CLASS 8 ENGLISH BLOSSOMS (1ST TERM EXAM 2026 ONLINE PREPRATION (10 SET ONLINE QUESITION )

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Day 1: 1ST TERM EXAM 2026 ONLINE PREPRATION
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (The Wind Cap)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

"There was once a lad who wanted to be a sailor but his mother would not let him go to the sea. 'Child, what do you know of sailing?' she would say. 'You're a farmer's son, you know the turn of the seasons and the smell of the soil but you do not know the sea.'

One day, he had been walking behind the plough. He all but ran over a tiny green turtle on a clod of dirt. He picked the turtle up and set it on his head where he knew it would be safe... When he was done with ploughing, Jon plucked the turtle from his head. To his utter surprise he found that it had turned into a tiny green fairy man that stood upon his palm and bowed.

'Since you put me on your head like a hat to keep me safe, I shall give you a different kind of cap in return, the kind sailors most desire. A cap full of wind. But there's one warning, no human hand will ever be able to take it off.'"

A. Choose the correct answers: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The lad had wanted to be a-
    Answer: iii) sailor
  2. Mother told the lad that he knew the smell of the-
    Answer: i) soil
  3. Jon put the turtle on his-
    Answer: ii) head
  4. The fairy man offered Jon a cap full of-
    Answer: ii) wind

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. Jon's mother allowed him to go to the sea immediately.
  2. Jon found a tiny green turtle on a clod of dirt.
  3. A human hand could easily take off the wind cap.
Answers: a) False, b) True, c) False

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. Why did Jon put the turtle on his head?
    Answer: Jon put the turtle on his head because he wanted to keep it safe while he walked behind the plough.
  2. What was the condition associated with the wind cap?
    Answer: The condition was that no human hand would ever be able to take the cap off.
  3. Why did Jon's mother not want him to be a sailor?
    Answer: Jon's mother believed that since he was a farmer's son, he only knew the soil and seasons, but knew nothing about the sea.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with single words from the text that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. write or speak about without giving much information:
  2. a lump of earth or clay:
  3. had a strong desire:
  4. a sudden, strong wind:
Answers: i) mention, ii) clod, iii) yearned, iv) squall

4. Replace the words in the brackets with their ANTONYMS from the lesson: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Jon had always (disobeyed) his mother.
  2. Jon began his first ever sea (return) .
  3. He became very (unpopular) with the sailors.
  4. In Jon's dream the seasons turned (slowly) .
Answers: i) obeyed, ii) voyage, iii) popular, iv) rapidly

5. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Present Perfect Continuous or Past Perfect Continuous Tense: [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. The rain pouring when I left home.
  2. The engineers building the bridge for the past few months.
  3. The performers singing since evening.
  4. At that time, Mr. Roy writing poems for one month.
Answers: i) had been, ii) have been, iii) have been, iv) had been

6. Rearrange the following sentences in the correct order (1 to 4): [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Jon plucked the turtle from his head.
  2. Jon met the tiny green turtle.
  3. Mother said Jon was a farmer's son.
  4. The turtle changed to a fairy man.
Correct Order: 1. Mother said... 2. Jon met the tiny turtle... 3. Jon plucked the turtle... 4. The turtle changed...

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

7. Descriptive Paragraph [8]

Imagine you are out on the open sea in a boat with waves rising all around you. Would you feel scared or excited? Write a paragraph in about 80 words describing your experience of the sea voyage.

Suggested Answer:
Being out on the open sea in a small boat is an unforgettable experience. At first, I felt incredibly excited as the cool, salty breeze brushed against my face and the endless blue ocean stretched before me. However, as the boat sailed further from land, the waves began rising high all around us. The boat rocked violently, and a sense of fear slowly crept in. The roaring sound of the water and the vastness of the sea made me realize how small we are compared to the mighty power of nature. Despite the fear, it was a thrilling adventure.

8. Personal Letter [7]

Suppose you had wished to perform on stage for a long time. On the occasion of your school's annual function, you finally got a chance to do so. Write a letter to your friend describing how you felt when your wish was fulfilled.

Suggested Answer:
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to share some incredible news with you! You know how long I have yearned to perform on a stage. Finally, during our school's annual function last week, my dream came true. I was chosen to play the lead role in our drama.
Before stepping onto the stage, my heart was beating so fast, and I was terribly nervous. But the moment the spotlight hit me, all my fear vanished. I delivered my dialogues confidently, and the audience clapped loudly at the end. I felt so proud and overjoyed. It was truly the best day of my life.
Hope to see you soon.
Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (Clouds)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

He wandered far in search of the clouds, down winding paths and alleys, till he reached the old mud hut. There, he turned on to the dirt track. He saw a grass-cutter coming from the other direction, a bundle of freshly cut grass balanced on his head. He stopped the man and asked, "Have you seen the clouds there?"

"Clouds?" The grass-cutter was amazed, as though he had been asked the most peculiar question. "Yes, clouds." He was disappointed to see that the grass-cutter was still mystified. He walked on until he came upon a farmer ploughing his field. He asked him the same question...

His mother was the first he had asked in the morning, "Ammaji, where have the clouds gone?"
"Who's gone where?" Ammaji said, as if he had asked an exceptionally stupid question. "Clouds! Have you lost your mind, boy? Hurry up, now. Wash quickly, eat your breakfast and go to school." Dejectedly, he washed his hands and face, ate his breakfast and left home.

