Practice Questions Grade VIII

2024 –2025
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING & GRAMMAR
and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

English-Language and Literature - Class VIII

Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

SECTION A – READING (20 marks)

Q1 Read the passage and answer the questions set below:
A stout old lady was walking with her basket down the middle of a street in
Petrograd to the great confusion of the traffic and with no small peril to herself. It
was pointed out to her that the pavement was the place for foot passengers, but she
replied: I‘m going to walk where I like. We‘ve got liberty now.‘ It did not occur to
the dear old lady that if liberty entitled the foot- passenger to walk down the
middle of the road it also entitled the cab-driver to drive on the pavement, and that
the end of such liberty would be universal chaos. Everybody would be getting in
everybody else‘s way and nobody would get anywhere. Individual liberty would
have become social anarchy. There is a danger of the world getting liberty-drunk in
these days like the old lady with the basket, so it is just as well to remind ourselves
of what the rule of the road means. It means that in order that the liberties of all
may be preserved, the liberties of everybody must be curtailed. When the
policeman, say, at Piccadilly Circus steps into the middle of the road and puts out
his hand, he is the symbol not of tyranny, but of liberty. You may not think so, you
may, and being in a hurry and seeing your motor-car stopped by this insolence of
office, feel that your liberty has been violated. How dare this fellow interfere with
your free use of the public highway? Then, if you are a reasonable person, you will
reflect that if he did not interfere with you he would interfere with no one, and the
result would be that you would never cross Piccadilly Circus at all. You have
submitted to a curtailment of private liberty in order that you may enjoy a social
order which makes your liberty a reality. Liberty is not a personal affair only, but a
social contract. It is an adjustment of interests. In matters which do not touch
anybody else‘s liberty of course, I may be as free as I like. If I have a fancy for
dyeing my hair, or waxing my moustache, or wearing a tall hat or going to bed late
or getting up early, I shall follow my fancy and ask no man‘s permission. In all
these and a thousand other details you and I please ourselves and asks no one‘s
leave. We have whole kingdoms, in which we rule alone, can do what we choose,
be wise or ridiculous, harsh or easy, conventional or odd. But directly we step out
of that kingdom, our personal liberty of action is restricted by other people‘s
liberty. I might like to practice on the trombone from midnight till three in the
morning. If I went to the top of a hill to do it,
I could please myself but if I do it out in the streets the neighbors will remind me
that my liberty to blow the trombone must not interfere with their liberty to sleep in
quiet. There are a lot of people in the world, and I have to accommodate my liberty
to their liberties.
Answer the following questions.
1 Why does the writer think that the old lady with the basket was wrong in her
interpretation of liberty?
2 The policeman at Piccadilly Circus is a symbol of liberty and not tyranny.
Explain.
3 What does the writer mean by the phrase 'liberty drunk? How is liberty a social
contract?
4 When does individual liberty become anarchy? Give two examples.
5 What is true liberty according to the writer?

Choose the correct option that is similar in meaning to the words given below.
6) Peril
a) danger b) threat c) curse d) pride
7) anarchy
a) complete neglect of law and rule b) complete neglect of order c) complete
ignorance d)complete subordination
8) insolence
a )good behavior b) insulting or offensive behaviour c) plausible
behaviour d)rude behavior
9) curtailed
a)enhanced b) reduced c) decreased d) obscured
10 trombone
a)rumour b)horn c) wind instrument d) pipe
11.Complete the analogy with a word from the passage:
Ridiculous : serious :: ________________: modern

Qii Read the passage carefully and answer the questions in the best way you
can: (5x2=10 marks)
The sun had just risen. The annual marathon in my town is usually held during a heat
wave. My job was to follow the runners in an ambulance to render medical attention.
The driver and I were in an air-conditioned ambulance behind approximately one
hundred athletes waiting for the race to start. “We’re supposed to stay behind the last
runner, so drive slowly,” I said to the driver, Doug, as we began to creep forward.

