Class 8 English: Sample Paper Solutions - 4 | Sample Papers For Class 8 PDF Download

Time: 3 Hours
​Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

• All questions are compulsory.
• ​Attempt all parts of a question together.
• ​Marks are indicated against each question.

Section A – Reading (20 Marks)

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

The Himalayas, often referred to as the “abode of snow,” stretch across northern India and several neighboring countries. These mountains are not only a natural wonder but also a lifeline for millions of people. They block the icy winds from Central Asia, attract monsoon clouds, and thus influence the climate of the entire subcontinent. The glaciers of the Himalayas feed perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which provide water for drinking, farming, and hydroelectric power. The region is also rich in biodiversity, with dense forests and rare species such as the snow leopard and red panda.
Apart from their natural role, the Himalayas have deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are home to sacred shrines, places of meditation, and stories in literature and mythology. At the same time, their towering peaks attract explorers and mountaineers, making them a symbol of courage and endurance. Thus, the Himalayas are not only a geographical feature but also a source of inspiration and sustenance for people across generations.

Multiple Choice Questions: (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)

Q1. How do the Himalayas influence the climate of the subcontinent?
(a) By increasing desert heat
(b) By blocking icy winds and attracting monsoon clouds
(c) By stopping rainfall completely
(d) By lowering the temperature of the oceans

Ans: (b)

Q2. Which rivers originate from the Himalayan glaciers?
(a) Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra
(b) Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri
(c) Narmada, Tapti, and Mahanadi
(d) Indus, Jhelum, and Ravi

Ans: (a)

Q3. Which rare species are mentioned as part of Himalayan biodiversity?
(a) Tiger and elephant
(b) Crocodile and dolphin
(c) Snow leopard and red panda
(d) Lion and cheetah

Ans: (c)

Q4. The Himalayas are described as a symbol of:
(a) Luxury and wealth
(b) Courage and endurance
(c) Fear and destruction
(d) Power and greed

Ans: (b)

Short Answer Questions: (2 × 3 = 6 Marks)

Q1. Why are the Himalayan rivers called “perennial”?
Ans: The Himalayan rivers are called perennial because they are fed by glaciers, which provide a continuous supply of water throughout the year.

Q2. Mention two ways in which the Himalayas are important culturally or spiritually.
Ans: They are home to many sacred shrines and pilgrimage sites. They are also places of meditation and have been celebrated in mythology and literature.

Q3. In what ways do the Himalayas serve as both a natural lifeline and a source of inspiration?
Ans: As a lifeline, they provide rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and hydroelectric power, and they influence the climate. As a source of inspiration, they attract mountaineers and explorers while symbolising courage and endurance.

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

Poem: Upon the peaks where silence lies,
​The dawn unveils the painted skies.
​A golden light through shadows streams,
​Awakening earth from restless dreams.
The river hums its ancient song,
​Through valleys deep it winds along.
​Each echo tells of time’s embrace,
​Of fleeting steps we cannot trace.
And yet within this vast domain,
​The human heart still seeks to gain,
​A sense of peace, a fleeting sign,
​That nature’s truth and ours align.
(a) What role does dawn play in the poem, and how is it described?
Ans: Dawn represents a new beginning and hope. It is described as unveiling the “painted skies” and sending “golden light through shadows,” which awakens the earth from its “restless dreams.”

(b) How does the poet use the river as a symbol of time?
Ans: The river symbolises the flow of time. Its constant movement through valleys and the “ancient song” it hums suggest that time is continuous and unstoppable, and it carries memories of the past that we cannot reclaim.

(c) Identify two poetic devices used in the poem and explain their effect.
Ans:

• Personification: Dawn “awakening earth” and the river “hums its song” give nature human-like qualities, making it lively and relatable.
• ​Imagery: Phrases like “painted skies” and “golden light through shadows” create vivid mental pictures, helping the reader visualise the scene and feel its beauty.
  

(d) What contrast does the poet draw between human life and nature?
​Ans: The poet contrasts the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence and continuity of nature. While nature flows steadily and eternally, human life is temporary, always seeking meaning and peace within the vastness of the natural world.

