Class 8 English: Sample Paper Solutions - 3 | Sample Papers For Class 8 PDF Download

Time: 3 Hours
​Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:

• All questions are compulsory.
• ​Read the questions carefully and answer to the point.
• ​Marks are indicated against each question.
  

Section A – Reading (20 Marks)

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (10 Marks)

Passage: Books are often called our best friends because they never leave us, no matter the circumstances. Unlike human friends, they do not judge us, argue with us, or disappoint us. Instead, they provide comfort, knowledge, and inspiration whenever we open their pages. Books can take us into the past, introduce us to new ideas, and transport us to places we may never visit in reality. A person who develops the habit of reading not only gains information but also strengthens imagination, improves confidence, and learns to communicate more effectively.
In today’s fast-paced world, technology offers quick and easy access to information through the internet. However, this instant availability often lacks depth and reliability. Books, on the other hand, are considered trustworthy because their content is carefully researched and preserved. They also encourage patience and concentration, qualities that are often neglected when one spends too much time on digital devices.
Thus, while technology may provide speed, books provide wisdom. They are timeless treasures that guide us, shape our thoughts, and help us grow into better individuals. The habit of reading is therefore one of the most valuable gifts a person can give to oneself.

(a) Why are books considered better than human friends in some ways?
Ans: Books are considered better than human friends because they never judge, argue, or disappoint us. Instead, they always provide comfort, knowledge, and inspiration.

(b) List three benefits of developing the habit of reading books.
Ans: (i) Reading strengthens imagination.
(ii) It improves confidence.
(iii) It enhances communication skills.

​(c) According to the passage, how is technology different from books?
Ans: Technology provides quick and easy access to information, but it often lacks depth and reliability. Books, on the other hand, are carefully researched and trustworthy, and they encourage patience and concentration.

(d) Find words from the passage that mean:
Ans: (i) “something that lasts forever” – timeless
(ii) “dependable or reliable” – trustworthy

(e) Write a summary of the passage in 3–4 lines.
Ans: Books are called our best friends because they never leave us and always provide knowledge, comfort, and inspiration. Unlike technology, which offers quick but shallow information, books are trustworthy, encourage patience, and help us grow. The habit of reading develops imagination, confidence, and communication skills, making it one of the greatest gifts in life.

Read the poem carefully and answer the questions: (10 Marks)

Poem: Beneath the soil, a seed lies still,
Through winter’s frost and autumn’s chill.
It dreams of light it cannot see,
Of roots to grow, of wings to be.
The clouds arrive, the raindrops fall,
The sun responds to nature’s call.
From silent depths, new life will rise,
Reaching with hope towards the skies.
Not just a plant, but a tale retold,
Of patience, courage, and strength untold.
For every ending plants a start,
A seed of faith in every heart.

(a) How does the poet describe the condition of the seed in the first stanza?
Ans: The poet describes the seed as lying still beneath the soil, enduring winter’s frost and autumn’s chill. Although hidden in darkness, the seed “dreams” of light, roots, and wings, suggesting its silent potential for growth.

(b) What role do the sun and rain play in the growth of the seed?
Ans: The rain nourishes the seed, while the sun provides warmth and energy. Together, they awaken the seed from its stillness and help it grow into new life that reaches toward the skies.

(c) What qualities of life does the poet compare to the growth of a seed?
Ans: The poet compares the growth of a seed to qualities such as patience, courage, and inner strength. Just as a seed waits silently before breaking through the soil, life also requires persistence, faith, and resilience.

(d) Identify two examples of figurative language in the poem and explain them.
Ans:

• “It dreams of light it cannot see” – This is personification, as the seed is given the human ability to dream, symbolizing hope and hidden potential.
• ​“Of roots to grow, of wings to be” – This is a metaphor, comparing roots to stability and wings to freedom, showing the dual growth of grounding and aspiration.

​(e) What is the central theme or message of the poem?
Ans: The poem conveys that growth—whether of a seed or of human life—requires patience, faith, and resilience. Just as a seed transforms into a plant with the help of sun and rain, human beings can rise above difficulties and create new beginnings with hope and determination.

