high quality,
extending – stretch out over a distance, farar
constant – continuing for an indefinitely long time, लगातार
rivalries – enmity,
subdue-put down by force & authority, दबाना
thugs-young criminals, get
slaves – prisoners, Jell

3. British Rule (1765-1836)

Word Meanings

misery – a feeling of intense unhappiness, दुःख, दर्द
arrears – unpaid overdue debt,
abandon – to leave,
cripple – cause destruction,
artisans – workers skilled in trade related to textiles, painted ceramics, etc,
scorned-to abuse,

4. Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833)

Word Meanings

learned-knowledgeable, feren
despise – feel contempt,
essence – main teaching,
reform – bring changes in institutions or practice, क्रांति

5. Oppression (1765-1835)

Word Meanings

oppression – to put undue pressure,
trial-case,
weaver-person who weaves fabric, em

6. Dissatisfaction (1835-56)

Word Meanings

natives- people born in a specified place, निवासी
grievances – feeling of resentment,
puppets – under the control of another, कठपुतली
conquered-won over,

7. The Sparks (1855-57)

Word Meanings

rebellion-to oppose. fast
massacred – brutally killed,
abolish – to remove completely,
pittance – a very small amount of money, नाममात्रको
circulated-distributed,
deceived-cheated, uten

8. Revolt (1857)

Word Meanings

violent – involving physical force, for
sepoys – soldiers, fuerunt
sore-angry,

9. The Fight for Freedom (1857)

Word Meanings

upsurge – (here) a rapid or abrupt rise of rebels,
bitter- unhappy,
pitched – substantial, ate
pounced-attacked,

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For Glimpses Of The Past 

Glimpses of the past Textbook Exercises (Solved)

Working With The Text 

Answer the following questions.

1. Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
   Answer. Yes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757. They fought among themselves. They failed to understand that they were becoming weaker.
2.  How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?
   Answer. The rivalries among the Indian princes helped the East India Company to subdue them easily. Indian princes fought with one another. The people had no peace due to their constant fights. The British took advantage of the situation and subdued the Indian princes one by one.
3.  Quote words used by Raja Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
   Answer. “Cows are of different colors. But the color of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions but the essence of every religion is the same.”
4.  In what way did the British officers exploit Indians?
   Answer. The British officers drew huge salaries. They also made fortune in private businesses. This ruined the Indian traders.
5. Name these people.
   The ruler who fought a pitched battle against the British and died fighting.
    The person who wanted to reform the society.
   The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
   Two popular leaders who led the revolt. (Choices may vary.)Answer
   Tipu Sultan
   Raja Ram Mohan Roy
   Macaulay
   (a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
   (b) Nana Sahib

Glimpses of the past Working With Language 

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 direct narrative on.
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 his 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.

I. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

1. 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_________________________
2. 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.

1.  they must educate their brothers.
   they must try to improve their material condition.
   for that, they must convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
2.  the white soldiers got huge pay, mansions, and servants,
   they got a pittance and slow promotions,
   who the British were to abolish their customs.

Glimpses Of the Past Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Glimpses of the past Speaking And Writing 

1. Play-act the role of farmers who have grievances against the policies of the government. Rewrite their speech bubbles’ in dialogue form first.

First farmer: Britishers have taken away all my crops.
Second farmer: It is a shame that we pay such heavy taxes.
Third farmer: There is famine year after year. All our crops are dead. How will we pay them? Fourth
farmer: They say I am still in arrears. If I don’t pay next week, they will send me to jail.
Note. Write the dialogue in ‘speech bubbles and then enact the’

2. Look at the pictures.

My mother used to say: “Be careful how you take the advice of people you don’t know.”

(1) Ask one another questions about the picture.

All the answers to these questions have been given in the following story

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

Answer. The Fox and the Goat A fox went to a well to drink water. Accidently, he fell into it. He tried to get out but was not successful. In the meantime, a goat came there. She saw the fox inside the well. She asked him how all that had happened. The fox was very cunning. He told the goat that he was enjoying the water The goat asked him if the water was sweet The fox very smartly replied that it was the sweetest water he had ever tasted. The goat said, “Let me taste it too.” He asked her to bend down. When the goat bent down, the fox hung on to the goat and came out of the water and the goat fell in. He went away saying, “Now enjoy the sweet water.” The story teaches us that we should be aware of cunning people.

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. This method of teaching history is really very interesting and appealing. Students enjoy reading comics. So they understand the facts easily. Visuals make a permanent orint on their minds. Besides, playacting helps them to know the nature and thoughts of the historical personalities.

Explanation Of Glimpses Of The Past KSEEB Class 8 

Glimpses Of The Past Extract Based Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. With its superior weapons, the British cast India company was extending its power in 18th-century India. Indian princesses were short-sighted.
That upstart Raja Bah! Call the English merchants. They will help me to defeat him.
The people had no peace due to such constant fights.
The rivalries helped the East India Company and it could easily subdue Indian princes one by one.

1.  What were the superior weapons?
2. Why were Indian princes called short-sighted?
3.  Who fought among themselves?
4.  What helped the East India Company?
5.  What did the company do?Answer.

1. The superior weapons were guns.
2.  Indian princes were unable to understand the consequences of their actions.
3.  Indian princes fought among themselves.
4.  Rivalries among princes helped the East India Company.
5.  The company captured the Indian states are by one

2.”Let us not despise ourselves our, ancient culture is great. And we are capable of greater achievements. We must first reform our society. Superstitious have been ruining us.” He told his wife Uma-“Cows are of different colors, but the color of their milk is the same.” Different teachers have different opinions but the essence of every religion is the same. He was attracted by science and modem knowledge. “Knowledge should be practical and scientific.”

1.  Who speaks the opening lines?
2.  Who are capable of greater achievements?
3.  What is the essence of every religion?
4.  How should be the knowledge?
5.  What attracted the speaker?Answer.

1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy speaks the opening lines.
2.  Indians are capable of greater achievements.
3.  Every religion teaches us to be tolerant towards each other.
4.  Knowledge should be practical and scientific.
5.  Science and modem knowledge attracted the speaker.

3. Taxes continued to ruin the peasants. In Bengal, the Santhals who had lost their lands under new land rules became desperate. In 1855, they rose to rebellion and massacred Europeans and their supporters alike. Discontent was brewing in the East India company’s army too. “The whole soldier gets huge pay, mansions to live in, servants.” “While we get a pittance and slow promotions”

1.  What ruined the peasants?
2.  Who lost their lands under new land rules?
3. When did they rise to rebellion?
4. What did they do?
5.  Who else was discontented?Answer.

1.  Taxes ruined the peasants.
2. Santhals lost their lands under new land rules.
3.  They rose to rebellion in 1855.
4. They massacred Europeans and their supporters alike.
5.  East India company’s army was discontented.

Glimpses Of The Past Very Short Answer Questiona

1. What made the Indian princes weak?
   Answer. Their short-sightedness and mutual rivalries made the Indian princes weak
2. What made the Indian people poor and unhappy under the British rule? Give one reason.
   Answer. The wrong administrative policies of the British made the Indian people poor and unhappy.
3. Who was Ram Mohan Roy?
   Answer. Ram Mohan Roy was a great social reformer who awakened the Indian masses.
4. What were the last words of Kunwar Singh of Bihar?
   Answer. His last words were: “Mother Ganga! This is my last offering to you.”

Short Answer Type Questions

1.  What role did Western Education play in preparing people for the revolt of 1857?
   
   Answer. The spread of Western Education in India changed the outlook of the people. They came to understand the causes behind their misery and suffering. They revolted against the British rulers in 1857.
2. How did the wrong policies of the British rule cause discontent among the Indians?
   
   Answer. The British rule in India was an oppressive one. Their administrative policies made the people poor and unhappy. They imposed heavy taxes on the Indians and destroyed the cottage. industries. Through foreign trade, they took away a huge sum of money to their country. All this
   caused discontent among Indians.

Glimpses Of The Past Long Answer Type Questions

From where did the Revolt of 1857 start? How did it spread all over India?

Answer. The Revolt of 1857 started in Meerut led by the sepoys of East Indian Company. Soon it spread far and wide. The Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the Emperor of India. Almost all the classes of the Indian society- joined hands with the Indian sepoys for the revolt Former rulers like Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow, Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad, and Tipu Sultan of Mysore played an important role in the armed struggle against the British. Kanpur, Jhansi, and Allahabad became the main centers of the revolt. The patriots pounced upon the British and fought bravely against them.

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Summary In English

The poem deals with a master criminal whom the poet calls Macavity, the mystery cat. He is also called the Hidden Paw.
The poet says that he defies law again and again, but he is never caught. When the Flying Squad reaches the scene of a crime, Macavity is not there. He always leaves the Scotland Yard puzzled. In committing crimes no one is like Macavity. He has broken almost every human law. He breaks the laws of nature too. He breaks the law of gravity. He has extraordinary power to float in the air without any support. But he is always beyond the reach of the police.
Macavity is tall and thin. One can recognise him by his physical features. His eyes are sunken in and his head is highly domed. He sways his head from side to side like a snake. His coat is dusty and his whiskers are uncombed. He is a devil in the shape of a cat. He is morally corrupt. You may meet and see him everywhere. But whenever some crime of his is discovered, he is not there.

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Summary In Hindi

यह कविता एक शातिर अपराधी से संबंधित है जिसे कवि Macavity नामक रहस्यमयी बिल्ला कहता है। वह छिपा पंजा भी कहलाता है।
कवि कहता है कि वह बार-बार कानून का उलंघन करता है परन्तु कभी पकड़ा नहीं जाता। जब उड़नदस्ता अपराध के घटना स्थल पर पहुंचता है, Macavity वहां नहीं होता। इसलिए लंदन पुलिस बल उलझन में है। जुर्म करने में Macavity की बराबरी कोई नहीं कर सकता। उसने सारे मानव निर्मित कानून तोड़ दिए है। उसने प्रकृति के सिद्धान्त को भी तोड़ दिया है। उदाहरणस्वरूप गुरुत्वाकर्षण का सिद्धान्त। उसमें बिना किसी सहारे के वायु में तैरने की असाधारण शक्ति है। परन्तु वह सदा पुलिस की पहुंच से बाहर है।
Macavity लम्बा पतला है। कोई भी उसे उसकी शारीरिक बनावट से पहचान सकता है। उसकी आंखें अन्दर धंसी हुई है और सिर गुम्बद जैसा है। वह अपने सिर को सांप की भान्ति इधर-इधर हिलाता है। उसकी खाल गंदी और मूंछे अस्त-व्यस्त हैं। इस शैतान की आकृति बिल्ले जैसी है। वह नैतिक रूप से भ्रष्ट है। आप उसे कभी भी कहीं भी मिल सकते हैं, परन्तु जब कभी उसके किसी अपराध का पता चलता है, वह अपराध स्थल पर नहीं होता।

KSEEB Class 8 English Chapter 3 Important Questions 

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Hindi Translation Of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

Do you have a pet cat? Have you ever noticed anything mysterious about it? It is not easy to say whether every cat is a mystery, but Macavity is one, for sure. What is that makes him a perfect mystery cat? Read the poem and find out.

क्या आपके पास एक पालतु बिल्ली है। क्या तुमने उसके बारे में कुछ रहस्यमयी महसूस करा है। यह कहना आसान नहीं है कि हर बिल्ली रहस्यमयी होती है। परन्तु Macavity है। ऐसा क्या है जो उसे एक पूर्ण रहस्यमयी बिल्ला बनाता है। कविता पढ़िए और जानिए।

1. 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 the crime- Macavity’s not there!

Macavity एक रहस्यमयी बिल्ली है जो छुपा हुआ पंजा भी कहलाती है।
वह एक शातिर अपराधी है जो कानून को धोखा दे सकता है।  Scotland Yard की पुलिस को उसने असमंजस में डाला है और Flying Squad निराश है। क्योंकि जब भी वह घटना स्थल पर पहुँचते है Macavity गायब हो जाता है

Word Meanings

paw- claved foot, पंजा
despair- a state in which all hope is lost, निराशा
defy- disobey, उल्लंघन करना
bafflement confusion, उलझन
mystery – something that is impossible to understand, रहस्यमय

2. Macavity, Macavity, there is 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 the crime – Macavity’s not there 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 जैसा कोई नहीं है। उसने सभी मानवीय कानून भंग कर दिए है। वह गुत्वाकर्षण का नियम भी तोड़ देता है। उसमें बिना सहारे हवा में उड़ने की इतनी शक्ति है कि कोई फकीर उसे देखता रह जाता है। परंतु जब भी कोई अपराध स्थल पर पहुंचता है, Macavity वहां नहीं मिलता। तुम उसे तहखाने में ढूंढ सकते हो, तुम उसे हवा में देख सकते हो, परंतु मैं तुम्हें एक बार फिर यह बता देता हूँ कि Macavity यहां नहीं मिलेगा।

Word Meanings

gravity-attraction of the earth’s center, गुरुत्वाकर्षण
levitation – floating in the air without support, बिना सहारे हवा में उड़ना
stare gaze, ध्यान से देखना
basement underground place, तहखाना

3. 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. 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.

Macavity बहुत ही मक्कार (पूर्त) बिल्ला है वह बहुत ही लम्बा तथा पतला है तुम उसे देखते ही पहचान जाओगे क्योंकि उसकी आखें अंदर की ओर घंसी हुई है। उसकी भौंहे विचारों में डूबे रहने के कारण तनी हुई है और उसका सिर पूरी तरह गुम्बदाकार है। उसका कोट (खाल) उसकी लापरवाही के कारण धूल से भरा रहता है। उसकी मूंछे उलझी हुई है, वह अपना सिर सांप की तरह इधर-उधर झुलाता रहता है और जब आप ये सोचते है कि वह आधी नींद सोया हुआ है वह हमेशा पूरी तरह सजग होता है।

Word Meanings

domed-shaped like a dome,
ginger cat – a brown-colored cat,  होने का रूपक
sunken – deep set, ter
sway – to move, a

4. 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!

Macavity जैसा कोई नहीं क्योंकि यह बिल्ली रूपी शैतान है तथा अनैतिकता रूपी राक्षस है वह आपकों छोटी सी गली में मिल सकता है। वह तुम्हें चौंक पर दिखाई दे सकता है। परंतु जब कोई अपराध सामने आता है, तो Macavity, हाथ नहीं आता।

Word Meanings

fiend devil, शैतान
depravity-moral corruption,
square – crossing, t
feline- cat like, facetten
monster- devil, टौतान, राक्षस

Analysis Of Glimpses Of The Past KSEEB English Reader 

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Textbook Exercises (Solved)

1. Working With The Poem
   Read the first stanza and think.Is Macavity a cat really?
    If not, who can Macavity be?
   
   Answer.No, Macavity is not a cat.
   Macavity is a notorious criminal.
2.  Complete the following sentences.
   
   (1) A master criminal is one who_____________
   (2) The Scotland Yard is baffled because___________________
   (3)______________because Macavity moves much faster than them.
   
   Answer.
   (1) commits a crime and leaves no sign.
   (2) Macavity is not found at the scene of the crime.
   (3) The police fail to arrest him
3. “A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through”. (Jules Verne) Which law is Macavity breaking in light of the comment above?
   Answer. Macavity is breaking the law of gravity.
4.  Read stanza 3 and, then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
   Answer. Macavity is very tall and thin. His head is highly domed and his eyes are sunken. He never combs his whiskers or dusts his coat. He sways his head from side to side like a snake.
   
   
5.  Say ‘False’ or ‘True’ for each of the following statements.
6. Macavity is not an ordinary cat.
7. Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do.
8.  Macavity has supernatural powers.
9.  Macavity is well-dressed, smart, and bright
10.  Macavity is a spy. a trickster and a criminal, all rolled into one.
    
    Answer 

1.  True
2.  False
3.  True
4.  False
5. True
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. Yes, the poet is fond of cats. But he does not like Macavity as he is a big criminal. He dodges the police every time. So, he calls him a fiend and monster.
7. Has the poet used exaggeration for special effects? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
   Answer. Yes, the poet has used exaggeration for special effects He has tried to show that Macavity has supernatural powers. The following lines support it:

1. He breaks the law of gravity.
2.  His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare.
3. You may seek him in the basement you may look up in the air But I tell you once and once again Macavity is not there

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Extract-Based Questions

Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) Macavity, Macavity, there is 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! 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

1. Who has broken every human law?
   Answer. Macavity has broken every human law.
2.  What makes a fakir stare?
   Answer. Macavity’s powers of levitation make a fakir stare.
3.  Which law of nature does Macavity break?
   Answer. Macavity breaks the law of gravitation.
4.  Can we find Macavity anywhere?
   Answer. No, we can’t find it. Macavity’ anywhere.
5. Write the rhyming words in the stanza.
   Answer. Macavity-gravity, stare-there-air’

(2) Macavit/s is a ginger cat, he’s very tall and thin; You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in. His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed; His coat is dusty from neglect, and 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.

1. How does Macavity look? Mention two of his physical features.
   Answer. Macavity is tall and thin. His eyes are sunken in.
2. What type of head does he have?
   Answer. He has a highly domed head.
3. How does he sway his head?
   Answer. He sways his head the way a snake does.
4. Why does he look dirty?
   Answer. He looks dirty because his coat is dusty and his whiskers are uncombed.
5. Are we right when we think Macavity is half asleep?
   Answer. No, we are not right. He is always wide awake.

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1.  Why does the poet say, ‘there is no one like Macavity’?
   Answer. The poet says so because Macavity has broken every human law.
2.  What makes Macavity a master criminal?
   Answer. Macavity leaves no signs at the scene of the crime This makes him a master criminal.
3.  What power of Macavity surprises even a fakir?
   Answer. His power of levitation surprises even a fakir.
4. What is the other name of the mystery cat?
   Answer. His other name is the Hidden Paw.

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Short Answer Type Questions

1. Give the central idea of the poem?
   Answer. The poem is based on the theme of crime and law. It is said that law has long hands. No criminal are can escape from them. But it does not apply to Macavity, a master criminal. He breaks the law again and again and leaves no signs. So he remains beyond the reach of the law.
2.  Why is Macavity called a mystery cat?
   Answer. Macavity is as clever and as active as a cat He also resembles a cat in his appearance. Besides, crimes committed by him always remain a mystery. Tnat is why Macavity is caJled a mystery cat.

Macavity-The Mystery Cat Long Answer Type Questions

1. How does the poet describe Macavity as a master criminal?
   Answer. The poem deals with a master criminal whom the poet calls Macavity, the mystery cat. He is also called the Hidden Paw. The poet says that he defies the law again and again, but he s never caught. When the Flying Squad reaches the scene of the crime, Macavity is not there. So Scotland Yard is puzzled. In committing crimes no one is like Macavity. He has broken almost every human law. He also breaks the law of gravity as he has extraordinary powers to float in the air without any support But he is always beyond the reach of the police.
2.  Mention the physical features of Macavity. Does he lead a moral life?
   Answer. Macavity is tall and thin. His eyes are sunken in and his head is highly domed. He sways his head from side to side like a snake. His coat is dusty and his whiskers are uncombed. He is a devil who is shaped like a cat. Macavity is morally corrupt, he commits crime after crime without being caught.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Karnataka State Syllabus

• Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World
• Chapter 2 The Tsunami
• Chapter 3 Glimpses of the past
• Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse Of Memory
• Chapter 5 The Summit Within
• Chapter 6 This Is Jody’s Fawn
• Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge
• Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
• Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face 1
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Class 8 English Supplementary Readers contains Textbook Readers and Supplementary Readers of all chapters are part of Revision Notes for grade 8 English. Here we have given notes Class VIII.

• Chapter 1 How The Camel Got His Hump
• Chapter 2 Children at Work
• Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant
• Chapter 4 The Treasure Within
• Chapter -5 Princess September
• Chapter 6 The Fight
• Chapter 7 The Open Window
• Chapter 8 Jalebis
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge Summary In English

‘A Visit to Cambridge’ is an autobiographical account of the writer, Firdaus Kanga. In the story, Firdaus Kanga recalls his thirty-minute meeting with Stephen Hawking. Both Firdaus Kanga and Stephen Hawking are persons with disability who have achieved a lot in their lives. Stephen Hawking is a world-famous astrophysicist whereas Kanga is a writer and journalist from Mumbai, India.

Kanga narrates how on a walking tour near Cambridge he was informed that Stephen Hawking lived nearby. He immediately rang Hawking at his house. Soon, he fixed a meeting with Hawking for thirty minutes. Kanga was extremely excited to meet Hawking but at the same time, he was afraid to say something foolish and waste the time allotted to him for the meeting.

Firdaus Kanga said that for him Stephen Hawking is an inspiration. He wanted to share his own struggle and experience as a ‘differently abled person with Stephen Hawking. He wanted to know how Stephen Hawking had overcome his limitations. When he met Hawking, he was surprised to hear Hawking telling him that he was not that brave but he had no other choice but to struggle and overcome his disability with intelligence.

Stephen’s every effort of tapping the switch in his hand to converse with Firdaus Kanga moved him greatly. Stephen Hawking and Firdaus Kanga went on to talk about various issues that affected their lives. They talked about the concept of happiness and how it affects a person with a disability. Stephen agreed with him on one thing he learned from his disability is how much kindness there is in the world.

During that small meeting, Kanga was able to recognise the beautiful man trapped inside a disintegrated body. Stephen added that a person with disability must concentrate fully on doing the things he/she is good at. Only then one could overcome physical limitations and give meaning to life. At the end of a longer-than-expected meeting, Firdaus Kanga felt truly connected with Stephen Hawking. He understood that he was not alone during years of his solitary struggle.

Thus, Firdaus Kanga was able to connect with Stephen Hawking at a new, hopeful level, and his Cambridge journey ended on a more positive note.

A Visit to Cambridge Summary In Hindi

‘कैंब्रिज भ्रमण लेखक फिरदौस कांगा का एक आत्मकथात्मक लेखा-जोखा है। इस लेख में फिरदौस कांगा ने स्टीफन हॉकिंग से अपने आधे घंटे की मुलाकात का वर्णन किया है। फिरदौस कांगा और स्टीफन हॉकिंग दोनों शारीरिक अपंगता के शिकार थे और इसके बावजूद उन्होंने अपने जीवन में ढेरों उपलब्धियाँ हासिल कीं। स्टीफन हॉकिंग विश्वविख्यात तारा- भैतिकीविज्ञानी हैं जबकि फिरदौस कांगा भारतीय पत्रकार और लेखक हैं जो मुंबई में रहते हैं। उन्होंने बताया है कि कैसे जब वे कैंब्रिज के पास टहल रहे थे तब उन्हें पता चला कि स्टीफन हॉकिंग पास ही रहते हैं।

वे तुरंत ही हॉकिंग के घर की ओर मुड़ गए। जल्दी ही उन्हें हॉकिंग से आधे घंटे की मुलाकात का समय मिल गया। कांगा इस मुलाकात को लेकर काफी उत्साहित थे और साथ ही इस बात को लेकर आशंकित भी कि कहीं उनके मुँह से कुछ मूर्खतापूर्ण बात न निकल जाए और मुश्किल से मिला मुलाकात का कीमती समय बरबाद हो जाए। फिरदौस का कहना है कि स्टीफन हॉकिंग उनके प्रेरणास्रोत रहे हैं। वे स्टीफन हॉकिंग से ‘अन्य रूप से सक्षम व्यक्ति के रूप में अपने संघर्ष और अनुभवों को बाँटना चाहते थे। वे यह जानना चाहते थे कि कैसे स्टीफन हॉकिंन ने अपनी सीमाओं और बाध्यताओं पर विजय प्राप्त की। हॉकिंग से मिलने के बाद तो उन्हें उस समय बड़ा आश्चर्य हुआ जब हॉकिंग ने कहा कि वे बहादुर नहीं थे किंतु उनके पास इसके अलावा कोई चारा भी नहीं था कि वे संघर्ष करें और प्रतिभा के बल पर अपनी शारीरिक अक्षमताओं पर विजय प्राप्त करें।

बातचीत के दौरान स्टीफन ने प्रत्येक टेपिंग स्विच का संचालन बड़ी कुशलता से किया, जो कि लेखक के लिए एक शानदार अनुभव था। फिरदौस कांगा और स्टीफन हॉकिंग ने उनके खुद के जीवन को प्रभावित करनेवाले विभिन्न पहलुओं पर विचार विमर्श किया। उन्होंने जीवन में खुशी की अवधारणा पर विचार किया, साथ ही इस पर भी कि यह कैसे शारीरिक रूप से अक्षम व्यक्तियों को प्रभावित कर सकती है। स्टीफन ने अपने इस तथ्य को स्वीकार किया कि उन्होंने अपनी अशक्तता से एक बात जानी है कि संसार में कितनी दया-भावना है।

इस छोटी सी मुलाकात में कांगा यह जान गए कि स्टीफन एक अशक्त शरीर में एक सुंदर इनसान हैं। स्टीफन ने आगे बताया कि एक शारीरिक रूप से अशक्त व्यक्ति को हमेशा पूरी शक्ति लगाकर वही काम करना चाहिए जिसे करने में वह पूरी तरह सक्षम हो। तभी वह अपनी शारीरिक अक्षमताओं पर विजय प्राप्त कर अपना जीवन सार्थक ढंग से जी सकता है। अपेक्षा से ज्यादा लंबी चली इस मुलाकात के अंत में फिरदौस ने स्वयं का स्टीफन हॉकिंग से एक सच्चा आत्मिक जुड़ाव पाया। उनकी समझ में यह बात आ गई कि इस संघर्षपूर्ण संसार में वे अकेले आदमी नहीं हैं।

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge Summary 

A Visit to Cambridge Hindi Translations Of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

This is the story of a meeting between two extraordinary people, both of them ‘disabled, or ‘differently abled’ as we now say. Stephen Hawking is one of the greatest scientists of our time. He suffers from a form of paralysis that confines him to a wheelchair and allows him to ‘speak’ only by punching buttons on a computer, which speaks for him in a machine-like voice. Firdaus Kanga is a writer and a journalist who lives and works in Mumbai. Kanga was born with ‘brittle bones’ that tended to break easily when he was a child. Like Hawking, Kanga moves around in a wheelchair. The two great men exchange thoughts on what it means to live life in a wheelchair, and on how the so-called ‘normal’ people react to the disabled.