(e) Write in your own words the central idea of the poem.
​Ans: The poem emphasises the beauty, power, and permanence of nature and how it continues unaffected by human life. It also reflects on human beings’ quest for understanding, peace, and connection with the natural world.

Section B – Writing Skills (20 Marks)

Q1. Notice / Message / Invitation Writing: (5 Marks)
Write a notice for your school notice board about a cleanliness drive OR a message to your friend inviting them to your birthday party.
Ans: (1) Notice:
Cleanliness Drive in School
​All students are cordially invited to participate in the school cleanliness drive on 12th September from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will work together to clean classrooms, corridors, the library, and the playground. Students are encouraged to bring gloves, dusters, and other cleaning supplies. This drive aims to promote hygiene, responsibility, and a sense of teamwork among students. Let’s join hands and make our school neat, green, and healthy.
By the Student Council
(2) Message:
​Hi Ria,
​I’m excited to invite you to my birthday celebration this Saturday at my home! We’ll have lots of fun activities, including games, music, and a cake-cutting ceremony. It would be wonderful to have you there and celebrate together. Please let me know if you can come so we can plan everything. Can’t wait to see you!
See you soon,
​Aarav

Q2. Letter / Email Writing: (8 Marks)
Write a formal letter to the principal requesting new books for the school library OR an informal letter to a friend describing your summer holidays.
Ans: (1) Formal Letter:
To
The Principal
Greenfield High School
Sundarpur

Subject: Request for New Books in the School Library
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing on behalf of the students to request new books for our school library. Many students have expressed interest in books on science, history, and literature. Adding these books will help us improve our knowledge and support our studies. We kindly request you to consider our suggestion.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Riya Sharma
Class 8-B
(2) Informal Letter:
​Dear Neha,
​I hope you are doing well. I had a wonderful summer vacation. I visited my grandparents in the countryside and enjoyed swimming in the river, exploring the forest, and helping in the garden. I also learned to cook some traditional dishes. I can’t wait to tell you all about it when we meet!
Yours lovingly,
​Ananya

Q3. Paragraph / Story / Diary Entry: (7 Marks)
Write a short story beginning with:
 "It was raining heavily when I stepped out…"
OR
Write a diary entry describing an unforgettable day at school.
Ans: (1) Short Story:
​It was raining heavily when I stepped out of the house. The streets were flooded, and people were rushing to find shelter. I forgot my umbrella, but I didn’t mind getting wet. The rain felt refreshing, and the sound of drops on the roof was soothing. On my way, I saw a small puppy shivering under a tree. I picked it up, took it home, and gave it some warm milk. That day, the rain brought not only wet clothes but also a little act of kindness.
(2) Diary Entry:
Date: 5th September
Dear Diary,
Today was truly unforgettable. Our school organized a science exhibition, and I got to present my project on renewable energy. I was nervous at first, but my classmates and teachers encouraged me. Many visitors appreciated my work, and I even won a certificate! The excitement and pride I felt today will stay with me forever. It reminded me that hard work and preparation always pay off.

Section C – Grammar (20 Marks)

Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs: (4 Marks)
(a) She _______ (write) a story yesterday.
Ans: She wrote a story yesterday.

​(b) They _______ (wait) for the bus for two hours.
Ans: They have been waiting for the bus for two hours.

​(c) The sun _______ (rise) in the east.
Ans: The sun rises in the east.

​(d) I _______ (go) to the park every Sunday.
Ans: I go to the park every Sunday.

Q2. Change into reported speech: (4 Marks)
(a) He said, “I will meet you tomorrow.”
Ans: He said that he would meet me the next day.

(b) She said, “We are going to watch a movie.”
Ans: She said that they were going to watch a movie.

Q3. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions: (4 Marks)
(a) The teacher is proud _______ her students.
Ans: The teacher is proud of her students.

​(b) The child hid _______ the curtain.
Ans: The child hid behind the curtain.

