Page 1
(Class – VIII : ENGLISH)
Time: 2 hr 30 min. Max Marks: 80
Section A (Reading)
A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Imagine a travel scene a decade ago, with family members or friends and lots of
luggage. Every such journey undertaken in those days was made arduous with the
nagging thought of one particular aspect: managing and keeping the cash stashed
away safely during the course of the travel to fulfil various needs. How to carry so
much money at a time, to unfamiliar places? How much to carry? How safe is it to
carry? Will it be sufficient; if not, what to do? All such thoughts used to jade one?s
mind before and during the trip.
But today the entire perspective has changed. We live in a world full of cards of
different kinds and multifarious uses. Right from the hotel bill to train or airline ticket
charges and from taxi bills to a bagful of shopping can be cleared with the help of
cards, making travel absolutely hazard free. Cards have become part and parcel of
our daily life. The morning begins with the milk booth prepaid card, then the punch
card at the work spot and, during the course of the day, one flashes a number of
cards like credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, privilege cards, etc. Even the
driving licences and registration certificates have taken the shape of cards.
The card culture made its entry into the daily life a decade ago, initially placing itself
gently among the elite as a niche product and then spreading like wild fire to become
a necessity for all and sundry. Cards seem to be replacing much paper work. A
Credit card gives one credit for a whole lot of things anywhere under the sun, a debit
card enables one to shop practically with an empty wallet, a discount card helps one
to strike the best bargain, a privilege card makes one an exclusive person, an identity
card distinguishes a person, a voter?s card turns one into a responsible citizen of the
country, a PAN card certifies one as an assessee. What else would one require to get
recognized and survive?
In spite of its tremendous growth, one thought that keeps bugging people is the
security aspect of the card. With the advent of EDC (electronic data capturing)
machines and smart cards, the security lapses and fraudulent usage of cards have
almost been eliminated, leaving a very slim chance of misuse. The only possible
chance of misuse is when a card is lost and even that can be minimized to nil effect
or to a minimum penalty if the loss is reported within 24 hours.
Page 2
(Class – VIII : ENGLISH)
Time: 2 hr 30 min. Max Marks: 80
Section A (Reading)
A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Imagine a travel scene a decade ago, with family members or friends and lots of
luggage. Every such journey undertaken in those days was made arduous with the
nagging thought of one particular aspect: managing and keeping the cash stashed
away safely during the course of the travel to fulfil various needs. How to carry so
much money at a time, to unfamiliar places? How much to carry? How safe is it to
carry? Will it be sufficient; if not, what to do? All such thoughts used to jade one?s
mind before and during the trip.
But today the entire perspective has changed. We live in a world full of cards of
different kinds and multifarious uses. Right from the hotel bill to train or airline ticket
charges and from taxi bills to a bagful of shopping can be cleared with the help of
cards, making travel absolutely hazard free. Cards have become part and parcel of
our daily life. The morning begins with the milk booth prepaid card, then the punch
card at the work spot and, during the course of the day, one flashes a number of
cards like credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, privilege cards, etc. Even the
driving licences and registration certificates have taken the shape of cards.
The card culture made its entry into the daily life a decade ago, initially placing itself
gently among the elite as a niche product and then spreading like wild fire to become
a necessity for all and sundry. Cards seem to be replacing much paper work. A
Credit card gives one credit for a whole lot of things anywhere under the sun, a debit
card enables one to shop practically with an empty wallet, a discount card helps one
to strike the best bargain, a privilege card makes one an exclusive person, an identity
card distinguishes a person, a voter?s card turns one into a responsible citizen of the
country, a PAN card certifies one as an assessee. What else would one require to get
recognized and survive?
In spite of its tremendous growth, one thought that keeps bugging people is the
security aspect of the card. With the advent of EDC (electronic data capturing)
machines and smart cards, the security lapses and fraudulent usage of cards have
almost been eliminated, leaving a very slim chance of misuse. The only possible
chance of misuse is when a card is lost and even that can be minimized to nil effect
or to a minimum penalty if the loss is reported within 24 hours.
A1.1 State whether the following statements are true or false:- (2)
(i) A credit card is a niche product found only with the elite.
(ii) EDC machines minimize the misuse of cards.