“Let’s just hope the last runner is fast!” He laughed. As they began to pace themselves,
the runners were running way ahead. It was then that my eyes were drawn to a woman
in blue running shorts and a baggy white T-shirt. She clenched her fists tightly. She
pushed her self forward, ready to begin the race. “Doug, look!” We knew we were
already watching our “last runner.” Her feet were turned in, yet her left leg was turned
out. Her legs were so crippled and bent that it seemed impossible for her to be able to
walk, let alone run a marathon.

Doug and I watched in silence as she slowly moved forward. We did not utter a word.
We would move forward slightly, then stop and wait for her to gain some distance. Then
we would slowly move a little more. As I watched her struggle to put one foot in front of
the other, I found myself cheering for her and urging her forward. I wanted her to stop,
and at the same time, I prayed that she would not. Finally she was the only runner left in
sight. Tears streamed down my face as I sat on the edge of my seat and watched with
awe, amazement and even reverence as she pushed forward with sheer determination
through the last miles. When the finish line came into sight, trash lay everywhere and
the cheering crowds had long gone home.

Yet, standing straight and ever so proud waited a lone man. He was holding one end of
a ribbon of crepe paper tied to a post. She slowly crossed through, leaving both ends of
the paper fluttering behind her. There was a look of triumph in her before she collapsed
and lay limp on the ground. Hurray! She made it. Without a moment’s delay, I dashed
forward and rendered aid to my first and only casualty for the day.

I do not know this woman’s name, but that day she became part of my life – a part I
often depend on. For her, it wasn’t about beating the other runners, or winning a trophy,
it was about finishing what she had set out to do, no matter what. When I think things
are too difficult or too time consuming, or I get those I-just-can’t-do-it feeling, I always
think of the last runner. Then I would realize how easy the task before me really is.

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage.

1. From paragraph 1, quote a two-word phrase which indicates clearly that the
marathon was held on a very hot day.
2. Why did Doug “hope the last runner is fast”?
3. How do you know that the last runner was determined to finish the race right from the
beginning?
4. Where were the writer and Doug throughout the race?
5. In the second last paragraph, what does “it” refer to?. Find the synonyms for the
words/phrases given below.
(a) to provide (para 1) (b) An unpleasant feeling of fear (para 2)

Complete the analogy with a word from the passage

Victory : triumph:: _______: broke down

beating : winning :: retreat : ________

Qiii Read the passage:

1. Mountains have always been held in great awe by mankind. They have been a
challenge to humans. Those brave among us have always wanted to conquer them.
You see, the more incredible the mountains, the greater the thrill – a challenge to
the bravery of the human race. Climbing mountains is an experience that is hard to
put into words. You are in a beautiful environment and, when you reach the top,
you feel incredible. But you also have to climb down, which is when most
accidents happen – people are tired, it gets dark, it’s harder. So, mountain climbing
is undoubtedly one of the most popular adventure sports along with being
challenging and risky for the climber.
2. Without any perceived risk, there can’t be a feeling that any significant
challenge has been surmounted. Fair, but we have to bear in mind that
mountaineering is not a sport that can be embraced without preparation. The
enthusiasts must develop in themselves the spirit of adventure, willingness to
undertake hardships and risks, extraordinary powers of perseverance, endurance,
and keenness of purpose before climbing a mountain. They should also know how
to handle the mountaineering equipment. Then comes the penance of the rigorous
training. This could very well be the lifeline up there. It helps inculcate and hone
survival instincts that allow the climber to negotiate perilous situations. There are
numerous institutes in India and abroad that offer such training.
3. Mountain climbers are unanimous in agreeing that the unpredictable weather is
what they fear the most. There may be sunshine one moment and a snowstorm the
other. At higher altitudes, snow is a regular feature and being decisive about setting
up camps or proceeding further is crucial. The icy sheets after ice storms make
walking treacherous, while the powdery snow makes a mountaineer sink deep into
the snow. Up there, where the intention is to embrace Nature’s wonder, one
realises that it cannot be done without facing its formidable glory. A true
mountaineer may challenge the mountain, yet is always respectful to the powerful
forces of nature.

