Class 8 English: Sample Paper Solutions - 1 | Sample Papers For Class 8 PDF Download

Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions

• All questions are compulsory.
• Read the questions carefully before answering.
• Write neatly and legibly.

Section A – Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (10 Marks)

In a small village called Sundarpur, the river was the lifeline for all the villagers. People used it for drinking water, fishing, irrigation, and even bathing. Over the years, several factories were built near the river, discharging untreated waste into it. Slowly, the water became murky and smelled unpleasant. Fish started dying, crops were affected, and people began suffering from skin diseases and stomach problems. Despite these challenges, many villagers continued to ignore the pollution.
One day, a group of students from the village school decided to take action. They informed the villagers about the dangers of pollution and suggested simple ways to clean the river. They organized meetings, cleaned the banks, planted trees to prevent soil erosion, and encouraged everyone to avoid throwing garbage into the river. They also approached the factory owners and convinced them to treat their waste before releasing it into the river. Slowly, the efforts began to show results. Fish returned, crops grew healthier, and the villagers’ health improved.
The villagers learned a valuable lesson: preserving nature requires cooperation, awareness, and persistence. They realized that every individual has a responsibility towards the environment and that even small efforts, when combined, can bring about significant change. The river, once a source of life, had almost turned into a source of disease, but careful action and teamwork restored it to its former glory. The story of Sundarpur became an example for neighboring villages, inspiring them to take similar measures to protect their rivers and environment.

Multiple Choice Questions: (1 × 4 = 4)

Q1. What caused the river in Sundarpur to become polluted?
(a) Villagers bathing in it
(b) Waste from nearby factories
(c) Heavy rainfall
(d) Excess fishing

Ans: (b) 

Q2. What actions did the students take to clean the river?
(a) Ignored the problem
(b) Organized meetings, cleaned the banks, planted trees, and approached factory owners
(c) Built dams
(d) Went to the city for help

Ans: (b)

Q3. Why did the villagers’ health improve after the cleanup?
(a) They moved away from the village
(b) The river became cleaner, and fish and crops returned
(c) They started using bottled water
(d) The factories closed permanently

Ans: (b)

Q4. What lesson does the story teach?
(a) Nature does not need protection
(b) Only governments can solve pollution problems
(c) Cooperation, awareness, and persistence are important to preserve nature
(d) Pollution cannot be reversed

Ans: (c)

Short Answer Questions: (2 × 3 = 6)

Q1. How did the villagers’ attitude change after the cleanup?
Ans: Initially, many villagers ignored the pollution, but after seeing the river cleaned and their health improve, they realized the importance of protecting the environment and began taking responsibility.

Q2. Why did the students approach the factory owners?
Ans: The students approached the factory owners to convince them to treat their waste before releasing it into the river, so that the water would become clean again.

Q3. What message does the story of Sundarpur convey to neighboring villages?
Ans: It shows that teamwork, awareness, and consistent efforts can restore and protect the environment, inspiring other villages to take similar action.

Read the following poem and answer the questions: (10 Marks)

The wind is a friend that whispers near,
Telling secrets that I long to hear.
It dances with leaves in playful delight,
And sings soft songs in the quiet night.
The sun may shine, the rain may fall,
But the wind’s soft voice comforts all.
It lifts the kite high in the sky,
And carries dreams that never die.

Reference to Context: (2 × 2 = 4)

Q1. What does the wind do with the leaves?
Ans: The wind dances with the leaves in playful delight.

Q2. How does the wind comfort people?
Ans: By its soft, gentle voice.

Interpretation / Understanding Questions: (2 × 3 = 6)

Q1. What does the kite symbolize in the poem?
Ans: The kite symbolizes freedom, dreams, and aspirations.

Q2. What is the overall theme of the poem?
Ans: The joy and comforting presence of nature, especially the wind.

