Sample Question Paper (2020-21)- 1 | 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:
On a very hot sunny day, an ant was very thirsty. He went to a pond to drink water. The poor ant almost lost balance while drinking water, and it fell inside the water. A dove was watching all from a nearby tree. The ant was struggling for life in the water. The dove felt very sad for the ant. It plucked a leaf from that tree and dropped it into the pond. The leaf fell near the ant. The ant got over the leaf and then reached the shore. The ant thanked the dove for his kind help. Days passed by, and one day the ant was going near the pond; he saw a hunter with a gun. The hunter was targeting the dove sitting on the tree. The dove didn’t know about the hunter. Just when the hunter was about to shoot the dove, the little ant got over his leg and bit him. The hunter shouted in pain and also missed the focus. Hearing this loud sound, dove realized the danger he was about to face. The dove flew away from the tree and escaped. Later he thanked the ant for the help. They both understood that every good deed we do for others would surely come back to us.

(i) based on your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions: 
(a) Where did the ant go to drink water?
Ans: The ant went to a pond to drink water.
(b) What did the dove do to save the ant?
Ans: The dove plucked a leaf from the tree and dropped it into the pond.
(c) How did the ant react to the dove’s help?
Ans: The ant thanked the dove for his kind help.
(d) How did the ant save the dove’s life?
Ans: Just when the hunter was about to shoot the dove, the ant got over his leg and bit him.
(e) What is the moral of the story?
Ans: The moral of the story is that every good deed we do for others will surely come back to us.

(ii) Find words from the passage as directed. 
(a) The word which means the same as ‘viewing.’
Ans: watching
(b) The opposite of ‘cruel’ and ‘cloudy.’
Ans: kind and sunny.

Q.2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 
Long, long ago, in a big forest, there were many trees. Among the cluster of trees, there was a very tall pine tree. He was so tall that he could talk to the stars in the sky. He could easily look over the heads of the other trees. One day late in the evening, the pine tree saw a ragged, skinny girl approaching him. He could see her only because of his height. ‘Die little girl was in tears. The pine tree bent as much as he could and asked her: “What is the matter? Why are you crying ?”
The little girl, still sobbing, replied, “I was gathering flowers for a garland to offer goddess Durga, who I believe, would help my parents to overcome their poverty, and I have lost my way,” The pine tree said to the little girl, “It is late in the evening. It will not be possible for you to return to your house, which is at the other end of the forest. Sleep for the night at this place.” The pine tree pointed out to an open cave-like place under him. The little girl was frightened of wild animals. The girl quickly crept into the cave-like place. The pine tree was happy and pleased with himself. He stood like a soldier guarding the place. The little girl woke up in the morning and was amazed to see the pine tree standing guard outside the cave. Then her gaze travelled to the heap of flowers that she had gathered the previous night. The flowers lay withering on the ground. The pine tree understood what was going on in the girl’s mind. He wrapped his branches around the nearby flower trees and shook them gently. The little girl’s eyes brightened. But a great surprise awaited her. The pine tree brought out a bag full of gold coins lying for years in the hole in its trunk and gave it to the girl. With teary eyes, she thanked her benefactor and went away.

(i) Answer the following questions:
(a) Why was the girl crying?
Ans: The little girl was crying because she had lost her way while gathering flowers for a garland to offer goddess Durga.
(b) Where did the pine tree want the little girl to sleep for the night?
Ans: The pine tree wanted the little girl to sleep in an open cave-like place under the tree itself.
(c) Why was the little girl disappointed when she looked at the flowers, and what did the tree do to make her happy?
Ans: The little girl was disappointed because the flowers that she had gathered the previous night lay withered on the ground.
(d) What lesson does this short story teach us?
Ans: The short story teaches us to help others when they need it.

(ii) Do as directed:
(a) What is meant by the word ‘cluster ’? (Para 1)
(i) group
(ii) team
(iii) class
(iv) party
Ans: (i)
(b) What is meant by the word ‘approaching’? (Para 1)
(i) calling
(ii) touching
(iii) coming close
(iv) running towards
Ans: (iii)
(c) What is meant by the word ‘wild’? (Para 2)
(i) cunning
(ii) dirty
(iii) unpolished
(iv) dangerous
Ans: (iv)
(d) What is meant by the word ‘withering’? (Para 2)
(i) shrinking
(ii) shrunk
(iii) colourless
(iv) unhappy
Ans: (i)

Q.3. Write a paragraph in about 100 – 120 words on the topic ‘Beauty of Nature.’
Ans: Beauty of Nature
Nature is beauty and beauty in Nature. Everywhere Nature is beautiful in one way or the other. Nature's beauty has been a source of inspiration and delight to humanity. It is an endless source of joy. Dewdrops on the green grass look like pearls. Sunrise is a lovely scene of Nature. Setting Sun, starry night, silvery light of the Moon, snow-covered mountains, deep and dark forests, scent and fragrance of flowers are some of the beauties of Nature. The chirping of birds in trees has music of its own. In Spring, Nature is at its best. Blooming flowers of different hues fill the air with fragrance. The beauties of Nature soothe our eyes, gladden our hearts and ennoble our souls.