A. Choose the correct answers: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. What was the boy searching for?
    Answer: iii) the clouds
  2. What was the grass-cutter carrying?
    Answer: i) a bundle of grass
  3. Who did the boy ask first in the morning?
    Answer: ii) his mother
  4. What was the farmer doing?
    Answer: ii) ploughing his field

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. The grass-cutter was not surprised by the boy's question.
  2. The boy's mother asked him to wash quickly and go to school.
  3. The farmer gave the boy a satisfactory answer about the clouds.
Answers: a) False, b) True, c) False

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. What was the boy's question to everyone he met?
    Answer: The boy asked everyone, "Have you seen the clouds there?" or "Did the clouds come here?"
  2. Why was the grass-cutter amazed?
    Answer: The grass-cutter was amazed because he found it to be a very peculiar and strange question to ask.
  3. What did the boy do after his mother scolded him?
    Answer: Dejectedly, he washed his hands and face, ate his breakfast, and left home for school.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with single words from the text that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. strange / unusual:
  2. travellers on a journey:
  3. a rough path or road:
  4. an area in a desert with water and trees:
Answers: i) peculiar, ii) wayfarers, iii) track, iv) oasis

4. Write the antonyms of the words in brackets by adding the correct prefix (dis-, un-, im-, il-): [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. It is (possible) for him to lift the heavy chair.
  2. His handwriting is completely (legible) .
  3. Their claim is completely (reasonable) .
  4. He always (believes) the stories his friend tells him.
Answers: i) impossible, ii) illegible, iii) unreasonable, iv) disbelieves

5. Identify whether the underlined verbs are in Future Continuous or Future Perfect Tense: [2 × 6 = 12]

  1. I shall be reading a book next week.
  2. She will have recited the poem by then.
  3. You will be going to school tomorrow.
  4. He will have left before you go to see the doctor.
  5. They will be coming to our house soon.
  6. I shall have written the story by tomorrow evening.
Answers: i) Future Continuous, ii) Future Perfect, iii) Future Continuous, iv) Future Perfect, v) Future Continuous, vi) Future Perfect

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

6. Story Writing [8]

Write a story in about eighty words using the following hints. Add a suitable title.

Hints: two friends passing through a forest - a bear came - one friend climbed a tree - the other friend could not climb the tree - helpless - lay down like a dead man - bear came near the man - thought he was dead - went away.

Title:
Suggested Answer: The Two Friends and the Bear
Once, two friends were walking through a dense forest. Suddenly, they saw a large bear approaching them. Frightened, one friend immediately climbed up a tall tree to save himself, leaving the other behind. The second friend did not know how to climb a tree. Feeling helpless, he remembered that bears do not touch dead bodies. So, he quickly lay down flat on the ground and held his breath. The bear came near, sniffed his face, thought he was dead, and slowly walked away.

7. Paragraph Writing [7]

Suppose you have been waiting for a piece of good news. Write a paragraph in about eighty words on your experience of waiting. Include:

  • The news you waited for
  • What you did while waiting
  • Whether the news had come
  • Your feelings
Suggested Answer:
Last week, I was eagerly waiting for the results of my final examination. The wait felt endlessly long and nerve-wracking. While waiting, I tried to distract myself by reading a storybook, but my mind kept wandering back to the results. I continuously refreshed the school website on my computer. Finally, at noon, the webpage loaded, and the good news had arrived! I had secured the top rank in my class. I felt a tremendous wave of happiness and relief wash over me, and I instantly ran to tell my mother.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (An April Day)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions:

When the warm sun, that brings
Seed-time and harvest, has returned again
'T is sweet to visit the still wood, where springs
The first flower of the plain.

I love the season well
When forest glades are teeming with bright forms
Nor dark and many-folded clouds foretell
The coming-on of storms.

From the earth's loosened mould
The sapling draws its sustenance, and thrives;
Though stricken to the heart with winter's cold
The drooping tree revives.

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. When the warm sun has returned again, it is nice to:
    Answer: b) visit the still wood
  2. The sapling draws its sustenance from:
    Answer: c) earth's loosened mould
  3. The first flower of the plain springs in the:
    Answer: a) still wood
  4. The drooping tree was stricken to the heart with:
    Answer: b) winter's cold

B. Fill in the chart with information from the poem: [1 × 4 = 4]

Who / WhatDid what / Action
The first flower
The forest glades
The sapling
The drooping tree
Answers: 1) springs in the still wood, 2) are teeming with bright forms, 3) draws its sustenance, and thrives, 4) revives

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 × 3 = 6]

  1. Why is it sweet to visit the wood during springtime?
    Answer: It is sweet to visit the wood because the warm sun has returned, and the first flowers of the plain are springing up.
  2. What does winter's cold do to the tree?
    Answer: The winter's cold strikes the tree to its heart, causing it to droop and lose its vitality until spring revives it.
  3. Why do you think the poet "loves the season well?"
    Answer: The poet loves the season because the forest glades are full of bright, beautiful life, and there are no dark clouds foretelling storms.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Match the words from the poem with their meanings: [1 × 4 = 4]

[ thrives | glades | sustenance | drooping ]
  1. small open areas of grass in a wood:
  2. that which is needed to live and stay healthy:
  3. flourishes or grows well:
  4. to bend downwards:
Answers: i) glades, ii) sustenance, iii) thrives, iv) drooping

4. Choose the correct continuous tense form from the brackets: [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. He here for the last two years.
  2. The baby all morning.
  3. It for a long time before we went to school.
  4. The passengers fast when the accident occurred.
Answers: i) has been working, ii) has been crying, iii) had been raining, iv) had been sleeping

5. Fill in the blanks with either the Future Continuous or Future Perfect tense of the verbs given in brackets: [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. I suppose it (rain) when we start.
  2. He (meet) us next week.
  3. She (reach) Jamshedpur by then.
  4. This book is not fat, I (read) it by lunch time.
Answers: i) will be raining, ii) will be meeting, iii) will have reached, iv) shall have read

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

6. Descriptive Paragraph [8]

Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the changes that you see in nature when spring comes after winter.

Title:
Suggested Answer: The Arrival of Spring
When spring arrives after a long, cold winter, nature undergoes a beautiful transformation. The harsh, biting cold is replaced by a warm, comforting breeze. Trees that looked dead and drooping suddenly sprout fresh, bright green leaves. Colorful flowers begin to bloom everywhere, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The once silent woods echo with the cheerful singing of birds. The sky becomes clear and blue, and the entire landscape looks vibrant and full of life, bringing joy to everyone's heart.

7. Diary Entry [7]

You have a separate routine of work in the morning and in the evening. Write a page in your diary on that part of the day which you prefer more and why.