A1.2 Complete the following sentences suitably:- (5)
(i) One of the greatest worries while undertaking a journey a decade ago
was
____________________________________________________________
(ii) Cards have become a part and parcel of our daily lives because
__________
(iii) The most commonly flashed cards while shopping are
_________________
(iv) Apart from shopping, cards are also used for
________________________
(v) If a card is lost, it is advisable to _________________________________
A1.3 Fill in the blanks with one word only:- (3)
Ten years ago, travelling was quite __________ as one had to carry cash
during its course. However, with the advent of ___________, travelling has
become hazard free. The card first made its entry among the __________
almost a decade ago. Today, it has __________ uses, from shopping to
__________ a person, cards are ___________ in every sphere of our lives.
A1.4 Find a word in the passage that means the following: (2)
(i) a place for which a person or a thing is best fitted.
(ii) hard to accomplish or achieve.
Page 3
(Class – VIII : ENGLISH)
Time: 2 hr 30 min. Max Marks: 80
Section A (Reading)
A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Imagine a travel scene a decade ago, with family members or friends and lots of
luggage. Every such journey undertaken in those days was made arduous with the
nagging thought of one particular aspect: managing and keeping the cash stashed
away safely during the course of the travel to fulfil various needs. How to carry so
much money at a time, to unfamiliar places? How much to carry? How safe is it to
carry? Will it be sufficient; if not, what to do? All such thoughts used to jade one?s
mind before and during the trip.
But today the entire perspective has changed. We live in a world full of cards of
different kinds and multifarious uses. Right from the hotel bill to train or airline ticket
charges and from taxi bills to a bagful of shopping can be cleared with the help of
cards, making travel absolutely hazard free. Cards have become part and parcel of
our daily life. The morning begins with the milk booth prepaid card, then the punch
card at the work spot and, during the course of the day, one flashes a number of
cards like credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, privilege cards, etc. Even the
driving licences and registration certificates have taken the shape of cards.
The card culture made its entry into the daily life a decade ago, initially placing itself
gently among the elite as a niche product and then spreading like wild fire to become
a necessity for all and sundry. Cards seem to be replacing much paper work. A
Credit card gives one credit for a whole lot of things anywhere under the sun, a debit
card enables one to shop practically with an empty wallet, a discount card helps one
to strike the best bargain, a privilege card makes one an exclusive person, an identity
card distinguishes a person, a voter?s card turns one into a responsible citizen of the
country, a PAN card certifies one as an assessee. What else would one require to get
recognized and survive?
In spite of its tremendous growth, one thought that keeps bugging people is the
security aspect of the card. With the advent of EDC (electronic data capturing)
machines and smart cards, the security lapses and fraudulent usage of cards have
almost been eliminated, leaving a very slim chance of misuse. The only possible
chance of misuse is when a card is lost and even that can be minimized to nil effect
or to a minimum penalty if the loss is reported within 24 hours.
A1.1 State whether the following statements are true or false:- (2)
(i) A credit card is a niche product found only with the elite.
(ii) EDC machines minimize the misuse of cards.
A1.2 Complete the following sentences suitably:- (5)
(i) One of the greatest worries while undertaking a journey a decade ago
was
____________________________________________________________
(ii) Cards have become a part and parcel of our daily lives because
__________
(iii) The most commonly flashed cards while shopping are
_________________
(iv) Apart from shopping, cards are also used for
________________________
(v) If a card is lost, it is advisable to _________________________________
A1.3 Fill in the blanks with one word only:- (3)
Ten years ago, travelling was quite __________ as one had to carry cash
during its course. However, with the advent of ___________, travelling has
become hazard free. The card first made its entry among the __________
almost a decade ago. Today, it has __________ uses, from shopping to
__________ a person, cards are ___________ in every sphere of our lives.
A1.4 Find a word in the passage that means the following: (2)
(i) a place for which a person or a thing is best fitted.
(ii) hard to accomplish or achieve.
A2. Read the poem carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Friends and Flatterers
Every one that flatters thee,
Is no friend in misery.
Words are easy, like the wind,
Faithful friends are hard to find.
If that one be prodigal,
Bountiful they will him call,
And with such like flattering;
Pity but he were a king.
He that is thy friend indeed
He will help thee in thy need
If thou sorrow, he will weep
If thou awake, he cannot sleep
Every man will be thy friend,
Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend;
But if store of crowns be scant,
No man shall supply thy want.
But if fortune once do frown
Then farewell his great renown,
They that faw?n?d on him before
Use his company no more.
Thus of every grief in heart
He with thee doth bear a part.
These are certain signs to know
Faithful friend from flattering foe.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
A2.1 Tick the most appropriate choice: (5)
(i) According to the poet, it is not easy to
(a) flatter people.
(b) spend money.