Section B – Writing (20 Marks)

Q1. Notice / Message / Invitation Writing: (5 Marks)
Write a notice for your school notice board about a “Tree Plantation Drive”
 OR
Write a message to your cousin inviting them to spend the winter holidays with you.
Ans: 
(1) Notice
Sunrise Public School, New Delhi
NOTICE  
Date: 8 September 2025  
TREE PLANTATION DRIVE  
The Environment Club of our school is organising a Tree Plantation Drive on 15th September 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the school playground. All students from Classes VI–X are invited to participate. Kindly bring one small sapling with you. Certificates will be given to active participants. 
For details, contact the undersigned.  
Anita Sharma  
Head Girl  

(2) Message
​8 September 2025, 7:30 p.m.  
Dear Rohan,  
Our winter holidays are approaching, and I would love for you to spend them with us. We have planned some exciting trips, and the weather here is perfect. Please confirm soon so we can make arrangements.  
Love,  
Aman 

Q2. Letter / Email Writing: (8 Marks)
Write a formal letter to the Principal requesting better sports facilities in your school
 OR
Write an informal letter to your friend telling them about the new hobby you have started.
Ans: (1) Formal Letter
To,  
The Principal,  
Sunrise Public School,  
New Delhi.  
Date: 8 September 2025  
Subject: Request for Better Sports Facilities  
Respected Sir/Madam,  
I am a student of Class VIII-B. I would like to request you to improve the sports facilities in our school. Many students are keen to participate in outdoor games, but the lack of proper equipment and maintained grounds restricts us.  
I request you to kindly provide new sports kits and ensure regular maintenance of the playground so that students can develop their skills in a healthy environment.  
Thank you.  
Yours sincerely,  
Rahul Mehta  
Class VIII-B  

(2) Informal Letter
45, Green Park,  
New Delhi  
8 September 2025  
Dear Anjali,  
How are you? I am excited to tell you about my new hobby – painting. I recently joined an art class, and it has opened up a whole new world for me. I love working with watercolours and experimenting with nature sketches.  
It relaxes me after studies, and I have even painted a few greeting cards. Next time you visit, I will show you my collection.  
Yours lovingly,  
Riya 

​Q3. Paragraph / Story / Diary Entry: (7 Marks)
Write a paragraph on “The Role of Discipline in Student Life”
 OR
Write a short story beginning with: “The alarm rang at 6 a.m., but I decided…”
Ans: (1) Paragraph
The Role of Discipline in Student Life
Discipline is one of the most important qualities in a student’s life. It helps students stay focused, manage time properly, and achieve their goals. A disciplined student completes homework on time, respects teachers, and follows a proper routine. Without discipline, even talented students may fail because they lack consistency. Therefore, discipline acts as the foundation for success, shaping students into responsible and successful individuals.
(2) Story
The alarm rang at 6 a.m., but I decided…
The alarm rang at 6 a.m., but I decided to sleep for “just five more minutes.” To my shock, when I finally woke up, it was already 8 a.m. and I was late for my exam! I rushed to school, skipping breakfast, and barely managed to reach on time. The incident taught me never to ignore the alarm again. Since that day, I have been more punctual, realizing how small decisions can have big consequences.

Section C – Grammar (20 Marks)

Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs: (4 Marks)
(a) She _______ (study) in Class 8.
Ans: She studies in Class 8.

​(b) They _______ (play) cricket yesterday evening.
Ans: They played cricket yesterday evening.

​(c) I _______ (wait) for you since morning.
Ans: I have been waiting for you since morning.

​(d) He _______ (be) very kind to everyone.
Ans: He is very kind to everyone.

Q2. Change into reported speech: (4 Marks)
​(a) Rina said, “I love painting.”
Ans: Rina said that she loved painting.

​(b) The teacher said, “Work hard and you will succeed.”
Ans: The teacher said to work hard and we would succeed.

Q3. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions: (4 Marks)
(a) The train is arriving _______ 6 o’clock.
Ans: The train is arriving at 6 o’clock.

​(b) She divided the cake _______ four parts.
Ans: She divided the cake into four parts.

​(c) We walked _______ the park.
Ans: We walked through the park.

​(d) The book is lying _______ the table.
Ans: The book is lying on the table.

Q4. Rewrite the sentences correctly: (4 Marks)
(a) He don’t likes tea.
Ans: He doesn’t like tea.