Date: __________________ Time: __________________
Suggested Answer:
Dear Diary,
Between my busy morning and evening routines, I definitely prefer the evenings. Mornings are always so rushed and stressful. I have to wake up early, quickly get ready, and run to catch the school bus. But evenings are calm and relaxing. After returning from school, I get to play in the park with my friends for an hour. Then, I sit down with a hot cup of tea and do my homework in peace. The soft evening breeze and the quiet atmosphere make me feel very happy and refreshed. I love ending my day this way.
Goodnight!
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (The Great Escape)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

The year was 1941. The Second World War was at its peak. India was under British rule. Subhas Chandra Bose had been placed under house arrest by the British. They had confined him in his big house in Calcutta. The British had guarded him closely.

The young Subhas was restless. He made a bold plan. He decided to leave India. He planned to travel to Russia, from Russia to Germany, and then to Japan. The decision to leave India was perhaps the most important decision of his life.

He dressed up as a Pathan. He put on a long brown coat, baggy trousers, and a black fez. He wore a gold-rimmed spectacle. It was 1:45 am. The date was January 16, 1941. Subhas quietly slipped out of his house. He walked to the adjacent house, which was the home of his nephew, Sisir. Sisir was to help him in his escape. Sisir drove Subhas in the dead of night.

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The year when the Second World War was at its peak was:
    Answer: c) 1941
  2. Subhas Chandra Bose was confined in his house in:
    Answer: b) Calcutta
  3. Subhas dressed up as a:
    Answer: a) Pathan
  4. The British had guarded Subhas Chandra Bose:
    Answer: a) closely

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. Subhas's trusted friend, Uttam Chand, knew about his disguise.
  2. Subhas's new name in Kabul was Orlando Mazzotta.
  3. The great escape of Subhas was completely successful.
Answers: a) False, b) True, c) True

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose have to leave the country?
    Answer: Subhas was restless under house arrest and wanted to travel to Russia, Germany, and Japan to continue his fight for India's freedom from outside.
  2. How did Subhas dress up for his journey?
    Answer: He dressed up as a Pathan, wearing a long brown coat, baggy trousers, a black fez, and gold-rimmed spectacles.
  3. Who helped Subhas in his escape?
    Answer: His nephew Sisir, Sisir's friend Ashoke, and other revolutionary friends like Mian Akbar Shah and Uttam Chand Malhotra helped him.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with single words from the lesson that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. imprisoned / locked up:
  2. a cap of red felt:
  3. full of hidden danger:
  4. brave or courageous:
Answers: i) confined, ii) fez, iii) treacherous, iv) valiant

4. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. He was confined his house.
  2. Subhas walked the adjacent house.
  3. They reached Gomoh station there.
  4. The patient had died the doctor came.
Answers: i) in, ii) to, iii) from, iv) before

5. Rearrange the following sentences in the correct order (1 to 6): [1 × 6 = 6]

  1. Subhas quietly slipped out of his house.
  2. Subhas decided to leave India.
  3. Subhas was placed under house arrest.
  4. Sisir drove Subhas in the dead of night.
  5. Subhas was restless.
  6. Subhas dressed up as a Pathan.
Correct Order: 1. Placed under house arrest -> 2. Restless -> 3. Decided to leave -> 4. Dressed as Pathan -> 5. Slipped out -> 6. Sisir drove him.

6. Fill in the blanks with either the Past Perfect Tense or Past Perfect Continuous Tense of the verbs given in brackets: [1 × 6 = 6]

  1. The baby (sleep) soundly when I went to see it.
  2. Ram (leave) before his father came.
  3. I (write) the article for ten minutes when the phone rang.
  4. They (finish) their task before the sunset.
  5. He (give) me the book before I met him.
  6. He (wait) there for a long time when his mother came.
Answers: i) had been sleeping, ii) had left, iii) had been writing, iv) had finished, v) had given, vi) had been waiting

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

7. Descriptive Paragraph [8]

Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the qualities of a good leader.

Title:
Suggested Answer: Qualities of a Good Leader
A good leader is someone who inspires and guides others towards a common goal. The most important quality of a leader is honesty, as it builds trust among followers. A true leader is courageous and never backs down in difficult situations. They must be good listeners, taking into account the problems and suggestions of the people they lead. A leader must also be selfless, putting the needs of the team before their own. Ultimately, a successful leader leads by example, showing determination and hard work.

8. Formal Letter [7]

Suppose you have decided to join a local club for social work. Write a letter to the Secretary of the club asking for membership.

Suggested Answer:
To
The Secretary,
Sunrise Youth Club,
Kolkata - 700010

Sub: Application for club membership.

Respected Sir,
I am a resident of your locality and a student of class VIII. I have been observing the wonderful social work your club has been doing, such as organizing blood donation camps and distributing winter clothes to the poor.
I am very much interested in social service and wish to actively participate in these noble activities. Therefore, I earnestly request you to kindly grant me a membership to your esteemed club so that I can contribute to the welfare of our society.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (Princess September)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

Princess September, the daughter of the king of Siam, was very unhappy. She was weeping alone one day in her own room when she saw a little bird hop in. Then the little bird began to sing. He sang a beautiful song all about the lake in the king's garden and the willow trees reflected in the still water...

The other princesses were jealous and visited September together. "Well, my dear," they said, "your little bird flies in and out just as he likes." They looked round the room. "Where is your bird now?" they said.
"He's gone off to visit his home," said September.
"And what makes you think he'll come back?" asked the princesses.
"He always does come back", said September.
"Well, my dear," said the princesses, "if you take our advice, pop him into the cage and keep him there."
"But I like to have him fly around the room", said the Princess.
"Safety first," said her sisters ominously.