(c) find faithful friends.
(d) find a foe
(ii) If you are rich
(a) everyone is ready to guide you.
(b) everyone wants to befriend you.
(c) everyone wants to rob you.
(d) everyone is ready to find faults with you.
(iii) In times of misfortune, friends who are mere opportunists will
(a) comfort you
(b) be by your side.
(c) help you.
(d) desert you
(iv) A true friend will always
(a) flatter you.
(b) compare you
with a king.
(c) praise you in public.
(d) share your grief.
Page 4
(Class – VIII : ENGLISH)
Time: 2 hr 30 min. Max Marks: 80
Section A (Reading)
A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Imagine a travel scene a decade ago, with family members or friends and lots of
luggage. Every such journey undertaken in those days was made arduous with the
nagging thought of one particular aspect: managing and keeping the cash stashed
away safely during the course of the travel to fulfil various needs. How to carry so
much money at a time, to unfamiliar places? How much to carry? How safe is it to
carry? Will it be sufficient; if not, what to do? All such thoughts used to jade one?s
mind before and during the trip.
But today the entire perspective has changed. We live in a world full of cards of
different kinds and multifarious uses. Right from the hotel bill to train or airline ticket
charges and from taxi bills to a bagful of shopping can be cleared with the help of
cards, making travel absolutely hazard free. Cards have become part and parcel of
our daily life. The morning begins with the milk booth prepaid card, then the punch
card at the work spot and, during the course of the day, one flashes a number of
cards like credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, privilege cards, etc. Even the
driving licences and registration certificates have taken the shape of cards.
The card culture made its entry into the daily life a decade ago, initially placing itself
gently among the elite as a niche product and then spreading like wild fire to become
a necessity for all and sundry. Cards seem to be replacing much paper work. A
Credit card gives one credit for a whole lot of things anywhere under the sun, a debit
card enables one to shop practically with an empty wallet, a discount card helps one
to strike the best bargain, a privilege card makes one an exclusive person, an identity
card distinguishes a person, a voter?s card turns one into a responsible citizen of the
country, a PAN card certifies one as an assessee. What else would one require to get
recognized and survive?
In spite of its tremendous growth, one thought that keeps bugging people is the
security aspect of the card. With the advent of EDC (electronic data capturing)
machines and smart cards, the security lapses and fraudulent usage of cards have
almost been eliminated, leaving a very slim chance of misuse. The only possible
chance of misuse is when a card is lost and even that can be minimized to nil effect
or to a minimum penalty if the loss is reported within 24 hours.
A1.1 State whether the following statements are true or false:- (2)
(i) A credit card is a niche product found only with the elite.
(ii) EDC machines minimize the misuse of cards.
A1.2 Complete the following sentences suitably:- (5)
(i) One of the greatest worries while undertaking a journey a decade ago
was
____________________________________________________________
(ii) Cards have become a part and parcel of our daily lives because
__________
(iii) The most commonly flashed cards while shopping are
_________________
(iv) Apart from shopping, cards are also used for
________________________
(v) If a card is lost, it is advisable to _________________________________
A1.3 Fill in the blanks with one word only:- (3)
Ten years ago, travelling was quite __________ as one had to carry cash
during its course. However, with the advent of ___________, travelling has
become hazard free. The card first made its entry among the __________
almost a decade ago. Today, it has __________ uses, from shopping to
__________ a person, cards are ___________ in every sphere of our lives.
A1.4 Find a word in the passage that means the following: (2)
(i) a place for which a person or a thing is best fitted.
(ii) hard to accomplish or achieve.
A2. Read the poem carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Friends and Flatterers
Every one that flatters thee,
Is no friend in misery.
Words are easy, like the wind,
Faithful friends are hard to find.
If that one be prodigal,
Bountiful they will him call,
And with such like flattering;
Pity but he were a king.
He that is thy friend indeed
He will help thee in thy need
If thou sorrow, he will weep
If thou awake, he cannot sleep
Every man will be thy friend,
Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend;
But if store of crowns be scant,
No man shall supply thy want.
But if fortune once do frown
Then farewell his great renown,
They that faw?n?d on him before
Use his company no more.
Thus of every grief in heart
He with thee doth bear a part.
These are certain signs to know
Faithful friend from flattering foe.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
A2.1 Tick the most appropriate choice: (5)
(i) According to the poet, it is not easy to
(a) flatter people.
(b) spend money.
(c) find faithful friends.
(d) find a foe
(ii) If you are rich
(a) everyone is ready to guide you.