Q.4. Complete the dialogue by writing the appropriate answer in the blank space.
Wolf: Why are you making my water muddy?
Lamb: (a) … ……………………………………..
Wolf: Have not your parents taught you etiquettes? Am I telling a lie?
Lamb: Sorry, Sir.
Wolf: (b)…………………………………………..
Lamb: I was not born then.
Wolf: (c) ………………………………………….
Lamb: She died two years back.
Wolf: Then, it must be your Dad.
Lamb: He had left the world before that.
Wolf: (d)……………………………………………
Lamb: I never wronged you.
(i) 
(a) I don’t make your water muddy?
(b) How can I make your water muddy?
(c) I am not making your water muddy?
Ans: b
(ii) 
(a) Why you did insult me last year?
(b) Why did you insult me last year?
(c) Why you had insulted me last year
Ans: b
(iii) 
(a) Oh! I forget it is your mother.
(b) Oh! forget, it had been your mother.
(c) Oh! I forget it was your mother.
Ans: c
(iv) 
(a) I had to harm you.
(b) I was to harm you.
(c) I will harm you.
Ans: c
OR
You are Vikas, a press reporter. During your visit to one of Gwalior schools, you were shocked to see the school's poor condition and studies. Write a report on the same.
Poor Condition of the School
Vikas
(Press Reporter)
Gwalior, 10th Dec. 20XX
During the visit to one of Gwalior schools, it was noticed that the school that promised to provide some facilities to the students is lacking in all those things. The school is running on tiny premises. The teachers are also not well trained.
The school's management is making money by charging a good amount of fee, but there are no proper games and computer facilities; children who are paying in hundreds know hardly anything about computer.
It has been found that it is not only this one particular school; the condition is the same with many other schools. The City Administration and Education Department must see that the schools should provide the education that they are actually supposed to.

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 — nobody seen — traveller pulled inside.
OR
Complete the story based on the beginning of the story :
I was lost in my thoughts while sitting in a train compartment. I was going to Shimla. Then an older woman got in. The older women were unfortunate, was very weak. She was not able to walk properly. I started reading a magazine then suddenly I saw ......................
Ans: Mysterious Night 
Once a traveller was travelling on horseback, intending 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 the horse couldn’t run fast due to rain. Finally, he came across a cottage. He knocked at the door without hesitating, 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 silting 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 on his horse and ran away from there. He straight away went to the police station, informed the police, and police were able to raid the place with his efforts. Addicted people were sent to the rehabilitation centre, and the next day it was in the news headlines.
OR
That the older woman had fallen in the aisle, and nobody seemed to pay any attention. I quickly asked a couple of people to help her get on her feet and placed her on the berth. Someone gave her a glass of water. I checked her for any injury. Luckily, there was none: the heat and the exertion. Of travelling made her feel weak as such, she fell. Soon everybody settled in. Once the old lady was relaxed and settled down, we gave her some biscuits to eat, which boosted her. She told us so many jokes and stories that left us spellbound. She proved to be a great entertainer. We never came to know when we reached our destination. Time just flew by. At Shimla station, her son had come to pick her up and was surprised to see her being escorted by so many strangers. Both mother and son thanked all of us profusely.

Q.6. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets:
(i) The sun rises in the east and ______(set) in the west.
Ans: sets
(ii) I ______(do) a lot of work yesterday in the west.
Ans: had done
(iii) Neha ____(like/likes) to drink milk.
Ans: likes
(iv) Children ________(was shouting/were shouting) when the teacher entered in the class.
Ans: We were shouting.

Q.7. Re-arrange the following words and phrases to make meaningful sentences :
(i) agriculture/India’s/depends on/economy/mainly
Ans: India’s economy mainly depends on agriculture.
(ii) positions/two/opening/of/our/batsmen/took
Ans: Two of our batsmen took opening positions.
(iii) all alone/were/I/many/was/they/and
Ans: They were many, and I was all alone.
(iv) a horrible/sight/what/ saw/I/was
Ans: What I saw was a horrible sight.

Q.8. Re-arrange the following words and phrase to make meaningful sentences :
(i) beaches/shells/a/sandy/variety/provide/of
Ans: Sandy beaches provide a variety of shells.
(ii) great/each/has/many/continent/rivers
Ans: Each continent has many great rivers.
(iii) this/is/bright/generation/one/a/young
Ans: This young generation is a bright one.
(iv) two/a/mirrors/contains/periscope
Ans: A periscope contains two mirrors.