Section B – Writing Skills (20 Marks)

Q1. Notice / Message / Invitation Writing: (5 Marks)
Write a notice for your school notice board about a cleanliness drive 
OR 
Write a message to your friend inviting them to your birthday party.
Ans: (i) Notice
Cleanliness Drive
Date: 15th September
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A cleanliness drive will be organized in our school premises on 15th September from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All students are requested to actively participate and help make our school clean and healthy. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, brooms, and dustbins. Let’s work together to keep our school campus neat and beautiful.

(ii) Message / Invitation
Hey Riya,
I hope you are doing well! I am excited to invite you to my birthday party on 12th September at 6:00 PM at my house. There will be games, music, and delicious food. I really hope you can come and celebrate with me. Don’t forget to bring your cheerful spirit!

Q2. Letter / Email Writing: (8 Marks)
Write a formal letter to the principal requesting new books for the school library 
OR 
Write an informal letter to a friend describing your summer holidays.  (Word limit: 80–100 words)
Ans: (i) Formal Letter
To
The Principal
Sunshine School
Delhi
8th September 2025
Subject: Request for New Books for the School Library
Respected Sir,
I am writing on behalf of the students of Sunshine School to kindly request the addition of new books to our school library. Many students are interested in reading books related to science, history, and literature. New books will not only encourage reading habits but also enhance our knowledge and help us in our studies and projects.
We would be very grateful if you could consider our request and arrange for the purchase of these books at the earliest. Thank you for your time and support.
Yours sincerely,
Rajesh
(ii) Informal Letter
Dear Priya,
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to tell you about my wonderful summer holidays. I spent most of my time visiting my grandparents in the village. We went to the river and enjoyed swimming and fishing. I also played outdoor games with the village children and helped my grandparents in the garden, planting flowers and vegetables.
It was such a fun and refreshing break from school! I really wish you were there with me, Priya, so we could have explored and played together. I am looking forward to seeing you soon and sharing all my holiday stories.
Your friend,
Ananya

Q3. Paragraph / Story / Diary Entry: (7 Marks)
Write a short story (80–100 words) beginning with: “It was raining heavily when I stepped out…”
OR
Write a diary entry describing an unforgettable day at school.
Ans: (i) Diary Entry
10th September 2025
Today was truly an unforgettable day at school. Our school organized a science exhibition, and I got the opportunity to present my project on renewable energy. I explained how solar and wind energy can help save the environment. My friends came to see my project and appreciated my hard work, and even the teachers praised my efforts and encouraged me to explore more topics in science. I felt extremely proud and happy to share my ideas and see others showing interest in them. The day ended on a high note, and I couldn’t stop smiling on my way back home. It is a day I will always remember.

(ii) Short Story
It was raining heavily when I stepped out of my house one afternoon. The streets were empty, and the raindrops were falling like tiny silver needles. Suddenly, I noticed a small puppy shivering under a bench, all wet and frightened. My heart went out to it, and I immediately picked it up, wrapping it in my jacket. I took it home, dried it with a towel, and fed it warm milk. The puppy wagged its tiny tail and licked my hands, making me feel a sense of warmth and happiness despite the cold rain. That little act of kindness reminded me that even small gestures can bring joy to both others and ourselves.

Section C – Grammar (20 Marks)

Q1. Gap-filling / Editing / Omission: (5 Marks)

(i) She ______ (go) to the market yesterday.
Ans: She went to the market yesterday.

(ii) There ______ (be) many stars in the sky last night.
Ans: There were many stars in the sky last night.

(iii) I have ______ (a / an) orange for breakfast.
Ans: I have an orange for breakfast.

(iv) He ______ (not / like) ice cream.
Ans: He does not like ice cream.

(v) We ______ (play) football every Sunday.
Ans: We play football every Sunday.

Q2. Transformation of Sentences: (5 Marks)

(i) She said, “I am happy.” → Change into indirect speech.
Ans: She said, “I am happy.” → She said that she was happy.

(ii) He is too young to drive. → Use “so…that”.
Ans: He is too young to drive. → He is so young that he cannot drive.