​(c) The boy is afraid _______ the dark.
Ans: The boy is afraid of the dark.

​(d) They were sitting _______ the shade of the tree.
Ans: They were sitting under the shade of the tree.

Q4. Rewrite the sentences correctly: (4 Marks)
​(a) She do not likes dancing.
Ans: She does not like dancing.

​(b) The boys was playing in the ground.
Ans: The boys were playing in the ground.

​(c) He have gone to the library.
Ans: He has gone to the library.

​(d) We goes to school on time.
Ans: We go to school on time.

Q5. Identify the figure of speech: (4 Marks)
(a) The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze.
Ans: The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze. – Personification

​(b) Life is a journey with many paths.
Ans: Life is a journey with many paths. – Metaphor

Section D – Literature (Poorvi) (20 Marks)

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

Q1. How did cleverness help the main character in The Wit that Won Hearts?
​Ans: The main character used clever thinking and quick wit to solve problems and win the admiration of others. His intelligence helped him navigate tricky situations successfully.

​Q2. What lesson does A Concrete Example teach us about truthfulness?
​Ans: The story teaches that honesty and truthfulness are more valuable than shortcuts or deceit. Telling the truth earns respect and trust even when it is difficult.

​Q3. What sacrifice did Major Somnath Sharma make for his country in A Tale of Valour?
​Ans: Major Somnath Sharma bravely fought against overwhelming enemy forces during the Battle of Badgam. He sacrificed his life to protect Srinagar and his country, showing supreme courage and patriotism.

Q4. What act of compassion is highlighted in the poem Somebody’s Mother?
​Ans: The poem highlights how a young boy helped an old woman cross the street safely. His simple act of kindness reflects care and respect for the elderly.

Q5. How did Verghese Kurien bring about change in rural India in I Too Had a Dream?
​Ans: Verghese Kurien introduced the White Revolution, empowering rural farmers to produce milk efficiently. He improved their livelihoods through cooperative societies and innovative dairy development.

​Q6. What magical power is shown in The Magic Brush of Dreams?
​Ans: The magic brush had the power to bring anything drawn with it to life. It showed how creativity and imagination could create real-world wonders.

Q7. How does the poem Waiting for the Rain describe the joy of people?
 Ans: The poem describes how people eagerly anticipate rain, especially after dry periods. It captures their excitement, relief, and celebration when the rain finally arrives.

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

Q1. Describe how Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men in the Battle of Badgam. What qualities of leadership did he show?
​Ans: Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men by personally leading them from the front, showing remarkable courage and fearlessness even in the face of heavy enemy fire. His calm and determined demeanour reassured his soldiers and gave them the confidence to fight bravely. He constantly encouraged his men to hold their ground and remain steadfast, despite being heavily outnumbered. His leadership qualities included not only courage and selflessness but also strategic thinking, inspiring loyalty, and the ability to maintain high morale in extremely difficult situations. His ultimate sacrifice became a shining example of patriotism, dedication, and devotion to duty.

Q2. Write a character sketch of Verghese Kurien based on I Too Had a Dream.
​Ans: Verghese Kurien was a visionary leader with immense determination and a deep sense of compassion for rural farmers. He believed in the power of collective effort and worked tirelessly to empower communities by improving milk production through cooperative societies. His innovative ideas led to the White Revolution, which transformed India into the largest milk producer in the world and improved the lives of millions of farmers. Kurien was persistent, ethical, and highly disciplined, showing unwavering commitment to social and economic development. He demonstrated that one person’s vision and dedication can bring about large-scale, positive change in society.

Q3. Explain the theme and message of the poem Somebody’s Mother.
​Ans: The poem emphasises kindness, empathy, and respect for the elderly. It highlights that small acts of care, such as helping someone cross the street, can have a significant impact on their life. The central theme is that showing compassion and understanding toward those in need reflects true human values. The poem conveys the message that every individual has a responsibility to help others, and that even simple gestures of kindness can bring joy and comfort to both the giver and the receiver, reinforcing the importance of humanity and moral responsibility.