Sample Question Paper (2020-21)- 3 | English Honeydew Class 8 PDF Download

Class - VIII
Science Theory
TIME: 3 Hrs.
M.M: 80

General Instructions : 
(i) The questions paper is divided into three sections :
Section A: Reading 20 marks
Section B: Writing and Grammar 30 marks
Section C: Literature 30 marks
(ii) All questions are Compulsory.
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time.
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
(v) Marks are indicated against each question.

Section A: Reading

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully : 

Character is destiny. Character is that on which the destiny of a nation is built. One cannot have a great nation with men of small character. We must have young men and women who look upon others as the living image of themselves as our Shastras have so often declared.
But whether in public life or student life, we cannot reach great heights, if we are lacking in character. We cannot climb the mountain when the ground at our feet is crumbling. When the very basis of our structure is shaky how can we reach the heights we have set before ourselves? We must all have humility. Here is a country which we all are interested in building up for whatever service we take up, we should not care for what we receive. We should know how much we can put into that service. That should be the principle which should animate our young men and women. Ours is a great country, we have had for centuries a great history. The whole of the East reflects our culture.
(i) on the basis of your reading of the above passage answer the following questions :
(a) What is the passage about?
Ans: This passage deals with the importance of character formation in moulding the destiny of our nation.
(b) What kind of young men and women must we have?
Ans: We must have young men and women who look upon others as the living images of themselves as our Shastras have so often declared.
(c) How can we reach the great heights we have set before ourselves?
Ans: We can reach the great heights we have set before ourselves if our character is built on a strong foundation of sterling qualities.
(d) That should be the principle which should animate our young men and women. The underlined word means:
(i) discourage
(ii) encourage
(iii) frighten
(iv) humour
Ans: (ii)
(e) Give the adjective forms of nation.
(i) Humility
(ii) reflection
Ans: (i) humble
(ii) reflective
(f) Why is ours a great country?
Ans: Ours is a great country with a history that goes back for centuries. Its rich cultural heritage makes it unique. It has also contributed a great deal to the world of knowledge and culture.

Q.2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
It is rare to find someone with good technical and communication skills. You can get far ahead of your colleagues if you combine the two early in your career. People will judge, evaluate, promote or block you based on your communication skill. Since habits form by repeating both good and bad forms of communication, learn to observe great communicators and adopt their styles and traits — in written and verbal forms. The art of listening and learning from each and every interaction, is another secret recipe. Develop the subconscious habit of listening to yourself as you speak and know when to pause.
Learning what not to say is probably more important than learning what to say. As you career develops, you will realize that the wise speak less. Speak when you have value to add, else refrain. Poorly constructed e-mails with grammatical errors are acceptable between friends, but they should be seriously avoided while communicating formally with your seniors. Avoid any communication in an emotional state when you might say thinks you will regret later. One unnecessary word uttered at the wrong time or place can ruin a relationship, career or even your life. Such is the power of words. If such a thing happens, you should immediately apologies, else it may haunt you for life.
Another problem to overcome is speaking too fast. Since our minds are working faster than our speech, we are inclined to speak fast. This does not necessarily mean that the person hearing it will get it any faster. On the contrary, It is always the reverse. So slow down, and think before your speak. “When I get ready to speak to people, “Abraham Lincoln said, “ I spend two-thirds of the time thinking what they want to hear and one-third thinking what I want to say,” Adding humour and wit is also essential. But realize that not all jokes are funny and observe certain boundaries. Never say anything that could offend. Remember you are not a comedian who must offend as many people as you can to be witty.
(i) Answer the following questions :
(a) Why is it necessary to have good communication skills?
Ans: It is necessary to have good communication skills because we can progress better in our jobs and also people tend to judge us by our communication skills.
(b) How can communication skills be developed?
Ans: They can be developed by imitating the style and traits of good communicators. It can also be developed by listening well in any interaction.
(c) What, according to the writer, should be avoided while communicating?
Ans: We should speak only when we have to add value to what is being said. We should also refrain from speaking too fast.
(d) Why should you be careful when you tend to be humorous?
Ans: While being humorous we should be careful that we do not offend anybody. Also realize that every joke is not always funny.
(ii) choose the most appropriate meanings of the given words from the options provided:
(a) Evaluate (para 1)
(i) estimate
(ii) assume
(iii) punish
(iv) evolve
Ans: (i)
(b) trait (para 1)
(i) treaty
(ii) trail
(iii) quality
(iv) liberty
Ans: (iii)
(c) utter (para 2)
(i) flatter
(ii) speak
(iii) rot
(iv) unique
Ans: (ii)
(d) haunt (para 2)
(i) hunt
(ii) chant
(iii) trouble
(iv) avoid
Ans: (iii)

Q.3. You’re Mudit of class VIII of St. Stephens School, Mathura. You have lost your wrist watch in the school campus. Draft a notice for your school notice board with complete information and then put the notice in a box.
Ans: ST. STEPHENS SCHOOL, MATHURA
NOTICE
6^th Aug, 20XX
Wrist Watch Lost
This is to bring to your kind notice that a Titan wrist watch with golden dial and black leather strap has been lost in the school premises. Whoever finds it may kindly give it to the undersigned. He or she will be duly rewarded.
Mudit
(VIII C)