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. When the little bird hopped into Princess September's room, she was:
    Answer: b) crying alone
  2. The sisters of Princess September were:
    Answer: a) envious of her
  3. Princess September was advised to:
    Answer: b) put the bird in a cage
  4. The sisters said 'Safety first' in a manner that was:
    Answer: c) ominously

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. The other princesses were jealous of September.
  2. Princess September wanted to put the bird in the cage immediately.
  3. The little bird sang a beautiful song about the king's garden.
Answers: a) True, b) False, c) True

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 + 3 + 3 = 8]

  1. Why were the other princesses jealous of Princess September? (2)
    Answer: The other princesses were jealous because the little bird sang a different beautiful song for September and was allowed to fly freely in and out of her room.
  2. What advice did the sisters give to Princess September? (3)
    Answer: The sisters warned her that the bird might not come back and advised her to pop him into the cage and keep him locked there for safety.
  3. Why was the little bird ultimately granted freedom by the Princess later in the story? (3)
    Answer: The little bird stopped eating and singing inside the cage, and nearly died. The Princess realized that he could not survive without his freedom, so she let him go out of love for him.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with single words from the lesson that match the meanings: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. to jump and skip:
  2. to sit or stand on something (like a bird on a branch):
  3. in a threatening or warning manner:
  4. moving quietly and quickly with an intention of hunting:
Answers: i) hop, ii) perch, iii) ominously, iv) prowling

4. Replace the underlined words with their antonyms (opposites): [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The boy wrote a different story. ➔
  2. The mother placed the child gently on the bed. ➔
  3. On hearing the news he felt very uneasy. ➔
  4. The gate was opened by the porter. ➔
Answers: i) same, ii) roughly/harshly, iii) easy/comfortable, iv) closed/shut

5. Identify the type of Phrase for the underlined groups of words (Noun, Adjective, or Adverb Phrase): [2 × 3 = 6]

  1. The wind blew with great speed.
  2. The king wore a crown made of diamond.
  3. Travelling by train gives me great pleasure.
Answers: a) Adverb Phrase, b) Adjective Phrase, c) Noun Phrase

6. Identify whether the underlined clause is a Principal (Main) Clause or a Subordinate (Dependent) Clause: [2 × 3 = 6]

  1. Although he was unwell, he went out.
  2. He is a king who is very powerful.
  3. Rani said that he had met my brother.
Answers: i) Subordinate Clause, ii) Subordinate Clause, iii) Principal Clause

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

7. Conversation Writing [8]

Suppose you are a member of an organization that works for the prevention of cruelty to animals. You come across a monkey in chains being made to perform tricks. You watch it for some time till it suddenly starts talking to you of its sorrow. Now write an imaginary conversation which takes place between you and the monkey longing for its freedom.

Suggested Answer:
Me: It hurts me to see you tied up in these heavy iron chains. Are you alright?
Monkey: (Sighs deeply) I am physically exhausted, but my heart hurts even more. I was not born to dance for the amusement of humans on these hot streets.
Me: I completely understand. You belong to the wild, swinging freely from tree to tree.
Monkey: Yes! I miss the cool breeze of the forest, the fresh fruits, and my family. This chain around my neck feels like a constant reminder that my life is not my own anymore. Please, help me.
Me: I promise you, my friend. I work for an animal rescue organization. We will legally free you from this cruelty today and take you back to your true home. Just hold on a little longer.
Monkey: Thank you, kind human. You have given me hope again.

8. Descriptive Paragraph [7]

Suppose you have to obey the orders of someone from morning to night. You are not allowed to act according to your own will. Write a paragraph in about eighty words describing your feelings in this situation.

Suggested Answer: A Life Without Freedom
If I had to obey the orders of someone from morning to night without acting according to my own will, I would feel incredibly suffocated and miserable. Life would lose all its joy and meaning, just like a bird trapped inside a golden cage. I would feel like a lifeless machine or a robot, only functioning on commands. Taking away one's freedom takes away their identity and creativity. Eventually, the frustration and sadness would make me feel depressed, because true happiness only comes when we have the freedom to make our own choices.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (The Sea)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

The sea is a hungry dog,
Giant and grey.
He rolls on the beach all day.
With his clashing teeth and shaggy jaws
Hour upon hour he gnaws
The ragged rocks in his ravenous rage,
And with hoarse, heavy bark
Leaps at the cliff, and pulls it down.

And the sea licks his paws and smiles
And back in the dark,
From the high, bare shore
Jumps back and fumbles and sniffs,
...
To get at the stones, and bones, and scraps,
And the wind is a whet to his appetite.
And the sea goes to sleep with a snore,
He is tired of all he can get.

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The sea is compared to a:
    Answer: c) dog
  2. The dog rolls on the beach:
    Answer: a) all day
  3. The dog leaps at the:
    Answer: b) cliff
  4. The sea goes to sleep with a:
    Answer: a) snore

B. Fill in the chart with information from the poem: [1 × 4 = 4]

WordAction
The sea
The sea
The dog
The dog
Answers: 1) rolls on the beach, 2) gnaws the ragged rocks, 3) leaps at the cliff, 4) licks his paws and smiles

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 + 2 + 3 = 7]

  1. How does the dog 'gnaw the ragged rocks'? (2)
    Answer: The dog gnaws the ragged rocks with his clashing teeth and shaggy jaws in a ravenous rage.
  2. What do the 'stones, bones and scraps' refer to? (2)
    Answer: They refer to the small bits and pieces of debris and rocks that the sea crashes against on the shore, acting like a hungry dog hunting for food.
  3. How does the sea sound when the dog is asleep? (3)
    Answer: When the dog (the sea) goes to sleep because it is tired, the sound of the calm waves is compared to a heavy, peaceful snore.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with appropriate single words from the poem that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. striking together loudly:
  2. having long and rough hair:
  3. extremely hungry:
  4. sharpens (as in appetite):
Answers: i) clashing, ii) shaggy, iii) ravenous, iv) whet

4. Identify the non-human object/thing that has been given human qualities (Personification) in each sentence: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The flowers smiled brightly. ➔
  2. The stars danced happily in the night sky. ➔
  3. The wind whispered through the tall trees. ➔
  4. The angry waves crashed onto the shore. ➔
Answers: i) flowers, ii) stars, iii) wind, iv) waves