4. Summiting mountains carries its own health risks such as oxygen and altitude
sickness problems, frost bites, swelling of hands and feet, fluid collection in brain
or lungs and exhaustion. Yet, the gratification mountaineers feel from mastering
something that is so frightening, urges them to undertake these endeavours. We
may think that the mountaineers are fearless, experts say, “Not at all. It’s fear that
keeps them so intrigued with such arduous journeys.” Impulse and brazenness can
be deadly foes. In the words of the Indian mountaineer, Bachendri Pal, “The
biggest risk … is to not to take the risk at all. Remember that.” (444 words)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given
below. [1×10]
i. Why does the writer say that mountains inspire ‘awe’ in humans?
(Paragraph 1)
a They present us with opportunities for exciting sports.
b They evoke the wish in us, to master them.
c. They inspire in us, deeds of valour.
d. They represent peace and calm, to us.
ii. Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:
The more incredible the mountains—the greater the thrill (Paragraph 1)
a. The higher the stamina—the lower the food intake
b. The more you laugh—the lesser your illness
c. The smaller the car—the bigger the advantage
d. The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty
iii. Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to
the following:
So, mountain climbing is undoubtedly one of the most popular adventure
sports (Paragraph 1)
a. doubt
b caution
c conviction
d. denial
iv. Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.

v. The writer compares training to penance in the line —Then comes the
penance of the rigorous training. (Paragraph 2)
State 1 point of similarity between training and penance.
vi. Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that
“mountaineering is not a sport that can be embraced without preparation”.
(Paragraph 2)
1) ______________
2) ______________
vii. What connect does the writer draw out between unpredictable weather
and setting up of camps? (Paragraph 3)
viii. The writer says, “A true mountaineer may challenge the mountain, yet is
always respectful to the powerful forces of nature.” (Paragraph 3)
Select the reason the mountaineer is respectful to the forces of nature, up in the
mountains.
a. survival
b experience
c.tradition
d. directive
ix. Supply 1 point to justify the following:
While mountain climbing, an impulsive mountaineer is either disaster-prone or as
good as dead
x. Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the feeling of exhilaration on
reaching a summit, that the mountain-climbers experience.
a Achievement of a seemingly impossible feat
b. Spectacular panoramic view
c. Application of the inculcated survival instincts
d. Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering equipment
Answers:
i. b. They evoke the wish in us, to master them.
ii. d The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty
iii. c. conviction
iv. hard to put in words
. very difficult / requires perseverance (Any other relevant)
vi. (Any 2)
• Because mountaineering includes difficulties like having to walk on icy
sheets that cannot be accomplished without proper preparation of equipment
 • Because mountaineering includes dealing with several Health hazards that
cannot be managed without preparation.
• Because managing unpredictable weather is essential in mountaineering and
cannot be accomplished without being prepared with specific training •
• Because mountaineering presents the risk of fatality due to faulty decision-
making and cannot be addressed without being prepared by accompanying/
engaging experienced climbers
(Any other relevant/ correct from text)
vii. If the weather is unpredictable, it makes it difficult to decide when to set up
camp as mountaineers would prefer to climb when its sunny and camp when it’s
snowing.
viii. A. survival
ix. Survival is key in mountain climbing and it can be done with meticulously
planning / careful decision-making/ careful application of training (any one or
more)
It has no room for rash or impulsive decisions/ actions— these would lead to
accidents or fatalities.
x. Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering equipment
SECTION B – GRAMMAR & WRITING (20 marks)
QIV
i. Formal letter writing in 100 - 120 words (3 paragraphs)
You are Arvind Jain of 26 ,Rang Mahal, Block11 ,Jaipur. Write a letter to the
editor of ‘India Times’ expressing your views on the importance of saving water
as you have seen people wasting water carelessly on one hand and on the other
hand people fight for a single drop of water and farmers suffer because of droughts
and the shortage of water .