(b) everyone wants to befriend you.
(c) everyone wants to rob you.
(d) everyone is ready to find faults with you.
(iii) In times of misfortune, friends who are mere opportunists will
(a) comfort you
(b) be by your side.
(c) help you.
(d) desert you
(iv) A true friend will always
(a) flatter you.
(b) compare you
with a king.
(c) praise you in public.
(d) share your grief.
(v) The word „faw?n?d means
(a) pleaded
(b) forgave
(c) criticized
(d) flattered
A2.2 Complete the following statements:- (2)
(i) People who flatter you are ________________________
(ii) Shakespeare?s poem teaches us_____________________
A2.3 Pick out the words from the poem which mean the same as:- (1)
(i) recklessly extravagant
(ii) small in amount
Section B (Writing)
B.1 Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your
concern at the fast disappearance of green belts and parks in your town.
Suggest some remedial measures in this regard. (8)
B.2 You read in the newspaper about a school bus falling in the river because
the driver was driving rashly. Many children died and a few went missing.
You felt sad at the accident and angry with the driver. Write a diary entry
in about 100 words about how you felt. (5)
B.3 Complete the following proverbs:- (2)
(i) _______________________ of time.
(ii) If you chase ___________________.
B.4 State the meanings of the following proverbs:- (2)
(i) Stolen fruit is the sweetest.
(ii) The tongue wounds more than a lance.
B.5 Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate words from the ones given
in the box: (3)
bombastic tooth and nail panacea
rote pins and needles morbid
(i) Sleep is often considered to be the best ____________ for all diseases.
(ii) The two sisters fought ___________ over small things.
Page 5
(Class – VIII : ENGLISH)
Time: 2 hr 30 min. Max Marks: 80
Section A (Reading)
A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Imagine a travel scene a decade ago, with family members or friends and lots of
luggage. Every such journey undertaken in those days was made arduous with the
nagging thought of one particular aspect: managing and keeping the cash stashed
away safely during the course of the travel to fulfil various needs. How to carry so
much money at a time, to unfamiliar places? How much to carry? How safe is it to
carry? Will it be sufficient; if not, what to do? All such thoughts used to jade one?s
mind before and during the trip.
But today the entire perspective has changed. We live in a world full of cards of
different kinds and multifarious uses. Right from the hotel bill to train or airline ticket
charges and from taxi bills to a bagful of shopping can be cleared with the help of
cards, making travel absolutely hazard free. Cards have become part and parcel of
our daily life. The morning begins with the milk booth prepaid card, then the punch
card at the work spot and, during the course of the day, one flashes a number of
cards like credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, privilege cards, etc. Even the
driving licences and registration certificates have taken the shape of cards.
The card culture made its entry into the daily life a decade ago, initially placing itself
gently among the elite as a niche product and then spreading like wild fire to become
a necessity for all and sundry. Cards seem to be replacing much paper work. A
Credit card gives one credit for a whole lot of things anywhere under the sun, a debit
card enables one to shop practically with an empty wallet, a discount card helps one
to strike the best bargain, a privilege card makes one an exclusive person, an identity
card distinguishes a person, a voter?s card turns one into a responsible citizen of the
country, a PAN card certifies one as an assessee. What else would one require to get
recognized and survive?
In spite of its tremendous growth, one thought that keeps bugging people is the
security aspect of the card. With the advent of EDC (electronic data capturing)
machines and smart cards, the security lapses and fraudulent usage of cards have
almost been eliminated, leaving a very slim chance of misuse. The only possible
chance of misuse is when a card is lost and even that can be minimized to nil effect
or to a minimum penalty if the loss is reported within 24 hours.
A1.1 State whether the following statements are true or false:- (2)
(i) A credit card is a niche product found only with the elite.
(ii) EDC machines minimize the misuse of cards.
A1.2 Complete the following sentences suitably:- (5)
(i) One of the greatest worries while undertaking a journey a decade ago
was
____________________________________________________________
(ii) Cards have become a part and parcel of our daily lives because
__________
(iii) The most commonly flashed cards while shopping are
_________________
(iv) Apart from shopping, cards are also used for
________________________
(v) If a card is lost, it is advisable to _________________________________
A1.3 Fill in the blanks with one word only:- (3)
Ten years ago, travelling was quite __________ as one had to carry cash
during its course. However, with the advent of ___________, travelling has
become hazard free. The card first made its entry among the __________
almost a decade ago. Today, it has __________ uses, from shopping to
__________ a person, cards are ___________ in every sphere of our lives.
A1.4 Find a word in the passage that means the following: (2)
(i) a place for which a person or a thing is best fitted.