5. Identify the figure of speech known as 'Metaphor'. State what object is compared to what in these sentences: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The clouds are balls of cotton.
    ➔ The clouds are compared to .
  2. The camel is the ship of the desert.
    ➔ The camel is compared to a .
  3. The child is the apple of his father's eye.
    ➔ The child is compared to an .
  4. The sea is a hungry dog.
    ➔ The sea is compared to a .
Answers: a) cotton / balls of cotton, b) ship, c) apple, d) dog

6. Write the Adjective Forms of the following nouns: [1 × 4 = 4]

hunger ➔
rage ➔
cloud ➔
thirst ➔
Answers: hungry, raging / enraged, cloudy, thirsty

7. Identify and write the describing word (Adjective) in the following sentences: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. He is a good boy. ➔
  2. The tall tree has small flowers. (Write any one) ➔
  3. The man wore a red shirt. ➔
  4. She wore blue trousers. ➔
Answers: i) good, ii) tall OR small, iii) red, iv) blue

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

8. Descriptive Paragraph [7]

Write a paragraph in about eighty words describing a walk on the beach on a cold morning.

Suggested Answer:
Walking on the beach on a cold winter morning is a peaceful and refreshing experience. The sky is usually pale, covered in a thick layer of mist, and the sun slowly peeks over the horizon. The cool breeze carries the salty scent of the sea, making me wrap my jacket tightly around myself. The sand feels damp and cold under my boots. Apart from a few seagulls crying in the distance and the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore, everything is wonderfully quiet. It is the perfect time to collect seashells and enjoy the calm beauty of nature.

9. Story Writing [8]

Write a short story (in about eighty words) about a rescue operation in a stormy sea. Add a suitable title.

Title:
Suggested Answer: A Brave Rescue at Sea
It was a terrifying night. The sea raged like a giant, angry monster. Amidst the heavy rain and crashing waves, a small fishing boat had overturned. The coast guard received a distress signal and quickly rushed out in their strong rescue boat. Battling fierce winds and poor visibility, the rescue team spotted three fishermen clinging to a wooden plank. A brave diver jumped into the freezing, dark water with lifebuoys. One by one, the exhausted fishermen were pulled to safety aboard the rescue boat. Their lives were saved just in time.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (A King's Tale)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

Many hundreds of years ago, England was ruled by a king called Uther-Pendragon. The king, who was friend and protector to all his people, was fair to everyone. The people of Britain lived in peace and happiness, tending their flocks and tilling their fields. King Uther-Pendragon had married the beautiful Lady Igraine, and had a son...

The king and the queen died soon after the baby boy was born. It was a difficult time. Many of the king's opponents were looking to seize the throne. King Uther-Pendragon had two wise counsellors—Merlin, a prophet and a magician, and the brave knight, Sir Ulfius... They placed in his hands a baby wrapped in a scarlet cloak. "We order you and your wife to bring up this child as though he were your own son", Merlin said...

Eighteen years passed. Britain was torn by bitter rivalry. None of the fighting barons had managed to become the king... One day, in a churchyard, people found a large stone on which was fixed a magnificent sword. Upon the stone, in gold letters, was inscribed, "whoever pulls out this sword is by right of birth, the king of England".

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. During the reign of King Uther-Pendragon, the people of Britain lived a:
    Answer: a) peaceful life
  2. Merlin and Sir Ulfius were trusted by the:
    Answer: b) royal family
  3. The royal baby was to be brought up by:
    Answer: c) Sir Ector
  4. Arthur succeeded in lifting the sword for the first time at the age of:
    Answer: b) eighteen

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. Sir Ector asked many questions before accepting the baby.
  2. The royal baby was wrapped in a scarlet cloak.
  3. The fighting barons had managed to become the king before Arthur.
Answers: a) False, b) True, c) False

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. Who was Merlin?
    Answer: Merlin was a prophet and a magician, and a wise counsellor to King Uther-Pendragon.
  2. Why did the barons fight among themselves?
    Answer: The barons fought among themselves because they wanted to seize the empty throne and become the king of England.
  3. What was written upon the stone on which the sword was fixed?
    Answer: It was inscribed: "whoever pulls out this sword is by right of birth, the king of England".
  4. Why do you think Merlin and Sir Ulfius gave the baby to Sir Ector?
    Answer: They gave the baby to Sir Ector to keep him safe from the king's opponents who were looking to seize the throne.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Find words from the lesson that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. to care for someone or something (flocks/fields):
  2. the state of being successful / wealth:
  3. having great love and being loyal:
  4. died (often in a sudden or violent way):
Answers: i) tending, ii) prosperity, iii) devoted, iv) perished

4. Rearrange the following sentences in the correct chronological order (1 to 6): [1 × 6 = 6]

  1. Sir Ector promised to obey Merlin and Sir Ulfius.
  2. The two trusted counsellors placed the royal baby in Sir Ector's hands.
  3. Lady Igraine was the beautiful wife of King Uther-Pendragon.
  4. King Uther-Pendragon was loved by his people.
  5. There was trouble in Britain after the king and queen died.
  6. The royal baby was born to King Uther-Pendragon and Lady Igraine.
Correct Order: 1. King loved... 2. Lady Igraine was... 3. Royal baby born... 4. Counsellors placed baby... 5. Sir Ector promised... 6. Trouble in Britain...

5. Identify whether the underlined clause is a Noun Clause, Adjective Clause, or Adverb Clause: [2 × 5 = 10]

  1. The king is wearing a crown which is made of gold.
  2. He returned home when it was raining.
  3. I expect that he will come.
  4. They live in a place where it is always cold.
  5. He could not walk further as he was tired.
Answers: i) Adjective Clause, ii) Adverb Clause, iii) Noun Clause, iv) Adjective Clause, v) Adverb Clause

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

6. Paragraph Writing [8]

Imagine you are Merlin, the wise counsellor to King Arthur. Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the advice you would have given the young king in his times of trouble.