यह दो असाधारण व्यक्तियों के मिलन की कहानी है, दोनों ही विकलांग अथवा विभिन्न योग्यताओं वाले स्टीफन हाकिंग वर्तमान युग महानतम् वैज्ञानिकों में से एक हैं। वह लकवे (पक्षाघात) के शिकार हैं, जिस कारण वह व्हीलचेअर तक सीमित रह गये हैं और वह कम्प्यूटर के बटन दबा कर ही बात करते हैं जो उनके लिए मशीन जैसी आवाज़ में बात करता हैं। फिरदौस कांगा एक लेखक एवं लेखक एवं पत्रकार हैं जिनका निवास और कार्यक्षेत्र मुम्बई है। बचपन से ही कांगा की हड्डियाँ कमजोर थीं जो आसानी से टूट सकती थीं। हाकिंग के समान ही कांगा भी व्हीलचेअर पर ही घूमते फिरते हैं। दोनो महान् व्यक्ति, कुर्सी पर जीवन व्यतीत करने और सामान्य व्यक्तियों की विकलांगों के प्रति प्रतिक्रिया करने के विषय पर विचारों का आदान-प्रदान करते हैं।

Word Meanings

• paralysis – a medical condition in which a person experiences inability to move, लकवा
• extraordinarily remarkable, असाधारण

1. Cambridge was my metaphor for England, and it was strange that when I left it had become altogether something else because I had met Stephen Hawking there. It was on a walking tour through Cambridge that the guide mentioned Stephen Hawking, ‘poor man, who is quite disabled now, though he is a worthy successor to Issac Newton, whose Chair he has at the university.’ And I started, because I had quite forgotten that this most brilliant and completely paralyzed astrophysicist, the author of A Brief History of Time, one of the biggest best-sellers ever, lived here.

मेरे लिए कैम्ब्रिज ही इंग्लैंड था और विचित्र बात यह है कि जब मैंने वहां से प्रस्थान किया तो यह मेरे लिए पूरी तरह बदल गया था, क्योंकि वहां मेरी भेंट स्टीफ़न हाकिंग से हो गई थी। कैम्ब्रिज की पद यात्रा के दौरान मार्ग दर्शक ने स्टीफन हाकिंग के बारे में बताया कि वह बेचारा अब अपाहिज है। यद्यपि वह आइसक न्यूटन का योग्य उत्तराधि कारी है और विश्वविद्यालय में उसी की कुर्सी पर आसीन है और मैं सोच में पड़ गया क्योंकि मैं यह बिल्कुल भूल गया था कि यह सबसे अधिक प्रतिभावान और पूर्ण रूप से अपंग (पक्षघात का शिकार) खगोल भौतिकी का वैज्ञानिक जो सर्वाधिक बिकने वाली पुस्तकों ‘समय का संक्षिप्त इतिहास’ का लेखक है, वहाँ रहता है।

Word Meanings

• brilliant -bright, दैदीप्यमान
• astrophysicist – a scholar of astrophysics, a branch of physics dealing with the stars. etc, सितारों के ज्ञाता
• metaphor – a figure of speech that identifies something as being the same as some unrelated thing, रूपक
• successor – one who succeeds another, उत्तराधिकारी

2. When the walking tour was done, I rushed to a phone booth and, almost tearing the cord so it could reach me outside, phoned Stephen Hawking’s house. There was his assistant on the line and I told him I had come in a wheelchair from India (perhaps he thought I had propelled myself all the way) to write about my travels in Britain. I had to see Professor Hawking even ten minutes would do. “Half an hour,” he said. “From three-thirty to four.”

यात्रा खत्म होने पर मैं तेजी से एक फोन बूथ पर गया, तार को झपट कर खींचा ताकि वह मुझ तक बाहर पहुँच जाए और स्टीफन हॉकिंग के घर पर फोन किया। फोन उनके सहायक ने उठाया और मैंने उसे बताया कि मैं भारत से पहियों वाली कुर्सी (व्हॉल चेअर) पर आया हूं (शायद उसने सोचा कि मैं सारा रास्ता व्हौल चेअर पर बैठ कर उसे हाथों से चला कर आया हूँ) और अपनी ब्रिटेन यात्रा का विवरण लिखना चाहता हूं। मैं प्रोफैसर हाकिंग से मिलना चाहता हूं दस मिनट ही काफी हैं। “आधा घण्टा, ” उसने कहा, “साढ़े तीन से चार बजे तक। “

Word Meanings

• rushed -done too hurriedly, तेजी से जाना
• propelled- push or drive forward, घसीटना, चलाना

3. And suddenly I felt weak all over. Growing up disabled, you get fed up with people asking you to be brave as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque. The only thing that makes you stronger is seeing somebody like you, achieving something huge. Then you know how much is possible and you reach out further than you ever thought you could. “I haven’t been brave,” said his disembodied computer-voice, the next afternoon. “I’ve had no choice.”

और अचानक मुझे सारे शरीर में कमजोरी महसूस होने लगी। अपंगता में बड़े होकर आप उन लोगों से तंग आ जाते हैं जो आप को बहादुर बनने के लिए कहते हैं मानों आपका साहस का खाता है और आप चैक द्वारा निकालने में सुस्ती दिखा रहे हैं। अपने जैसे किसी अन्य अपंग को देखना जिसने जीवन में कोई महान् उपलब्धि प्राप्त की है, मात्र ऐसी बात है जो आप को मजबूती देती है। तब आपको पता चलता है कि आपके लिए कितना कुछ कर पाना सम्भव है और जितना आप सोचते हैं आप उससे कहीं अधिक पा सकते हैं। अगली दोपहर बाद उसके शरीर रहित कम्प्यूटर की आवाज ने कहा, “मुझ में साहस की कमी रही है। मेरे पास इसका कोई विकल्प नहीं था “

Word Meanings

• disembodied – existing without the body. खंडित

4. Surely, I wanted to say, living creatively with the reality of his disintegrating body was a choice? But I kept quiet because I felt guilty every time I spoke to him, forcing him to respond. There he was. tapping at the little switch in his hand, trying to find the words on his computer with the only bit of movement left to him, his long, pale fingers. Every so often, his eyes would shut in frustrated exhaustion. And sitting opposite him I could feel his anguish, the mind buoyant with thoughts that came out in frozen phrases and sentences stiff as corpses.
“A lot of people seem to think that disabled people are chronically unhappy,” | said. “| know that’s not true myself. Are you often laughing inside?”
About three minutes later, he responded, “I find it amusing when people patronise me.” “And do you find it annoying when someone like me comes and disturbs you in your work?”

निश्चित रूप से मैं यह कहना चाहता था कि क्या विघटित हो रहे शरीर की वास्तविकता के साथ रचनात्मक ढंग से जीना एक विकल्प नहीं था? परन्तु मैं चुप रहा, क्योंकि हर बार जब मैं उनसे बात करता, उन्हें उत्तर देने के लिए विवश करता जिसके कारण मुझ में अपराध भावना बनी रहती थी। अपने हाथ में एक छोटा सा स्विच लिए वहां बैठे अपने कम्प्यूटर पर शब्दों को तलाश करना ही उनकी लम्बी, पीली उंगलियों की थोड़ी बहुत क्रिया थी। जब-तब उनकी आंखे निराशा थकान के कारण बन्द हो जाती थीं। उनके सामने बैठे हुए मैं उनकी वेदना महसूस कर सकता था, उनके दिमाग में विचारों का एक समुद्र ठाठें मार रहा था, जो जमे हुए शब्दों तथा शव के समान कठोर वाक्यों के रूप में बाहर निकल रहे थे।
मैनें कहा, “ऐसा लगता है कि बहुत से लोग यह सोचते हैं कि विकलांग हमेशा दुखी रहते हैं। मैं जानता हूं कि यह बात मेरे बारे में तो सत्य नहीं है। क्या आप कभी मन ही मन हंसते हैं?” लगभग तीन मिनट बाद उन्होंने उत्तर दिया, “जब लोग मुझ पर कृपा दृष्टि करते हैं तो मुझे हास्यकर लगता है। ” और क्या उस समय आपको बुरा नहीं लगता जब मुझ जैसा कोई व्यक्ति आप के पास आता है और आपके कार्य में बाधा डालता है?”

Word Meanings

• creatively- having power of creation, रचनात्मक
• buoyant- (here) full of life, जानदार
• chronically- continuing a long time, दीर्घस्थायी
• anguish -pain, पीड़ा, तकलीफ

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For A Visit To Cambridge 

5. The answer flashed. “Yes.” Then he smiled his oneway smile and I knew, without being sentimental or silly, that I was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world.
A first glimpse of him is shocking because he is like a still photograph-as if all those pictures of him in magazines and newspapers have turned three-dimensional.
Then you see the head twisted sideways into a slump, the torso shrunk inside the pale blue shirt, the wasted legs; you look at his eyes which can speak, still, and they are saying something huge and urgent – it is hard to tell what. But you are shaken because you have seen something you never thought could be seen.

उत्तर तुरन्त मिला, “हां लगता है।” फिर वह अपने ही अन्दाज में मुस्करा दिए और मैं बिना भावुक हुए अथवा बिना कोई मूर्खता दिखाए समझ गया कि मैं संसार में सबसे सुंदर व्यक्तियों में से एक को देख रहा हूं।
उनकी पहली झलक ठेस पहुंचाती है क्योंकि वह एक निश्चल फोटो की तरह हैं मानो पत्रिकाओं और समाचार पत्रों में छपे उनके सभी चित्र त्रि-आयामी हो गए हैं।
फिर आप उनके सिर को एक ओर मुड़े लटका हुए देखते हैं, फीके नीले रंग की कमीज़ के अन्दर धंसा हुआ उनका धड़ बेजान टांगे; आप उनकी आंखों पर दृष्टि डालें जो बोल सकती हैं, शान्त स्वर में कोई ऊंची तथा महत्तवपूर्ण बात कह रही हैं यह बताना कठिन है कि वे क्या कह रही हैं। परन्तु आप विचलित हो उठते हैं क्योंकि आपने ऐसी चीज़ देख ली है जिसे देखने की आप कल्पना भी नहीं कर सकते।

Word Meanings

• dimensional – measurement in length, width, and thickness, आयामी
• slump – drooping to sides, लटकना, झुकना

6. Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man. The body, almost irrelevant, exists only like a case made of shadows. So that I, no believer in eternal souls, know that this is what each of us is; everything else an accessory. “What do you think is the best thing about being disabled?” I had asked him earlier, “I don’t think there is anything good about being disabled.”
“l think;” I said, “you do discover how much kindness there is in the world.”
“Yes,” he said; it was a disadvantage of his voice synthesizer that it could convey no inflection, no shades or tone. And I could not tell how enthusiastically he agreed with me.

आपके सामने एक ऐसे व्यक्ति की आन्तरिक आभा है जो ऐसी लालटेन के समान है जिसकी दीवारें इतनी पतली हो चुकी हैं कि अन्दर केवल प्रकाश की लौ ही दिखाई देती है।शरीर लगभग बेकार हो चुका है जो परछाइयों की बनी पेटी के समान है। भले ही मैं अजर अमर आत्मा में विश्वास नहीं रखता, यह जानता हूं कि हम सब की यही स्थिती है, अन्य सभी वस्तुएं अनावश्यक सज्जा वाली हैं।
“आपके विचार में विकलांग होने में सबसे अच्छी बात क्या है” मैने एक बार उनसे पूछा था। “मुझे नहीं लगता कि विकलांग होने में कुछ अच्छा है।”
“मेने विचार में है। आपके पता चलता है कि संसार में कितनी अधिक दयालुता है” मैंनें कहा।
“हां, उन्होंने कहा, “यह उनके ध्वनि यन्त्र की त्रुटि थी कि वह उनकी ध्वनि के उतार-चढ़ाव एवं स्वर के बदलाव को प्रेषित नहीं कर पाता था और मैं कह नहीं सकता कि वह कितने उत्साह से मेरे साथ सहमत थे।

Word Meanings

• irrelevant- not to the point, असम्बद्ध
• exist- to live, जीवित रहना, अस्तित्व
• eternal – which always exists, अनन्त
• enthusiastically -with enthusiasm, उत्साह से incandescence inner glow, अन्दरूनी रोशनी
• accessory -essential decorative item, जरूरी चीज़ सुन्दरता बढ़ाने के लिए
• inflection – rise and fall of the voice in speaking, बोलने में आवाज के उतार-चढ़ाव

7. Every time I shifted in my chair or turned my wrist to watch the time I wanted to make every one of our thirty minutes count-I felt a huge relief and exhilaration in the possibilities of my body. How little it mattered then that I would never walk, or even stand. I told him how he had been an inspiration beyond cliche’ for me, and, surely, for others – did that Does thought help him?
“No,” he said; and I thought how foolish I was to ask, When your body is a claustrophobic room and the walls are growing narrower day by day, it doesn’t do much good to know that there are people outside smiling with admiration to see you breathing still. “Is there any advice you can give disabled people, something that might help make life better?”
“They should concentrate on what they are good at; I think things like the disabled Olympics are a waste of time.”
“I know what you mean,” I remembered the years I’d spent trying to play a Spanish guitar considerably larger than I was; and how gleefully I had unstrung it one night. The half-hour was up. “I think I’ve annoyed you enough,” I said, grinning. “Thank you for…”

हर बार जब मैं कुर्सी में अपनी स्थिति बदलता अथवा समय देखने के लिए कलाई घुमाता-मैं उन तीस मिनटों के एक-एक मिनट को महत्त्वपूर्ण ( उपयोगी) बनाना चाहता था- मुझे अपने शरीर की क्षमताओं को देख कर बड़ी राहत और प्रसन्नता प्राप्त हुई। तब मेरे लिए इस बात का कोई महत्व नहीं रहा कि मैं कभी भी चल न संकूगा अथवा खड़ा भी नहीं हो पाऊगां।
मैंने उन्हें बताया कि वह मेरे लिए और निश्चित रूप से दूसरों के लिए किस प्रकार प्रेरणा का स्त्रोत रहे हैं। क्या यह विचार उनके लिए सहायक सिद्ध हुआ? “नहीं”, उन्होंने कहा; और मैंने सोचा कि मेरे लिए यह पूछना कितना मूर्खतापूर्ण था। जब आपका शरीर एक घुटन भरे बहुत छोटे से कमरे के समान हो गया हो जिसकी दीवारें दिन-प्रतिदिन तंग होती जा रही हों, तो यह जानकर कोई लाभ नहीं होता कि बाहर ऐसे लोग भी हैं जो आप को इस अवस्था में जीवित देखकर भी प्रंशसा से मुस्कराते हैं। “क्या आप विकलांगों को कोई परामर्श देना चाहेंगे जो जीवन को बेहतर बनाने में सहायक हो?” ‘‘उन्हें उन चीजों पर ध्यान देना चाहिए जिन पर उनकी पकड़ मज़बूत हैं। मेरे विचार में विकलांगों की ओलम्पिक खेलें कराने जैसे कार्य समय की बरबादी होगी ”
“मैं आप का मतलब समझता हूं। मुझे उन वर्षों की याद ताजा हो गई जब मैं अपने से बड़ी स्पेनिश सितार (गिटार) बजाने का प्रयत्न किया करता था जिसे एक रात मैंने खुशी-खुशी तोड़ डाला था। आधा घंटा बीत गया। “मैं सोचता हूं कि मैंने आपको कुछ अधिक ही परेशान किया है, “मैंने मुस्कराते हुए कहा। ………..के लिए धन्यवाद । “

Word Meanings

• cliche’ – phrase used so often that it loses its meaning, घिसी-पिटी उक्ति
• gleefully- happily, बहुत खुशी से
• exhilaration- to cheer up, प्रफुल्लित होना
• relief – a feeling of relaxation from pain, दुःख से मुक्ति
  
• inspiration – a feeling that motivates to do something, ईश्वरीय प्ररेणा

8. “Stay.” I waited. “Have some tea. I can show you the garden” The garden was as big as a park, but Stephen Hawking covered every inch, rumbling along in his motorised wheelchair while I dodged to keep out of the way. We couldn’t talk very much; the sun made him silent, the letters on his screen disappearing in the glare.
An hour later, we were ready to leave. I didn’t know what to do. I could not kiss him or cry. I touched his shoulder and wheeled out into the summer evening. I looked back; and I knew he was waving, though he wasn’t Watching him, an embodiment of my bravest self, the one I was moving towards, the one I had believed in for so many years, alone, I knew that my journey was over. For now.

‘रूको। “मैंने प्रतीक्षा की। “थोड़ी चाय लीजिए मैं आपको बगीचा दिखा सकता हूं।” बगीचा एक पार्क जितना बड़ा था। परन्तु स्टीफन हॉकिंग ने अपनी मोटर चालित व्हील चेअर की गड़गड़ाहट के साथ चप्पा-चप्पा तय किया जबकि मैं उस दौरान रास्ता देने के लिए पिछड़ जाता रहा। हम अधिक बातें न कर सकें। धूप ने उन्हें शान्त कर दिया। उनकी स्क्रीन के शब्द चमक के साथ लुप्त हो गए।
एक घण्टे बाद हम जाने के लिए तैयार हो गए। मैं नहीं जानता था कि क्या करूं। मैं न तो उसका चुम्बन ले सका और न ही रो सका। मैनें उनका कंधा हुआ और अपनी व्हील चेअर पर गर्मियों की शाम में बाहर निकल आया। मैने मुडकर पीछे देखा तो मुझे लगा कि वह हाथ हिलाकर अलविदा कह रहे हैं यद्यपि ऐसा नहीं था। उन्हें देखकर मुझे ऐसा लगा कि वह मेरे दृढ़ साहस का साकार रूप हैं। वही मेरा लक्ष्य है जिसकी ओर मैं बढ़ रहा था और वर्षों से मेरा जो विश्वास रहा था, उसका प्रतीक है। मैं समझ गया कि मेरी यात्रा पूर्ण हो गई है। अभी तक…….

Word Meanings

• embodiment- personification, प्रतिरूप

A Visit To Cambridge Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

A Visit to Cambridge Textbook Exercises (Solved)

Comprehension Check 

Which is the right sentence?

1. ‘Cambridge was my metaphor for England.’ To the writer,

1. Cambridge was a reputed university in England.
2.  England was famous for Cambridge.
3.  Cambridge was the real England.

2. The writer phoned Stephen Hawking’s house

1. from the nearest phone booth.
2.  from outside a phone booth.
3. from inside a phone booth).

3.  Every time he spoke to the scientist, the writer felt guilty because

1. he wasn’t sure what he wanted to ask
2. he forced the scientist to use his voice synthesizer.
3. he was face-to-face with a legend.

4. ‘I felt a huge relief…..in the possibilities of my body.’ In the given context, the highlighted words refer to:

1. shifting in the wheelchair, turning the wrist
2. standing up. walking.
3. speaking, writing
   
   

Answer.

1. (3)
   
2. (2)
   
3. (2)
   
4. (1)

A Visit to Cambridge Working With The Text

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.

1.  Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
   
2. Did he at the same time feel very excited? If so, why?

Answer.

1. Yes, the writer felt nervous about the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking. He was nervous because he was tired of people asking him to be brave. He didn’t want Stephen to treat him like that.
2. Yes, he felt excited at the same time because he considered Stephen Hawking his inspiration. He felt that meeting somebody of his own kind would give him strength to meet challenges of life in a better way.

Question 2. Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.

Answer. The writer must have asked the scientist how he had been so brave.

Question 3. Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think there was a choice? What was it?

Answer. Yes, the writer thought that there was a choice. The choice was to live creatively without caring for his disability.

Question 4.’I could feel his anguish.’What could be the anguish?

Answer. The anguish was the feeling of helplessness. Stephen’s fingers were pale and mind frustrated. He could not even speak properly.

Question 5. What endeared the scientist to the writer so that he said he was looking at one of the most beautiful men in the world?

Answer. The author was not looking at outward beauty rather he was talking about inner beauty. Stephen was a strong and brave man with a good heart

Question 6. Read aloud the description of the beautiful man. Which is the most beautiful sentence in the description?

Answer. Most beautiful line of the description is: Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn, so thin that you glimpse only the light inside, is the incandescence of a man.

Explanation of A Visit To Cambridge KSEEB Class 8 

Question 7.

1. If the lantern’ is the man, what would its ‘walls’ be?
2.  What is housed within the thin walls?
3.  What general conclusion does the writer draw from the comparison?
   

Answer.

1. Here ‘walls’ refer to the body which is weak and without any strength.
2. Within those thin walls are the thoughts and feelings of the human being and a mind which is full of emotions.
3. The writer reels that what we think and feel is more important than whether we can walk and stand.

Question 8. What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?

Answer. Do only those things at which you are good. Do not waste time in trying to do things that are beyond your reach.

Question 9. Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?

Answer. The writer refers to the guitar incident because he had wasted a lot of time on this exercise. It supports the idea that one should only concentrate on those things at which they are good.

Question 10. The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is gratitude for?

Answer. The gratitude is for not treat ng his disability as a weakness. Hawking overpowers it and emerges an inspiration for other disabled people.

Question 11. Complete the following sentences taking their appropriate parts from both the boxes below.

1. There was his assistant on the line________________.
2.  You get fed up with people asking you to be brave,____________________
3. There he was,_________________ .
4.  You look at his eyes which can speak, _________________.
5.  It doesn’t do much good to know________________.

A

• tapping at a little switch in his hand
•  and I told him
• that there are people
• as if you have a courageous account
•  and they are saying something huge and urgent.

B

•  trying to find the words on his computer.
•  I had come in a wheelchair ^om India.
•  on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque.
•  smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.
•  it is hard to tell what

.Answer.

1.  and I told him I had come in w a wheelchair from India.
2. as f you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque
3. tapping at a little switch in his hand, trying to find words on his computer.
4.  and they are saying something huge and urgent it is hard to tell what.
5.  that there are people smiling with admiration to see you breathing still.

KSEEB notes for Class 8 English Chapter 7 

A Visit to Cambridge Working With Language

Question 1. Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using the appropriate forms of the words given in the following box:

1.  I met a_____________ from an antique land.
2.  I need special____________ in Mathematics. I can’t count the number of times I have failed in the subject
3. The guide called Stephen Hawking a worthy___________ to Issac Newton.
4.  His other problems____________ into insignificance beside this unforeseen mishap.
5. The meeting was________________ by the youngest member of the board.
6.  Some people say yours ’______________ when they informally refer to themselves.
7.  I wish it had been a________ match. We would have been spared the noise of celebrations, at least

Answer.

1.  traveler
   
2.  Guidance
   
3. successor
   
4. paled
   
5.  chaired
   
6.  truly
   
7.  drawn.

Question 2. Look at the following words:
walk       stick
Can you create a meaningful phrase using both of these words?
(It is simple. Add -into the verb and use it before the noun. Put an article at the beginning.) … a walking stick.
Now make six such phrases using the words given in the box.

Answer

1.  a reading session
2. a smiling face
3.  a revolving chair
4.  a walking tour
5. a dancing doll
6. a winning chance

Question 3. Use all or both in the blanks. Tell your partner why you chose one or the other.

1. He has two brothers.__________ are lawyers.
2.  More than ten persons called.______________ of them wanted to see you.
3.  The______________ cheered the team.
4.  ________________her parents are teachers.
5.  How much have you got? Give me _____________of it
   

Answer.

1. Both
2. All
3.  All
4.  Both
5. All
   

In sentences (1) and (4) both are used because they involve two persons, in sentences (2), (3), and (5), ‘all’ is used because more than two persons/things are involved.

Question 4.  Complete each sentence using the right form of the adjective given in brackets.

1. My friend has one of the_________ cars on the road, (fast)
2.  This is the_____________ story I have ever read, (interesting)
3. What you are doing now is_____________ then what you d d yesterday, (easy)
4.  Ramesh and his wife are both._______________(short)
5. He arrived as usual. Even the chief guest came_________ than he did. (late, early)
   

Answer.

1.  fastest
2.  most interesting
3.  easier
4.  short
5.  late, earlier.

KSEEB Class 8 English Chapter 7 Important Questions 

A Visit to Cambridge Speaking And Writing

Question 1. Say the following words with the correct stress. Pronounce the parts given in color loudly and clearly.
• In a word having more than one syllable, the stressed syllable is the one that is more prominent than the other syllable(s).
• A word has as many syllables as it has vowels,
man (one syllable)
manner (two syllables)
The mark (’) indicates that the first syllable in ‘manner’ is more prominent than the other.

Question 2.  Underline stressed syllables in the following words. Consult the dictionary or ask the teacher if necessary.

Answer. Students will do it themselves.

Question 3. Writing a notice for the School Notice Board

Step I
Discuss why notices are put up on the notice board.
What kinds of ‘notices’ have you lately seen on the board?
How is a notice different from a letter or a descriptive paragraph?

Step 2
Suppose you have lost or found something on the campus. What have you lost or found? You want to write a notice about it If you have lost something, you want it restored to you in case someone has found it. If you have found something, you want to return it to its owner

Step 3
Write a few lines describing the object you have lost or found. Mention the purpose of the notice in clear terms. Also write your name, class, section, and date.

Step 4
Let one member of each group read aloud the notice to the entire class. Compare your notice with the other notices, and make changes, if necessary, with the help of the teacher.
• Imagine that you are a journalist
• You have been asked to interview the president of the village panchayat.
• Write eight to ten questions you wish to ask.
• The questions should elicit comments as well as plans regarding water and electricity-, cleanliness, and school education in the village.

Answer.

OR
As a journalist, I would like to ask the following questions:

1.  As president of the panchayat, what have you done to provide clean water to the villagers?
2. How is the condition of electricity in the village?
3. There is a middle school in the village. Have you approached the authorities to upgrade the school?
4. Is there a public library/reading room in the village?
5.  Have you taken steps to promote games?
6.  The drainage system is far from satisfactory. What efforts have you made in this direction?
7.  Have you ever told the people about the benefits of investing their money in small-saving schemes?
8. Have you ever visited doctors to educate people about sanitation?

A Visit to Cambridge Extract-Based Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1.  And suddenly I ‘felt weak all over. Growing up disabled, you get fed up with people asking you to be brave as if you have a courage account on which you are too lazy to draw a cheque. The only thing that makes you stronger is seeing somebody like you, achieving something huge. Then you know how much is possible and you reach out further than you ever thought you could.

1. Name the author of the lines.
2. What is wrong with him?
3. What makes him irritated?
4.  From where does he get strength?
5. By meeting somebody like him what feelings are evoked in him?
   
   

Answer.

1.  Firdaus Kanga is the author of the lines.
2.  He is disabled.
3. When people keep asking him to be brave, he gets irritated.
4. He gets strength when he comes across people who are disabled like him and have achieved a lot in their lives.
5. By meeting people like him. he realises what all he can do. Those are the things which he has never thought of doing.