(ii) hard to accomplish or achieve.
A2. Read the poem carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Friends and Flatterers
Every one that flatters thee,
Is no friend in misery.
Words are easy, like the wind,
Faithful friends are hard to find.
If that one be prodigal,
Bountiful they will him call,
And with such like flattering;
Pity but he were a king.
He that is thy friend indeed
He will help thee in thy need
If thou sorrow, he will weep
If thou awake, he cannot sleep
Every man will be thy friend,
Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend;
But if store of crowns be scant,
No man shall supply thy want.
But if fortune once do frown
Then farewell his great renown,
They that faw?n?d on him before
Use his company no more.
Thus of every grief in heart
He with thee doth bear a part.
These are certain signs to know
Faithful friend from flattering foe.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
A2.1 Tick the most appropriate choice: (5)
(i) According to the poet, it is not easy to
(a) flatter people.
(b) spend money.
(c) find faithful friends.
(d) find a foe
(ii) If you are rich
(a) everyone is ready to guide you.
(b) everyone wants to befriend you.
(c) everyone wants to rob you.
(d) everyone is ready to find faults with you.
(iii) In times of misfortune, friends who are mere opportunists will
(a) comfort you
(b) be by your side.
(c) help you.
(d) desert you
(iv) A true friend will always
(a) flatter you.
(b) compare you
with a king.
(c) praise you in public.
(d) share your grief.
(v) The word „faw?n?d means
(a) pleaded
(b) forgave
(c) criticized
(d) flattered
A2.2 Complete the following statements:- (2)
(i) People who flatter you are ________________________
(ii) Shakespeare?s poem teaches us_____________________
A2.3 Pick out the words from the poem which mean the same as:- (1)
(i) recklessly extravagant
(ii) small in amount
Section B (Writing)
B.1 Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your
concern at the fast disappearance of green belts and parks in your town.
Suggest some remedial measures in this regard. (8)
B.2 You read in the newspaper about a school bus falling in the river because
the driver was driving rashly. Many children died and a few went missing.
You felt sad at the accident and angry with the driver. Write a diary entry
in about 100 words about how you felt. (5)
B.3 Complete the following proverbs:- (2)
(i) _______________________ of time.
(ii) If you chase ___________________.
B.4 State the meanings of the following proverbs:- (2)
(i) Stolen fruit is the sweetest.
(ii) The tongue wounds more than a lance.
B.5 Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate words from the ones given
in the box: (3)
bombastic tooth and nail panacea
rote pins and needles morbid
(i) Sleep is often considered to be the best ____________ for all diseases.
(ii) The two sisters fought ___________ over small things.
(iii) I did not like the Chief guest?s speech as the language was extremely
__________.
(iv) I was all ___________ as my examination results were to be declared shortly.
(v) The theme of the film was extremely ___________ and depressing.
(vi) ____________ learning does not help clear the concepts.
Section-C (Grammar)
C1. Change the following into indirect speech: (5)
(ix) She says, “I will do my work myself.”
(x) I said to my friend, “Let us take a room in the hostel.”
(xi) Shilpi said, “Mother, let me join the school trip to Mysore.”
(xii) She said, “This letter gave me a pleasant surprise yesterday.”
(xiii) “The taxi driver charged me extra because I made him wait for an hour,” said
father.
C2. Classify the sentences as Simple, Compound and Complex: (4)
(vi) This book contains animal stories.
(vii) I ate some fruits and had a boiled egg.
(viii) As I was walking down the road, I heard someone calling me.
(ix) You should not work for money alone, or you will often be disappointed.
C3. Do as directed: (7)
(x) We are impressed with your interview. We do not have a suitable opening for you.
(Join the sentences using a suitable conjunction)
(xi) We will bring out a special edition of this magazine early next year. (Change the
voice)
(xii) Your hair is looking so messy! You ________ go and get your hair cut. (Use a
„modal?)
(xiii) The doctor examined the patient physically. He recommended some blood tests.
(Join the sentences using a participle)
(xiv) He stopped __________ after the invigilator warned him. (copy) (Fill in the blanks
using the „ing? form or the „to?- infinitive form of the verb given in the brackets)
(xv) Lot of food __________ distributed among the poor. (was/ were) (Choose the
correct option)
(xvi) The Captain said that the aircraft would be taking off in a few minutes. (Change
into direct speech)
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