ii Article Writing in 120 to 150 words ( 3 paragraphs)

• Heading/Title – must be catchy and sharp

• Byline – name of the author

 • Body

I Para: Introduction -Start with a slogan, a question, an amazing fact, figure or

statement.
II Para: Content -Causes, effects, the present state of affairs, etc.
III Para: Conclusion -Draw solutions and conclusions

Q V You read in the newspaper about a baby girl found abandoned at the railway
station. You are touched by the fact that people consider the girl child as a burden
and not as an asset. Write an article for a magazine on ‘Saving the Girl Child’.
Take help from the hints provided. You are Neeraj Bhardwaj.

HINTS

Saying boys and girls are equal can't change the mind of the people in our
surrounding. These always remain in speeches and saying.

But the ground reality is that even today girls and boys are not considered equal in
our society. This may be due to lack of education and their cheap thinking.

Going through a column I saw that a baby girl of one year was left at the railway
station by their parents. This is so shameful for all of us that in the era of
technology and modernisation, we people have thoughts and mindset like this.

We need to change our mindset. We will have to make the people understand that
don't discriminate between a boy and girl.

Grammar
QVI Attempt any 10 from the 12 questions given below: (1 x10 = 10marks)
Read the following sentences and rewrite them into passive voice. Choose the right
answer from the given alternatives:

The choir will sing a song. (Describe what will be done)

(a) A song will sing the choir.
(b) A song will be sung by the choir.
(c) A song is being sung by a choir.
(d) Sing a song will be by the choir.
pane/ has /broken/who the window /? (Choose the correct order)
(a) By whom has the window pane been broken?
(b) Who has been broken the window pane?
(c) Who has been broken by the window pane?
(d) By whom has been broken the window pane?

After washing the cucumbers, they sliced them thinly.( Describe what was done.)
(a) A cucumber was sliced by them.
(b) The cucumber was cut by them.
(c) The cucumbers were thinly sliced after washing.
(d) After washing the cucumbers they were thinly sliced by them.

Who teaches you English? ( respond using the passive voice)

(a) Who is taught English by you?
(b) Who is being taught by you English?
(c) By whom are you taught English?
(d) By whom is taught you English?

I am writing a book.( transform the sentence using the passive)

(a) A book is written by me.
(b) A book is wrote by me.
(c) A book is being written by me.
(d) A book is be written by me.
writing / I / a/ letter /am / editor /the /to ( Choose the correct order )
(a) A letter to the editor is written by me.
(b) A letter was written by me to the editor
(c) A letter by me is written to the editor
(d) A letter to the editor is being written by me.
Identify the error in the sentence and write the correct word.

Correct the error in the sentence.

.His father is a M.P.However he is not a honest man. a ) ___________ ,
b)___________
In the sentence underline the errors and write the correct word
It is heard that he has cheated the bank. a ) _________ ,b) ___________
Identify the dependent clauses
a)Mr Smith carried the heavy bag inspite of the wound on his leg.
b)We prepared a lovely presentation however it was past the date.

Transform from Active to passive

a) The committee applauded the students for their timely action.
The students________________________________________
b) They switched off all the lights after the event.
All the _____________________________________
Give the meaning of the idiom
a) Rain cats and dogs
b) Bite the bullet
c) Let the cat out of the bag
d). Be on cloud nine
e) Turn a blind eye
Check Your Answers
1. It’s raining cats and dogs outside.
2. He had to bite the bullet and tell her the bad news.
3. She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
4. He was on cloud nine after winning the lottery.
5. The teacher turned a blind eye to the students’ cheating.
Fill in the blanks
a). I’m feeling a bit _____. I think I’ll stay home today.
b) Don’t _____. I’m sure you’ll do great on your presentation.
c). He _____. I think he knows the secret.
d). Finding a parking spot downtown is _____.
e). We saw a total eclipse _____.
Answers
1. under the weather
2. break a leg
3. spilled the beans
4. a piece of cake
5. once in a blue moon

Report the following :

a) Miss Hays says, ‘‘The products from the local farm are fresh’’
b) Alan said , ‘‘The train will arrive later than usual tonight’’
Use a connector
a) She made him recite the poem ____________he had learnt it.
b) Rupa was given a remark __________ she was inattentive during the class.
c) She was badly hurt _______she refused to go home.