2. “What do you think is the best thing about being disabled?” I had asked him earlier.
“I don’t think there is anything good about being disabled.”
“I think,” I said, “You do discover how much kindness there is in the world.”
“Yes,” he said, ‘it was a disadvantage of his voice synthesizer that it could convey no inflection, no shades or tone. All I could not tell how enthusiastically he agreed with me.

1. Who is T in the opening line?
2. What question does he ask the addressee?
3.  What answer does he get?
4. What are author’s views of the voice synthesiser?
5.  Make nouns from think, tell.
   
   

Answer.

1. T is the author, Firdaus Kanga.
2. He asks the addressee what the best thing about being disabled is.
3.  He gets the answer that there is nothing good about being disabled.
4. The author feels the voice synthesiser can only convey the words. It can’t convey the emotions and feelings behind those words.
5. Thought and tale.

3. When your body is in a claustrophobic room and the walls are growing narrower day by day. It doesn’t do much good to know that there are people outside smiling with admiration to see you breathing still. “Is there any advice you can give disabled people, something that might help make life better?” “They should concentrate on what they are good at; I think things like the disabled Olympics are a waste of time.”

1. Whose body is being referred to in the opening lines?
2.  Why does people’s admiration not mean anything to him?
3. Why does the author want him to give advice to disabled people?
4. What is his advice?
5. What is waste of time for him?

Answer.

1. Stephen Hawking’s body is being referred to in the opening lines.
2. Living himself is a constant struggle for him. When people admire him for his courage he does not find anything extraordinary in it
3.  The author wants him to give advice to other disabled people because he considers him an embodiment of all virtues.
4.  He advises the disabled to spend the time and energy on those activities at which they are good.
5.  For him, things like the disabled Olympics are a waste of time.

4. An hour later, we were ready to leave. I didn’t know what to do. I could not kiss him or cry’. I touched his shoulder and wheeled out into the summer evening. I looked back; and I knew he was waving though he wasn’t Watching h m an embodiment of my bravest self, the one I was moving towards, the one I had believed in for so many years, alone. I knew that my journey was over for now.

1. What were the author’s feelings when he had to leave?
2. How did he bid him goodbye?
3.  What did he feel when he looked back?
4. Was Stephen waving him goodbye?
5. How was the author’s journey over?
   
   

Answer.

1.  He felt very attached to Stephen Hawking but did not know how to convey his feeling. He could not decide whether to kiss him or cry.
2. He bade him goodbye by touching him on his shoulder.
3. He felt that Stephen Hawking was also bidding him goodbye.
4. No, Stephen was not waving him goodbye.
5. The author’s journey was over because he felt contented after meeting Stephen Hawking.

Analysis of A Visit to Cambridge KSEEB English Reader 

A Visit to Cambridge Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Who wanted to meet whom in the story ‘A Visit to Cambridge’?

Answer. The author, Firdaus Kanga wanted to meet Stephen Hawking.

Question 2.  What was similar between Firdaus Kanga and Stephen Hawking?

Answer. Both Firdaus Kanga and Stephen Hawking were differently abled.

Question 3. Where did the author meet Stephen Hawking?

Answer. The author met Stephen Hawking in Hawking’s house in Cambridge.

Question 4. “I haven’t been brave “Who said this and to whom?

Answer. Stephen Hawking said this to the author.

A Visit to Cambridge Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.  How did Stephen Hawking communicate with the author?

Answer Stephen Hawking communicated with the author by finding words in the computer and selecting them by tapping at the little switch in his hand

Question 2. What was Stephen Hawking’s advice for a person with a disability?

Answer. According to Stephen Hawking, a person with a disability should focus on the things that he/she is good at

Question 3.  What did the author realize at the end of his meeting with Stephen Hawking?

Answer. For years, the author had believed that he was all alone struggling with his disability. On meeting Stephen Hawking he realised that he was rot alone.

Question 4.  What did the author comment about people?

Answer. The author said that people are generally kind. Because of his disability, he has understood how much kindness there is in the world.

A Visit to Cambridge Long Answer Type Questions

‘The only thing that makes you stronger is seeing somebody like you.” What was the author referring to here?

Answer. The author, Firdaus Kanga, was a journalist and writer. He was also a man with a disability. When he said that the only thing that makes you stronger was seeing somebody like you, he was referring to his meeting with Stephen Hawking. He expected that his meeting with Stephen Hawking would help him understand how much was still possible with disability. People generally talk about courage but meeting someone who is actually struggling with the same problems that the author was facing could help him have more faith in himself.

When I set out for Lyonnesse Summary In English

The poem ‘When I Set out for Lyonnesse narrates the poet’s visit to an imaginary place, Lyonnesse. In the opening part of the poem, the poet mentions that Lyonnesse is a hundred miles away. He adds that the journey to Lyonnesse was a lonesome one. He started for Lyonnesse on a cold night. The poet informs us that it was very cold and the night sky was full of stars. He had to travel a hundred miles in such circumstances to reach Lyonnesse.

The poet did not know what happened at Lyonnesse during his stay there. He informs us that no prophet or any wise magician could guess what had happened to him in Lyonnesse. The only thing he was aware of was a strange glow in his eyes when he came back. The radiance in his eyes was rare and deep and it could not be measured. People could see it, but they could not understand its mystery. So, they remained silent.

Simplified Notes For A Visit To Cambridge KSEEB Class 8 

When I set out for Lyonnesse Summary In Hindi

यह कविता कवि के एक काल्पनिक स्थान के भ्रमण के विषय में है जिसे वह Lynnesse बताता है। यह स्थान कवि के निवास स्थान से सौ मील दूर था। कवि बिल्कुल अकेला था। जब उसने अपनी यात्रा आरम्भ की उस समय बड़ी ठंड थी और रात्रि आकाश में सितारे चमक रहे थे। उसे Lyonnesse पहुँचने के लिए ऐसी परिस्थितियों में सो मील की यात्रा करनी पड़ी। कवि नहीं जानता था कि उसे Lyonnesse आवास के दौरान क्या घटनाएं घटेंगी। वह कहता कि कोई पैगम्बर या सब से बुद्धिमान जादूगर भी इसका अनुमान नहीं लगा सकता। जब वह वापिस आया तो उसकी आँखों में एक विचित्र चमक थी जो विरली और इतनी गहरी थी कि उसे नापा नहीं जा सकता था। सभी ने इसे देखा परन्तु उस का रहस्य नहीं समझ सके और कोई टिप्पणी नहीं की।

When I set out for Lyonnesse Hindi translation Of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

(1) When I set out for Lyonnesse A hundred miles away, The rime was on the spray; And starlight lit my lonesomeness When I set out for Lyonnesse A hundred miles away.

जब मैं Lyonnesse के लिए रवाना हुआ जो सौ मील दूर था। वृक्षों की पत्तियों तथा शाखाओं पर पाला जमा हुआ था और मेरे अकेलेपन (वीरान रास्ते) को तारों का प्रकाश रोशन कर रहा था। यह दृश्य उस समय का है जब मैं Lyonnesse के लिए रवाना हुआ

Word Meanings

• set out – started, all
• lonesomeness – loneliness,
• rime – frost, ell
• spray leaves and branches of trees, और शाखाएं

(2) What would bechance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there, No prophet durst declare; Nor did the wisest wizard guess What would bechance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there.

कोई भी मसीहा या जादूगर नहीं बता पाया कि मेरे Lyonnesse निवास के दौरान क्या होगा। किसी की भी हिम्मत यह बताने की नहीं है

Word Meanings

• bechance – happen,
• durst- dared, साहस दिखाया
• wizard – magician, at
• sojourn – stay,
• prophet-a (holy) messenger of God,

(3) When I returned from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes. All marked with mute surmise My radiance rare and fathomless, When I returned from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes.

जब मैं Lyonnesse से वापिस आया मेरी आंखों में एक विशेष प्रकार का आकर्षण था। यह चमक इतनी दुर्लभ और गहरी थी कि सभी उसके बारे में शांत भाव से अनुमान लगाते रहे। यह तब हुआ जब मै Lyonnesse से वापस आया।

Word Meanings

• mute – silent,
• radiance – glow, 445
• rare – not easy to find, gef
• surmise-guessed,
• fathomless -very deep, beyond measurement, बहुत गहरा

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader solutions for A Visit to Cambridge 

When I set out for Lyonnesse Ncert Textbook Exercises (Solved)

Working With The Poem 

1.  In the first stanza, find words that show

1. that it was very cold.
2.  that it was late evening.
3.  that the traveler was alone.
   

Answer.

1. the rime was on the spray
2.  starling
3.  my lonesomeness

2.

1. Something happened at Lyonnesse. It was
   (a) improbable.
   (b) impossible.
   (c) unforeseeable.
2. Pick out two lines from stanza 2 to justify your answer.
   
   

Answer.

1.  (c) unforeseeable.
2. ‘No prophet durst declare;
   Nor did the wisest wizard guess.

3.

1. Read the line (stanza 3) that implies the following.
   ‘Everyone noticed something, and they made guesses, but didn’t speak a word.’
   
2. Now read the line that refers to what they noticed.

Answer.

1.  All marked with mute surmise.
2.  My radiance is rare and fathomless.

When I set out for Lyonnesse Extract-Based Questions

Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) When I set out for Lyonnesse A hundred miles away, The rime was on the spray; And starlight lit my lonesomeness When I set out for Lyonnesse A hundred miles away.

Question 1.  How far was Lyonnesse from the poet’s place?

Answer. Lyonnesse was a hundred miles away from the poet’s place.

Question 2. What kind of weather is described in the above stanza? Identify and write the line that suggests this.

Answer. It was very cold. The line The rime was on the spray’ suggests this.

Question 3.  What lit the poet’s loneliness?

Answer. The stars in the sky lit the poet’s loneliness.

Question 4.  Give the meaning of the word rime.

Answer. The word rime means snow.

Question 5. What was there on the spray?

Answer. The snow was on the spray.

(2) What would be chance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there, No prophet durst declare; Nor did the wisest wizard guess What would be chance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there.

Question 1. What could no prophet declare?

Answer. No prophet could declare what happens at Lyonnesse.

Question 2. Could any wizard guess what happens at Lyonnesse?

Answer. No, no wizard could guess it.

Question 3. Name the poem and the poet.

Answer. The name of the poem is ‘When I set out for Lyonnesse’ and the poet is Thomas Hardy.

Question 4. Write the rhyming words.

Answer. There-declare and Lyonnesse-guess.

Question 5. Write the meanings of the following words:
(a) bechance         (b) sojourn

Answer.
(a) happen
(b) stay

A Visit To Cambridge Class 8 KSEEB QuestionAnd Answers 

(3) When I returned from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes. All marked with mute surmise My radiance rare and fathomless, When I returned from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes.

Question 1. What did the poet’s visit to Lyonnesse lend his eyes?

Answer. The poet’s visit lent his eyes a strange glow.

Question 2. How did everyone react to it?

Answer. Everyone saw the glow but remained silent

Question 3. What was special about the poet’s glow?

Answer. The poet’s glow was rare and fathomless.

Question 4. Give the meaning of the following words
(a) fathomless       (b) surmise

Answer.
(a) very deep
(b) to guess

Question 5. Write the words that rhyme together.

Answer.Eyes-surmise and Lyonnesse-fathomless.

When I set out for Lyonnesse Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. In which season did the poet undertake his journey to Lyonnesse?

Answer. The poet undertook his journey in winter.

Question 2. Why did the poet visit the parish which he calls Lyonnesse?

Answer. The poet visited the parish to supervise the resto-action of a church.

When I set out for Lyonnesse Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.  What are the two things that people noticed about the poet when he returned from Lyonnesse?

Answer. The two things that people noticed are:

1. a rare and fathomless glow n the poet’s eyes.
2. a crumpled piece of paper Stic ring out of his coat pocket
   
   

Question 2. What happened during the poet’s stay at Lyonnesse?

Answer. The poet experienced a deeper change in himself. It was too strange to understand or make a guess about.

When I set out for Lyonnesse Long Answer Type Questions

What is the central idea of the poem, ‘When I Set out for Lyonnesse’?

Answer. The poem ‘When I Set out for Lyonnesse’ by Thomas Hardy has a religious theme. It brings out the sentiments of the person who visits a sacred place. Lyonnesse is an imaginary place that evokes religious sentiments. A visit to such a place lends a new glow to the eyes of the visitor. People can see it but they cannot understand its mystery. So, they remain mute. Besides, something strange happens during one’s visit there. None can guess or declare what it is.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Karnataka State Syllabus

• Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World
• Chapter 2 The Tsunami
• Chapter 3 Glimpses of the past
• Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse Of Memory
• Chapter 5 The Summit Within
• Chapter 6 This Is Jody’s Fawn
• Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge
• Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
• Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face 1
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Class 8 English Supplementary Readers contains Textbook Readers and Supplementary Readers of all chapters are part of Revision Notes for grade 8 English. Here we have given notes Class VIII.

• Chapter 1 How The Camel Got His Hump
• Chapter 2 Children at Work
• Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant
• Chapter 4 The Treasure Within
• Chapter -5 Princess September
• Chapter 6 The Fight
• Chapter 7 The Open Window
• Chapter 8 Jalebis
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Reader Chapter 2 Children At Work Gita Wolf, Anushka Ravishankar, Orijit Sen

Velu was an eleven-year-old boy who had fled from his village to go to Chennai. He traveled without a ticket and was lucky enough not to be caught by the ticket collector during his journey. He had not eaten anything for two days barring some peanuts and a piece of jaggery. He felt extremely weak, hungry, and lonely as he reached his destination, Chennai. He had run away from his home because his father used to ill-treat him and his sisters by taking away all their hard-earned money and spend- ing it on drinks. Velu’s father was a drunkard who would, after drinking, beat his children black and blue every day.

So Velu decided not to be let down by this and he left his village in search of a job. When Velu reached the station, a poor rag-picker girl named Jaya identified him as a runaway from home. She understood that Velu was very hungry and offered to fetch him some food. Velu took some time to decide but then unable to bear his hunger pangs ran after her in search of food. After scurrying past the traffic on the roads, Jaya took him to the backyard of a banquet hall where there was a garbage bin laden with leftover food. Jaya picked up a squashy banana and a vada and gave it to Velu to eat. Velu refused to eat but couldn’t do so for long as he was extremely hungry.

Somehow he managed to gulp the banana and vada down his throat after which he felt much better. He then followed Jaya to her house which was in a small village with strange huts. Jaya dumped her sack and took a new one. She even handed one to Velu and told him that he had to dig through the garbage bins to find plastic, paper, and glass. Hesitant Velu thought he’d take up this job till he found a better one. At least this would fetch him some food for the time being.

\(\int \frac{1}{1+x^2} d x=\tan ^{-1} x+C\)
\(\int \frac{1}{|x| \sqrt{x^2-1}} d x=\sec ^{-1} x+C\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}\left(\sec ^{-1} x\right)=\frac{1}{x \sqrt{x^2-1}}\)

\(\frac{d}{d x}(\sin x)=\cos x \\\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}(-\cos x)=\sin x \\\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}(\tan x)=\sec ^2 x\)

\(\frac{d}{d x}[c u]=c u^{\prime}\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}\left[\frac{u}{v}\right]=\frac{v u^{\prime}-u v^{\prime}}{v^2}\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}[x]=1\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}[\sin u]=(\cos u) u^{\prime}\)
\(\frac{d}{d x}[\cot u]=-\left(\csc ^2 u\right) u^{\prime}\)

Class 8 English KSEEB Children At Work Summary In Hindi

वेलू एक ग्यारह साल का लड़का था जो चेन्नई जाने के लिए अपने गाँव से भागा था। वह टिकट लिए बिना ही चल पड़ा था और काफी भाग्यशाली रहा कि यात्रा के दौरान टिकट कलक्टर द्वारा पकड़ा नहीं गया। उसने दो दिनों से कुछ मूँगफली और गुड़ के सिवाय कुछ भी नहीं खाया था। चेन्नई पहुँचते ही वह स्वयं को काफी कमजोर भूखा और अकेला महसूस करने लगा था। वह घर से इस कारण भागा था क्योंकि उसके पिता और उसकी बहनें उसके साथ दुर्व्यवहार करते थे। वे उसके मेहनत से कमाए पैसों को छीन लेते थे और उन पैसों से उसके पिता शराब पी जाते थे। वेलू के पिता पियक्कड़ थे और शराब पीने के बाद वे अपने बच्चों की बुरी तरह पिटाई करते थे। वेलू ने इन सबसे छुटकारा पाने का निश्चय किया और काम-धंधे की खोज में घर छोड़ दिया। जब वेलू स्टेशन पर पहुँचा, तब जया नाम की एक गरीब लड़की ने पहचान लिया कि वह घर से भागकर आया है। वह समझ गई कि वेलू बहुत भूखा है।

उसने वेलू को खाना खाने के लिए चलने को कहा। वेलू कुछ देर तक सोचता रहा, मगर उससे भूख बर्दाश्त नहीं हो रही थी इसलिए वह उसके साथ खाने की खोज में चल पड़ा। सड़क की भीड़ पार करते हुए जया उसे एक वैंक्वेट हॉल के पिछवाड़े ले गई, जहाँ एक कूड़ेदान में भारी मात्रा में बचा हुआ खाना फेंका हुआ था। जया ने वहाँ से एक पिलपिला केला और एक वड़ा उठाया और वेलू को खाने के लिए दिया। वेलू खाने से इनकार करना चाहता था किंतु वह काफी समय से भूखा था। उसने जैसे-तैसे अपने आपको सँभाला और मन को मजबूत किया तथा केला और वड़ा अपने गले के नीचे उतार लिया।

अब वह थोड़ा अच्छा महसूस करने लगा। उसके बाद वह जया के साथ उसके घर गया, जो एक पास ही के एक गाँव में था। उसकी झोपड़ी बड़ी अजीब थी। जया ने अपना थैला फेंका और दूसरा उठा लिया। उसने एक थैला वेलू के हाथ में भी थमा दिया और बताया कि उसे कूड़ेदान में से प्लास्टिक, कागज तथा शीशे ढूँढ़कर छाँटने हैं। हिचकिचाते हुए वेलू ने थैला पकड़ लिया और खुद से कहा कि अच्छा काम मिलने तक वह यह काम करेगा। कम से कम यह काम कुछ समय के लिए तो भूख मिटाने लिए अच्छा ही है।

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For Children At Work  Word Meanings

Children At Work Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Children at Work Textbook Exercises (Solved) Comprehension Check 1

1. Velu stood on the platform but he felt “as if he was still on a moving train”. Why?
   Answer. Velu felt he was still on a moving train because he had been traveling for a long time and his legs wobbled by the time he got onto the platform.
2. What made him (Velu) feel miserable?
   Answer. The terrible noise on the platform, hunger, and exhaustion made him feel miserable.
3. (1) Velu traveled without a ticket. Why?
   (2) How did he escape the ticket collector’s attention?
   Answer.
   Velu traveled without a ticket because he had no money with him.
   Velu escaped the ticket collector’s attention as he did not come to the unreserved compartment in which Velu had traveled.
4. Why had Velu run away from home?
   Answer. Velu’s father was a drunkard. Whatever Velu earned, his father took away. Velu was also beaten by his father daily. Therefore he ran away from home.
5.  Why did he (Velu) decide to follow the ‘strange’ girl?
   Answer. Velu was completely new to Chennai. He did not know where to go and what to do. But the stranger’s girl seemed to know everything. She could help him get food too. Therefore Velu decided to follow her.

Children at Work Comprehension Check 2

1. Can Velu read Tamil and English? How do you know?
Answer. Velu can read Tamil but he can’t read English. He reads the Tamil sign which says Central Jail. But he knows nothing of what is written on the English signboards.

2. “If you are not careful, you will soon be counting bars there,” the girl said.

What is she referring to?
What does she mean when she says “If you are not careful…”?

(She says something a little later which means the same. Find that sentence.)

Answer

She is referring to jail.
She means to say that Velu must be careful about whatever he does, otherwise, he would land up in jail. That sentence is- “Just don’t get caught, that’s all.”

3. (1) Where did the girl lead Velu to?
(2) What did they get to eat?
Answer
1. The girl led Velu to a big building Sri Rajarajeshwari Prasanna Kalyana Mandapam where the marriage ceremony was going on.
2. They got bananas and Vada to eat.

4. What work did she (Jaya) do? Think of a one-word answer.
Answer. Ragpicking.

Explanation of Children At Work KSEEB Class 8 

Children at Work Comprehension Check-3

1. What material are the strange huts made out of?
   
2. Why does Velu find them strange?Answer
   The strange huts are made out of metal sheets, tires, bricks, wood, and plastic.Velu finds them strange because he has never seen such huts before in his village where all huts
   are made up of mud and palm leaves.
3. What sort of things did Jaya and children like her collect and what did they do with those things?
   
   Answer. Jaya and other children like her collected paper, plastic, glass, etc. from the rubbish bins. They sold them to a junk dealer named Jaggu.
4. Is Velu happy or unhappy to find work? Give a reason for your answer.
   
   Answer. Velu is not happy at all. He sighs while saying that he will do the job until he finds a better job.

Children at Work Exercise (Solved)

Discuss the following questions in small groups. Write their answers afterward.

1. Is Velu a smart boy? Which instances in the text show that he is or isn’t?
   
   Answer. Yes, Velu is a smart boy. He runs away from home to save himself from his father’s beating. He travels to Chennai without a ticket and without any fear in his mind. He understands the importance of Jaya’s help. So he makes a quick decision and follows her.
2. Do you think Jaya is a brave and sensitive child with a sense of humor? Find instances of her courage, kind nature, and humor in the text.
   
   Answer.
   Yes, Jaya is a brave and sensitive child with a good sense of humor. She works alone and is very quick at her job. She knows that Velu is a helpless child in the crowded city of Chennai. So she helps him find food and a job. She is humorous too. She says to Velu, “If you stand around in the middle of the road like that, you’ll be chutney.”She also refers to the dirty trickle of water as the “Buckingham Canal”.
3. “What one throws away as waste may be valuable to others”. Do you find this sentence
   meaningful in the context of this story? How?
   
   Answer.
   This sentence holds a lot of meaning, especially in the context of this story. Jaya, in this story, collects waste material, sells it to a junk dealer, and makes a living. The junk dealer to makes a profit by selling the waste material to a factory.

Children at Work Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. How did Velu feel when the train reached Chennai?
   Answer. Velu felt exhausted and hungry.
2. What was the Buckingham Canal as called by Jaya?
   Answer. It was just a dirty trickle of water with a bridge across it.
3.  Why did Jaya carry an empty bag (sack) with her?
   Answer. Jaya carried an empty sack with her to put empty bottles and other used waste material in it.
4. Why was Velu forced to eat the banana and the Vada thrown as leftovers?
   Answer. Velu was too hungry to refuse any food.

KSEEB Class 8 English Chapter 2 Important Questions 

Children at Work Short Answer Type Questions

1. Who was Velu? What made his life miserable at home?
   
   Answer. Velu was an eleven-year-old boy. He lived in a village. His father was a drunkard. He snatched away all the money Velu and his sisters earned and spent it on drinking. He would beat them too. This made Velu’s life miserable at home.
2. Velu hated rag-picking. Why did he decide to be a rag-picker then?
   
   Answer. Velu was jobless. He needed money immediately to buy food. But he was not in a situation to find a good job. The only job available at present for him was rag-picking. So he was forced to be a rag-picker.

Children at Work Long Answer Type Questions

1. Describe briefly the meeting of Velu with Jaya.
   
   Answer. Velu was sitting on a bench on the platform at Chennai Central. He was hungry and tired. He had a small bundle with him in which he carried a shirt, a towel, and a comb. In the meantime, a girl around his own age called him. She had a huge sack on one of her shoulders. She was picking dirty plastic cups from the floor and stuffing them into her sack. She came to Velu and sat down next to him. She knew that Velu had run away from home. She felt that the boy was hungry and needed some job immediately. But before finding a job he needed food. She asked Velu to come with her. At first, Velu hesitated. But soon he changed his mind and ran after her.
2. Who was the girl Velu ran after? How did she help him get food?
   
   Answer. The girl’s name was Jaya. She was a ragpicker. She took Velu to a big building. Behind it, there was a huge garbage bin overflowing with rubbish. Jaya picked up a squashed half-eaten banana and held it out to Velu. But Velu didn’t eat it as he had never eaten others’ leftovers. Then Jaya threw him a vada and asked Velu to eat it. Velu’s hungry belly could not wait for long. So he gulped down the banana and the vada.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Karnataka State Syllabus

• Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World
• Chapter 2 The Tsunami
• Chapter 3 Glimpses of the past
• Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse Of Memory
• Chapter 5 The Summit Within
• Chapter 6 This Is Jody’s Fawn
• Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge
• Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
• Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face 1
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Class 8 English Supplementary Readers contains Textbook Readers and Supplementary Readers of all chapters are part of Revision Notes for grade 8 English. Here we have given notes Class VIII.

• Chapter 1 How The Camel Got His Hump
• Chapter 2 Children at Work
• Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant
• Chapter 4 The Treasure Within
• Chapter -5 Princess September
• Chapter 6 The Fight
• Chapter 7 The Open Window
• Chapter 8 Jalebis
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Solutions For Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present In The World

Prose – Michael Morpurgo

Summary In English

The author found a nineteenth-century roll-top desk made of oak in a junk shop. The desk was in very bad condition. The author bought it thinking that he would restore it. He began repairing it on Christmas Eve and found a letter in one of its drawers. He took out the letter and began reading it. The letter was written by Jim Macpherson to his wife Connie.

From the letter, he came to know that Jim Macpherson was the leader of the England Army that was engaged in combat with the German Army at the time the letter was written. Macpherson wrote in the letter about a wonderful thing that happened one Christmas morning. He saw someone waving a white flag from the enemy side and heard Christmas wishes.

The English Army too wished them a Merry Christmas. Soon the two armies met at the no man’s land. Macpherson met an officer of the German army named Hans Wolf and they started talking about their lives. In the meantime, a soldier bought a football and the two teams started playing football.

The Germans won. After the football match, drinks and food were consumed by both armies. Later they saluted each other and the Germans walked away slowly. Jim bid farewell to Hans. In the night both armies were heard singing carols. Macpherson ended the letter by writing that both the armies longed for peace and he hoped that the war would end soon.

After reading the letter, the author decided to give this letter to Jim’s wife. He went to the address written on the envelope. On reaching the place, he found that Macpherson’s house had caught fire and his wife was in a nursing home. He rushed to the nursing home and found Jim’s wife there. She had grown too old waiting for her husband and she mistook the author for her husband, Jim. She declared him to be the best Christmas present in the world.