Suggested Answer:
My dear King Arthur, in these times of trouble, you must remember that true power does not lie solely in your mighty sword, Excalibur, but in your noble heart. You must always rule with fairness and protect the weak, just as your father, King Uther-Pendragon, did. Do not let the greedy barons anger you or make you act in haste. Rely on your devoted knights of the Round Table and trust in their vows. Stay humble and just, and your kingdom will forever prosper.

7. Summary Writing [7]

Write a summary of the following passage:

Long ago during the reign of Khalifa Haroon-ul-Rashid, there lived a businessman called Ali. One day Ali went on a pilgrimage. He had five hundred gold coins which he put in a jar and filled the jar with oil. Ali left the jar with his neighbour Abdul. While Ali was away, one day, Abdul ran out of cooking oil in his house. He took out some oil from Ali's jar. As Abdul was pouring the oil several gold coins fell out from the jar. He became greedy. Abdul took out all the oil and the gold coins from Ali's jar. Then he replaced the oil in the jar from an oil-trader. Ali returned several months later. He did not find his coins. Abdul said he knew nothing of it. Ali went to the Khalifa. Khalifa Haroon-ul-Rashid heard Ali's complain. But there was no proof against Abdul. The Khalifa called an oil merchant. He tasted the oil and said it was two months old. Ali had been gone for seven months. He could not have put that oil in the jar. So, Abdul was caught. Ali got back his coins.
Suggested Summary:
A businessman named Ali left a jar of oil containing five hundred hidden gold coins with his neighbour, Abdul, before going on a pilgrimage. Discovering the coins, the greedy Abdul stole them and replaced the oil. When Ali returned and found his coins missing, he complained to Khalifa Haroon-ul-Rashid. The Khalifa cleverly proved Abdul's guilt by having an expert confirm the replacement oil was much newer than Ali's departure date. Consequently, Abdul was caught and Ali recovered his wealth.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (The Happy Prince)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt. He was indeed very much admired.

One night there flew over the city a little Swallow. His friends had gone away to Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed behind; then he decided to go away too. All day long he flew, and at night he arrived at the city. "Where shall I put up?" he said. Then he saw the statue on the tall column. "I will put up there," he cried; "it is a fine position with plenty of fresh air." So he alighted just between the feet of the Happy Prince.

"I have a golden bedroom," he said softly to himself as he looked round, and he prepared to go to sleep; but just as he was putting his head under his wing, a large drop of water fell on him... Then another drop fell... But before he had opened his wings, a third drop fell, and he looked up and saw— Ah! what did he see?

The eyes of the Happy Prince were filled with tears, and tears were running down his golden cheeks... "When I was alive and had a human heart," answered the statue, "I did not know what tears were, for I lived in the Palace of Sans-Souci, where sorrow was not allowed to enter... And now that I am dead they have set me up here so high that I can see all the ugliness and all the misery of my city, and though my heart is made of lead, I cannot choose but weep."

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The statue of the Happy Prince was covered with:
    Answer: c) gold
  2. For eyes the Happy Prince had two:
    Answer: b) sapphires
  3. The little Swallow was going to:
    Answer: b) Egypt
  4. The Happy Prince's heart was made of:
    Answer: c) lead

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. The Happy Prince never cried when he was alive in his palace.
  2. The Swallow initially wanted to stay with the Prince forever.
  3. The large drops of water falling on the Swallow were raindrops.
Answers: a) True, b) False, c) False (they were the Prince's tears)

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 + 3 + 3 = 8]

  1. Where did the little Swallow alight to sleep for the night? (2)
    Answer: The little Swallow alighted just between the feet of the Happy Prince's statue on the tall column.
  2. Why did the Happy Prince weep? (3)
    Answer: The Happy Prince wept because from his high column, he could see all the ugliness, misery, and suffering of his city, which he never knew when he was alive.
  3. Describe the Happy Prince's life when he was alive. (3)
    Answer: When he was alive, he lived in the Palace of Sans-Souci where sorrow was not allowed. He played in the garden by day, led dances at night, and lived a life full of pleasure without ever seeing the misery outside the high palace walls.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Find words from the text that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. covered with a thin layer of gold:
  2. thoroughly wet:
  3. dragging forcibly:
  4. looking worn out and untidy:
Answers: i) gilded, ii) drenched, iii) hauling, iv) shabby

4. Rearrange the following sentences in the correct chronological order (1 to 4): [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The little Swallow alighted just between the feet of the Happy Prince.
  2. The little Swallow saw the statue on the tall column.
  3. A large drop of water fell on the Swallow.
  4. The little Swallow prepared to go to sleep.
Correct Order: 1. Saw the statue... 2. Alighted between the feet... 3. Prepared to sleep... 4. Large drop fell...

5. Identify whether the following sentences are in Active Voice or Passive Voice: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The football was thrown into the air.
  2. The dog chased the cat.
  3. The thief was caught by the police.
  4. The teacher is writing on the blackboard.
Answers: i) Passive Voice, ii) Active Voice, iii) Passive Voice, iv) Active Voice

6. Change the voice of the following sentences (Active to Passive / Passive to Active): [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. The police caught the thief.
    Answer: The thief was caught by the police.
  2. The students are reading books.
    Answer: Books are being read by the students.
  3. The match was won by our team.
    Answer: Our team won the match.
  4. The work was finished by me.
    Answer: I finished the work.

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

7. Character Sketch [8]

Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the character of the Happy Prince.

Suggested Answer:
The Happy Prince is the central character of Oscar Wilde's beautiful story. When he was alive, he lived a life of absolute luxury in a palace where sorrow was forbidden. He thought pleasure was happiness. However, after his death, his statue was placed high above the city. From there, he saw the real poverty, misery, and tears of his people. Despite his heart being made of lead, it melted with pity. He proved to be extremely selfless and compassionate, willingly giving away his golden leaves and precious jewel eyes to help the poor and needy.

8. Thematic Paragraph [7]

Write a paragraph in about eighty words on the theme of the story 'The Happy Prince'.

