Class 8 English: Sample Paper Solutions - 5 | 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)

Passage: In the contemporary world, the management of waste has become a pressing challenge. Recycling, the systematic conversion of discarded materials into reusable forms, is a cornerstone of sustainable environmental practice. Its benefits extend beyond mere waste reduction: it mitigates ecological degradation, conserves scarce natural resources, and significantly reduces energy expenditure. Materials such as paper, metals, plastics, and glass, when appropriately recycled, alleviate the burden on overfilled landfills and curtail the release of toxic substances into ecosystems. Active participation at the individual level—including careful segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, involvement in municipal recycling initiatives, and dissemination of awareness regarding sustainable habits—can amplify the impact of recycling. Ultimately, such collective efforts not only protect the environment but also cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and ecological consciousness among communities.

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

Q1. What is recycling?
(a) Burning waste to generate heat
(b) Converting discarded materials into reusable forms
(c) Burying waste in landfills
(d) Dumping waste in rivers

Ans: (b) 

Q2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of recycling?
(a) Mitigates ecological degradation
(b) Conserves natural resources
(c) Reduces energy expenditure
(d) Increases waste production

Ans: (d)

Q3. Which materials are specifically mentioned as recyclable in the passage?
(a) Paper, metals, plastics, and glass
(b) Wood, soil, water, and air
(c) Food, clothes, stones, and sand
(d) Sand, clay, metals, and paint

Ans: (a)

Q4. Recycling requires individual participation in all EXCEPT:
(a) Segregating waste
(b) Supporting municipal recycling initiatives
(c) Spreading awareness about sustainable habits
(d) Building factories

Ans: (d)

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

Q1. Explain in your own words why recycling is considered a cornerstone of sustainable environmental practice.
​Ans: Recycling is considered a cornerstone of sustainable environmental practice because it reduces waste, protects natural resources, conserves energy, and prevents environmental pollution. By reusing materials, it helps maintain ecological balance and supports long-term sustainability.

Q2. Mention two ways in which individuals can actively contribute to recycling.
Ans:

• ​By segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at home.
• ​By participating in local or municipal recycling initiatives and spreading awareness about sustainable habits.

Q3. How does collective participation in recycling help society beyond environmental protection?
​Ans: Collective participation in recycling not only protects the environment but also promotes a sense of civic responsibility, ecological consciousness, and community cooperation. It encourages people to adopt sustainable habits and fosters social awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources.

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

​Poem: The river winds through valleys deep,
Its mirrored surface secrets keep.
Beneath the ripples, fish glide slow,
While reeds and lilies gently grow.
The breeze whispers through the forest trees,
A symphony of nature’s harmonies.
All who behold this tranquil scene
Find solace in the calm serene.

Q1. How does the poet use imagery to convey the beauty and tranquility of the river and its surroundings?
Ans: The poet uses visual imagery like “mirrored surface” and “valleys deep” to create a vivid picture of the river. The gentle movement of fish, the growth of reeds and lilies, and the whispering breeze evoke calmness and serenity, allowing readers to imagine the peacefulness of the natural scene.

Q2. Identify the creatures and plants mentioned in the poem. How do they contribute to the overall mood of the poem?
Ans: The poem mentions fish, reeds, and lilies. The slow gliding of fish under the ripples and the gentle growth of plants contribute to a tranquil and harmonious mood, emphasizing the peacefulness and balance of nature.

Q3. Find a pair of rhyming words from the poem and explain how the rhyme enhances the flow or rhythm.
Ans: Examples of rhyming words: “deep” and “keep”, “scene” and “serene”. The rhymes create a smooth, musical rhythm that mirrors the calm, flowing movement of the river and reinforces the serene atmosphere of the poem.

Q4. Which lines reflect the peacefulness of nature? How does the poet emphasize calm and serenity through language?
Ans: Lines like “Beneath the ripples, fish glide slow” and “All who behold this tranquil scene / Find solace in the calm serene” reflect peacefulness. The poet emphasizes serenity through gentle verbs like “glide” and “whispers” and through descriptive words such as “tranquil” and “serene,” which evoke quiet and harmony.