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present In The World Summary 

Summary In Hindi

लेखक को एक कबाड़ की दुकान में एक 19 वीं शताब्दी का गोल तले का डैस्क मिलता है। डैस्क बहुत ही बुरी हालत में था। लेखक ने उसकी मरम्मत करने के विचार से उसे खरीद लिया। क्रिस्मस की संध्या को उसने उसकी मरम्मत करनी शुरू करी और डैस्क की एक दराज में उसे एक पत्र मिला। उसने पत्र निकाल कर पढ़ना शुरू किया। वह पत्र जिम मैक्फरसन vने अपनी पत्नी कॉनी को लिखा था।

पत्र पढ़ कर उसे पता चला कि जिम मैक्फरसन अंग्रेजी सेना, जो कि जर्मन सेना के साथ पत्र लिखे जाने के समय युद्धरत थी, का नेता था। मैक्फरसन ने क्रिस्मस की प्रातः हुए एक अद्भुत नजारे के विषय में पत्र में लिखा था।

एक क्रिस्मस की सुबह उसने शत्रु सेना की ओर से किसी को सफेद झंडा लहराते देखा और क्रिस्मस की शुभकामनाएँ सुनी। अंग्रेजी सेना ने भी उन्हें शुभकामनाएँ दीं। जल्दी ही दोनों सेनाएँ तटस्थ भू-भाग पर मिली। मैक्फरसन और एक जर्मन अफ्सर, हेंस वुल्फ अपनी-अपनी जिंदगियों के बारे में बात करने लगें। तभी एक सैनिक फुटबॉल ले आया औरदोनों दल फुटबॉल खेलने लगें।

जर्मन सेना की जीत हुई। फुटबॉल मैच के बाद दोनों दलों ने खाने-पीने का आनंद लिया। बादमें उन्होंने एक दूसरे को सलामी दी और जर्मन सैनिक वापस चले गए। जिम ने हैंस को अलविदा कहा। रात को दोनों सेनाओंने क्रिस्मस प्रार्थनाएँ की मैक्फरसन ने पत्र के अंत में लिखा कि दोनों देशों की सेनाएँ शांति चाहती थीं और युद्ध समाप्त होनेकी कामना करती थी। लेखक ने वह पत्र जिम की पत्नी को देने का निश्चय किया।

वह पत्र पर लिखे पते पर पहुंचा। वहाँपहुँचा तो उसे पता चला कि मैक्फरसन के घर पर आग लग गई है और उसकी पत्नी नर्सिंग होम में है। वह वहाँ पहुँचा औरजिम की पत्नी से मिला । वह अपने पति के इतंजार में बहुत बूढ़ी हो गई थी और उसने लेखक को अपना पति जिम समझा।उसने लेखक को विश्व का सर्वोतम क्रिस्मस उपहार कह कर बुलाया।

The Best Christmas Present in the World Hindi Translation Of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

There are some dates or periods of time in the history of the world that are so significant that everyone knows and remembers them. The story you will read mentions one such date and event: a war between the British and the Germans in 1914. Can you guess which war it was?

Do you know which events the dates below refer to?

(a) 4 July 1776
(b) 17 December 1903
(c) 6 August 1945
(d) 30 January 1948
(e) 12 April 1961
(f) 20 July 1969

विश्व के इतिहास में कुछ ऐसी तिथियाँ एवं कालखंड हैं जो इतने महत्त्वपूर्ण हैं कि हर व्यक्ति उन्हें जानता है और याद रखता है। यह कहानी, जो तुम पढ़ोंगे, ऐसी ही एक तिथि और घटना – 1914 में ब्रिटिश और जर्मनों के मध्य युद्ध का उल्लेख करती है।क्या तुम अनुमान लगा सकते हो यह कौन सा युद्ध था ?

क्या तुम जानते हो निम्न तिथियाँ किन घटनाओं से संबंधित हैं?

(a) 4 जुलाई 1776
(b) 17 दिसंबर 1930
(c) 6 अगस्त 1945
(d) 30 जनवरी 1948
(e) 12 अप्रैल 1961
(f) 20 जुलाई 1969

Answer.

(a) American Declaration of Independence.

(b) Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first flight, remaining in the air for 12 seconds and covering 120 feet.

(c) Hiroshima Day: An atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in Japan on this day.

(d) Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi,

(e) Yuri A. Gagarin became the first human to orbit the Earth.

(f) Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the Moon.

Word Meaning

• periods portions of time, कालखंड
• mention naming, उल्लेख
• significant important, महत्त्वपूर्ण

I spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport, a roll-top desk. The man said it was the early nineteenth century and oak. I had wanted one, but they were far too expensive. This one was in a bad condition, the roll-top in several pieces, one leg clumsily mended, and scorch marks all down one side. 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. I paid the man and brought it back to my workroom at the back of the garage. I began work on it on Christmas Eve.

मैंने गोलकार तल वाले इस डेस्क को ब्रिडपोर्ट में एक कबाड़ी की दुकान में देखा। उस व्यक्ति ने कहा यह आरम्भिक 19वीं शताब्दी का है और बलूत का बना है। मैं ऐसा ही एक डेस्क चाहता था, परन्तु वे बहुत अधिक महंगे थे। यह डेस्क खस्ता हालत में था। इसका लपेटा हुआ ऊपरी भाग अनेक खंडों में था। इसकी एक टाँग की भद्दे ढंग से मरम्मत की गई थी। एक ओर पूरा नीचे तक जलने के निशान थे। यह बहुत कम पैसों में बिक रहा था। मैंने सोचा कि मैं इसकी मरम्मत कर सकता हूँ। यह एक जोखिम, एक चुनौती हो सकती है, परन्तु मुझे इसे लेना ही है। मैंने उस आदमी को मोल चुकाया और इसे अपने गैराज के पिछले भाग में स्थित अपनी कार्यशाला में ले आया। मैंने क्रिसमस की पूर्व संध्या को इस पर काम आरम्भ कर दिया।

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For The Best Christmas Present In The World 

Word Meanings

spotted-saw found, देखा, पाया

roll-top- upper part formed into a cylinder without folding, ऊपरी भाग बेलन के समान लपेटा हुआ

scorch- burn, Stellall mended repaired, मरम्मत की

restore-repair, मरम्मत करना

junk – waste material, कबाड़, कूड़ा-कर्कट

clumsily – in an awkward manner, भद्देपन से

going for –selling

challenge –  calling to account

I removed the roll-top completely and pulled out the drawers. The veneer had lifted almost everywhere it looked like water damage to me. Both fire and water had clearly taken their toll on this desk. The last drawer was stuck fast. I tried all I could to ease it out gently. In the end, I used brute force. I struck it sharply with the side of my fist and the drawer flew open to reveal a shallow space underneath, a secret drawer. 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 written on it in shaky handwriting. “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915, To be buried with me when the time comes.” | knew as I did it that it was wrong of me to open the box, but curiosity got the better of my scruples. It usually does.

मैंने ऊपरी भाग को पूरी तरह से हटा दिया और दराज़ों को खींचे कर बाहर निकाला। ऊपर चढ़ाई गई पतली परत प्राय: हर स्थान पर ऊपर उभर आई थी। मुझे लगता था कि यह क्षति पानी ने पहुचाई होगी। स्पष्ट था कि इस डेस्क को आग और पानी दोनों ने मिलकर खराब कर दिया था। अन्तिम दराज़ पूरी तरह से जाम था। मैंने पूरा प्रयास किया कि वह आसानी से बाहर निकल आए । अन्त में मैंने अपनी पूरी शक्ति का प्रयोग किया। मैंने अपनी मुट्ठी से इस पर जोर से चोट मारी और दराज़, नीचे एक छिछले स्थान पर एक गुप्त दराज को प्रकट करते हुए खुल गया। इस अन्दर कुछ था मैंने अन्दर हाथ डाला और एक छोटा-सा काला टीन का डिब्बा बाहर निकाला। इसके ऊपर एक धारीदार कागज़ का टुकड़ा सेलोटेप से चिपकाया गया था जिस पर काँपतें हुए हाथों से लिखा था: “जिम का अन्तिम पत्र, जनवरी 25, 1915 को प्राप्त । समय आने पर इसे मेरे संग दफनाया जाए। ” जब मैंने ऐसा किया तो मैं जानता था कि मेरे लिए इस डिब्बे को खोलना अनुचित है, परन्तु उत्सुकता ने मेरी भावनाओं का गला घोंट दिया। ऐसा प्रायः होता ही है।

Word Meanings

drawer – a sliding box in a case,

stuck fast- shut tight,

damage – harm, injury,

brute- rude, fre

scruples – feelings that make you hesitate to do something wrong, नैतिक विचार, भावनाएँ

veneer – a thin layer of superior kind of wood over an inferior one खराब लकड़ी केऊपर की अच्छी लकड़ी की पतली-सी परत

fist-  clenched hand, मुट्ठी

curiosity – inquisitiveness, कौतूहल, उत्सुकता

shallow- having little depth, कम गहरा, छिछला

Inside the box there was an envelope. The address read: “Mrs jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset.” I took out the letter and unfolded it. It was written in pencil and dated at the top- “December 26, 1914”,

डिब्बे के अन्दर एक लिफ़ाफ़ा था। उस पर पता था – ” श्रीमती जिम मैकफ़र्सन 12 कॉपर बीचिज ब्रिडपोर्ट, डॉसेंट। ” मैंने पत्र बाहर निकाला और इसकी परतें खोलीं। यह पेंसिल से लिखा गया था और ऊपर दिसम्बर 26, 1914 की तारीख डाली गई थी।

Word Meanings

envelope- a cover of paper, लिफ़ाफ़ा

generous- kind hearted, उदार

unfolded- opened out, खोला

Dearest Connie,

I write to you in a much happier frame of mind because something wonderful has just happened that I must tell you about at once. We were all standing to in our trenches yesterday morning, Christmas morning. It was crisp and quiet all about, as beautiful a moming as I’ve ever seen, as cold and frosty as a Christmas morning should be.

परमप्रिय कोनी,

मैं तुम्हें अति प्रसन्न मन से लिख रहा हूँ क्योंकि अभी-अभी कुछ ऐसी आश्चर्यजनक घटना घटी है जिसके बारे में मुझे तुरन्त तुम्हें बताना चाहिए। कल क्रिसमस की प्रातः हम सब खन्दकों में खड़े थे। चारों ओर पूर्ण खामोशी थी, यह ऐसी सुन्दर प्रातः थी जैसी कि मैंने शायद ही कभी देखी हो। अत्यंत शीतल और कुहरे वाली, जितनी कि क्रिसमस की प्रातः होनी ही चाहिए।

The Best Christmas Present in the World Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Word Meanings

trenches – long deep holes in the ground where soldiers hide from the enemy, खाई, खंदकें खाई की किलाबंदी

crisp- brisk, कुरकुरा

frosty – cold, chilly, पालेदार, बहुत ठंडा

I should like to be able to tell you that we began it. But the truth, I’m ashamed to say, is that Fritz be- gan it. First, someone saw a white flag waving from the trenches opposite. Then they were calling out to us from across no man’s land, “Happy Christmas, Tommy! Happy Christmas!” 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 suddenly one of them was up there in his grey greatcoat and waving a white flag. “Don’t shoot, lads!” someone shouted. And no one did. Then there was another Fritz up on the parapet, and another. “Keep your heads down,” I told the men, “it’s a trick.” But it wasn’t.

मैं तुम्हें सारी बात बताना चाहता हूँ कि हमने इसे आरम्भ किया। परन्तु मैं यह कहते हुए लज्जा अनुभव कर रहा हूँ कि सच्चाई यह है कि जर्मनों ने इसे आरम्भ किया। सबसे पहले किसी ने सामने की खन्दकों से सफेद झंडा लहराता हुआ देखा। तत्पश्चात् वे तटस्थ क्षेत्र के पार से हमें पुकार कर कह रहे थे, “शुभ क्रिसमस, ब्रिटिश सैनिको, शुभ क्रिसमस!” जब हमने अपने आश्चर्य पर काबू पा लिया, तब हम में से कुछ ने उत्तर में पुकार कर कहा, “तुम्हें भी क्रिसमस मुबारक, जर्मन सैनिको!” मैंने सोचा बस इतना ही होगा। हम सबने यही सोचा। परन्तु उसी समय अचनाक उनमें से एक अपने भूरे रंग का लम्बा कोट पहने उठ खड़ा हुआ और सफ़ेद झंडा लहराने लगा। किसी ने चिल्ला कर कहा, “लड़कों (जवानों), गोली मत चलना।” और किसी ने गोली नहीं चलाई। तत्पश्चात् वहाँ खन्दक (खाई) के पास की दीवार पर एक और जर्मन सिपाही उठ खड़ा हुआ, फिर एक और मैंने अपने आदमियों से कहा, अपने सिर नीचे रखो यह कोई चाल है।” परन्तु ऐसा नहीं था।

Word Meanings

ashamed- felt shame, लज्जित, शर्मिंदा

across- on the opposite side of पार

Tommy – a common name for a British soldier, अंग्रेज सैनिक

grey- of white color mixed with black, भूरा

parapet- the wall of the side of a trench, खाई के पास की दीवार

Fritz – a common name for a German soldier, जर्मन सैनिक

One of the Germans was waving a bottle above his head. “It is Christmas Day, Tommy. We have schnapps. We have sausage. We meet you? Yes?” By this time there were dozens of them walking towards us across no man’s land and not a rifle between them. Little Private Morris was the first up. “Come on boys, What are we waiting for?” And then there was no stopping them. I was the officer. I should have stopped them there and then, I suppose, but the truth is that it never even occurred to me I should. All along their line and ours, I could see men walking slowly toward one another, grey coats, and khaki coats meeting in the middle.

जर्मन (सिपाहियों) में से एक अपने सिर के ऊपर बोतल लहरा रहा था। “ब्रिटिश सिपाहियों, यह क्रिसमस दिवस है, हमारे पास Schnapps ( जर्मन शराब) है। हमारे पास मांस है। हम तुमसे मिलें? ठीक है?” इस समय तक उनमें से दर्जनों तटस्थ क्षेत्र को पार करके हमारी ओर चले आ रहे थे और उनके पास कोई राइफल नहीं थी। लिटिल प्राइवेट मॉरिस सबसे पहले खड़ा हुआ, “लड़को आओ, हम किस बात की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं?” और उसके बाद उन्हें कोई रोकने वाला नहीं था। मैं अधिकारी था। मैं समझता हूँ मुझे उनको वहीं और उसी समय रोक देना चाहिए था, परंतु सच्चाई यह है कि मुझे कभी लगा ही नहीं कि मुझे रोकना चाहिए। उनकी लाइनों और हमारी लाइनों सभी ओर मैं जवानों को धीरे-धीरे एक-दूसरे की ओर आते हुए देख सकता था, मध्य भाग में भूरे कोट (जर्मन) तथा खाकी कोट (ब्रिटिश) आपस में मिल रहे थे। और मैं उन में से एक था। मैं इसका एक भाग था। युद्ध के दौरान हम शांति मना रहे थे।

Word Meanings

schnapps – a German drink made from wheat grains, गेहूँ से बना जर्मन पेय

no man’s land – a stretch of land between two enemy states controlled by neither, तटस्थ भूमि

sausage – minced meat seasoned and stuffed in cylindrical cases, डिब्बों में भरा मसाला लगा मांस

You cannot imagine, dearest Connie, my feelings as I looked into the eyes of the Fritz officer, who approached me, hand outstretched. “Hans Wolf,” he said, gripping my hand warmly and holding it. “I am from Dusseldorf. I play the cello in the orchestra. Happy Christmas.” sausage – minced meat seasoned and stuffed in cylindrical cases,
“Captain Jim Macpherson,” I replied. “And a Happy Christmas to you too. I’m a school teacher from Dorset, in the west of England.”

परमप्रिय कोनी, तुम उस समय मेरी भावनाओं की कल्पना नहीं कर सकती जिस समय मैंने उस जर्मन अधिकारी की आँखों में देखा, जो मेरे पास पहुँचा, हाथ ( मिलाने के लिए) बाहर फैलाए हुए। मेरे हाथ को गर्मजोशी के साथ पकड़ते हुए और इसे थामे हुए, उसने कहा, “(मैं) हैन्सवुल्फ ( हूँ)। मैं ड्यूसेल्डडोर्फ से हूँ। मैं थिएटर में सेलो बजाता हूँ। क्रिसमस मुबारक हो । ” मैंने उत्तर में कहा, ” (मैं) कैप्टेन जिम मैकफ़र्सन ( हूँ) | अपको क्रिसमस मुबारक हो। मैं इंग्लैंड के पश्चिमी भाग में स्थित डॉरसैट से स्कूल अध्यापक हूँ।”

Word Meanings

approached – came near to, पास पहुँचा

out stretched- spread out फैलाया हुआ

gripping- holding firmly, कसकर पकड़े हुए

orchestra – a company of performers playing musical instruments कई प्रकार के वाद्यों को बजाने वाला समूह

Explanation Of The Best Christmas Present In The World KSEEB Class 8 

“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 he had never set foot in Dorset, never even been to England. He had learned he knew of England from school, and from reading books in English. His favorite writer was Thomas Hardy, his favorite book was Far from the Madding Crowd. So out there in no man’s land, we talked of Bathsheba and Gabriel Oak and Sergeant Troy and Dorset. He had a wife and one son, born just The Best Christmas Present in the World six months ago. As I looked about me there were huddles of khaki and grey everywhere, all over no man’s land, smoking, laughing, talking, drinking, eating. Hans Wolf and I shared what was left of your wonderful Christmas cake, Connie. He thought the marzipan was the best he had ever tasted. I agreed. We agreed about everything, and he was my enemy. There never was a Christmas party like it, Connie.

‘अहा ! डोरसेट” वह मुस्कराया। मैं इस स्थान को जानता हूं। मैं इसे अच्छी तरह से जानता हूँ। हमने मेरी राशन की रम और उसके बढ़िया मांस का मिल-जुल कर आनन्द लिया। और कोनी, हमने बातचीत की, जैसे (आमतौर पर) हम बात करते थे। वह लगभग शुद्ध अंग्रेजी बोलता था। परन्तु इस बात का पता चला कि उसने कभी डोरसेट में कदम नहीं रखा था, इंग्लैंड में भी कभी नहीं आया था। इंग्लैंड के बारे में वह जो कुछ जानता था, वह उसने स्कूल में, अंग्रेजी की पुस्तकों के अध्ययन से ही जाना था। उसका मनपसंद लेखक था थामस हार्डी, उसकी मनपसन्द पुस्तक ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ थी। इस प्रकार वहाँ तटस्थ भूमि पर हमने Bathsheba and Gabrial Oak और Sergeant Troy and Dorset के विषय में बातचीत की। उसकी एक पत्नी है और एक पुत्र, जिसका जन्म केवल छः मास पूर्व हुआ है। ज्योंहि मैंने अपने चारों ओर देखा वहीं मैंने तटस्थ भूमि पर सभी जगह खाकी और भूरे रंग की (वर्दी पहने हुए लोगों की भीड़ देखी जोकि धूम्रपान कर रहे थे, बातचीत कर रहे थे, शराब पी रहे थे, खाना खा रहे थे। कोनी तुम्हारे (भेजे हुए) शानदार ( स्वादिष्ट) क्रिसमस केक के बचे हुए भाग को हैंस वुल्फ और मैंने मिल कर खाया | उसका विचार था कि Marzipan उसके द्वारा अब तक खाए गए सभी पदार्थों में सर्वश्रेष्ठ था। मैं (उससे) सहमत था । हम हर बात पर सहमत थे, हालाँकि वह मेरा शत्रु था। कोनी, इस प्रकार की क्रिसमस पार्टी कभी नहीं हुई थी।

Word Meanings

excellent-pre-eminent, fine, श्रेष्ठ
shared – distributed, ate collectively, बाँट कर खाया
huddles- groups, crowd, समूह
grey- of white color mixed with black, भूरा
favorite – regarded with fondness, for
marzipan – a sweet covering on a cake made from sugar, eggs and almonds, मीठा खाद्य पदार्थ (केक पर लगा हुआ)

Then, someone, I don’t know brought out a football. Greatcoats were dumped in piles to make goalposts and the next thing we knew it was Tommy against Fritz out in the middle of no man’s land. Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered, clapping our hands and stamping our feet, to keep out the cold as much as anything. There was a moment when I noticed our breaths mingling in the air between He saw it too and smiled. “Jim Macpherson,” he said after a while, “I think this is how we should resolve this war. A football match. No one dies in a football match. No children are orphaned. No wives become widows.”

तभी कोई व्यक्ति, मैं नहीं जानता कौन, एक फुटबॉल निकाल लाया। लम्बे कोट गोल पोस्ट बनाने के लिए ढेरों में इकट्ठे कर दिए गए थे, और इसके पश्चात् होने वाली घटना जो हमें मालूम है, तटस्थ भूमि पर ब्रिटिश सिपाहियों और जर्मन सिपाहियों का मैच था। हैंस वुल्फ और मैं देख रहे थे और उनको प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए तथा सर्दी भगाने के लिए अपने हाथों से तालियाँ बजाते हुए अपने पैरों को जमीन पर पटक रहे थे। एक क्षण ऐसा आया जब मैंने देखा कि हमारी साँसें हमारे बीच की वायु में परस्पर मिल रही हैं। उसने भी इसे देखा और मुस्करा दिया। कुछ समय बाद उसने कहा, “जिम मैक्फर्सन, मेरे विचार में यही तरीका है जिससे हमें इस युद्ध का हल करना चाहिए। एक फुटबॉल मैच। फुटबॉन मैच में कोई नहीं मरता । बच्चे अनाथ नहीं होते। पत्नियाँ विधवाएँ नहीं होतीं।”

Word Meanings

dumped- threw down, नीचे फेंका

stamping – striking the ground heavily with sole of foot, पावों के तलों को जमीन पर मारना

orphaned- bereft of mother and father, अनाथ हुए

piles- heaps, ढेर

mingling – mixing परस्पर मिलते हुए

resolve- settle, निर्णय करना

I’d prefer cricket,” I told him. “Then we Tommies could be sure of winning, probably.” We laughed at that, and together we watched the game. Sad to say, Connie. Fritz won two goals to one. But as Hans Wolf generously said, our goal was wider than theirs, so it wasn’t quite fair. The time came, and all too soon, when the game was finished, the schnapps and the rum and the sausage had long since run out, and we knew it was all over. I wished Hans well and told him I hoped he would see his family again soon, that the fighting would end and we could all go home.

मैंने उसे कहा, “मैं क्रिकेट को प्राथमिकता दूँगा ।” “सम्भवतः, तब हम ब्रिटिश निश्चित रूप से जीत सकते हैं।” इस बात पर हम हँस पड़े, और साथ-साथ हमने खेल देखा। कोनी, यह कहते हुए खेद है कि जर्मन एक के मुकाबले दो गोल से जीत गए। परंतु जैसा कि हैंस वुल्फ ने उदारतापूर्वक कहा, हमारा गोल उनके गोल से अधिक जोरदार था, अतः यह पूर्णतया युक्ति-संगत नहीं था। समय बीतते पता ही नहीं चला। इसके साथ ही खेल समाप्त हो गया, (जर्मन) शराब और (ब्रिटिश) रम, और (जर्मन) मांस कभी के समाप्त हो चुके थे। हम जान गए यह सब समाप्त हो चुका है। मैंने हैंस को शुभकामनाएँ दीं, और आशा व्यक्त की कि वह शीघ्र ही अपने परिवार से पुनः मिलेगा, लड़ाई समाप्त हो जाएगी और हम सब घर जा सकेंगे।

Word Meanings

prefer– to estimate highly, अधिमान देना

generously – liberally, उदारतापूर्वक

run out- come to an end, समाप्त होना

probably- possibly, संभवतः

fair- honest, ईमानदार, न्यायसंगत

“I think that is what every soldier wants on both side,” Hans Wolf said, “Take care, Jim Macpherson. I shall never forget this moment, nor you.” He saluted and walked away from me slowly, unwillingly, I felt. He turned to wave just once and then became one of the hundreds of grey-coated men drifting back towards their trenches.

हैंस वुल्फ ने कहा, “मेरे विचार में दोनों पक्षों का प्रत्येक सिपाही यही चाहता है। ” “जिम मैक्फर्सन अपना ध्यान रखना, मैं यह क्षण कभी नहीं भूल पाऊँगा और न ही तुम। ” उसने नमस्कार किया, और अनिच्छापूर्वक वह धीमी गति से वहाँ से चला गया। केवल एक बार पीछे मुड़कर हाथ मिलाया और फिर अपनी खन्दकों की ओर वापिस जा रहे सैकड़ों भूरे कोटों में जा मिला।

KSEEB notes for Class 8 English Chapter 1 

Word Meanings

unwillingly- reluctantly, अनिच्छापूर्वक

drifting- going, जा रहे

moment- a very small portion of time, क्षण

That night, back in our dugouts, we heard them singing a canol, and singing it quite beautifully. It was Stille Nacht, Silent Night. 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 our time of peace and goodwill, a time I will treasure as long as I live
Dearest Connie, by Christmas time next year, this war will be nothing but a distant and terrible memory. I know from all that happened today how much both armies long for peace. We shall be together again soon, I’m sure of it

उस रात, अपनी खन्दकों में, हम ने उन्हें एक खुशी का गीत गाते सुना और वे अति सुन्दर ढंग से गा रहे थे। यह Stille Nacht (‘मौन रात्रि ) गीत था। हमारे जवानों ने उन्हें While Shepherds Watched’ का एक मिश्रित प्रेरणादायक गीत सुनाया। हमने कुछ समय तक आनन्द के गीतों का आदान प्रदान किया और फिर हम शान्त हो गए। हम ने शान्ति और सद्भावना का समय बिताया, यह ऐसा समय था जिसे मैं आजीवन सँभाल कर रखूँगा। प्रियतम कोनी, अगले साल की क्रिसमस समय तक, यह युद्ध एक दूरस्थ और दुःखद यादगार के सिवाय कुछ भी नहीं रहेगा। आज जो कुछ हुआ उस सब से मैं जान सकता हूँ कि दोनों सेनाएँ शान्ति के लिए कितनी अधिक कामना करती हैं। मुझे विश्वास है कि हम शीघ्र ही फिर से साथ-साथ होंगे। 

Word Meanings

dugouts – shelters for soldiers made by digging in the ground and saving them, भूमिगत शरण स्थल

rousing – provoking, उत्तेजना देने वाला

goodwill- friendly feelings or attitude, सद्भावन

carol- a joyous song, आनंद का गीत

chorus- a song sung collectively, मिलकर गाया हुआ गीत

terrible- frightful, भयंकर

I folded the letter again and slipped it carefully back into its envelope. I kept awake all night. By morning 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. House number 12 turned out to be nothing but a burned-out shell, the roof gaping, the windows boarded-up. I knocked at the house next door and asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of Mrs. Macpherson. Oh yes, said the old man in his slippers, he knew her well. A lovely old lady, he told me, a bit muddle-headed, but at her age, she was entitled to be, wasn’t she? A hundred and one years old. She had been in the house when it caught fire. No one really knew how the fire had started, but it could well have been candles. She used candles rather than electricity because she always thought electricity was too expensive. The fireman had got her out just in time. She was in a nursing home now, he told me. Burlington House, on Dorchester road, on the other side of town.