Suggested Answer:
The main theme of 'The Happy Prince' is the profound beauty of love, sacrifice, and compassion. The story teaches us that outward beauty and materialistic wealth, like fine gold and jewels, are ultimately meaningless compared to the warmth of a kind heart. The Prince and the Swallow both sacrifice their own lives and comforts to alleviate the suffering of the poor. God eventually rewards their selfless acts of charity, highlighting that spiritual beauty and empathy are the most precious things in the entire world.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (Summer Friends)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following poem and answer the questions:

The Swallow is a summer bird;
He in our chimneys, when the weather
Is fine and warm, may then be heard
Chirping his notes for weeks together.

Come there but one cold wintry day
Away will fly our guest the Swallow:
And much like him we find the way
Which many a gay young friend will follow.
In dreary days of snow and frost
Closer to Man will cling the Sparrow:
Old friends, although in life we're crost
Their hearts to us will never narrow.

Give me the bird-give me the friend-
Will sing in frost-will love in sorrow-
Whate'er mischance to-day may send
Will greet me with his sight to-morrow.

A. Tick the correct alternative: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The swallow comes to the poet in:
    Answer: b) summer
  2. Many young friends follow the behaviour of the:
    Answer: c) swallow
  3. The sparrow accompanies the poet in times of:
    Answer: a) snow and frost
  4. The poet wants a friend who will be like a:
    Answer: b) sparrow

B. Fill in the following chart with information from the text: [1 × 5 = 5]

WhoDoes whatWhen
The swallowwhen the weather is fine and warm
The sparrowIn dreary days of snow and frost
Old friendsalthough in life we're crost (separated)
A true friend of the poet
Answers: 1) chirping his notes, 2) will cling closer to Man, 3) their hearts will never narrow, 4) Will greet me with his sight to-morrow, 5) the poet had mischance / when mischance sends today

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 × 3 = 6]

  1. What does the swallow do in summer?
    Answer: In summer, when the weather is fine and warm, the swallow stays in the chimneys and chirps its notes for weeks together.
  2. How is the behaviour of a "gay young friend" similar to that of the swallow?
    Answer: Just as a swallow leaves as soon as the cold winter arrives, a "gay young friend" stays during the good and happy times but deserts us during difficult days or misfortune.
  3. Whom does the poet like—the swallow or the sparrow? Give reasons for your answer.
    Answer: The poet likes the sparrow because, unlike the swallow, the sparrow clings closer to Man even in the dreary, cold days of snow and frost. It acts like a true, old friend in times of sorrow.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Fill in the blanks with single words from the poem that mean the following: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. dull / gloomy:
  2. to remain emotionally attached / hold tightly:
  3. separated (poetical form):
  4. misfortune / bad luck:
Answers: i) dreary, ii) cling, iii) crost / crossed, iv) mischance

4. Identify whether the underlined clause is a Noun Clause, Adjective Clause, or Adverb Clause: [2 × 4 = 8]

  1. I expect that I shall get a prize.
  2. The umbrella which has a yellow handle is mine.
  3. When I was younger I used to fly kites.
  4. I remember the house where I was born.
Answers: i) Noun Clause, ii) Adjective Clause, iii) Adverb Clause, iv) Adjective Clause

5. Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech: [2 × 4 = 8]

(Do not use any punctuation marks like full stops or commas in your typed answer to avoid errors).

  1. The sailor said to us, "There will be a storm".
    Answer: The sailor told us that there would be a storm.
  2. The teacher said to the student, "Did you come to school yesterday?"
    Answer: The teacher asked the student if he had come to school the previous day.
  3. The tired guest said to the host, "Please give me a glass of cold water."
    Answer: The tired guest requested the host to give him a glass of cold water.
  4. Rita said, "How happy I am!"
    Answer: Rita exclaimed with joy that she was very happy.

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

6. Story Writing [8]

Write a short story in about eighty words using the following hints. Give a suitable title to the story:

Hints: a farmer finds a snake almost dead with cold - brings it home - warms it - saves its life - the snake is about to bite the farmer's son - the farmer chases away the snake.
Title:
Suggested Answer: The Farmer and the Ungrateful Snake
One cold winter morning, a kind-hearted farmer was returning from his fields when he found a snake lying stiff and almost dead with cold. Pitying the creature, he carefully brought it home and placed it near the fireplace to warm it. Soon, the heat revived the snake, and it regained its strength. However, the snake's true nature returned. Suddenly, it raised its hood and lunged to bite the farmer's little son who was playing nearby. Enraged by the snake's ungratefulness, the farmer quickly grabbed a heavy stick and chased the snake away forever.

7. Descriptive Paragraph [7]

Suppose you have a bird that talks and plays with you. Write a paragraph in about eighty words on how you spent a day with the bird during your summer vacation.

Suggested Answer: A Day with my Talking Parrot
During my summer vacation, I spent a wonderful day with my pet parrot, Charlie. He is a bright green bird who can talk and play tricks! In the morning, as soon as I woke up, Charlie perched on my shoulder and greeted me with a loud, "Good Morning!" We spent hours playing hide and seek around the house. In the afternoon, I fed him fresh green chillies and guava slices, which he ate happily from my hand. Later, we sat by the window, and he beautifully imitated the sounds of passing cars and other birds. He is a true friend who makes my holidays magical.
*** End of Question Paper ***
Class VIII - English Question Paper

Summative Evaluation

Class VIII • English (Tales of Childhood)

Name:
Roll No: Section:

Time: 2 Hours

Full Marks: 60

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION (UNSEEN) [10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Penguins are among the most recognizable and beloved birds in the world. Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly in the air. Instead, their wings have evolved into flippers, making them expert swimmers. They spend about half of their lives in the oceans and the other half on land or ice. Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, can dive up to 1,500 feet deep and hold their breath for over 20 minutes while hunting for fish, squid, and krill.

To survive in the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, they have a thick layer of blubber (fat) under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers that keep the cold water away from their bodies. When the harsh winter winds blow, Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to share body heat, taking turns standing in the cold outer edges of the circle.