​(b) She can sings well.
Ans: She can sing well.

​(c) We was going to the market.
Ans: We were going to the market.

​​(d) They has completed their project.
Ans: They have completed their project

Q5. Identify the figure of speech: (4 Marks)
(a) The classroom was a zoo.
Ans: The classroom was a zoo. – Metaphor

​(b) The stars danced in the sky.
Ans: The stars danced in the sky. – Personification

Section D – Literature (Poorvi) (20 Marks)

Short Answer Questions (2 Marks each, 5 × 2 = 10 Marks) (Answer any 5)

Q1. How does The Wit that Won Hearts show that presence of mind can solve problems?
Ans: The story shows that quick thinking and clever replies can help one escape difficult situations. The boy’s wit earned him admiration and saved him from punishment, proving that presence of mind is more powerful than fear. 

Q2. What qualities of Verghese Kurien do you admire in I Too Had a Dream?
Ans: His determination, leadership, and vision to empower farmers are admirable. He worked tirelessly to bring the White Revolution in India, showing both commitment and selflessness.

Q3. What act of bravery made Major Somnath Sharma a true hero in A Tale of Valour?
Ans: Despite being injured, Major Somnath Sharma fought fearlessly in the Battle of Badgam. He encouraged his men, held the enemy back, and sacrificed his life to protect Srinagar.

Q4. What lesson about kindness do we learn from the poem Somebody’s Mother?
Ans: The poem teaches that small acts of kindness, like helping an old lady cross the road, bring comfort and dignity to others. Such kindness leaves a lasting impact.

Q5. What magical power did the brush have in The Magic Brush of Dreams?
Ans: The brush had the power to bring paintings to life. Whatever the boy painted with it became real, helping him change lives and fight injustice. 

Q6. How does the poem Waiting for the Rain describe people’s hopes?
Ans: The poem describes how farmers and villagers eagerly wait for rain. Their hopes rise with every dark cloud, as rain means relief, life, and prosperity.

Q7. How did Encyclopedia Brown solve the puzzle in The Case of the Fifth Word?
Ans: Encyclopedia Brown used his keen observation and logical reasoning. He noticed the unusual use of the fifth word and realised it was the key to solving the mystery. 

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks each, 2 × 5 = 10 Marks) (Answer any 2)

Q1. Explain how honesty is highlighted in the story A Concrete Example. Give examples from the text.
Ans: The story A Concrete Example highlights the value of honesty through its central character, who shows integrity in a difficult situation. When given the chance to gain appreciation by taking credit for someone else’s work, he firmly refuses, even though it could have been the easier option. His decision reflects moral courage, as he chooses truth over personal gain. The title itself suggests that honesty is a “concrete example” of true strength—something solid and lasting. The story teaches us that real respect does not come from lies or shortcuts but from standing by our principles. In the end, it becomes clear that honesty always earns dignity and admiration, even if it requires sacrifice. 

Q2. Write a character sketch of Verghese Kurien based on I Too Had a Dream.
Ans: Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution, was a man of determination, vision, and service. He believed deeply in the power of collective effort and worked tirelessly to bring prosperity to farmers through cooperative movements. His greatest strength was his leadership—he could unite people, inspire them, and give them a sense of ownership and pride. Kurien was also practical and innovative, ensuring that modern methods were used to increase milk production. What stands out most is his belief in empowering farmers rather than making them dependent on others. Honest, hardworking, and selfless, he devoted his life to rural development and made India self-sufficient in milk. His qualities of vision, perseverance, and compassion make him a true role model.

Q3. Discuss the theme and message of the poem Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth by Pam Ayres.
Ans: The poem Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth by Pam Ayres humorously presents a serious message about dental care. The speaker looks back with regret at her younger days, when she carelessly ate sweets, ignored brushing, and neglected her teeth. Now, as she sits in the dentist’s chair facing pain and tooth loss, she realizes the importance of good habits. Through rhyme and wit, the poet makes the theme clear—that health should never be taken for granted. The central message is that prevention is always better than cure, and small efforts like brushing regularly and avoiding excessive sweets can save a lifetime of suffering. The poem, though light-hearted in tone, reminds us that negligence in youth can lead to painful consequences later in life.