मैंने पत्र को पुनः तह किया और ध्यानपूर्वक में डाल दिया। मैं सारी रात जगाता रहा। प्रातः होने तक मैं जान गया था कि मुझे क्या करना है। मैं कुछ ही मील दूर, ब्रिडपोर्ट में गाड़ी से गया। मैंने अपने कुत्ते को घुमा रहे एक लड़के से पूछा कि कॉप्पर बीचज कहाँ है। मकान नं० 12 एक जले हुए खोल के अतिरिक्त और कुछ नहीं निकाला। छत खुली हुई थी, खिड़कियाँ बोडों से बन्द थीं। मैंने पास के घर का द्वार खटखटाया और पूछा कि क्या कोई श्रीमती मैक्फर्सन के विषय में जानता है। स्लीपर पहने एक बूढ़े आदमी ने कहा, हाँ, वह उसे अच्छी तरह से जानता है। उसने मुझे बताया कि वह एक सुन्दर बुढ़िया है, कुछ जड़ बुद्धि वाली है, परन्तु उस आयु में भी वह इस की पात्र थी, क्या नहीं थी? 101 वर्ष की वृद्धा । वह घर में थी जब इसे आग लगी । वास्तव में कोई भी नहीं जानता कि आग कैसे लगी परन्तु इस का कारण अवश्य मोमबत्तियाँ रही होंगी। वह बिजली की अपेक्षा मोमबत्तियाँ का उपयोग करती थीं, क्योंकि वह सदा सोचती थी कि बिजली अधिक महँगी है। फायरमैन ने ठीक समय पर उसे बाहर निकाल लिया था। उस ने मुझे बताया कि इस समय वह, नगर दूसरी ओर डार्चेस्टर सड़क पर स्थित, बर्लिंगन हाउस नामक नर्सिंग होम में है।

Word Meanings

folded- enveloped, rolled, तह किया

slipped – act of slipping,

entitled- fit for, पात्र

expensive – costly, महँगी

muddle- headed confused, जड़-बुद्धि वाला

gaping- break or opening in a wall, हृदरार/खाली जगह

I found Burlington House Nursing Home easily enough. There were paper chains up in the hallway and a lighted Christmas tree stood in the corner with a lopsided angel on top. I said I was a friend coming to visit Mrs. Macpherson to bring her a Christmas present. I could see through into the dining room where everyone was wearing a paper hat and singing. The matron had a hat on too and seemed happy enough to see me. She even offered me a mince pie. She walked me along the corridor. “Mrs. Macpherson is not in with the others,” she told me. “She’s rather confused today so we thought it best if she had a good rest. She has no family you know, no one visits. So I’m sure she’ll be only too pleased to see you.” She took me into a conservatory with wicker chairs and potted plants all around and left me.

मैं बर्लिंगटन हाउस नर्सिंग होम तक काफी आसनी से पहुँच गया। वहाँ हाल के मार्ग में ऊपर कागज की लड़ियाँ थीं, और एक कोने में एक प्रकाशित क्रिसमस वृक्ष खड़ा था, जिसकी चोटी पर तिरछा लटका हुआ एक देवदूत था। मैंने कहा मैं एक मित्र, श्रीमती मैक्फर्सन से मिलने तथा उसके लिए क्रिसमस का उपहार लेकर आया हूँ। मैं भोजन कक्ष में हर व्यक्ति को कागज की टोपी पहने तथा गीत गाते देख सकता था। मेट्रन भी हैट पहने हुए थी और मुझे मिलकर काफी खुश नजर आ रही थी। उसने मुझे मांस की एक कचौड़ी भी प्रस्तुत की। वह मुझे गलियारे के साथ-साथ ले गईं। उसने मुझे बताया, “श्रीमती मैक्फर्सन अन्दर दूसरों के साथ नहीं है। वह आज काफी उलझन में है। अतः हम ने सोचा कि यह बहुत अच्छा रहेगा, यदि उसे अच्छा विश्राम मिल जाए। आप जानते हैं कि उस का कोई परिवार नहीं है, कोई भी उसे मिलने नहीं आता है। अतः मुझे यकीन है वह आप से मिल कर बहुत प्रसन्न होगी।” वह मुझे एक सुरक्षित भंडार में ले गईं जिसमें चारों ओर सींक की बनी कुर्सियाँ और गमलों में पौधे लगे थे, और मुझे वहाँ छोड़ गई।

Word Meanings

lopsided-unbalanced, असंतुलित

mince- meat cut into small pieces, छोटे-छोटे टुकड़ों में कटा हुआ

confused-perplexed, व्याकुल

conservatory- a greenhouse, कोमल वनस्पतियों को रखने का रक्षा- गृह

matron – the woman superintendent of a hospital, प्रधान परिचारिका

pie – fruit crust covered with paste and baked, कचौड़ी, समोसा

wicker-twigs or canes woven together, टहनी, नरम बेंत

The old lady was sitting in a wheelchair, her hands folded in her lap. She had silver-white hair pinned into a wispy bun. She was gazing out at the garden. “Hello,” I said. She turned and looked up at me vacantly. “Happy Christmas, Connie, ” I went on. “| found this. I think it’s yours.” 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. For a while, she said nothing but stroked the letter tenderly with her fingertips.

वृद्ध महिला पहियों वाली एक कुर्सी पर बैठी हुई थी, उसके जुड़े हुए हाथ उसकी गोद में थे। उसने चाँदी जैसे सफेद बालों का एक गुच्छेदार जूड़ा बनाया हुआ था। वह लगातार बाग की ओर देख रही थी। मैंने कहा, “हैलो !” वह मुड़ी और मेरी ओर खाली नजरों से देखा। मैंने कहना जारी रखा, “कोनी, क्रिसमस आनन्दमयी हो । ” “मुझे यह मिला था, मेरा विचार है कि यह तुम्हारा है।” जब मैं बोल रहा था, तो उसकी आँखें मेरे चेहरे से नहीं हट रही थीं। मैंने टिनबॉक्स खोला और उसे दे दिया। उसी क्षण उसके नेत्र पहचान के कारण चमक उठे और उसका चेहरा अचानक खुशी से खिल उठा। मैंने डेस्क के विषय में बताया, मैंने बताया कि मुझे यह कैसे मिला, परन्तु मेरे विचार में वह मुझे सुन नहीं रही थी। कुछ समय तक उसने कुछ नहीं कहा, केवल कोमलतापूर्वक अपनी उँगलियों के सिरों से पत्र को सहलाती रही।

Word Meanings

gazing out-long steady look, लगातार देखना

vacantly-thoughtlessly, विचार शून्य

lit up – became bright with happiness, चमक उठी

wispy-small bundle, गुच्छा

suffused-spread all over, व्याप्त

stroked-patted, थपथपाया, सहलाया

Suddenly she reached out and took my hand. Her eyes were filled with tears. “You told me you’d come home by Christmas, dearest,” She said. “And here you are, the best Christmas present in the world. Come closer, Jim dear, sit down.” The Best Christmas Present in the World I sat down beside her, and she kissed my cheek, “I read your letter so often Jim, every day. I wanted to hear your voice in my head. It always made me feel you were with me. And now you are. Now you’re back you can read it to me yourself. Would you do that for me, Jim dear? I just want to hear your voice again. I’d love that so much. And then perhaps we’ll have some tea. I’ve made you a nice Christmas cake, marzipan all around. I know how much you love marzipan.”

अचानक उसने हाथ बढ़ाकर मेरा हाथ पकड़ लिया। उसकी आँखों में आँसू आ गए। उसने कहा, “प्रियतम, तुम ने मुझे कहा था कि तुम क्रिसमस तक घर आ जाओगे।” “और तुम आ गए हो, संसार के सर्वश्रेष्ठ क्रिसमस उपहार के रूप में।” “प्रिय जिम और पास आओ, बैठ जाओ।” मैं उसके पास बैठ गया और उसने मेरे गाल चूम लिए। “जिम मैं प्रतिदिन कितनी बार तुम्हारे पत्र को पढ़ती थी। मैं अपने दिमाग में तुम्हारी आवाज सुनना चाहती थी। इससे मुझे सदा ऐसा लगता था कि तुम मेरे साथ हो और अब तुम ( साथ) हो (ही) । अब तुम वापिस आ गए हो, तुम स्वयं मुझे पत्र पढ़ कर सुनाओ। क्या तुम मेरे लिए यह काम करोगे, प्रिय जिम? मैं फिर से तुम्हारी आवाज सुनना चाहती हूँ। मुझे यह बहुत ही प्रिय लगेगा और तब शायद हम कुछ चाय लेंगे। मैंने तुम्हारे लिए बढ़िया क्रिसमस केक बनाया है जिसके चारों ओर marzipan लगा हुआ है। मैं जानती हूँ। मैं जानती हूँ तुम marzipan कितना अधिक पसन्द करते हो। “

Word Meanings

suddenly- unexpectedly, अचानक

all around- on all sides, चारों ओर

beside-close to, निकट / बगल में

perhaps-possibly, शायद

KSEEB Class 8 English Chapter 1 Important Questions 

The Best Christmas Present in the World Textbook Exercises Comprehension Check 1

1. What did the author find in the junk shop?Answer. The author found a roll-top desk made of oak in a junk shop.

2. What did the author find in the secret drawer? Who do you think to put it in there?Answer. The author found a small black tin box in the secret drawer that had a letter in it. I think the owner of the roll-top desk, Mrs. Macpherson, had put it there.

Comprehension Check 2

1. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?Answer. Captain Jim Macpherson had written the letter to his wife, Connie. It was written a day after the Christmas of 1914. During that time a war was being fought between Britain and Germany.

2. Why was the letter written-what was the wonderful thing that had happened?Answer. Captain Jim Macpherson wrote this letter to his wife to tell her about a wonderful thing that happened one Christmas day. That wonderful thing was a friendly gesture shown by the German soldiers by extending Christmas greetings to British soldiers one night during the war. They enjoyed meat and drinks. Thus the enemies became friends for one day.

3. What job did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?Answer. Hans Wolf was a musician and Jim Macpherson was a schoolteacher when they were not soldiers.

4. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?Answer. Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset nor even to England. He said so because he had learned all he knew about England from school and from reading English books.

5. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?Answer.  I think Jim Macpherson never came back from the war. The fact that when their house caught fire, Mrs. Macpherson was alone in the house. She lived there alone proving it. Secondly, Mrs. Macpherson had written on the tin box that it contained Jim’s last letter. It was to be buried with her after her death.

Comprehension Check 3

1. Why did the author go to Bridport?Answer. The author went to Bridport to give back Mrs. Macpherson her letter.

2. How old was Mrs. Macpherson now? Where was she?Answer. Mrs. Macpherson was 101 years old. She was in Burlington House Nursing Home situated on Dorchester road.

Comprehension Check 4

1. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?Answer. She thought that her visitor was her husband, Jim Macpherson.

2. Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity?Answer. The sentence in the text which shows that the visitor did not try to hide his identity is – ‘I said I was a friend come to visit Mrs. Macpherson to bring her a Christmas present.’

The Best Christmas Present in the World Working With The Text

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 with her till their house caught fire. The burn marks, over the desk on which the letter was kept, show this.

2. Why do you think the desk had been sold and when?
   
   Answer. I think after the fire incident, Mrs. Connie must have sold the desk to the junk dealer. She must have sold it because it was in a bad condition.

3. Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?Answer. Jim and Hans thought so because no one gets killed in sports. Wives do not become widows. Children do not become orphans. I completely agree with them.

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 soldiers of both armies want the war to end soon. They wished to go home. One Christmas morning, the German soldiers waved a white flag and shouted Christmas wishes. The English soldiers too wished them. The two armies met each other at the no man’s land and made merry. One German officer, Hans, commented that wars should be resolved by playing games like football.

5. Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.Answer. On Christmas morning, the German soldiers came out of their trenches waving the white flag. They were calling out from across no man’s land, “Happy Christmas”. The British soldiers wished The Best Christmas Present in the World the same to them. The Germans came to the no man’s land with schnapps and sausages. The British soldiers joined them with rum. They ate and drank. They also played a football match. Both wanted to go back to their families at the end of the war.

6. What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it the best Christmas present in the world”?Answer. Her husband’s last letter is Connie’s best Christmas present. It is the best Christmas present because it brings back to her the memories of her husband. It is a symbol of her husband’s return on Christmas eve.

7. Do you think the title of the story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)?Answer.Yes, the title of the story is very suitable. At the end, when the author went to Connie to give her husband’s letter, she mistook him for her husband. She glowed with joy and called him the best Christmas present in the world. Other titles can be Games: The Best Way to Solve Conflicts or The Lost Last Letter.

The Best Christmas Present in the World Working With Language

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

Read the passage below and underline the verbs in the past tense.

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.

• 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.

• 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…

• Discuss with your partner the difference in meaning in the sentences below.

(a) When I reached the station, the train left.

(b) When I reached the station, the train had left.

Answer.
(a) The first sentence means that the train left the moment I reached the station.

(b) The second sentence means that the train had already left when I reached the station.
Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

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 severe 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 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
run out
look on
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 your sentence.

Answer.

1. Burnout – House No. 12 turned out to be nothing but a burned-out shell.
2. Meaning – destroyed by fire
3.  Light up That was the moment her eyes lit up with recognition.
4. Meaning – became bright with happiness, excitement
5. Look on-Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered.
6. Meaning – be a spectator
7. Run out – The schnapps and the rum and the sausage had long since run out.
8. Meaning – exhausted, finished, be used up
9.  Keep out – Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered, clapping our hands and stamping our feet to keep out the cold.
10. Meaning – to avoid
11. Noun phrase

Analysis of The Best Christmas Present In The World KSEEB English Reader 

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 headword, and three adjectives preceding it.
• Notice the order in which the adjectives occur – size (small), color (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.

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.  I saw a wild enormous elephant.
2.  She has a cheerful, round, chubby, medium-sized face.
3. This is a large, circular, multicolored building.
4.  I bathe in cold blue water.

The Best Christmas Present in the World Speaking

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 not a good way to end conflicts between countries. Wars bring death and destruction. A great number of soldiers are killed or crippled. Even the civilians suffer. Wives become widows. Children are orphaned. Property worth lakhs of rupees is destroyed. In short, wars are monsters that eat up everything that is valuable. In the words of Martin Luther: War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families.

2. What kinds 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. I like presents which are useful and helpful. It may be a book because it can be read and re-read over a period of time. A dictionary proves helpful in the study of a language. In fact, when I buy presents for others, I keep in mind their age and profession. I also keep in mind their likes and dislikes.

Simplified Notes For The Best Christmas Present In The World KSEEB Class 8 

The Best Christmas Present in the World Writing

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 25th December.
   It’s Christmas today, but the town look………..
   
   Answer. 25th December 1919
   It’s Christmas today, but the town looks somewhat different. Our country had been fighting against Germany. Now the war is over and we have come back home. My wife is overjoyed to get the most valuable Christmas gift in me. But our country has lost many brave soldiers. Many of them belonged to our town. Yet the people of my town are not distressed. They consider the killed soldier’s martyrs. They are celebrating Christmas in their memory. But it lacks its usual zeal and zest.Jim

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.

Bridport
26th December 20XX
Dear friend
I am in a huge dilemma. I have come through a strange incident. I bought an old desk from a junk shop. It was in bad condition. In a secret drawer of the desk, I found a letter. It was addressed to one Mrs. Macpherson. I noted the address and reached there but the house had burned to ashes. The lady had left the place. One of her neighbors told me that she was in a nursing home. He also told me the address of the nursing home. I reached there with the letter in my pocket. The lady was 101 years old. She had lost her power of recognition. Her husband, Jim had not returned from the war. She had become old while waiting for his return. When I gave her the letter as a Christmas gift, her face brightened and tears of happiness rolled down her eyes. In fact, she mistook me for Jim. I did not want to disappoint her so I kept mum. She still believes that I am her Jim.
Dear friend, I have some fears and concerns regarding the situation. Should I disclose my identity or not? Please guide me.
Do write to me soon.
Your friend
Michael

2. Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline.

Story

A young, newly married doctor came into contact with a renowned freedom fighter and got involved in the Indian freedom struggle. He was exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the British. He was imprisoned in the infamous Cellular Jail. The prisoners were tortured there. Some of his inmates revolted. The doctor supported the revolters. For this the doctor was hanged till death. His wife waited for his return. But he never came back. She became old and weak. But she did not lose hope and faith. She continued to wait for him. She hoped that their happy days would return soon.

The Best Christmas Present in the World Extract-Based Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow

I. spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport, a roll-top desk. The man said it was an early nineteenth-century and oak. I had wanted one, but they were far too expensive. This one was in a bad condition, the roll-top in several pieces, one leg clumsily mended, and scorch marks all down one side. 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. I paid the man and brought it back to my workroom at the back of the garage. I began work on it on Christmas Eve.

1. Who is ‘l’ in the given passage?
2.  What did the author see in a junk shop?
3. In what condition was it (the roll-top desk)?
4. Where was the junk shop situated?
5. Where was the author’s workroom located?

Answer.

1.  ‘I’ in the given passage is the author.
2.  The author saw a roll-top desk in a junk shop.
3. The roll-top desk was in a bad condition.
4. The junk shop was situated in Bridport.
5.  The author’s workroom was located at the back of the garage.

2. Inside the box, there was an envelope. The address read: “Mrs. Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport Dorset.” I took out the letter and unfolded it. It was written in pencil and dated at the top “December 26, 1914”.

1.  What was there inside the box?
2.  Who was it (the envelope) addressed to?
3. What did the author do with the letter?
4. How was the letter written?
5. When was the latter written?

Answer.

1. There was an envelope inside the box.
2. It was addressed to one Mrs. Jim Macpherson.
3.  The author took out the letter and unfolded it.
4. The letter was written in pencil.
5. The letter was written on December 26, 1914

KSEEB Solutions For Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World

3. First, someone saw a white flag waving from the trenches opposite. Then they were calling out to us from across no man’s land, “Happy Christmas, Tommy! Happy Christmas!” When we 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 suddenly one of them was up there in his grey greatcoat and waving a white flag. “Don’t shoot, lads!” someone shouted. And no one did. Then there was another Fritz up on the parapet, and another. “Keep your heads down,” I told the men, “it is a trick.” But it wasn’t.

1. What did someone see from the trenches opposite?
2.  Who was calling out and to whom?
3.  Which greetings were exchanged?
4.  What do Tommy and Fritz stand for?
5.  Who told his men to keep their heads down?

Answer.

1.  Someone saw a white flag waving from the trenches opposite.
2.  German soldiers were calling out to English soldiers.
3.  The Christmas greetings were exchanged.
4.  Tommy stands for a British soldier while Fritz stands for a German soldier.
5.  The British officer told his men to keep their heads down.

4. “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. He had learned all he knew of England from school, and from reading books in English. His favorite writer was Thomas Hardy, his favorite book was Far from the Madding Crowd.

1.  Who does ‘he’ refer to in the opening line?
2.  What did Jim and Hans share?
3.  Had Hans ever been to Dorset?
4. How did Hans know about Dorset?
5.  Name the favorite writer and favorite book of Hans.

Answer.

1.  ‘He’ is the opening line that refers to the German officer, Hans Wolf.
2. They shared rum and sausages.
3.  No, Hans had never been to Dorset.
4.  Hans had learned all he knew of England from school and from reading English books.
5.  Thomas Hardy was their favorite writer of Hans. His favorite book was ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.

5. That night, back in our dugouts, we heard them singing a carol, and singing it quite beautifully. It was Stille Nacht, Silent Night. 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 our time of peace and goodwill, a time I will treasure as long as I live.

1. Who does the word ‘them’ in the opening line refer to?
2.  What were they singing?
3.  How were they singing the carol?
4. What was the carol about?
5.  What was special about the time they had?

Answer.

1. The word ‘them’ in the opening line refers to the German soldiers.
2.  They (German soldiers) were singing a carol.
3. They were singing it beautifully.
4.  The carol was ‘Stille Nacht’, Silent Night.
5. It was a time of peace and goodwill.

The Best Christmas Present in the World  Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What was written on the letter that the author found on the old desk?Answer. The line “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” was written on that letter.

2. Did the author believe the Germans at once when they wished them merry Christmas?Answer. No, he didn’t believe them at once.

3. How did Hans and Jim feel when the match ended and they both went their way?Answer. They felt sad and disappointed.

4. How did the matron at the nursing home receive the author?Answer. The matron welcomed the author in a cheerful manner.

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World Summary 

The Best Christmas Present in the World  Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why did the author buy the roll-top desk which was in a bad condition?Answer. The author needed a roll-top desk made of oak. But they were very expensive. The price of the desk he saw in a junk shop was very low. So he bought it thinking that he could restore it.

2. How old was the desk the author bought? How can you say that it was in a very bad condition?Answer. According to the junk dealer, the desk was the early nineteenth century. Its top was in several pieces. One of its legs was badly mended. On its one side, there were scorch marks. It is thus, clear that the desk was in a very bad condition.

3. What made the Christmas party, as mentioned in the letter unforgettable for Jim?Answer. Jim (an English soldier) and Hans (a German soldier) talked just about everything. They shared their food and drink and it was the best Christmas they had ever celebrated.

4. How did old Connie express her love for her husband when she mistook the author for Jim?Answer. Connie’s eyes got filled with tears of joy when the author showed her the letter. She kissed his cheek and told him that she always loved to hear his voice. She asked him to read his last letter to her himself so that she could hear his voice again.

The Best Christmas Present in the World  Long Answer Type Questions

1. How did the house where Connie lived caught fire? How was she saved?Answer. Nothing can surely be said about how Connie’s house caught fire. No one really knew about The old lady (Connie) used candles instead of electricity because she thought that electricity was too expensive. So it might be the candlelight that caused the fire.
   Connie at that time was a hundred and one years old. She was unable to move out of the burning house. It was a fireman who acted quickly and got her out of the burning building just in time.

2. Describe the football match played between the English and the German soldiers on the Christmas day during the war. What was its significance?
   
   Answer. Soldiers from the opposing armies met each other on no man’s land one Christmas morning and started playing a football match. Jim Macpherson and Hans Wolf looked on and cheered. They clapped their hands and stamped their feet to keep out the cold. A moment came when their breaths became one. In the end, the Germans won the match by two goals to one. Still, Hans Wolf generously said that the goal scored by the English was wider than that by the Germans.The match was significant in the sense that it gave the noble idea of resolving disputes between nations through games instead of wars. Also, two opposing armies put aside their differences to make merry and play a game on Christmas Eve.

The Ant and the Cricket Poem

Summary In English

Once there was a foolish young cricket who was always singing and merry-making. He spent the happy days of summer and spring singing. He saved nothing for rainy days.
The winter set in. The ground and trees got covered with snow. The cricket had nothing to eat. He began to starve. He was sure that he would die without food. So, he went to an ant. He requested him to lend him a mouthful of grain. He promised the ant to return the grain the next day. The wise but miserly told him that the ants neither borrow nor lend.
Then the ant asked him if he had stored anything for the winter. The cricket replied that the weather was very fine during summer so he sang day and night. On listening to these words, the ant said to him, “Go then and dance the winter away.” Saying this, he hastily opened the door and turned the idle cricket out of his house.
The moral of the fable is: If you live without work, you must live without food.

Summary In Hindi

एक बार एक मूर्ख झींगुर था । वह सदा गाता और नाचता रहता था। उसने गर्मी और बसन्त के सुहावने दिन गाने में गुज़ार दिए। उसने कठिन दिनों के लिये कुछ बचा कर नहीं रखा। सर्दियां आ गईं। ज़मीन और वृक्ष बर्फ से ढक गए। झींगुर के पास खाने को कुछ न था । वह भूखा मरने लगा। उसे विश्वास था कि भोजन के बिना वह भूख से मर जाएगा। अतः वह एक चींटी के पास गया। उसने उसे मुट्ठी भर अनाज उधार देने की प्रार्थना की। उसने वचन दिया कि वह अनाज अगले दिन वापिस कर देगा। बुद्धिमान चींटी ने उसे बताया कि चींटियां न उधार लेती हैं न देती हैं।
फिर चींटी ने उस से पूछा कि क्या उसने सर्दियों के लिए कुछ बचा रखा है। झींगुर ने उत्तर दिया कि मौसम बड़ा सुहावना था। इसलिए वह दिन-रात गाता रहा। यह सुनकर चींटी ने उससे कहा, “जाओ और सर्दियां नाच कर गुजारो।” यह कहते हुए उसने झट द्वार खोला और निकम्मे झींगुर को घर से बाहर निकाल दिया। इस लोक कथा का सार है: यदि तुम काम के बिना रह सकते हो तो तुम्हें खाने के बिना भी रहना चाहिए।

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For The Best Christmas Present In The World 

The Ant and the Cricket

Hindi translation Of The Lesson (With word Meanings)

A silly young cricket, accustomed to singing 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 coming.

एक मूर्ख झींगुर जो ग्रीष्म और बसंत के गर्म, धूप खिले दिन गाकर गुजारने का आदी था, शिकायत करने लगा जब उसने पाया की सर्दी आ गई है और घर पर उसकी अलमारी में खाने का दाना भी नहीं है

Word Meanings

gay- bright and pleasant, आनंद भरे                                   

2.  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?”

बर्फ से ढकी धरती में (सर्दी के कारण) खाने को अनाज़ का एक दाना भी नहीं देता था। न तो उसे कोई फल दिखाई देता था, न ही उसे किसी वृक्ष पर कोई पत्ता दिखाई देता था। झींगुर ने कहा, “ओह! मेरा क्या होगा।”

Word Meanings

• crumba- bit of grain, अनाज का दाना

become of me- happen to me, उसका क्या होगा
                  

3. At last by starvation and famine made boldly, All dripping with wetness, and all trembling with cold, Away he set off to a miserly ant, To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant. Him shelter from rain, And a mouthful of grain.