A. Choose the correct option: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. Penguins cannot fly because their wings have evolved into:
    Answer: ii) flippers
  2. Which species is the largest among penguins?
    Answer: ii) Emperor penguins
  3. Penguins keep warm using densely packed feathers and a thick layer of:
    Answer: i) blubber
  4. How do Emperor penguins protect themselves from harsh winter winds?
    Answer: iii) By huddling together in large groups

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 2 = 2]

  1. Penguins spend their entire lives in the ocean.
    Answer: False (They spend half on land/ice)
  2. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.
    Answer: True

C. Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences: (Manual grading) [2 × 2 = 4]

  1. How do Emperor penguins protect their bodies from freezing cold water?
    Answer: They survive the freezing cold water by having a thick layer of blubber under their skin and tightly packed, waterproof feathers.
  2. Why do Emperor penguins huddle together?
    Answer: They huddle together in large groups to share body heat and protect each other from the harsh winter winds.

SECTION B: READING COMPREHENSION (SEEN) [15 Marks]

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions:

My father, Harold Dahl, was a Norwegian who came from a small town near Oslo, called Sarpsborg. His own father, my grandfather, was a fairly prosperous merchant who owned a store in Sarpsborg and traded in just about everything from cheese to chicken-wire. My father had lost an arm when he was fourteen, but had become a successful shipbroker. A shipbroker is a person who supplies the ship with everything it needs when it comes into port...

In 1918, when I was two, we all moved into an imposing country mansion beside the village of Radyr, about eight miles north of Cardiff. I remember it as a mighty house with turrets on its roof and with majestic lawns and terraces all around it...

In 1920, when I was still only three, my mother's eldest child, my own sister Astri, died from appendicitis. She was seven years old when she died. Astri was far and away my father's favourite... He was so overwhelmed with grief that when he himself went down with pneumonia a month or so afterwards, he did not much care whether he lived or died... So he died. He was fifty-seven years old.

A. Fill in the blanks with information from the text: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. The narrator's grandfather was a .
  2. Harold Dahl had lost when he was fourteen.
  3. A shipbroker is a person who .
  4. In the country mansion beside the village of Radyr, there were majestic all around it.
Answers: a) fairly prosperous merchant, b) an arm, c) supplies the ship with everything it needs, d) lawns and terraces

B. State whether True (T) or False (F): [1 × 3 = 3]

  1. The narrator was the eldest child in the family.
  2. Astri was the favourite child of the narrator's father.
  3. The narrator's father died of appendicitis.
Answers: a) False (Astri was), b) True, c) False (he died of pneumonia)

C. Answer the following questions: (Manual grading) [2 + 3 + 3 = 8]

  1. How old was Astri when she died? (2)
    Answer: Astri was seven years old when she died.
  2. Why was pneumonia a very dangerous disease in those days? (3)
    Answer: Pneumonia was very dangerous because penicillin or other magical antibiotic cures had not been discovered yet, so patients had to fight hard to survive.
  3. What made the narrator's father reluctant to fight against the disease? (3)
    Answer: He was overwhelmed with grief from the sudden death of his favourite daughter, Astri, and wanted to join her in heaven, so he did not care to fight to live.

SECTION C: VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR [20 Marks]

3. Rearrange the following sentences in the correct chronological order (1 to 5): [1 × 5 = 5]

  1. Harold Dahl lost his arm when he was fourteen.
  2. The writer's grandfather was a prosperous merchant.
  3. They, along with their family members, moved to Radyr in 1918.
  4. He met Sofie Magdalene Hesselberg in 1911.
  5. Harold Dahl became a successful shipbroker and set up a firm at Cardiff.
Correct Order: 1. Grandfather was a merchant... 2. Harold lost his arm... 3. Became a shipbroker... 4. Met Sofie... 5. Moved to Radyr...

4. Find words from the lesson that mean the following: [1 × 5 = 5]

  1. rich and successful:
  2. impressive to look at:
  3. loved very much:
  4. not clear:
  5. clearly / in a vivid manner:
Answers: i) prosperous, ii) imposing, iii) adored, iv) blurred, v) vividly

5. Identify the voice (Active or Passive) of the following sentences: [1 × 4 = 4]

  1. He told a story.
  2. The ball was thrown by the boy.
  3. I read many books.
  4. Football is played by them.
Answers: i) Active, ii) Passive, iii) Active, iv) Passive

6. Change the voice of the following sentences: [1.5 × 4 = 6]

  1. Riya sang a song.
    Answer: A song was sung by Riya.
  2. She knows my brother.
    Answer: My brother is known to her. (Note: 'known to', not 'known by')
  3. I wrote a letter.
    Answer: A letter was written by me.
  4. They cleaned the classroom.
    Answer: The classroom was cleaned by them.

SECTION D: WRITING SKILLS [15 Marks]

(Requires manual grading by teacher)

7. Autobiography Writing [8]

Write an autobiography of a broken bicycle.

Title:
Suggested Answer:
I am a broken, rusty bicycle lying in the dark corner of a garage. But I was not always like this. Many years ago, I was a shiny, bright red bicycle proudly displayed in a big store. A young boy named Rahul bought me on his 10th birthday. We were best friends. We raced down the streets, went to school, and explored the countryside together. He took great care of me. However, as Rahul grew up, he got a motorbike and forgot about me. Slowly, my paint faded, my chain rusted, and my tires went flat. Now, I just lie here, silently dreaming of my glorious past.

8. Diary Entry [7]

Suppose recently you had to change your place of residence. Write a page in your diary about the experience of shifting from a familiar neighbourhood to a new place.

Date: __________________ Time: __________________
Suggested Answer:
Dear Diary,
Today was a very tiring and emotional day. My family finally moved from our old house in Kolkata to our new apartment in Delhi. Packing up all my things made me realize how many memories I had in that room. Leaving my old friends, the familiar streets, and my old school felt like leaving a piece of my heart behind. The new place is nice and big, but it feels strange and quiet. I don't know anyone here yet. I am feeling a bit lonely and homesick tonight. I hope I can make new friends soon and start feeling at home.
Goodnight.
*** End of Question Paper ***
    CLASS 8

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