Q.4. Write a letter to your younger sister advising her to work hard for upcoming annual exam. You are Dinesh/Divya.
OR
Last day you enjoyed the birthday party of your close friend. You had lot of fun there. Write a diary entry describing you experience.
Ans: 41, Apna Bazar
Agra
28th July, 20XX
Dear Navya,
Hope my letter finds you in high spirits. I wish you are fine and studying well in hostel. I was actually worried for you as your annual exams are approaching next month and you are busy with your Football Tournament. Take extra care of yours diet. Avoid eating junk food. Please have ample of fruits. Sleep on time and don’t waste your time specially morning hours in sleeping.
Study regularly and try to pass with flying colours. Mom and Dad are also worried for you. We all miss you. We pray for your bright future.
Yours lovingly,
Divya
OR
28th July, 2018
Dear Diary,
Today was hilarious day. It was Anand’s birthday. We had a great fun at his birthday party. Actually the party was as normal as any party but it was Anand’s Dad who made it wonderful. He is such a great person, very friendly, jolly natured. He has an elder-brotherly attitude. We all showed our talents one by one. I played guitar. Everyone praised me for the same. Then we had the sumptuous dinner. Anand’s mother is a great cook. It was really a wonderful day.
Shubh.

Section B : Writing and Grammar

Q.5. Read the outlines of a story given below. Write it in full using these outlines and your own ideas. Assign a suitable title to it:
outlines:-A dark stormy night — a traveller reached a house — knocked but no response — knocked hard—door opened—no lights — no body seen traveller pulled inside.
OR
outlines:-Cap-seller — hot day — tired and thirsty — looking for shade — ten red caps in a bundle — falls asleep — wakes up — caps gone — looks up in wonder — ten monkeys on the tree — each wears a cap — tries several methods to recover caps — no use — snatches the cap off his head —throws it down in anger—monkey do the same — recovers all his caps.
Ans: A Mysterious Night
Once a traveller was travelling on horse back with a view to explore the city. While riding he happened to come across a remote area and all of a sudden the sky was covered with dark clouds and it started raining heavily. He rushed but due to rain the horse also couldn’t run fast. Finally he came across a cottage. Without hesitating he knocked at the door but he got no response, although he could hear the sounds coming from inside. He knocked even loudly. Suddenly the door opened and he was pulled inside. He was shocked and when he became a bit normal he realised that the people sitting there were indulging in drugs. He was shocked and soon he also started behaving as though he also needed drugs. He bought drugs from them and hid them in his pocket acting as though he was under the spell of those narcotics. When everybody was totally doped, he slipped out of the room, climbed his horse and ran away from there. He straight away went to the police station, informed the police and with his efforts police was able to raid the place. Addicted people were sent to the rehabilitation centre and next day it was in the news headlines.
OR
The Cap-Seller and the Monkeys
It was the month of June. A cap-seller was returning from a village fair after selling fifty red caps. He was very happy because he had made a big profit. It was noon. The Sun was very hot. The cap-seller was tired and thirsty. He was looking for a shady tree. He wanted to take rest.
Near a village he found a big tree. He took water from the village well. Then he took his lunch and lay down to rest for a while. He had ten red caps in a bundle. He had also worn a red cap. Soon he fell asleep.
When he woke up, all the caps had gone. He looked up in despair and wondered. He saw ten monkeys on the tree. Each monkey was wearing a red cap on his head. He threw stones at the monkeys but they picked unripe fruit and threw at him. He tried his best to recover the caps from the monkeys, but all in vain. He then sat down in despair with his head between his hands. The monkeys also did so.
Soon, an idea flashed across his mind. He snatched the red cap off his head and threw it away angrily. The monkeys did the same. The cap-seller hurriedly collected all the caps. He put them in his bag and went away happily.

Q.6. complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below:
Fashion is a term commonly used to (a) _______a style of clothing worn by a large number of people in a country. However, popular styles of furniture, homes and many other products (b)______also fashion. The kind of art, music, literature and sports that many people (c) _____can also be fashion. Thus, a fashion is or reflects a form of behaviour (d)___by most people in a society.

Ans: (i) (a) describe
(ii) (a) are
(iii) (c) prefer
(iv) (b) liked

Q.7. change the following sentences into reported speech.
(i) “Oh, no! I did not bring my lunch box!” said Deepak.
Ans: Deepak exclaimed that he hadn’t brought his lunch box.
(ii) Sohan said, “What a beautiful dress!”
Ans: Sohan exclaimed that the dress was very beautiful.
(iii) Mother said to me, “ Please tidy your room,”
Ans: Mother requested me to tidy my room.
(iv) “Did you see that car?” he asked me.
Ans: He asked me if I had seen that car.

Q.8. Rearrange the following words / phrases to form meaningful sentence.
(i) keeps us / healthy / balanced diet / and / fit
Ans: Balanced diet keeps us fit and healthy.
(ii) the doctor / keeps / an apple / day / away / a
Ans: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
(iii) think / I / am / he / than / older / a little / is / I
Ans: I think I am a little older than he is.
(iv) never / our / objected to / the book / reading / has / he
Ans: He has never objected to our reading the book.