अंत में भुखमरी तथा अकाल से तंग आकर उसने साहस जुटाया और वर्षा में भीगते हुए तथा ठंड से काँपते हुए वह एक कंजूस चींटी से मिलने चल दिया। वह जानना चाहता था कि क्या वह उसे जीवित रखने के लिए वर्षों से उसका बचाव करेगी और उसे मुट्ठी भर अनाज दे देगी।

Word Meanings

• famine-scarcity of food, अकाल
• trembling – shivering, काँपते हुए
• mouthful – a little, थोड़ा-सा
• shelter protection or shield, आश्रय देना, बचाव करना
• made bold -gathered courage, साहस जुटाया

starvation – a stage in which one is dying of hunger, भुखमरी miserly – selfish, stingy, कंजूस dripping with wet being all wet in rain, वर्षा में भीगते हुए

4. He wished only to borrow; He’d repay it tomorrow; If not, he must die of starvation and sorrow.

वह केवल उधार लेना चाहता था और सोचता था कि अगले ही दिन वह उसे (अनाज) लौटा देगा। यदि यह उसे न मिला तो वह भूख और दुःख से मर जाएगा।

Word Meanings

borrow to take as a loan, उधार लेना

repay to give back, लौटाना

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

चींटे ने कहा, “मैं तुम्हारा सेवक एवं मित्र हूँ। परंतु हम चींटे न तो कभी उधार लेते हैं न कभी उधार देते हैं। प्रिय झींगुर, पर मुझे यह तो बताओ कि जब गर्मी का मौसम था, तब तुमने कुछ भी नहीं बचा रखा ?” झींगुर ने कहा, मैंने कुछ नहीं बचाया।’

Word Meanings

quoth said, कहा

6. 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.”

झींगुर ने कहा, “मेरा मन इतना प्रसन्न था कि मैं प्रकृति की प्रत्येक चीज़ को खुश देखकर दिन-रात गाता ही रहा। इस पर चींटी ने कहा, ‘अच्छा श्रीमान्, तुम कहते हो कि तुम गाते रहे। तो जाओ और सर्दियाँ नाच नाच कर बिता दो।”

Word Meanings

light- glad, प्रसन्न

dance away to spend dancing, नाच-नाच कर बिताना।

7. 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.

इस प्रकार अपनी बात को खत्म करते ही चींटी ने जल्दी से दरवाजा खोला और छोटे से दुःखी (बेचारे) झींगुर को घर से बाहर निकाल दिया। लांग इसे तर्कहीन लोककथा कहते हैं, परंतु मैं दावे से कहता हूँ कि यह सच्ची है। कुछ झींगुर के चार पैर होते हैं तो कुछ के दो।

Word Meanings

• hastily in a hurry, जल्दी से
• folks common people, साधारण लोग
• turned out threw out बाहर निकाल दिया
• warrant to claim, दावे से कहन

The Ant and the Cricket Textbook Exercises (Solved)

Working With the Poem

1. The cricket says, “Oh! what will become of me?” When does he say it, and why?Answer. The cricket says this when winter sets in. He says so because he has saved nothing for winter. His cupboard is empty and he has nothing to eat. He is sure to die of starvation.

2.  Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”. (Shakespeare).Answer  The ant’s principle has a strong logic. It is based on the fact that borrowing and lending are the scissors of love and friendship.

3. The ant tells the cricket to “dance the winter away”. Do you think the word ‘dance’ is appropriate here? If so, why?Answer. The word ‘dance’ here is very much appropriate. It is used as a satire on the idleness of cricket.

The Best Christmas Present In The World Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

The Ant And The Cricket Extract-Based Questions

Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. A silly young cricket, accustomed to singing 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 came.

(1) How did the cricket spend his summer and spring?

Answer. The cricket spent his summer and spring singing.

(2) What did the cricket begin to complain about when the winter came?

Answer. The cricket began to complain about his empty cupboard when the winter came.

(3) What does ’empty cupboard’ mean?

Answer. An empty cupboard means that the cricket did not have any food for the winter.

2. At last by starvation and famine made boldly, 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. He sheltered from the rain And a mouthful of grain.

(1) What emboldened the cricket?

Answer. The cricket was emboldened by the lack of food during winter.

(2) What did the cricket expect from the ant?

Answer. The cricket expected that the ant would provide him shelter from rain and give him some food to eat.

(3) The cricket knew that the ant was a miser, then why did he go to the ant?

Answer. The cricket was starving because of lack of food and his only hope was the miserly ant. He knew that the ant must have stored food for the winter. That is why he went to the ant.

3. The Ant and the Cricket 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.”

(1) What did the cricket say when he was asked about his activities in summer?

Answer. The cricket said that he spend his summer singing from dusk to dawn.

(2) Why did the cricket spend all his summer days singing?

Answer. The cricket thought that nature looked gay and there was plenty to eat. He was careless by nature so he did not think about the future. and spent all his time singing.

(3) What did the ant say to the cricket on hearing his excuse?

Answer. The ant asked the cricket to spend his winter in the same manner he had spent his summer, that is, by singing day and night.

The Ant and the Cricket  Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What was the cricket accustomed to?Answer. The cricket was accustomed to singing

2. What did the cricket find when the winter came?Answer. The cricket found that his cupboards were empty and he had no food for winter.

3. What did the cricket wish for the ant?Answer. The cricket wished that the ant would lend him some food which he would return the next day.

4. How did the ant react to the cricket’s request?Answer. The ant turned the cricket away with advice to spend his winter dancing.

The Ant and the Cricket  Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is a fable? Discuss the poem ‘The Ant and the Cricket’ as a fable.Answer. A fable is usually an animal story that contains a moral. This poem is also a story of two animals the ant and the cricket. This story conveys a beautiful moral too, that is, if you do not think about the future, you will suffer. The animals are shown to behave like human beings.

2. The ant treated the cricket in two different ways. Why and how?Answer. In the beginning, the ant was very humble to the cricket, because he was a host. He said that he was his servant and friend. But when he came to know that the cricket was an idler and had come to borrow some grain, he turned him out of the door.

The Ant and the Cricket Long Answer Type Questions

“Though ant is smaller than cricket, he is wiser than him.” Give example(s) to prove this statement.
Answer.

1.  The ant is a hard-working insect, while the cricket is an idler and careless insect.
2. The ant knows the value of small savings. But the cricket is a borrower. He lays by nothing for a rainy day.
3. The ants have principles but the cricket doesn’t follow any.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities Textbook Questions

Question 1 Why do you think there are so few cases of private water supply in the world?

Answer. There are very few cases of private water supply in the world. The following reasons are responsible for the same:

1. Water is essential for life and for good health.
2. One of the most important functions of the government is to ensure public facilities. Supply of water is also the responsibility of the government.
3. The government also gets some money for providing water. But government charges are very less in comparison to the private water supply.
4. In the world, where water supply was handed over to private companies, there was a steep rise in the price of water which was not affordable for many.
5.  In Bolivia, there were riots and protests and government was forced to take back the supply of water from private hands.

Question 2 Do you think water in Chennai is available and affordable by all? Discuss.

Answer. In Chennai, there is a big problem of water and it is neither available nor affordable by all. In posh areas like Anna Nagar, there is no shortage of water. But in a majority of the areas, there is a shortage of water and people are facing the scarcity. In Mylapore area, municipal water comes once in two days. Many people purchase water from tankers and spend rupees 500-600 per month. In certain areas, drinking water is supplied once in four days. In Madipabkam area, people buy Bisley Jerry cans. But poor people can’t afford Bisley water. In summer season, the flow of water becomes a trickle. People have to wait long hours for the water tankers.

Question 3 How is the sale of water by farmers to water dealers in Chennai affecting the local people? j Do you think local people can object to such exploitation of groundwater? Can the government j do anything in this regard?

Answer In Chennai, private companies are taking water from farmers i.e., from their land. This has affected not only the agriculture but this has also created a shortage of drinking water for the villager,  Moreover, water levels in these areas have gone very down. Local people have a right to make a protest against exploitation of groundwater, To protect the public interest, the government can make rules and regulations to stop the exploitation of groundwater.

Question 4 Why are most of the private hospitals and private schools located in major cities and not in the towns or rural areas? 

Answer In a modem welfare state like India, it is the responsibility of the government to provide education to the people and to protect their health of the people. Besides the government, the private companies are also providing publ c facilities, especially in big cities. Big private hospitals and private schools are opened in major cities and not in the rural areas. For example, Fortis hospitals, Appollo hospitals,  Batra hospitals, etc Delhi Public School, DAV. Public Schools, etc., are located in major cities i.e., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, etc. Private hospitals and schools are located in big cities because people in big cities can afford to pay their fees, etc. Private hospitals and schools are very costly and rural people cannot afford their fees, expenditures,s, etc.

Question 5 Do you think that the distribution of public facilities in our country is adequate and fair? Give an example of your own to explain.

Answer. One of the most important functions of the government is to ensure that public facilities are made available to everyone. But in our country, the distribution of public facilities is neither adequate nor fair. For example, in Haryana, there is a shortage of electricity. Almost eight hours cut is in all the cities of Haryana. But in VIP’s area of each city, there is no such cut. Similar is the case of water. The burden of shortage in water supply falls mostly on the poor.

Class 8 Civics KSEEB Public Facilities Notes 

Question 6 Take some of the public facilities in your area, such as water, electricity, etc. Is there scope to improve these? What in your opinion should be done? Complete the table. Is it available? How can it be improved?
Answer.
Water Water is available but in scarcity. Drinking water should be supplied in all the areas and wastage should be checked.
Electricity Great shortage and minimum cut Production of electricity should be increased and wastage of electricity should be checked.
Roads Roads are not properly maintained There should be regular repair of roads.
Public Transport Insufficient Public Transport More buses should be introduced on all routes. New buses should be purchased.

Question 7 Are the above public facilities shared equally by all the people in your area? Elaborate.

Answer. In my area, public facilities are shared equally by all the people. There is an adequate and fair supply of public facilities n my area.

Question 8 Data on some of the public facilities are collected as part of the Census. Discuss with your teacher when and how the Census is conducted.

Answer. In 2001, Census data on some of the public facilities were collected. According to 2011 Census, the population of India is more than 121 crores. Census is conducted after every ten years. The Census of India 2001 puts rural household electrification at 44 percent About 68 percent of the households in India have access to drinking water and about 36 percent have access to sanitation.

Question 9 Private educational institutions-schools, colleges, universities, technical, and vocational training institutes are coming up in our country in a big way. On the other hand, educational institutes run by the government are becoming relatively less important. What do you think would be the impact of this? Discuss.

Answer. In the beginning of 21 st century, Private Education Institutions are coming up in India in a big way. Many private universities have been established. On the other hand, educational institutions run by government are becoming less important. The great impact of this trend is that education in private institutions has become very costly and is not within the reach of ordinary citizens. Moreover, students of private institutions feel superior than the students of government schools.

Public Facilities Text Questions

Question 1 You have seen the four situations illustrated above. Based on these, what impression do you get of the water situation in Chennai?

Answer. The water situation is not good in Chennai. Water has to be bought and only the well-off population can afford to do that People working in higher posts have water supplied to them by their approach to higher officials.

Question 2 Pick out the various sources of water for household use from the description alongside.

Answer. Various sources of water are Municipal water, water tanker, borewell, and bottled water.

Question 3 What, in your view, is similar, and what is different in Subramanian’s and Padma’s experiences?

Answer. Similarities:

1.  They both face water shortages.
2. They get water from tankers.
3.  Both use borewells for water.

 Differences:

1. Padma gets water from the borewell from the common tap for 20 minutes twice daily and Subramanian gets municipal water once in 2 days.
2.  Padma warts for government tankers whereas Subramanian buys water from tankers.
3.  Padma uses tanker water for all uses and Subramaniam buys Bisleri water for drinking.
4.  Padma is a domestic worker and can’t afford to buy water, whereas Subramaniam can afford it

Question 4 Write a paragraph describing the water supply situation in your area.

Answer. In many areas, municipal water is supplied for 2-3 hours a day. People have also installed underground pumps to receive water. People also purify the water before drinking it

Question 5 Why does water flow in a trickle in summer in most places in India? Find out.

Answer. Water flow trickles in summer due to the following reasons:

1. Demand of water increases in summer, as people need more water for drinking and other purposes.
2. Water is also needed for irrigation and for cattle.
3. Water bodies dry up in summer due to increased evaporation.

KSEEB Class 8 Civics solutions For Public Facilities

Question 6 Discuss: Is there a general shortage of water for everyone in Chennai? Can you think of two reasons why different people get varying amounts of water?

Answer. Chennai is marked with a water shortage. On average, only about 50% of its requirement is fulfilled by the municipal supply. Water is unevenly distributed as:

1.  The areas which are closer to the storage point receive more water than the areas which are far away.
2.  Middle and upper-caste people cope with the shortage of water by various means like buying water or from underground sources, but the poor face the challenges as they can not afford it.

Question 7Discuss: Do you think this would be a right step? What do you think would happen if the government withdraws from the task of supplying water?

Answer.
The shortage of municipal water has been taken as a sign of government failure and there is a demand for privatisation in water supply. This would not be the right step. Throughout the world, water supply is the function of the government and there are very few examples of successful private participation (Porto Alegre Brazil).

If the government withdraws, the poor would be affected. Within our country, there are successful examples of government water supply like that of Mumbai or Hyderabad where water department increased coverage and improved performance in revenue collection. A limited private participation where the government controls the rates may also help improve the supply and distribution.

Question 8 Discuss the main ideas in the above section. What do you think can be done to improve the water supply?

Answer. This section dealt with a successful example of private water supply in Brazil and not so successful example in Bolivia. It also talked about improved supply in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Local authorities can take initiatives like water harvesting recharge groundwater, and afforestation to improve the level of groundwater. Leakage can be checked, old rusted pipelines should be replaced, etc. Water treatment plants may be started, and wastage of water to be reduced by creating awareness. Fine may be imposed on the people who are found to be wasting water.

Question 9 Do you think it is also important to conserve resources like water and electricity and to use more public transport?

Answer. Yes, it is important to conserve resources and use public transport.

Question 10 Do you think that ‘lack of access to proper sanitation facilities affects peoples’ lives? How?

Answer. Yes, importable water affects the health of the people. They are prone to many water-borne diseases. Their efficiency is affected due to ill health.

Public Facilities Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1 Explain the term company.

Answer. A company is a form of business set up by people or by the government.

Question 2 Explain the significance of water.

Answer. Water is essential for life and for good health.

Question 3 What are public facilities?

Answer. Public facilities are those facilities which are essential for the survival of human beings.

Question 4 Name the place where public facilities are generally not available.

Answer. Public facilities are generally not available in slum areas.

Public Facilities Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Question 5 In India, which localities do not have proper public facilities?

Answer. In India, poor localities and slum areas are under-serviced.

Question 6 What is the major role of the government regarding public facilities?

Answer. One of the major roles of the government is to ensure adequate public facilities for everyone.

Question.7. Find out the various kinds of taxes people pay, to the government by talking to a salaried person, a person running his or her own factory/business, and a shopkeeper. Share your findings in the classroom with your teacher.

Answer. The people pay the following kinds of taxes to the government:

1.  Income tax
2.  Service tax
3. Sales tax
4.  Excise duty

Question 8 Mention four public facilities which are provided by the government.

Answer.

1. Water
2. Electricity
   
3. Transport
   
4. Health care

Question 9 Do you think public facilities are available to everyone equally?

Answer. Public facilities are not available to everyone equally.

Question 10 State the various sources of water for household use.

Answer.

1. Municipal Water
2.  Water tankers
3. Borewell
4.  Water jars

Public Facilities Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1 What are public facilities? Why should the government be responsible for providing public services?

Answer. Public facilities are those facilities which are essential for the survival and development of human beings. Public facilities are our basic needs. Water, food, shelter, education, health, etc., are examples of public facilities. It is the sole responsibility of the government to provide public facilities to every person adequately. If public facilities are handed over to private companies, then these facilities would not be distributed equally. Moreover, these facilities would become very costly and unaffordable for many.

Question 2 Is there a general shortage of water for everyone in Chennai? Can you think of two reasons why different people get varying amounts of water?

Answer. In Chennai, there is a shortage of water but this shortage of water is not for everyone. In Chennai different people get varying amounts of water due to the following reasons:

1. All people are not treated equally. Where senior government officers are living i.e., Anna Nagar, there is no shortage of water. Officers are getting tap water for a major part of the day.
2. In posh areas and developed areas, there is also no shortage of water. In poor colonies and slum areas, there is a huge shortage of water. Even water tankers are not easily available. People have to wait long for hours.

Question 3 Why does water flow is a trickle in summer in most places of India? Explain.

Answer. Water shortage is not only in Chennai but in other parts of India also. there is a big shortage of water in Hyderabad, Shimla, Mandi, Ambala, etc. In summer, the flow of water becomes a trickle in many parts of India. In summer, consumption of water increases to a great extent, whereas the water go much deeper. Moreover, there is a shortage of electricity in the majority of states of India. Many tubewells fail in summer

Question.4. Why do you think the government must assume the overall responsibility for public facilities even when it gets private companies to do part of the job?

Answer. The government should assume the overall responsibility for public facilities due to following reasons:

1. Private companies provide public facilities at a very high rate.
2. For poor masses, it is very difficult to pay very high prices for public facilities.

Explanation Of Public Facilities In KSEEB Civics 

Public Facilities Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1 State the plans started by the government in order to ensure development in all sectors.

Answer. To ensure development in all sectors, the government has started five-year plans.

1.  1st Five Year Plan (1951-56): Emphasised on agriculture, power, transport, and stability.
2. 2nd Five Year Plan (1956-61): Focused on rapid industrialisation.
3. 3rd Five-Year Plan (1961-66): To make India self-reliant
4. 1966-69 Three Annual PIAns. Emphasised on agriculture.
5. 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74): Emphasised on agricultural growth rate.
6. 5th Five Year Plan (1974-79): Removal of poverty and attainment of self-reliance.
7.  Rolling Plan (1978 80)
8. 6th Five Year Plan (1980-85): Modernisation of technology, increase of national income, and decrease in poverty ratio.
9. 7th Five Year Plan (1985-90): Rapid growth of foodgrain production, increase in employment opportunity, etc.
10. 8th Five-Year Plan (1992-97): Rapid economic growth, high agricultural growth, growth in export and import, etc.
11. 9ch Five Year Plan (1997-2002): Improve quality of life, religious balance, and self-reliance.
12. 10th Five Year Plan (2002-07): Universal access to primary education, reduction in decadal population growth, reduction in gender gap (difference between sex ratio), increase forest cover, etc.
13.  I Ith Five Year Plan (2007-12): Accelerated GDP growth rate, increase literacy rate, reduce Infant Mortality Rate, increase forest and Tree covers by 5 percent.
14.  12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017): Infrastructure, health, education, enhancing the capacity of growth, environmental management, first employment generation, managing, urbanisation, decentralisation, empowerment, information, and technology.

Question 2 Elucidate the development brought about in the social sector. ;

Answer. After Independence, India faced many problems such as poverty, healthcare, growth of population, illiteracy, etc. These problems are concerned with the social sector. Due to the pressure of the increasing population growth rate, many of the government-initiated programs fell short of demand. Some of the steps taken by the government in different social sectors, to  build a strong social infrastructure are as follows:

1.  Education: Education plays an important role in development. No society in modem times can progress without the attainment of a proper literacy level. India is facing the problem of illiteracy since independence. The government has taken some serious steps toward increasing the literacy rate among the masses. A law has been enacted to provide free and compulsory education to children up to 14 years. In many states, girls are provided education free of cost, up to the Senior  Secondary Level. Many new, educational institutions, including engineering, management, and medical institutes have been operated by the government to provide higher education.
2. Poverty and Unemployment: Poverty and unemployment were the two major challenges to the social infrastructure. The government has taken sincere efforts to get rid of these problems,  Some of the steps taken in this regard are as follows:
   (a) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): It was implemented in 7006, to provide 100 days of assured employment every year to every j rural household. Under this act, if an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days, he will be entitled to a daily unemployment allowance of? 100.
   (b) Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojna (SGRY): It was launched in 2011. This objective is to provide additional wage employment along with food security, the creation of durable social and economic assets, and the development of infrastructure in rural areas.
   (c) Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP): It was launched in 1995. Its aim is
   to create self-employment opportunities in rural areas and in small towns.
   (d) Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SASY): It was implemented in 1999. It aims at
   bringing the assisted poor families above the poverty line, by organising them into self-help groups through a mix of bank credit and government subsidies.
   (e) Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojna (PMGY): It was launched in 2000, which provides additional central assistance to states for basic services such as primary health, primary; education, rural shelter, rural drinking water, and electrification.
3. Problems of Housing: Most of the poor people in urban areas live in slums, in a pitiable conditions. Likewise, many poor people in the village have no house to live in. To improve their  condition, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation has made a significant stride,
   Another organisation the Integrated Housing, and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) aims to provide housing facilities for the Door in urban areas. A government-oriented, Indira Aavvas Yojana (IAY) was also implemented, to meet the shortage of houses for the poor in rural areas.

KSEEB Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Important Questions 

Public Facilities Hots Corner

Question 1 What has been done in the sector of rural development?

Answer. Most of the Indian populace lives in villages. So, the development of rural areas is the prime objective of the government. The Indian villages have charged a lot due to the efforts made by the government, to uplift the rural life and provide them with the basic facilities. With the help of the basic facilities provided by the government the living standard of the people improved a lot In 2005, the Bharat Nirman Plan was implemented in rural areas with the following major objectives:

1.  Provide clean drinking water.
2. Provide basic medical facilities.
3. Link every village to a town/city by well-constructed roads.
4. Provide communication facilities.

Question 2 What do you understand by Infrastructure? What has the government done for the development of infrastructure?

Answer. The term ’infrastructure’ stands for enabling framework a web of networked communication, roads, railways, bridges, ports, and other public works that are collectively required for an industrial economy to function.
Development of Infrastructure:
In a democratic country like India, the government plays a major role in the infrastructural development It is because:

1.  The development of a country and infrastructure building is directly related to the prosperity of the country.
2. ft is the foremost duty of the government to monitor progress and initiate new projects for its socio-economic development.

Public Facilities Miscellaneous Questions

A. Multiple-Choice Questions 

Tick the correct option from the choices provided:

Question 1 Which of the following is a public facility

(a) Roads
(b) Water
(c) Public Transport
(d) All of these

Answer (d) All of these

Question-2. Which of the following is essential for life and good health?

(a) Higher education
(b) Doctors
(c) Water
(d) All of these

(d) All of these

Question3 Who ensures that public facilities are made available to everyone?

(a) Governor
(b) Parliament
(c) Government
(d) State Legislature

Answer. (c) Government

Question 4 The right to life includes:

(a) Right to water
(b) Right to health
(c) Right to education
(d) All of these

Answer. (d) All of these

Detailed Notes On Public Facilities KSEEB 

Question 5 Which of the following is a basic need of a human being?

(a) Food
(b) Shelter
(c) Water
(d All of these

Answer. (d) All of these

Question 6 According to 2011 census, the population of India is more than

(a) 121 crores
(b) 105 crores
(c) NO crores
(d) 120 crores

Answer. (a) 121 crores

Question 7 According to 2001 census, how many % of villagers receive electricity?

(a) 70%
(b) 65%
(c) 50% 
(d)9 44%

Answer. (d) 44%

Question 8 In which state, water-supply was handed over to a Private Company?
(a) India
(b) Bolivia
(c) Brazil
(d) Egypt

Answer. (b) Bolivia

Public Facilities Picture Interpretation

Look at the following pictures and answer the questions that follow:

1. What is Being depicted in the above pictures?

Answer. In the following pictures, students are Being shown in a school.

2. What does the Indian Constitution provide to all children of India?

Answer. The Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Education for all children, between the ages of 6-14 years.

3. What is an important aspect of this right?

Answer. Equity in the schooling facilities available to all children is an important aspect of this right. However, activists and scholars working on education have documented the fact that schooling in India continues to be highly unequal.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant Summary In English

Once there lived a Giant who owned a majestic garden. Children loved to play in it all day. When the Giant returned from one of his long trips, he discovered that children were playing in his beautiful garden. This made the Giant furious and he ordered the children to leave the place at once.

He build a large wall surrounding his garden and put up a notice board on it which read, “Trespassers will be prosecuted”. The children who were so fond of that lovely garden were now very scared with the incident that had happened with them and so they decided not to return.

They dearly missed playing in the garden and would often remember it. Soon the season changed and there was spring all over the country but the giant’s garden still had winter. In fact, his garden turned icy cold as it was now visited only by snow, frost, hail, and North Wind. While inside the house, the Giant could only wonder why spring hadn’t arrived for so long.

One day while lying awake in his bed, the Giant heard a beautiful piece of music and assumed it to be the king’s musician passing by. This happened because he hadn’t heard any music for a long time. He went to the window and saw that it was only a little linnet that was singing.

He saw that through a little hole in the wall the children had crept inside the garden and there was a total change in the season. The trees had welcomed the children and shed all the snow spread on them.

The birds flew in the garden and the flowers and green grass laughed about. The Giant felt pleased to see the beautiful sight of children playing around. However, one corner of the garden was still icy cold as a tree was still covered in snow. The Giant saw a little child trying to climb the tree but unable to do so because of his small height.

The Giant went to the garden to help the little child but as soon as other children saw him coming, they ran out of the garden in fear. Only the little child who was still trying to climb the tree couldn’t see the Giant coming as his eyes were full of tears. The Giant picked up the child and made him sit on the branch of the tree.

The child was so happy that he gave a warm hug to the Giant and kissed him. When other children saw the Giant’s kindness they came back, and with them came the spring.

The Giant broke the wall that he had built. He now entertained the children after they returned from school every day. The Giant loved all of them but the little child who had shown him such affection was more dear to him than any other. But he was never to be seen again. The Giant missed him dearly.

Time passed and the Giant grew old. One morning when the Giant looked out of his window, he saw the same little child under a tree in the corner. The Giant’s happiness knew no bounds. He ran out of his house only to see the little boy standing under the tree, wounded. His hands and feet had prints of nails dug into them.

The Giant felt extremely hurt and asked the boy to tell him the name of the person who had hurt him so that the Giant could slay him dead. But the child responded by saying that those were wounds of love. He then said to the Giant that since he had let him play in his garden once, it was time now that he should return the favor by letting him play in his garden; the paradise.

The Giant understood that the boy was no one else but God himself. That day when the children returned from school they saw the Giant lying dead under the tree. His body was covered with white blossoms.