SECTION C - LITERATURE (20 marks)

Q7 Read the extracts and answer the questions given below:
A.‘The poetry of Earth is never dead;
When all the birds faint with the hot sun,
And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run’
i) Which poetic device is used in the 1st line?
a. Personification b. Alliteration c. Simile d. Metaphor
ii) What does the poetry of earth refer to?
a.J Keats’ poetry b. Nature’s song c. the snow fall d. the trees
iii) What are the two seasons described?
a. Summer and spring b winter and autumn c. summer and winter d. The
Monsoon
iv Whose voice is being referred to?
a. The birds b. the cricket’s c the poet’s d. the grasshopper’s
v. What image does the poet portray?
a. silent earth b. hot summer day c.birds silent d. nature dead
Can you identify the figure of speech used in the 3rd line?
Can you identify the figure of speech used in the 3rd line?
B’. But to go to school in a summer morn,
O! it drives all joy away;
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day,
In sighing and dismay.’

i How does the school boy wish to spend the day?

a. Stay at home b spend the day at play c.enjoy the morning with nature d. Help
his parents
ii.Which line says that he is under strict supervision.
a. Drives all joy away b. But to go to school c.under a cruel eye d.sighing in
dismay
iii. How is his joy taken away?
a. made to sit in class b. listen to lessons c. not given freedom d. all of the
above
iv. How does the boy feel?
a. sleepy b. bored c. shocked d. ill
v. Write the title and name the poet vi .What is the comparisons used in the
poem?

C. ‘He can ride back with me I’ll help him find it’
i. The ‘He’ in the story is ___________________
a. Mill-Wheel b. Penny c. Jody d. Ma Baxter
ii choose the correct option to say what he wanted to find
a. the deer b. fawn c. the snake d. doe
iii. He wanted to ride __________ on his horse back.
a. Jody .Doc Wilson c. Penny d. The fawn
iv. Say who the speaker is talking to
a. Ma Baxter b. Penny Baxter c. Jody Baxter d.Doc Wilson
v. Choose the correct option to say where this conversation takes place.
a. The forest path b. the hospital room c. the stable yard d. the farm house kitchen.

Q8 Write in 40 words each. (3x 6 = 18)

What were the “symbols of reverence” left by members of the team Mount
Everest?
The poetry of earth' is not made of words. What is it made of, as suggested in the
poem by Keats?
What is the poem “The School Boy” about?
Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the Chuchundar?
Why was Jody eager to find the fawn?
Attempt ANY 2 from the three questions given below in 80 to 100 words each.
(2x 6 = 12)
Describe the changes in nature in the monsoons as observed by Ruskin Bond.
What great lessons in life did Major Ahluwalia learn from his experience of
climbing Mt.Everest? Please write the answer
One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for,
really?
Conquering summit is a great physical achievement. But more than that, it gives
the climber the emotional and spiritual satisfaction. It satisfies man's eternal love
for adventure.
According to the narrator, climbing to the summit of Everest filled people with
a great sense of excitement and gratitude. It was a kind of thrill that lasts forever.
He further stated that the experience gained from climbing the
mountain would completely transform the people.
According to the narrator, the three essential physical qualities a climber need to
have while climbing was strength to face the problems, the firm decision not to
give up in between and the continuous effort. He agreed that all these three
qualities would make the climb more thrilling.
hen he reflected on his life after climbing Mount Everest, he couldn't stop thinking
of another big summit. Here another big summit implies one's mind, which
wouldn't be much easier to climb. The mind's thought goes beyond
our imagination. Hence it is more challenging.

Practice makes perfect

Thank you