Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 Question Answers - The Summit Within

Comprehension Check

1. Standing on Everest, the writer was 

(i) overjoyed. 

(ii) very sad. 

(iii) jubilant and sad. 

Choose the right item. 

Ans: (iii) jubilant and sad.

He was jubilant as well as sad. Jubilant because he had reached the highest peak in the world and sad because he had had to go back to the real world.

2. The emotion that gripped him was one of 

(i) victory over hurdles. 

(ii) humility and a sense of smallness. 

(iii) greatness and self importance. 

(iv) joy of discovery. 

Choose the right item. 

Ans: (ii) humility and a sense of smallness.

Humility and a sense of smallness because anybody can get a feeling of respect to see the nature’s creation and at the same time feel so small in front of it.

3. “The summit of the mind” refers to 

(i) great intellectual achievements. 

(ii) the process of maturing mentally and spiritually. 

(iii) overcoming personal ambition for common welfare. 

(iv) living in the world of thought and imagination. 

(v) the triumph of mind over worldly pleasures for a noble cause. 

(vi) a fuller knowledge of oneself. 

Mark the item(s) not relevant. 

Ans: (i), (iii), (iv) and (v)

Working with the Text

Q1. Answer the following questions. 

(i) What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb?
Ans. The three qualities that ensured the success of the author were endurance, persistence and will power.

(ii) Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?
 Ans.  In The Summit Within, adventure is risky but enjoyable because it challenges us and helps us grow. Facing danger adds excitement, and when we overcome tough obstacles, we feel proud and happy. The pleasure comes from pushing our limits and achieving our goals, which gives us a strong sense of accomplishment and joy. Adventure helps us discover our inner strength and makes life more thrilling.

(iii) What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?
Ans. In The Summit Within, the author, Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia, found Mount Everest irresistible because of its allure as the highest peak in the world and the ultimate challenge it presented. The mountain symbolized adventure, bravery, and the quest for self-discovery. The idea of standing atop Everest was not just about conquering the peak; it represented a journey of overcoming fears and limits. The beauty and grandeur of the mountain, combined with the thrill of the climb, made it an enticing goal for him.

(iv) One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really?
Ans. Climbing a high peak is not done solely for fame; rather, individuals do it for personal growth, self-discovery, and the thrill of overcoming challenges. The journey offers deep satisfaction and a sense of achievement, allowing climbers to connect with nature. It provides an opportunity to test their limits, confront their fears, and find meaning and purpose in life beyond external recognition. The experience enriches the soul and fosters resilience.

(v) “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe”. This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion?
Ans. That emotion is ‘humility’.

(vi) What were the ‘symbols of reverence’ left by members of the team on Everest?
Ans. The author left on Everest a picture of Guru Nanak. Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga. Phu Durgi left a relic of the Buddha. Edmund Hillary, being a Christian, buried a Cross under the rock. All these were symbols of reverence for God

(vii) What according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him?
Ans. According to the author, his experience as an Everest climber inspired him to face life's challenges head on. It showed him that conquering the internal summit is just as important as climbing the mountain. He also believed that the interior summits could be higher than Everest. 

Q2. Write a sentence against each of the following statements. Your sentence should explain the statement. You can pick out sentences from the text and rewrite them. 

(i) The experience changes you completely.
Ans. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. The demonstration of patience, determination and will power in overcoming great difficulties is enjoyable.

(ii) Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles.
Ans. Mountains are nature at its best. The magnificence and splendour of the mountains pose a great challenge for a climber and they are a means of communion with God.

(iii) Mountains are nature at its best. 
Ans. Everest is the highest and the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts.

(iv) The going was difficult but the after-effects were satisfying
Ans. When the summit is climbed, there is the joy of having done something, one has the feeling of victory and of happiness

(v) The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience.
Ans. The physical take-over of a mountain is really a pious experience. The act of climbing the peak of a mountain is a spiritual and extremely satisfying experience and will surely change you and give you a sense of being in close association with God. 

Working with Language

Q1. Look at the italicised phrases and their meanings given in brackets.

Mountains are nature at its best - (nature's best form and appearance)

Your life is at risk. - (in danger; you run the risk of losing your life.)

He was at his best/worst in the last meeting. - (it was his best/worst performance.)

Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box.

at hand, at once, at all, at a low ebb, at first sight

(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the Principal  ___________________ and submit your explanation.
 Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first?

Ans. at once

(ii) Arun: Are you unwell?
 Ila: No, not ___________________ Why do you ask?
 Arun: If you were unwell. I would send you to my uncle.
 He is a doctor.

Ans. at all

(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love ___________________ .
 David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries?

Ans. at  first  sight    

(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits ___________________ today? (Use such in the phrase)
 Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I never heard before.

Ans. at such a low ebb

(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close ___________________ .
 Jyoti: How should I welcome it?
 Shieba: Get up and receive the trophy.

Ans. at hand

Q2. Write the noun forms of the following words adding -ance or ‑ence to each.

(i) endure -  endurance
(ii) persist - persistence
(iii) signify - significance
(iv) confide - confidence
(v) maintain -  maintenance
(vi) abhor - abhorrence.

Q3. (i) Match words under A with their meanings under B.

Ans.

(ii) Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with appropriate words from under A.

(a) There were ___________________ obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely.
 Ans. formidable

(b) We have no ___________________ of finding out what happened there.
 Ans. means

(c) Why he lives in a house ___________________ from any town or village is more than I can tell.
 Ans. remote

(d) ___________________ by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice.
 Ans. Overwhelmed

(e) The old castle stands in a ___________________ position above the sleepy town.
 Ans. dominant.