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant Summary In Hindi

एक राक्षस था। वह एक राजसी बाग का मालिक था। बच्चे दिन भर उसके बाग में खेलना पसंद करते थे। काफी दिनों की लंबी यात्रा के बाद जब वह वापस लौटा तो उसने देखा कि उसके सुंदर बाग में बहुत सारे बच्चे खेल रहे हैं। यह देखकर वह आग बबूला हो गया और उसने बच्चों को वहाँ से तुरंत भाग जाने का आदेश सुना दिया। उसके बाद उसने बाग के चारों ओर चारदीवारी का निर्माण कराया और एक सूचना पट भी लगा दिया, जिस पर लिखा था- “अनधिकृत प्रवेश वर्जित है।” बच्चे बुरी तरह डर गए और उन्होंने वहाँ दोबारा न आने का निश्चय किया। हालाँकि वे अब भी उस बाग में खेलना चाहते थे और बारबार उसे याद भी करते रहते थे। जल्द ही मौसम बदल गया। संपूर्ण देश में वसंत का आगमन हो गया परंतु उस बाग में अब भी सरदी का मौसम व्याप्त था। वास्तव में वह बाग इतना ठंडा हो गया था कि वहाँ केवल बर्फ, ओले और उत्तरी हवाओं का जोर दिखाई पड़ रहा था। उधर अपने घर के अंदर बंद राक्षस यह सोचकर परेशान था कि अभी तक वसंत का मौसम क्यों नहीं आया।

एक दिन राक्षस ने दीवार में बने एक छोटे से छेद से देखा कि बच्चे चुपके से उसके बगीचे के अंदर घुस चुके हैं। जहाँ भी बच्चे घुसे हैं वहाँ का मौसम पूरी तरह बदल गया है और फूल खिले हुए हैं। जबकि बाग का एक कोना अब भी ठंड की चपेट में ही था और वहाँ के पेड़ अभी भी बर्फ से ढके हुए थे। उसी समय राक्षस ने एक रोते हुए बच्चे को देखा जो पेड़ पर चढ़ने का प्रयास करते हुए बार-बार असफल हो रहा था। वह उसके पास गया और उसको गोद में उठाकर पेड़ की डाल पर बैठा दिया। बच्चा इतना खुश हुआ कि उसने राक्षस को गले लगाया और उसे चूम लिया। अन्य बच्चों ने जब राक्षस की दयालुता को देखा तो वे भी अंदर आ गए और उनके साथ ही बाग में वसंत का भी आगमन हो गया।

इस घटना ने राक्षस को पूरी तरह बदल दिया। अब वह दयावान और सभी बच्चों को प्यार करने वाला बना गया। हालाँकि वह बच्चा, जिसने सबसे पहले उससे अपना स्नेह जताया था, वह उसे अन्य बच्चों से अधिक प्यारा बन गया था। लेकिन उसे फिर कभी नहीं देखा गया। समय बीतता गया और राक्षस बूढ़ा हो गया। एक सुबह जब राक्षस खिड़की से बाहर देख रहा था तभी उसने उसी बच्चे को कोने में स्थित एक पेड़ के नीचे देखा। जब राक्षस बगीचे में गया तो देखा कि उस छोटे से बच्चे के हाथ और पैरों पर नाखून के खरोंच के गहरे निशान हैं। यह देखकर राक्षस को गहरा आघात पहुँचा और उसने बच्चे से उस व्यक्ति का नाम बताने के लिए कहा जिसने उसे चोट पहुँचाई थी। लेकिन बच्चे ने सिर्फ यह कहा कि ये प्यार के जख्म हैं। उसने राक्षस से कहा कि उसने एक बार उसे अपने बाग में खेलने का मौका दिया था तो अब वह उसके बदले में अपने बगीचे अर्थात स्वर्ग में खेलने की अनुमति देता है। राक्षस समझ गया कि यह बच्चा कोई और नहीं बल्कि साक्षात ईश्वर है। उसी दिन जब बच्चे स्कूल से वापस आए तो उन्होंने देखा कि राक्षस पेड़ के नीचे मरा पड़ा है। उसका पार्थिव शरीर सफेद फूलों से ढका हुआ है।

The Selfish Giant Word Meanings

The Selfish Giant Exercises (Solved) Comprehension Check-1

Question 1. Why is the Giant called selfish?

Answer. The Giant is called selfish because he does not allow the children to play in his beautiful and lovely garden. He declares that whatever is his, belongs only to him. He built a high wall around his garden to prevent children from entering it.

Question 2. On one occasion the children said: “How happy we are here!” Later they said: “How happy we were there!” What are they referring to in both cases?

Answer. In both the cases, children are referring to the beautiful and lovely garden as it gave them immense pleasure to play there. Earlier they could enjoy it but now they have only the sweet memories associated with that place.

Question 3.

(1) When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here?
(2) Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and their activities. Describe the story in your own words.

Answer.

1.Winter indicates that the garden was not in bloom. It also signifies a lack of warmth.

2.During winter only two people were happy- Snow and Frost They covered the grass with a white clock and painted the trees silver. They invited North Wind who roared in the garden whole day. Then Hail was invited who rattled on the roof whole day and broke the slates on the roof of the house.

Question 4. Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?

Answer. The giant was not happy with the state of the garden. He was puzzled as to why the Spring was so late in coming.

Question 5.  What effect did the linnet’s song have over Hail and the North Wind?

Answer. The hail stopped dancing in the garden and the North wind stopped roaring when they heard the linnet’s song.

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For The Selfish Giant 

The Selfish Giant Comprehension Check-2

Question 1.

(1) The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?
(2) What did he realize on seeing it?

Answer.

1. The Giant saw that the children had crept inside the garden through a small hole:n the wall. Each tree was glad to have a child climbing on it It was like nature had once again come alive in front of his eyes.
2.  The Giant realized why the soring hadn’t arrived in his garden.

Question 2. Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?

Answer. It was still winter in one comer of the garden because a little child hadn’t been able to climb the tree in that comer.

Question 3. Describe the first meeting of the little child and the Giant.

Answer. When the Giant entered the garden, all the children ran out of it with fear. However, a little child in the comer of the garden who was trying to climb a tree had tears n his eyes and could not see him coming. The Giant picked him up and landed him safely on a branch of one of the trees. The child then gave him a hug and kissed him on the cheek.

Question 4. Describe their second meeting after a long interval.

Answer. One winter morning after many years, the child visited the Giant’s garden again. He was standing under the same tree where he was last seen. When the giant saw him, he quickly paced into the garden.

The Giant became furious when he saw wounds on the child’s hands and feet He asked the child who had hurt him, to which the chi d replied that those were wounds of love. The Giant understood at once that it was God himself. The child said to the Giant that he had come to take him to his garden; the lovely paradise.

Question 5. The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?

Answer. This sentence indicates that the Giant had a beautiful end. He was showered with flowers by none other than God himself. This showed that he had attained a place in paradise, God’s garden.

The Selfish Giant Exercise (Solved)

Discuss the following topics in groups.

Question 1. The little child’s hands and feet had marks of nails. Who does the child remind you of? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer. The child reminds us of Christ because he also suffered for the welfare of humanity. Christ was also wounded at the same places on his body for serving humanity. Christ also called it the wounds of love.

Question 2. Is there something like this garden near where you live? Would you like one (without the Giant perhaps) and why? What would you do to keep it in good shape?

Answer. Yes, there is a garden near my house with flowers and trees. Gardens should definitely be without the Giant because the Giant will never allow us to play in it I would hire a gardener for it to keep it in a good shape.

The Selfish Giant Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

The Selfish Giant Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why did children love to play in the Giant’s garden?

Answer. The Children loved to play there because it was a beautiful garden.

Question 2. Why did the Giant build a wall around his garden?

Answer. The Giant built a wall around his garden to prevent children from entering it.

Question 3. How did the trees in the Giant’s garden celebrate the return of the children?

Answer. To celebrate the return of the children, the trees covered themselves with blossoms and waved their arms gently above the children.

Question 4. What made the Giant feel sorry?

Answer. When the Giant saw his garden come back to life with the children’s entrance, it made him feel sorry.

The Selfish Giant Short Answer Type Questions

What melted the Giant’s heart? What did he resolve to do then?

Answer. The little boy’s helplessness in climbing up the tree melted the Giant’s heart. He resolved that he would put that poor little boy on the top of the tree. Then he would knock down the wall; to make his garden the children’s playground forever.

The Selfish Giant Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Describe the Giant’s garden. Why did the giant build a wall around it?

Answer. The Giant’s garden was very beautiful and lovely. It had soft green grass and delicate blossoms,  The birds sat on the trees and sang sweetly. The children liked to play in it But the Giant was selfish. When he came back after spending seven years with his friend, he was angry’ to see the children playing there.

He did not like anybody coming in his garden. So he put up a notice- I board which read as Trespassers will be prosecuted. He also built a high wall around his garden j so that no more children could enter the garden.

Explanation Of The Selfish Giant KSEEB Class 8 

Question 2. What happened after the Giant knocked down the wall? What made him angry one day?

Answer. After the Giant knocked down the wall, he declared that his garden was a children’s playground. He yearned for his little companion whom he loved the most Years passed and the Giant had grown old and could not play with children. He sat in his chair and watched them play. One winter morning he saw a tree in his garden covered with white blossoms.

The little boy was standing beneath it. Giant went running to him in great joy. Soon he saw wounds on his palms and feet. This made him very angry.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Karnataka State Syllabus

• Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World
• Chapter 2 The Tsunami
• Chapter 3 Glimpses of the past
• Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse Of Memory
• Chapter 5 The Summit Within
• Chapter 6 This Is Jody’s Fawn
• Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge
• Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
• Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face 1
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Class 8 English Supplementary Readers contains Textbook Readers and Supplementary Readers of all chapters are part of Revision Notes for grade 8 English. Here we have given notes Class VIII.

• Chapter 1 How The Camel Got His Hump
• Chapter 2 Children at Work
• Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant
• Chapter 4 The Treasure Within
• Chapter -5 Princess September
• Chapter 6 The Fight
• Chapter 7 The Open Window
• Chapter 8 Jalebis
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary Summary In English

‘A Short Monsoon Diary’ is taken from the diary of the famous writer Ruskin Bond. The writer describes the changes the monsoons bring in the hills of Mussoorie during the rainy and winter season. The writer notes the atmosphere of the first day of monsoon in the month of June. With the first monsoon mist, a strange silence spreads over the hill. All the birds become quiet and the forest too becomes as silent as it gets during the night.

The forest gets filled with mist and it becomes difficult to see. One could hear Bijju’s voice calling his sister, but he cannot be seen in the fog. As the monsoon continues, the writer observes that the surroundings have become “A paradise”. He observes that it is the time when Cobra Lilly blooms in the hills. The birds like scarlet minivets look like jewels sitting around the green leaves of the forest. It’s also when leopards hide behind the green thicket and aim for cows and buffalos to hunt.

Even leeches grow thousands in number. It is the time when food is available for everyone and the surroundings gradually get filled with numerous busy insects. In August, the monsoon continues for days with a steady downpour. The writer stays awake at night listening to the sound of rain falling on his tin roof. Eventually, the rain stops and the sun appears. Life in hills slowly starts to take its usual course. A woman gathers timber for fuel and the whole valley gets back to life. One can hear soft sounds of rivers flowing with a new life. Then again, it rains continuously for eight to ten days.

All one could see now are colorful umbrellas on the streets. The hillside gets covered with late-monsoon flowers such as dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids. On the last day of August, the rain reaches its peak. Even in the narrow rock passages, plants grow with beautiful flowers. Snakes and rodents come out of their holes and it becomes dangerous to visit roofs, attics, and godowns. In January, winter rains start and it snows heavily at the higher altitudes. Everything gets soaked with water and the writer feels strange silence everywhere. The trees have now turned grey; it reminds the writer of his loneliness. After that, a rainbow appears in the sky making the surroundings very beautiful.

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary Summary In Hindi

‘एक छोटी मानसून डायरी’ सुप्रसिद्ध लेखक रस्किन बॉण्ड की डायरी से ली गई है। लेखक ने मानसून के दौरान वर्षा और सरदी के मौसम में मसूरी की पहाड़ियों पर होने वाले परिवर्तनों का वर्णन किया है। लेखक ने जून के महीने में मानसून के पहले दिन के मौसम को अंकित किया है। मानसून के पहले दिन बादलों के साथ संपूर्ण पहाड़ी पर एक अजीब किस्म की खामोशी छा जाती है। सभी पक्षी और जंगल ऐसे खामोश हो जाते हैं, जैसे दिन में ही रात हो गई हो। जंगल में काले बादल इस तरह छा जाते हैं कि कुछ भी देखना मुश्किल हो जाता है। केवल बिज्जू की आवाज इस सन्नाटे को चीरती हुई सुनाई पड़ती है, जो अपनी बहन को पुकार रहा होता है, किंतु धुंध में वह भी दिखाई नहीं देता। लेखक यह अनुभव करता है कि मानसून के आते ही चारों ओर का वातावरण ‘स्वर्गिक’ हो जाता है।

उसे लगता है कि यही वह समय है जब ‘कोबरा लिली’ पहाड़ों पर खिलती है। जंगल में हरे-हरे पत्तों की हरियाली के बीच बैठी ‘लाल चिरैयाँ’ माणिक के समान चमकती हैं। इसी समय तेंदुए भी हरी झाड़ियों के पीछे छुपकर गाय और भैंसों का शिकार करते हैं। हजारों की संख्या में जोंक भी पैदा होते हैं। यही वह समय होता है जब प्रकृति में हर प्रकार के जीव-जंतुओं के लिए पर्याप्त मात्रा में भोजन उपलब्ध होता है और चारों ओर अनेक प्रकार के कीड़े-मकोड़े पैदा हो जाते हैं। अगस्त में भी मानसून जारी रहता है और लगातार भारी वर्षा होती है। लेखक रात भर जागकर अपने घर की टीन की छतों पर पड़नेवाली वर्षा की बूँदों की आवाज सुनता है। अचानक वर्षां बंद होती है और धूप निकल आती है। पहाड़ों का जीवन धीरे-धीरे पहले की तरह सामान्य होने लगता है।

औरतें जलावन के लिए लकड़ियाँ इकट्ठा करने लगती हैं और संपूर्ण घाटी में जीवन का संचार हो जाता है। नवजीवन के साथ बहती नदी की मधुर आवाज कोई भी सुन सकता है। फिर दोबारा बारिश आरंभ हो जाती है और लगातार आठ-दस दिनों तक जारी रहती है। गलियों में लोग रंग-बिरंगे छातों और छतरियों के साथ नजर आने लगते हैं। पूरा पहाड़ी क्षेत्र डलिया, बिगोनिया तथा मैदानी आर्किड जैसे मानसूनी फूलों से ढक जाता है। अगस्त के अंतिम दिनों में बारिश अपने चरम पर होती है। चट्टानों के बीच की सँकरी दरारों में भी सुंदर फूलों वाले पौधे उग आते हैं। साँप और नेवले अपने-अपने बिलों से बाहर निकल आते हैं जिससे छतों, अटारियों और गोदामों में जाना खतरनाक हो जाता है। जनवरी के महीने में सरदी की वर्षा आरंभ होती है और भारी मात्रा में बर्फबारी शुरू हो जाती है। प्रत्येक चीज पानी से भीग जाती है और लेखक चारों और अजीब-सी खामोशी अनुभव करता है। पेड़ भूरे हो चुके होते हैं; यह स्थिति लेखक को अकेलेपन की याद दिलाती है। तदुपरांत आकाश में इंद्रधनुष उगता है और अचानक बातावरण बहुत सुंदर प्रतीत होने लगता है।

A Short Monsoon Diary Hindi Translation of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

Do you know what a diary is? It is a record of personal experiences written day after day over a long period of time. You can also use a diary to note down things you plan to do immediately or in the future. One of the most famous diaries published as a book is The Diary of Anne Frank Here are a few extracts from Ruskin Bond’s diary in which he portrays the silent miracles of nature and life’s little joys and regrets. Read on.

क्या आप जानतें हैं कि डायरी किसे कहते हैं। यह लम्बे समय तक दिन प्रतिदिन लिखा जाने वाला व्यक्तिगत अनुभवों का लेखा-जोखा है। आप भी वर्तमान अथवा भविष्य में करने वाले कार्यों की योजना लेखाबद्ध करने के लिए डायरी का प्रयोग कर सकतें हैं। Anne Frank की डायरी पुस्तक के रूप में प्रकाशित होने वाली सब से प्रसिद्ध डायरियों में से एक है। यहां रस्किन बाँड (Ruskin Bond) की डायरी के कुछ अंश दिये जाते हैं जिनसे वह प्रकृति के मूक आश्चर्य और जीवन के छोटे-छोटे सुख-दुख का वर्णन करता है। पढ़ते जाइए।

Word Meanings

• melancholy- very sad, बहुत उदास
• mist- fog, धुन्ध, कोहरा

June 24

1. The first day of monsoon mist. And it’s strange how all the birds fall silent as the mist comes climbing up the hill. Perhaps that’s what makes the mist so melancholy; not only does it conceal the hills, it blankets them in silence too. Only an hour ago the trees were ringing with birdsong. And now the forest is deathly still as though it were midnight. Through the mist, Bijju is calling to his sister. I can hear him running about on the hillside but I cannot see him.

मानसून की धुन्ध का पहला दिन और यह आश्चर्य ही है कि धुन्ध जब पहाड़ी को ढकने लगती है तो सारे पक्षी शान्त (चुप) हो जाते हैं। शायद यही कारण धुन्ध को इतना उदास कर देता है। यह न केवल पहाड़ियों को छिपा लंती है अपितु चुप-चुप इन्हें पूर्ण रूप से ढक देती है। केवल घंटा भर पहले वृक्ष पक्षियों के गीतों से गूंज रहे थे और अब वन घातक रूप से शान्त है मानो आधी रात हो । धुन्ध में बिज्जू अपनी बहन को पुकार रहा है। मैं उसे पहाड़ी के साथ-साथ दौड़ते सुन तो सकता हूँ परन्तु मैं उसे देख नहीं पाता।

Word Meanings

• lankets covers, ढक लेती है।
• mist-fog. धुंध
• melancholy- sad, उदासीनतापूर्ण

June 25

2. Some genuine early monsoon rain, warm and humid, and not that cold high-altitude stuff we’ve been having all year. The plants seem to know it too, and the first cobra lily rears its head from the ferns as I walk up to the bank and post office. The mist affords certain privacy. A schoolboy asked me to describe the hill station and valley in one sentence, and all I could say was: “A paradise that might have been.

समय पूर्व मानसून वर्षा, गरम तथा नम और वैसी ठंडक नहीं जिसे हम ऊंचे स्थानों पर सारा वर्ष महसूस करते हैं। ऐसा लगता है मानों पौधों को भी इसकी जानकारी है और जब मैं बैंक और डाकखाने जाता हूँ। पहला कोबरा लिली महीन पत्तियों से बाहर झांकने लगता है। धुन्ध थोड़ी गोपनीयता प्रदान करती है। एक स्कूली बालक ने मुझे पर्वत और घाटी का एक वाक्य में वर्णन करने को कहा और मैं बस इतना ही कह सका “जो कभी स्वर्ग रहा होगा।”

Word Meanings

• humid-damp, moist, नमी भरा
• fern – A flowerless plant with feathry green leaves, सुन्दर महीन पत्तियों वाला पौधा, पर्ण
• privacy -secrecy, गोपनीयता, एकान्त
• altitude – height above sea level, समुद्र तल से ऊँचाई
• genuine – real, वास्तविक

June 27

3. The rains have heralded the arrival of some seasonal visitors a leopard, and several thousand leeches. Yesterday afternoon the leopard lifted a dog from near the servants’ quarter below the school. In the evening it attacked one of Bijju’s covers but fled at the approach of Biju’s mother, who came screaming imprecations. As for the leeches, I shall soon get used to a little bloodletting every day. Other new arrivals are the scarlet minivets (the females are yellow), flitting silently among the leaves like brilliant jewels. No matter how leafy the trees these brightly colored birds cannot conceal themselves, although, by remaining absolutely silent, they sometimes contrive to go unnoticed. Along come to a pair of drongos, unnecessarily aggressive, chasing the minivets away. A tree creeper moves rapidly up the trunk of the oak tree, snapping up insects all the way. Now that the rains are here, there is no dearth of food for the insectivorous birds.

वर्षा कुछ मौसमी महमानों के आने का समाचार लाई एक तेंदुआ और हजारों जोंके कल दोपहर बाद तेंदुए ने स्कूल से कुछ नीचे बने नौकरों के क्वाटरों से एक कुत्ता उठा लिया। शाम को इसने बिज्जू की एक गाय पर आक्रमण कर दिया, परन्तु ऊंची आवाज में कोसती बिज्जू की माँ के आने पर भाग गया। जहाँ तक जोकों का सवाल है मैं जल्दी ही प्रतिदिन कुछ रक्त हानि ( खूब निकलवाने ) का आदि हो जाऊँगा। अन्य नए आंगतुक हैं कोयल जैसे लाल पक्षी (मादा पक्षी पीले रंग के होते हैं) जो वृक्षों की पत्तियों में फुदकते हुए हीरों के समान लगते हैं। वृक्ष चाहे कितना भी घना क्यों न हां, ये चमकीले रंग के पक्षी अपने आप को छिपा नहीं सकते। यह और बात हैं कि शान्त होने के कारण कभी-कभी उनकी ओर ध्यान नहीं जाता। उनके साथ ही गाने वाले पक्षियों का जोड़ा आता है जो अनावश्यक उत्साही होते हैं और (को जैसे लाल पक्षी) वहां से खदेड़ एक वृक्ष बेल वृक्ष के तने पर तेजी से चढ़ते हुए मार्ग में आने वाले कीड़े-मकौड़े को खत्म करती जाती है। अब जबकि वर्षा हो रही है, कीट भक्षक पक्षियों (कीड़े-मकौड़े खाने वाले पक्षियों के लिए भोजन की कोई कमी नहीं हैं।

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader Solutions For A Short Monsoon Diary 

Word Meanings

• heralded – announced/brought घोषणा की / समाचार लाया
• leech- small blood-sucking worm, जोंक
• contrive – to find a way of doing something, उपाय निकालना
• snap – to seize with quick bite, दान्तों से झपटकर पकड़नाimprecations- curses, कोसना, गाली गलौच
• scarlet minivet – bright red bird like a cuckoo, कोयल जैसा लाल पक्षी
• drongoa songbird with a stout bill, गाने वाला एक सख्त चोंच का पक्षी
• insectivorous – insect-eating, कीड़े-मकौड़े खाने वाले

August 2

4. All night the rain has been drumming on the corrugated tin roof. There has been no storm, no thunder, just the steady swish of a tropical downpour. It helps me to lie awake; at the same time, it doesn’t keep me from sleeping. 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.

सारी रात वर्षा टीन की नालीदार छत को खड़खड़ाती रही। न कोई तूफान, न गर्जना, केवल उष्णकटिबन्धीय तेज बारिश का शोर होता रहा। यह मुझे जागते रहने में सहायता करती है। साथ ही यह मुझे सोने से भी नहीं रोक सकती। यह अच्छा शोर अध्ययन के लिए उपयुक्त है बाहर वर्षा अन्दर शान्ति और यद्यपि छत में अनगिनित सुराख हैं। वर्षा से अछूती रहने की भावना बनी रही फिर भी उसके स्पर्श का आभास होता रहता हैं।

Word Meanings

• drumming – falling noisily, खड़खड़ाना
• corrugated -with many folds, नालीदार

August 3

5. The rain stops. The clouds begin to break up, and the sun strikes the hill on my left. A woman is chopping up sticks. I hear the tinkle of cowbells. In the oak tree, a crow shakes the raindrops from his feathers and caws disconsolately. Water drips from a leaking drainpipe. And suddenly, clean and pure, the song of the whistling thrush emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the ravine.

वर्षा धम जाती है। बादल बिखरने लगे हैं, सूर्य मेरे बाईं ओर की पहाड़ियों को छू रहा है। एक महिला लकड़ियाँ काट रही है। मैं गौओं के गले की घंटियां बजने की आवाज़ सुन रहा हूँ। बलूत के पेड़ पर बैठा कौवा अपने पंखों से पानी छटक रहा है और उदासी से कांय कांय कर रहा है। छेदों वाले परनाले से पानी टपक रहा है। और अचानक thrush नामक गाने वाले पक्षी के स्पष्ट गीत की आवाज़ घाटी की गहराईयों से मधुर रहस्य की भान्ति उभर रही है।

Word Meanings

• disconsolately -unhappily, निराशा से / उदासी से
• ravine- valley, घाटी
• thrush- songbird, गाने वाली चिड़िया

August 12

6. Endless rain, and a permanent mist. We haven’t seen the sun for eight or nine days, Everything damp and soggy. Nowhere to go. Pace the room, look out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas, At least it isn’t cold rain. The hillsides are lush as late-monsoon flowers begin to appear – wild balsam, dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids.

अन्तहीन वर्षा और स्थायी धुन्ध हमें आठ-नौ दिनों से सूर्य दिखाई नहीं दिया है। प्रत्येक वस्तु सीली और भारी। कहां जाए? कमरे में चहलकदमी करना, खिड़की से बाहर झूलती छतरियों को देखते रहना। कम से कम यह ठंडी वर्षा नहीं है। महाड़ियां हरी भरी हैं। मानसून के बाद के फूल खिलने लगे हैं— जंगली गुलमेंहदी, डेलिया, शोभपर्णा (Begonia) स्थलीय फूल।

Word Meanings

• orchid-a flower plant, फूल का एक पौधा
• soggy -moist, गीला और भारी
• bobbing -moving up and down, ऊपर नीचे करना
• lush- luxurious, हरा भरा
• balsam- a kind of flowering plant, गुलमेंहदी

August 21

7. It is the last day of August, and the lush monsoon growth has reached its peak. The seeds of the cobra lily are turning red, signifying that the rains are coming to an end.
In a few days, the ferns will start turning yellow, but right now they are still firm, green, and upright. Ground orchids, mauve lady’s slippers, and the white butterfly orchids put on a fashion display on the grassy slopes of Landour. Wild dahlias, red, yellow, and magenta, rear their heads from the rocky crevices where they have taken hold.
Snakes and rodents, flooded out of their holes and burrows, take shelter in roofs, attics, and godowns. A shrew, weak of eyesight, blunders about the rooms, much to the amusement of the children.
“Don’t kill it,” admonishes their grandmother. “Chuchundars are lucky they bring money!” And sure enough, I receive a cheque in the mail. Not a very large one, but welcome all the same.