Section C: Literature
Q.9. Read the following stanza carefully and answer the questions given below:
Macavity’s ginger cat, he’s very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in
His brow is deeply lined with thought; his head is highly doomed;
His coat is dusty from neglect; his whiskers are uncombed.
(i) Why is Macavity called a ginger cat?
Ans: Macavity is called a ginger cat because he’s very tall and thin.
(ii) How would you know that it is a Macavity cat?
Ans: We would know it is a Macavity cat as its eyes were sunken in, and his brow is deeply lined with thought; his head is highly doomed.
(iii) What kind of coat and whiskers did Macavity have?
Ans: Macavity had a dusty coat and uncombed whiskers.
(iv) Identity the rhyme scheme of the above lines.
Ans: The rhyme scheme of the above lines is aabb.

Q.10. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
He came out of the station, took a taxi and drove around the town for a while. He realized that the streets, the buildings, the hotels, the bazaars, the Morabadi Hill-with none of these he had the slightest acquaintance. Would a trip to Hudroo Falls help? 
(i) Who came out of the station?
Ans: Bepin Choudhary came out of the station.
(ii) What did he realise after driving around the town?
Ans: After driving around the town, he realised that he had no acquaintance with anything, the streets, the buildings or the bajaars.
(iii) What did he want to confirm after visiting the Hudroo Falls?
Ans: After visiting Hudroo Falls, he wanted to confirm whether he had really been to that place earliest.
(iv) ‘Acquaintance’ means ___________________
Ans: Familiarity or fellowship. 

Q.11. Answer any four of the following questions :
(i) How, in your opinion, can development work be completed successfully?
Ans: What we need most today is a team of honest politicians, policemen, and enlightened people. We need to work speedily with a clean slate. Every penny meant for rural development should be accounted for. Panchayats can surely play a major role in solving rural problems.
(ii) How do the hills look like in the mist?
Ans: The mist in the hills provides privacy. Nothing can be seen. The hills are surrounded by mist, making them silent. The birds sitting on the tree fly away to different places. As soon as the mist surrounds the hills, birds too fall silent.
(iii) What task, do you think, were assigned to the dog and ox?
Ans: The dog was assigned the task of carrying and fetching things. The ox was asked to carry the yoke on his neck and plough the field.
(iv) How did the Djinn know the horse was complaining against the camel?
Ans: The Djinn knew that the horse complained about the camel through the horse’s description of the camel. Also, being the deserts' in-charge, the Djinn knew about the animals.
(v) How did Tilly’s geography lesson help her?
Ans: Tilly had learnt in geography lesson about Tsunami. She saw the sea rise slowly and start forming bubbles and whirlpools. She remembered the video she had seen in school. She got hysterical and took her parents and sister away from the beach to the hotel's third floor.

Q.12. Answer any four of the following questions:
(i) Why is the giant called selfish?
Ans: The Giant is selfish because he did not permit the school children to play in his garden without his permission. It was strictly reserved for his own use. He built a huge wall around the garden to keep the children away.
(ii) Why does Duttada say, “I almost wish I had not discovered the comet.”?
Ans: Duttada said that he wished he had not discovered that comet because of the unwelcome publicity. Attending: parties and functions made him feel extremely disgusted as he was an introvert.
(iii) Velu stood on the platform, but he felt “as if he was still on a moving train.” Why?
Ans: Velu felt “as if he was still on a moving train” because he had wandered around for hours before getting on a train to Chennai; he was tired and hungry, his legs shook unsteadily. He had travelled so long that he felt the train was still moving.
(iv) The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?
Ans: Initially, the Giant was cold and selfish. He stopped the entry of the children into his garden. On this, nature got angry with him. Spring and summer did not visit his garden. But one day, he saw a little boy crying. He kindly lifted the small boy and put him on the treetop. He broke the wall and allowed the children to play in his garden. His newborn love for children was gratifying as the garden blossomed again. When he died, the trees rained white flowers on his dead body. This shows that the Giant had changed and nature also.
(v) What, according to the Djinn, was the use of the ‘hump’?
Ans: The Djinn explained the importance of the ‘hump’ to the camel that it would help him store the food and enable him to work for three days without eating.

Q.13. Answer any one of the following:
(i) What had happened in the Sappleton family as narrated by the niece?
OR 
(ii) Give a few reasons to help the British subdue Indian princes. Also, give two examples of evil social practices prevailing during British rule and two of their oppressive policies.
Ans: The girl's narration (niece) about the Sappleton family was connected to the tragedy that 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 shooting but never came back. While crossing the moor to their favourite shooting ground, all three of them were engulfed in a treacherous piece of bog; even their bodies were not recovered. The niece further stated that her aunt fascinated their entry through the window, so it was always kept open every evening till it was dusk. Her aunt always awaited their return.
OR
The reasons that helped the British to subdue Indian princes were the short-sightedness of Indian Princes, takBritish rulers' helpers to help them against their rivalries and the superstitious beliefs of the Indians.
Two examples of evil social practices prevailing in India were the belief that who-so-ever crosses the seas loses his religion and all the misery in the world is due to women.
Two oppressive policies of the British were: Any Indian could be sent to jail without trial, and exporting British Goods to India was spoiling the business of Indians.