Section C : Literature

Q.9. Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below:
When the jet rose six miles height,
It was clear the earth was round
And that it had more sea than land.
But it was difficult to understand
That the men on the earth found
Causes to hate each other, to build
Wall across cities and to kill.
From that height it was not clear why.
(i) At what height was the jet?
Ans: The jet was six miles high.
(ii) What was clear from that height?
Ans: From that height it was clear that the earth was round and that it had more sea than land.
(iii) What was difficult to understand from that height?
Ans: From that height it was difficult to understand why did the men fight with each other and why did they build walls across the cities and kill each other.
(iv) Quote any two pairs of rhyming words from the above lines?
Ans: high-why, round-found, land-understand.

Q.10. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
The sun glistened on the sand, and the sea waves broke waywardly
A child sat playing with shells
He raised his head and seemed to know me and said,
“I hire you with nothing”
From hence forward that bargain struck in child’s play made me a free man.
(i) Where was the child playing?
Ans: The child was playing near the sea with the shells.
(ii) What did the child seem to know?
Ans: The child seemed to know the man who came there with nothing.
(iii) How did the speaker feel after talking to the child ?
Ans: After talking to the child, the man felt free and happy.
(iv) Nome the poem and the poet.
Ans: ‘The Last Bargain’ by Rabindranath Tagore.

Q.11. Answer any four of the following questions :
(i) How did the deer drink milk from the gourd?
Ans: Jody poured milk into a small gourd, dipped his fingers in the milk and thrust them into Fawn’s soft mouth. Then it sucked milk greedily.
(ii) Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?
Ans: When an adventure is completed, it becomes a joy which lasts for life time. It gives a sense of battle fought and won. There is a feeling of victory and happiness.
(iii) Where did the author find the letter?
Ans: The author had brought a very old roll-top desk. Inside its drawer there was a secret drawer. The author found the letter inside it.
(iv) How did the East Indian Company subdue the Indian Princes?
Ans: The rivalries among Indian Princes helped the East India Company to subdue the Indian Princes.
(v) Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the chuchundar?
Ans: She asked the children no to kill chuchundar because she believed chuchundars were lucky and they brought money.

Q.12. Answer any four of the following questions :
(i) Did Sir John buy Chrismas presents on December 15? How did Dutta Da get to know about it?
Ans: Yes, Sir John bought Christmas presents on December 15. Duttada got to know about it because on November 18, a special messenger on a scooter from the British Council brought in an urgent telex message for him which read that Sir John would buy Christmas presents on December 15.
(ii) Why had Velu run away from home?
Ans: Velu had run away from home as he could not stand his father beating him for one more day. His father spent all the money which Velu and his sisters earned on his drink.
(iii) What did oldest coin tell him?
Ans: The oldest coin told the writer that all coins were trying to tell him for his own good and the writer was trying to strangle them instead. It tempted him to eat hot jalebis. What if the writer spends coins in eating jalebis, wouldn’t he get the scholarship next day? Sweet could be bought with for money and for money with scholarship money. So he should spend them and eat jalebis.
(iv) What had happened in the Sappleton family as narrated by the niece?
Ans: The narration by the girl (niece) about the Sappleton family was connected to the tragedy which happened just three years ago. The niece described how through the window, three years ago, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and her two younger brothers went off for their day’s hunt and never returned.
(v) What did sisters advise the Princess to do about her bird?
Ans: The eight sisters of Princess September pretended to be very kind and helpful. First, they advised her to have a pet bird similar to theirs. They also said they had pooled their pocket money to buy her a lovely parrot. But September refused the offer. Then they advised her to take no chances and put her new bird into the cage. That was according to them, the only way to be sure of his stay with her.

Q.13. Answer any one of the following :
Give views in favour of the statement, ‘It is better to have brains than beauty.’
OR
Should a scientist’s finding be suppressed if they seem disturbing ? Give reasons for and against the topic.
Ans: The entire machinery of the mankind which we call society does not work with beauty but with the help of brains. Intelligent people make laws and regulations which everyone who lives in the society obeys. Man is a social animal. Even Robinson Crusoe ultimately came back to human fold. The most important organ of a man is his brain. A man without brain is like a dumb driven animal.
Wise people of the world commented on beauty as it is nine days wonder. Some said that it is only skin deep, still others said, it turns into ugliness with the passage of time. A beautiful woman looks attractive and one likes to live with her. But her beauty is not giving any benefit to the people of the world. Hence beauty stands nowhere, when it is matched with brain.
OR
For the Topic : The scientists findings should be suppressed if they seem disturbing because: (a) they might hurt the feelings of the society or create panic. (b) religion also plays an important role part in the formation of the nature/world and its laws. So it cannot be ruled out.
Against the Topic : The scientists findings should not be suppressed because:
(a) They analyse the problems, devise solutions and execute them rationally.
(b) They do not believe in superstitions but in the scientific and modern world of today, they work to reform or bring progress in the society as a whole.
(Students can further describe the above arguments according to their individual responses)