आज अगस्त का आखरी दिन है और मानसून की हरी-भरी पैदावार अपने शिखर पर पहुंच गई है। कोबरा लिली के बीज लाल पड़ने लगे हैं जो इस बात के सबूत है कि वर्षा समाप्ति पर है। कुछ ही दिनों में सुन्दर महीन पत्तियों वाले पौधे पीले पड़ने लगेगें, परन्तु इस समय वे स्थिर, हरे भरे और सीधे हैं।
स्थलीय फूल, चमकीले गुलाबी lady’s slipper और सफेद तितली स्थलीय फूल Landour की घास की ढलानों पर फैशन की छटा बिखेर रहे हैं। लाल, पीले और मजंटा रंग के जंगली डेलिया चट्टानों की दरारों से जहां उन्होंने जड़े जमा ली हैं, सिर उभार रहे हैं। सांप और कृंतक अपनी मादों और बिलों से बाहर निकल आए हैं और उन्होंने छतों, अटारियों और गोदामों में आश्रय लं लिया है। एक छछूंदर, जिसकी नजर कमजोर हैं, कमरे में लड़खड़ाते हुए चल रही है जो बच्चों के लिए मनोरंजन का कारण है।
‘”इसे मत मारो,” उनको दादी उन्हें डांटते हुए कहती है।” छहुन्दरें भाग्यवान होती हैं उनसे घर में धन आता है। ” और यह सत्य है कि मुझे डाक द्वारा एक चैक प्राप्त होता है। कोई बहुत बड़ी धनराशि नहीं है फिर भी स्वागत योग्य (उपयोगी) है।

Word Meanings

• mauve- bright purple colour, चमकीला गुलाबी रंग
• crevices – narrow opening/cracks in rock or wall, दरार
• rodent- animal with strong front teeth for gnaving things, कृतंक/दान्तों से कुतरने वाला जन्तु/मूषक
• signifying- expressing, अर्थ प्रकट करना
• burrow-hole made in ground by foxes/ rabbits etc, मांद/बिल
• attic – room in the top storey of a house, अटारी
• shrew – a small mouse like animal, छछूंदर
• admonishes- gives a mild waming, डांट देना / साधारण चेतावनी देना

October 3

8. We have gone straight from monsoon into winter rain. Snow at higher altitudes. After an evening hailstorm, the sky and hills are suffused with beautiful golden light.

हम सीधे मानसून की वर्षा से सदियों की वर्षा तक पहुंच गए हैं। ऊंचे स्थानों पर बर्फबारी हो रही है। एक शाम की ओलावृष्टि के बाद आकाश और पहाड़ियों सुन्दर सुनहरे प्रकाश से भर गए हैं।

Word Meanings

• suffused- cover/flooded/spread over भरा हुआ

January 26

9. Winter Rains in the Hills In the hushed silence of the house when I am quite alone, and my friend, who was here has gone, it is very lonely, very quiet, as I sit in a liquid silence, silence within, surrounded by the rhythm of rain, the steady drift of water on leaves, on lemons, on roof, drumming on drenched dahlias and window panes, while the mist holds the house in a dark caress. As | pause near a window, the rain stops. And starts again. And the trees, no longer green but grey. menace me with their loneliness.

घर की नीरव शान्ति में, जब मैं बिल्कुल अकेला हूँ, और मेरा मित्र, जो मेरे साथ था, चला गया है। यहां बड़ा सूनापन / बड़ी खामोशी है, जबकि मैं भीगी खामोशी में बैठा हूँ. चारो ओर वर्षा की लय से घिरी खामोशी पत्तियों, नीम्बू के पेड़ पर, छत पर, भीगे डेलिया और खिड़की के शीशे पर गिरते पानी का निरन्तर शोर, जबकि धुन्ध घर को बड़े प्यार से घेरे हुए है। जैसे ही मैं खिड़की के पास रूकता हूँ, वर्षों रूक कर फिर आरम्भ हो जाती है और वृक्ष जो अब हरे भरे नहीं भूरे रंग के हो गए हैं अपने एकान्तपन से मुझे आतंकित करते हैं।

Word Meanings

• caress – touching/holding lovingly, प्यार से छूना
• menace- danger/threat, खतरा/ धमकी

March 23

10. Late March End of winter. 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.

मार्च के अन्तिम दिन सर्दियों का अन्त अत्याधिक कालं बादल, जो मैनें कभी देखे, मसूरी के ऊपर घिर आए हैं और फिर आधे घंटे तक कंचों की तरह ओलावृष्टि। आकाश साफ़ करने के लिए ओलावृष्टि से अच्छा कुछ नहीं। जब मैं यह वृतान्त लिख रहा हूँ उस समय आकाश में इन्द्रधनुष प्रकट हो रहा है।

Word Meanings

• squatted- to surround, घेरना
• marbles- round glass balls, कंचे
• hail storm – a storm with big balls of snow, बर्फबारी

A Short Monsoon Diary Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

A Short Monsoon Diary Textbook Exercises Comprehension Check 1

Question 1. Why is the author not able to see Biju?

Answer. The author is not able to see Bijju because of the mist.

Question 2. What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes up?

Answer. When the mist comes, the birds become silent. Not only does the mist conceal the hills, it blankets them in silence too.

A Short Monsoon Diary Comprehension Check-2

Question 1. When does monsoon season begin and when does it end? How do you prepare to face the monsoon?

Answer. The monsoon starts in the month of June. It ends in the first week of October. We buy umbrellas and raincoats to face the monsoon.

Question 2. Which hill station does the author describe in this diary entry?

Answer. The author mentions (hill station) Mussoorie in this diary entry.

Question 3. For how many days does it rain without stopping? What does the author do on these days?

Answer. It rains without stopping for eight or nine days. The author has nowhere to go. He stays in the room and looks out of the window at the umbrellas.

Question 4. Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter? Why?

Answer. The snakes and rodents take shelter in roofs, attics, and godowns. They do so because their holes and burrows are flooded with rainwater.

Question 5. What did the author receive in the mail?

Answer. The author received a cheque in the mail.

A Short Monsoon Diary Working With The Text

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. On June 24 the monsoon mist covers the hills and blankets them in silence. June 25 brings genuine early monsoon rain. On August 2, the rain is on its full swing. March 23 sees the end of winter and a rainbow appears in the sky after a heavy hailstorm.

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

Answer. The grandmother asked the children not to kill the Chjchundar because they were considered lucky and they brought money.

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

Answer. The seeds of the Cobra Lily turn red which shows that the monsoons are about to end.

Question 4. Complete the following sentences.

1. Biju is not seen but his voice is heard because____________
2.  The writer describes trie hill station and valley as_____________
3. The leopard-a was successful in____________ but had to flee when
4. The minivets are easily noticed because_________
5.  It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when______________
6.  During monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because__________

Answer.

1.  of the mist
2.  “a paradise that might have been.’1
3.  lifting a dog, Bijju’s mother approached screaming curses.
4.  they shine like brilliant jewels.
5.  colorful wild dahlias come out of the rock)’ crevices.
6.  their holes and burrows are flooded with the rainwater.

KSEEB Notes For Class 8 English Chapter 8 

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.’

1.  Why has the writer used the word, ’springing?
2.  How is the writer untouched by the rain?
3.  How is the writer in touch with the rain at the same time? 

Answer.

1. The writer has used the word ‘springing’ because the water is leaking with a speed through the tin roofs.
2.  The writer is untouched by the rain as he is in his room.
3.  The writer is in touch with the rain as he is enjoying the sound of the rainfall on the tin roofs.

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

Answer. The sun does not appear for days together. Everything is damp and soggy. One cannot go out. One can just stay in the room and look at the outside scene through the window. The hillsides are lush. The flowers begin to appear.

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

Answer. When cobra lily emerges, it marks the beginning of the monsoon season. When its seeds turn red, it means the monsoon season is coming to an end.

Explanation of A Short Monsoon Diary KSEEB Class 8 

A Short Monsoon Diary Working With Language

1. Here are some words that are associated with the monsoon. Add as many words as you can to this list. Can you find words for these in your languages?

Answer.

1. lightning,
2. thunder,
3. Rainbow,
4. raincoat,
5. storm,
6. rainfall

2. Look at the sentences below.

1.  Biju wandered into the garden in the evening.
2.  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 the 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.

1.  We (get out) off the school bus. The bell (rings) and everyone (rush) to class.
   We got out of the school bus. The bell was ringing and everyone was rushing to class.
2.  The traffic (stop). Some people (sit) on the road and they (shout) slogans.
3.  I (wear) my raincoat. It (rains) and people (get) wet
4.  She (see) a film. She (narrate) it to her friends who (listen) carefully.
5.  We (go) to the exhibition. Some people (buy) clothes while others (play) games.
6.  The class (is) quiet. Some children (read) books and the rest (draw).

Answer.

1.  got out, was ringing, was rushing.
2.  stooped, were sitting, were shouting.
3.  wore, was raining, were getting.
4.  saw, was narrating, were listening.
5.  went were buying, were playing.
6.  was quiet, where reading, where drawing.

3. Here are some words from the lesson which describe different kinds of sounds.

1.  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 quiddy through the air, making a soft sound
   (d) harsh sound made by birds
   (e) ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.}
2.  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 __________________it’s tail.
   (d) The _____________________of breaking glass woke me up.
   (e) The ____________________of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.

Answer.

1. (a) drip
   (b) drum
   (c) swish
   (d) caw
   (e) tinkle.
2. (a) is drumming
   (b) is dripping
   (c) is swishing
   (d) tinkling
   (e) cawing.

4. And sure enough, I receive a cheque in the mail.

Complete each sentence below by using the appropriate pharse from the ones given below.

1.  I saw thick blade clouds in the sky. And____________ ._______________ it soon started raining heavily.
2.  The blue umbrella was________________ ,_______________ for the brother arid 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,________ , __________

Answer.

1.  sure enough
2.  big enough
3.  colorful enough
4.  brave enough
5.  anxious enough
6.  kind enough
7.  serious enough
8.  foolish enough
9.  fair enough.

KSEEB Class 8 English Chapter 8 Important Questions 

A Short Monsoon Diary Speaking

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.
I don’t believe in superstitions because they make us weak and coward.
The three superstitious beliefs are :

1.  overboiling of milk
2.  sitting of crow on one’s head
3.  weeping of dog

A Short Monsoon Diary Writing

1. The monsoons are a time of great fun and even a few adventures: playing in the rain and getting wet, wading through knee-deep water on your way to school, water flooding the house or the classroom, power cuts, and so on.
Write a paragraph describing an incident that occurred during the rains which you can never forget.

Answer. It was the month of August. It was raining heavily. It was also time for my school. I waded through knee-deep water on my way to school. It kept raining throughout the day. When the last bell rang, the rain stopped. The clouds began to break up. On our way back home, we saw a small puppy struggling to come out of a ditch in which it had fallen. I helped the puppy out of the ditch. Though my clothes were spoiled, but I was happy because I saved a life. Left in the ditch, the puppy would have died.

A Short Monsoon Diary Extract-Based Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

(1). The first day of monsoon mist. And it’s strange how all the birds fall silent as the mist comes climbing up the hill. Perhaps that’s what makes the mist so melancholy; not only does it conceal the hills, it blankets them in silence too. Only an hour ago the trees were ringing with birdsong. And now the forest is deathly still as though it were midnight Through the mist Bijj is calling to his sister. I can hear him running about on the hillside but I cannot see him.

1.  Which is the first day of monsoon mist?
2. What happens to the birds when the mist comes climbing up the hill?
3. What makes the mist so sad?
4. Who blankets the hills in silence?
5. What were the trees ringing with only an hour ago?

Answer.

1.  June 24 is the first day of monsoon mist.
2. The birds fall silent when the mist comes climbing up the hill.
3. The mist becomes sad when the birds fall silent on its arrival.
4. The mist blankets the hills in silence.
5. The trees were ringing with birdsong only an hour ago.

(2). The rains have heralded the arrival of some seasonal visitors—a leopard, and several thousand leeches. Yesterday afternoon the leopard lifted a dog from near the servants’ quarter below the school. 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 ever)’ day.

1.  What news does the rain bring?
2. Name the seasonal visitors.
3. What did the leopard do yesterday afternoon?
4. Who did the leopard attack in the evening?
5. How did Bijju’s mother save the cow?

Answer.

1. The rain brings the news of the arrival of some seasonal visitors.
2. The seasonal visitors are—a leopard and several thousand leeches.
3. Yesterday afternoon the leopard lifted a dog near the servant’s quarter below the school.
4. In the evening the leopard attacked one of Bijju’s cows.
5.  Biju’s mother’s loud cries frightened the leopard and it fled leaving the cow.

(3). The rain stops. The clouds begin to break up, the sun strikes the hill on my left A woman is chopping up sticks. I hear the tinkle of cowbells. In the oak tree, a crow shakes the raindrops from his feathers and caws disconsolately. Water drips from a leaking drainpipe. And suddenly, clean and pure, the song of the whistling thrush emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the ravine.

1.  When does the rain stop?
2. What happens to the clouds?
3. Where does the sun strike?
4. What does a crow in the oak tree do?
5.  What emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the valley?

Answer.

1. The rain stops on August 3.
2. The clouds begin to clear.
3. The sun strikes on the hill.
4. A crow in the oak tree shakes the raindrops off its feathers and caws unhappily.
5.  The song of the whistling thrush emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the valley.

Analysis Of A Short Monsoon Diary KSEEB English Reader 

(4). Endless rain and a permanent mist We haven’t seen the sun for eight or nine days. Everything damp and soggy. Nowhere to go. Pace the room, look out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas. At least it isn’t cold rain. The hillsides are lush as late monsoon flowers begin to appear—wild balsam, dahlias, began as and ground orchids.

1. How was the day, i.e. August 12?
2. For how long did it rain without, a stop?
3. What did the writer of the diary (Ruskin Bond} do?
4. How do the hills des look?
5.  Name the late-monsoon flowers.

Answer.

1.  It was a day of endless rain and permanent mist.
2. It rained without a stop for eight or nine days.
3. The writer of the diary (Ruskin Bond) paced the room looking out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas.
4. The hillsides look lush with late-monsoon flowers.
5. The late-monsoon flowers are—wild balsam, dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids.

(5) Snakes and rodents, flooded out of their holes and burrows, take shelter in roots, attics, and godowns. A shrew, weak of eyesight, blunders about the rooms, much to the amusement of the children. “Don’t kill it,” admonishes their grandmother. “Chuchundars are lucky—they bring money!” And sure enough, I receive a cheque in the mail. Not a very large one, but welcome all the same.

1. Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter?
2. Why do the snakes and rodents leave the r holes and burrows?
3. Who blunders about the rooms?
4. What does shrew mean?
5. Why does grandmother ask the children not to kill chuchundars?

Answer.

1. The snakes and rodents take shelter in roofs, attics, and godowns.
2. The snakes and rodents leave their holes and burrows because they are flooded.
3. A shrew blunders about the rooms.
4. Shrew means a small insectivorous mouse-like animal.
5.  She does so because she believes that chuchundars are lucky- they bring money.

A Short Monsoon Diary Additional Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What happens with the first mist of monsoon?

Answer. The forest suddenly becomes deathly still with the first mist of monsoon.

Question 2. What rears its head from the ferns?

Answer. First cobra lily rears its head from the ferns.

Question 3. Who are the seasonal visitors?

Answer. Animals like leopards and several thousand leeches are the seasonal visitors.

Question 4. What happens to the cobra lily when the rains come to an end?

Answer. The seeds of the cobra lily turn red when the rains come to an end.

A Short Monsoon Diary Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Describe first day of monsoon.

Answer. With the first mist of monsoon, the birds become silent. Slowly the mist climbs up the hill and everything becomes melancholic. The forest becomes still as if it was midnight

Question 2. Name the flowers that fill the valley during the monsoon?

Answer. Rowers such as cobra lily, wild dahlias of red. yellow and magenta colors fill the valley during the monsoon season.

Question 3. Why was the author lonely on January 26?

Answer. The author was lonely on January 26 because he was all alone in the house and it was raining heavily. His friend had gone out and he longed for company.

Question 4. What takes shelter in roofs and attics? Why?

Answer. Snakes and other rodents come out of their holes and take shelter in roofs and attics. They take shelter in roofs and attics because of rain.

Simplified Notes For A Short Monsoon Diary KSEEB Class 8 

A Short Monsoon Diary Long Answer Type Questions

Describe winter rain in 50-70 words.

Answer. During winter, it rains in the months of January and March. The rain starts heavily and then it stops momentarily to start again. Winter rain is a strong trepid force. When it rains, the atmosphere fills with the steady sound of rain. It has its own rhythm. Water is everywhere. It rains heavily on leaves, roofs, flowers, and window panes. It also brings the mist which surrounds everything around it During this time, the trees are no longer green but grey. According to the author, winter rain brings melancholy, and the clouds that are thick and dark

On the Grasshopper and Cricket  Summary In English

The poem ‘On the Grasshopper and Cricket’ is about the beauty of nature. The poem is written by famous poet John Keats. He narrates that the poetry ( activities) on earth is never-ending During a hot day when birds are too tired to roam freely in the sky and they take shelter under the shade of cooling trees, even then you can hear the voice of the grasshopper moving from one hedge to other in its own pace.

The poet says that the grasshopper takes the lead in summer when all other creatures feel too tired of the sun. It happily moves around the grass and on the newly grown plants of the meadows. When it is tired of all the fun it has, it rests under some beautiful plant.

In the second stanza, the poet states that the poetry of earth is ceasing never. Which implies that active- ties of nature never stop. After praising the grasshopper, the poet goes on to praise the cricket for its activeness during the winters. He says that in long winter evenings when the frost takes over the land and everything engulfs in silence. It is the cricket’s song that fills the land with its warmth. And, it is the time when the grasshopper rests in some grassy hills. Thus, the poet informs how nature’s music continues through both summer and winter with the activities of the grasshopper and the cricket.

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Summary In Hindi

“On the Grasshopper and Cricket” प्रकृति से सम्बन्धित कविता है। यह प्रसिद्ध कवि जॉन कीट्स द्वारा लिखी गई हैं। कवि कहता है कि प्रकृति की कविता निरंतर चलती हैं। गर्मी के मौसम में सभी पक्षी सूर्य की गर्मी से शिथिल हो कर ठण्डे वृक्षों में छिप जाते हैं। फिर भी प्रत्येक झाड़ी से टिड्डे की आवाज सुनाई देती है कवि कहता है कि जब सब जीव जन्तु गर्मी से थक जाते हैं तब गर्मियों में टिड्डा सबसे आगे होता है। यह खुशी-खुशी घास पर घूमता हैं।

दूसरे पद्यांश में कवि कहता है कि धरती की कविता का कोई अंत नहीं है अर्थात् प्रकृति की गतिविधियाँ कभी नहीं रूकतीं। टिड्डे की प्रशंसा करने के बाद कवि झींगुर की सर्दियों में चुस्ती की प्रशंसा करता हैं। सर्दी की लंबी शामों में जब चारों तरफ पाला पड़ रहा होता है और सन्नाटा छा जाता है, तब झींगुर का गीत चारों तरफ गर्माहट फैलाता हैं। और इस समय टिड्डा किसी घास के मैदान में आराम कर रहा होता हैं। अतः कवि बताता है कि किस प्रकार टिड्डे और झींगुर की गतिविधियों द्वारा प्रकृति का संगीत निरंतर चलता हैं।

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Hindi translation Of The Lesson (With Word Meanings)

(1). The poetry of earth is never dead: When all the birds are faint with the hot sun, And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run From hedge to hedge about the new-mown mead, That is the grasshopper’s – he takes the lead In summer luxury – he has never done With his delights, for when tired out with fun He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.

धरती के गीत-संगीत का कभी अंत नहीं होता। जब तपती धूप में सभी पक्षी सुस्त पड़ जाते है और छायादार पेड़ों में छिप जाते है, उस समय ताजी कटी घास वाली चरागहों के चारों ओर लगी बाड़ के एक आवाज गूंजती रहती है। यह आवाज़ टिड्डे की होती है। वही सबसे पहले ग्रीष्म ऋतु में मिलने वाले आनंद का आभास कराता है। उसका आनंद कभी समाप्त नहीं होता, क्योंकि जब वह खुशी से गा-गाकर थक जाता है, तो वह किसी आरामदायक खरपतवार के नीचे आराम करने लगता है।

Word Meanings

• dead- come to an end, अंत होना
• hedge -fence, बाड़
• beneath – under,
• faint- inactive, सुस्त / ढीले
• luxury- pleasure, आनंद
• new-mown mead – a meadow with freshly cut grass, चरागाह जहां हाल ही में घास को काटा गया हो

(2). The poetry of earth is ceasing never: On a lone winter evening when the frost Has wrought a silence, from the stone there shrills The cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever, And seems to one in drowsiness half lost The grasshopper’s among some grassy hills.

धरती का संगीत कभी नहीं रुकता। सर्दी की वीरान शाम को जब पाला पड़ने के कारण चारों ओर खामोशी पसरी होती है उस समय किसी चट्टना के नीचे किसी झींगुर की ऊंची-ऊंची आवाज़े सुनाई देती रहती है। गर्माहट के कारण उसकी आवाज़े और भी बढ़ती जाती है। निद्रा से ऊंघते किसी व्यक्ति को ऐसा लगता है कि झींगुर की ये आवाज़ किसी हरी-भरी (घास वाली) पहाड़ी से आ रही हैं।

Word Meanings

• ceasing – come to a halt, रुकना
• shrills -sharp sounds, तेज आवाजें
• drowsiness- sleep, निद्रा, नींद
• wrought- brought about पसारना, छा जाना
• warmth- heat, गर्माहट

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Textbook Exercises (Solved) Working With the Poem

Question  1.’The poetry of earth is not made of words. What is it made of, as suggested in the poem?

Answer. The poetry of earth is made of the songs and activities of the birds, animals, and insects in different seasons.

Question 2. Find in the poem lines that match the following:

1. The grasshopper’s happiness never comes 1o an end.
2.  The cricket’s song has a warmth that never decreases.
   

Answer.

1. ‘He has never done with his delights.
2.  The cricket’s song, in warmth, increasing ever.

Question 3. Which word in stanza 2 is opposite in meaning to ‘the frost’?

Answer. Warmth

Question 4. The poetry of the earth continues around the year through a cycle of two seasons. Mention each with its representative voice.

Answer.
Summer – grasshoppers voice
Winter – cricket’s song

Class 8 English KSEEB Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary Summary 

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Extract-Based Questions

Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) The poetry of earth is never dead: When all the birds are faint with the hot sun, And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run From hedge to hedge about the new-mown mead, That is the grasshopper’s -he takes the lead In summer luxury – he has never done With his delights, for when tired out with fun He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.

Question 1. When do the birds faint?

Answer. All the birds faint when the sun is hot

Question 2. Who sings the poetry of earth in summer?

Answer. The grasshopper sings the poetry of the earth in summer.

Question 3. Where does the grasshopper take shelter when it is tired?

Answer. When he is tired, the grasshopper takes shelter beneath some pleasant weed.

Question 4. Name the poem and the poet.

Answer. The name of the poem is ‘On the Grasshopper and Cricket’ and that of the poet is John Keats.

Question 5.  Write all the rhyming words from the given extract.

Answer. Sun-run, mead-lead, done-fun, and lead-weed.

(2). The poetry of earth is ceasing never On a lone winter evening when the frost Has wrought a silence, from the store there shrills The cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever, And seems to ore in drowsiness half lost The grasshopper’s among some grassy hills.

Question 1. What brings silence in winter?

Answer. The frost brings silence in winter.

Question 2. What shrills from the stone?

Answer. The cricket’s song shrills from the stone.

Question 3. Does the warmth of the cricket’s song ever decrease?

Answer. No, the warmth of the cricket’s song never decreases
.
Question 4. Give the meaning of the word ‘drowsiness.

Answer. The word drowsiness means a feeling of being sleepy and lethargic.

Question 5. Give the words in the extract that rhyme together.

Answer. Never-ever, frost-lost and shrills-hills are the rhyming words of the given stanza.

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Additional Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Which quality of nature is glorified in the poem?

Answer. The nature has endless music which is glorified in the poem.

Question 2. Keats is known as a sensuous poet. Why?

Answer. His poetry pleases all our senses.

Question 3. The poet talks of which sense through this poem?

Answer. The sense of hearing.

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. How do the cricket make the winter season lively with its music?

Answer. During winter, there is frost everywhere. It makes everything silent It is only the song of the cricket which is heard during that time. The cricket’s song spreads warmth every where. It talks of the existence of life in silent frost valleys and lands.

Question 2. What is the main idea of the poem “On the Grasshopper and Cricket”?

Answer. The poetry of earth is un-ending ‘ is the main idea of the poem. The poet says that nature has its own continuous melody. It goes on around the year through the summer and winter. In summer the grasshopper sings its poetry. In winter when the grasshopper is silent, the cricket’s song makes the nature alive with its hum.

KSEEB Class 8 English Reader solutions for A Short Monsoon Diary 

On the Grasshopper and Cricket Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is the poem ‘On the Grasshopper and Cricket’ about? Describe what it tells us about the summer season.

Answer. ‘On the GrasshopDer and Cricket’ is about the music of nature. It is about the poetry of the earth which evokes continuous melody. It goes on through both summer and winter seasons. During summer when all birds feel tired of the hot sun and h de in trees, then the voice of the grasshopper takes over the newly mown meadows. And during winter. it is the cricket’s song that brings life to the silent valley, covered with frost The poet argues that the song of nature is never at pause because even tiny insects such as grasshoppers and crickets can bring life to nature with their songs and activities.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 English Karnataka State Syllabus

• Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World
• Chapter 2 The Tsunami
• Chapter 3 Glimpses of the past
• Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse Of Memory
• Chapter 5 The Summit Within
• Chapter 6 This Is Jody’s Fawn
• Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge
• Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary
• Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face 1
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2

KSEEB Class 8 English Supplementary Readers contains Textbook Readers and Supplementary Readers of all chapters are part of Revision Notes for grade 8 English. Here we have given notes Class VIII.

• Chapter 1 How The Camel Got His Hump
• Chapter 2 Children at Work
• Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant
• Chapter 4 The Treasure Within
• Chapter -5 Princess September
• Chapter 6 The Fight
• Chapter 7 The Open Window
• Chapter 8 Jalebis
• Chapter 9 The Comet-1
• Chapter 10 The Comet-2