Class 8 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - The Best Christmas Present in the World

Q1: Why did the author buy the roll-top box even though it was in bad condition?
Ans: The author bought the roll-top box in bad condition because it was inexpensive, and he believed he could easily restore it through his own efforts.

Q2: Who won the match?
Ans: Fritz's team emerged as the winners of the football match.

Q3: What did Hans and Jim discuss while sharing rum and sausage?
Ans: While sharing rum and sausage, Hans and Jim talked about their favorite book, "Far from the Madding Crowd," which featured characters like Bathsheba, Gabriel Oak, Sergeant Troy, and Dorset.

Q4: Where was Mrs. Macpherson living, and why?
Ans: Mrs. Macpherson was residing in a nursing home called Burlington House in Dorchesten. She was placed there after her house caught fire, resulting in her injuries.

Q5: Describe the condition of the roll-top box. From where did the author find the roll-top box?
Ans: The roll-top box was made of oak, but it was in very bad condition. It had scorch marks down one side, and one leg was clumsily mended. The author found the roll-top box at a junk shop in Bridport.

Q6: What did the author find in the secret drawer?
Ans: In the secret drawer, the author found a tin box that was taped to the top. Inside the box, there was a piece of lined notepaper.

Q7: What was inside the tin box?
Ans: Inside the tin box, there was an envelope with the address "Mrs. Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport Dorset." The author then unfolded the letter, which was written in pencil and dated at the top as "December 26, 1914."

Q8: Who was Hans Wolf?
Ans: Hans Wolf was an officer in the army led by Fritz. He hailed from Dusseldorf and was known for playing the cello in the orchestra.

Q9: What did the author do after reading the letter?
Ans: After reading the letter, the author went to Bridport and inquired about the source from which the shopkeeper acquired the roll-top box.

Q10: Write a character sketch of Mrs. Macpherson.
Ans: Mrs. Macpherson was a charming old lady who was a hundred and one years old. She had a lovely appearance with silver hair and wrinkles on her skin. She preferred using candles over electricity due to cost considerations.

Q11: Who was Jim Macpherson?
Ans: Jim Macpherson was a school teacher from Dorset in the west of England.

Q12: Why was the letter so special?
Ans: The letter was exceptionally special because it was addressed to Connie, Jim's wife. It provided insights into the war and conveyed Jim's longing for peace and love amid the turmoil.

Q13: Describe briefly Christmas morning as conveyed in Jim's letter to Connie.
Ans: According to Jim's letter, Christmas morning was crisp, quiet, and beautiful. The day was cold and frosty, just as a Christmas morning should be.

Q14: What was written on the tin box?
Ans: The tin box had the inscription: "Jim's last letter, received January 25, 1915."

Q15: How does war usually end? How should it end and why?
Ans: Wars typically end with bloodshed, loss of property, and lives. However, the story suggests that a football match could be a better way to conclude a war because it doesn't involve death or destruction. "No one dies in a football match. No children are orphaned. No wives become widows."