Q5. What is the central idea or theme of the poem? How does the poet communicate this through descriptions of nature?
Ans: The central idea is the peace, beauty, and restorative power of nature. The poet communicates this by describing the flowing river, calm fish, gently growing plants, and whispering breeze. These elements together show how nature provides solace and inspires a sense of calm and reflection in those who observe it.

Section B – Writing Skills (20 Marks)

Q1. Notice / Message / Invitation Writing: (5 Marks)
Write a notice for your school notice board about a blood donation camp OR a message to your friend inviting them to your art exhibition.
Ans: (1) Notice:
Blood Donation Camp
All students and staff are invited to participate in the blood donation camp organized by the school Health Club on 15th September from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Donors are requested to carry a valid ID and arrive on time. Let us come together to save lives and promote community welfare.
 By the Student Council
(2) Message:
Hi Ananya,
I’m hosting my art exhibition this Saturday at my home and would love for you to come. There will be paintings, sketches, and interactive art activities. Please let me know if you can join.
See you soon,
Rohan

Q2. Letter / Email Writing: (8 Marks)
Write a formal letter to the principal requesting improvements in the school playground OR an informal letter to a friend describing your weekend trip to a hill station.
Ans: (1) Formal Letter:
To
The Principal
Sunrise Public School
City
Subject: Request for Improvement of School Playground
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention that our school playground needs improvement. The surface is uneven, and some equipment is damaged, which makes it unsafe for students. I request you to consider repairing the playground, installing new equipment, and maintaining proper safety measures. This will encourage students to participate in outdoor activities and promote physical fitness.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Ankit Sharma
Class 8B
(2) Informal Letter:
Dear Meera,
I hope you are doing well. I just returned from a weekend trip to a hill station and had an amazing time. The weather was cool, and the scenery was breathtaking with mountains, rivers, and forests. We went trekking, enjoyed local food, and captured many beautiful photographs. It was both relaxing and adventurous. I can’t wait to tell you all about it when we meet.
Your friend,
Sanya

Q3. Paragraph / Story / Diary Entry: (7 Marks)
Write a short story beginning with:
*"The moment I opened the mysterious box, I knew something unusual was inside…"
OR
Write a diary entry describing your experience of helping in a community service activity.
Ans: (1) Short Story:
​The moment I opened the mysterious box, I knew something unusual was inside. A faint glow emanated from it, and I saw a small, intricately carved key. Suddenly, a soft hum filled the room, and a hidden drawer in my desk slowly opened. Inside, there was a map with strange markings and a note that read, “Follow the path to discover your destiny.” Excited and curious, I realized this was the beginning of an unexpected adventure that would change my life forever.
(2) Diary Entry:
Date: 7th September
Dear Diary,
Today, I participated in a community service activity at the local orphanage. I helped clean the premises, distributed books and stationery, and spent time talking and playing with the children. Seeing their smiles and happiness made me feel grateful and fulfilled. I realized that even small efforts can make a big difference in someone’s life. It was a rewarding and memorable experience that I will always cherish.

Section C – Grammar (20 Marks)

Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs: (4 Marks)
(a) She _______ (clean) her room yesterday.
Ans: She cleaned her room yesterday.

​(b) I _______ (study) English for two hours.
Ans: I have been studying English for two hours.

​(c) The train _______ (leave) at 6 a.m.
Ans: The train leaves at 6 a.m.

​(d) They _______ (be) very friendly.
Ans: They are very friendly.

Q2. Change the following sentences into reported speech: (4 Marks)
(a) He said, “I am learning to swim.”
Ans: He said that he was learning to swim.

​(b) She said, “We will join the debate competition tomorrow.”
Ans: She said that they would join the debate competition the next day.

Q3. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions: (4 Marks)
(a) He was hiding _______ the cupboard.
Ans: He was hiding behind the cupboard.

​(b) The book is lying _______ the shelf.
Ans: The book is lying on the shelf.

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

​(d) She divided the sweets _______ her friends.
Ans: She divided the sweets among her friends.

Q4. Rewrite the sentences correctly: (4 Marks)
(a) They doesn’t know the answer.
Ans: They don’t know the answer.

​(b) I goes to school daily.
Ans: I go to school daily.

​(c) She have completed her homework.
Ans: She has completed her homework.

​(d) We was playing in the garden.
Ans: We were playing in the garden.

Q5. Identify the figure of speech: (4 Marks)
(a) The clouds wept over the hills.
Ans: The clouds wept over the hills. → Personification (attributing human qualities to clouds)

​(b) His room was a treasure trove of books.
Ans: His room was a treasure trove of books. → Metaphor (comparing the room to a treasure trove)

Section D – Literature (Poorvi) (20 Marks)

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

Q1. What lesson about quick thinking is shown when the protagonist in The Wit that Won Hearts solves a tricky problem?
​Ans: The protagonist uses cleverness and quick thinking to solve a tricky problem, showing that intelligence, creativity, and calmness under pressure can help overcome difficult situations.

Q2. How does A Concrete Example demonstrate the importance of responsibility in everyday life?
​Ans: The story shows that being responsible means owning up to one’s duties and not taking shortcuts. The protagonist demonstrates honesty and accountability, highlighting that small responsible actions build trust and respect.

Q3. Describe a moment of sacrifice in A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam.
​Ans: Major Somnath Sharma sacrificed his life while defending Srinagar against overwhelming enemy forces. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he bravely led his men, inspiring them to fight courageously until his last breath.

​Q4. How does the poem Somebody’s Mother teach us to show empathy to elderly people?
​Ans: The poem shows a young person helping an old woman cross the street, highlighting that small acts of kindness and understanding towards the elderly reflect empathy and human compassion.

​Q5. In I Too Had a Dream, what challenges did Verghese Kurien face, and how did he overcome them?
​Ans: Verghese Kurien faced skepticism from farmers and bureaucratic obstacles in implementing the dairy development program. Through determination, innovation, and cooperation, he empowered rural farmers and led the White Revolution successfully.

Q6. What role does imagination play in The Magic Brush of Dreams?
Ans: Imagination allows the protagonist to create magical paintings that come to life. It shows that creativity and thinking beyond the ordinary can lead to extraordinary outcomes and solutions.

Q7. How does the story Magnifying Glass emphasize the importance of observation and attention to detail?
Ans: The story shows that careful observation and noticing small details can solve problems and uncover truths that are easily overlooked. It teaches the value of attentiveness in daily life.

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

Q1. Narrate an incident from A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma that shows his courage and presence of mind, and explain why it is inspiring.
​Ans: During the Battle of Badgam, Major Somnath Sharma noticed that his position was being surrounded by the enemy. Despite being outnumbered, he calmly assessed the situation, gave clear instructions to his men, and engaged the enemy with great courage. Even after being gravely injured, he continued to fight, ensuring that the army could regroup and defend Srinagar. This incident is inspiring because it demonstrates extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

Q2. Write a detailed character sketch of the young detective in The Case of the Fifth Word, highlighting his intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
​Ans: The young detective is highly intelligent and observant. He notices small details that others often overlook and uses logic and reasoning to solve complex cases. His curiosity drives him to question inconsistencies and investigate thoroughly. He is confident, methodical, and courageous, yet humble. His problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and keen analytical mind make him an extraordinary detective and a role model for young readers.

Q3. Discuss the theme and message of the poem Harvest Hymn, and explain how it reflects gratitude towards nature and hard work.
​Ans: The poem Harvest Hymn celebrates the harvest season and emphasizes gratitude towards nature for its bounty. It highlights the hard work of farmers and the cooperation of the community in cultivating crops. The theme revolves around thankfulness, labor, and the rewards of diligence. The poem teaches that humans must respect nature, value effort, and appreciate the fruits of collective work, showing the link between labor, nature, and social harmony.