(iii) The teacher said, “Do your homework.” → Change into reported speech.
Ans: The teacher said, “Do your homework.” → The teacher told us to do our homework.

(iv) I can do it. → Change into negative sentence.
Ans: I can do it. → I cannot do it.

(v) He is clever, but lazy. → Change into two simple sentences.
Ans: He is clever, but lazy. → He is clever. He is lazy.

Q3. Modals / Subject-Verb Agreement / Prepositions / Determiners: (5 Marks)
(i) You ______ (must / might) wear a helmet while riding a bike.
Ans: You must wear a helmet while riding a bike.

(ii) Neither of the boys ______ (is / are) ready.
Ans: Neither of the boys is ready.

(iii) She jumped ______ the river. (into / in)
Ans: She jumped into the river.

(iv) I have seen ______ (some / any) movies today.
Ans: I have seen some movies today.

(v) They will arrive ______ 5 PM. (at / in)
Ans: They will arrive at 5 PM.

Q4. Vocabulary: (5 Marks)
(i) Synonym of “happy” → ______
Ans: Synonym of “happy” → Joyful / Glad / Cheerful

(ii) Antonym of “difficult” → ______
Ans: Antonym of “difficult” → Easy / Simple

(iii) One-word for “a person who writes poems” → ______
Ans: One-word for “a person who writes poems” → Poet

(iv) Meaning of the idiom “Break the ice” → ______
Ans: Meaning of the idiom “Break the ice” → To initiate conversation or activity in a social situation

Section D – Literature (Poorvi) (20 Marks)

Short Answer Questions (2 Marks each, 5 × 2 = 10 Marks) (Answer any 5)

Q1. What lesson does The Wit that Won Hearts teach about cleverness and quick thinking?
Ans: The story teaches that cleverness and quick thinking can help solve difficult situations. A person who can think on their feet is able to face challenges successfully, impress others, and make smart decisions in daily life.

Q2. How does the story A Concrete Example show the importance of honesty and integrity?
Ans: A Concrete Example shows that honesty and integrity are always appreciated. By being truthful and fair in his actions, the protagonist gains trust, respect, and sets a positive example for others.

Q3. Describe a key event from A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam.
Ans: Major Somnath Sharma showed extraordinary courage during the Battle of Badgam. Even though heavily outnumbered, he fought bravely to protect his troops and his post. His selfless sacrifice helped save many lives, and he became India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee.

Q4. What message does the poem Somebody’s Mother convey about kindness?
Ans: The poem teaches that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Helping someone in need, no matter how old or weak, shows humanity and compassion.

Q5. How did Verghese Kurien contribute to India’s development in I Too Had a Dream?
Ans: Verghese Kurien revolutionized India’s dairy industry through the White Revolution. He encouraged cooperative farming and milk production, improving the lives of farmers and making India self-sufficient in milk.

Q6. What unusual or magical element is central to The Magic Brush of Dreams?
Ans: The magical element is a brush that brings drawings to life. Anything painted with it becomes real, allowing the protagonist to create wonderful things and help people.

Q7. How does the poem Waiting for the Rain highlight the relationship between humans and nature?
Ans: The poem shows how humans depend on nature for survival. It emphasizes patience, respect, and the hope people place in natural resources like rain.

Q8. What role does curiosity play in Feathered Friend or Magnifying Glass?
Ans: Curiosity drives the protagonist to observe, explore, and learn new things. It teaches valuable lessons and shows that questioning and exploring is essential for learning.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks each, 2 × 5 = 10 Marks) (Answer any 2)

Q1. Describe the main events and the lesson learned from A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam.
Ans: Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. During the Battle of Badgam in 1947, when the Pakistani forces invaded Kashmir, Major Sharma bravely defended the Srinagar airfield despite being heavily outnumbered. He led his men with courage, fighting fiercely even after being wounded. His determination and selflessness delayed the enemy advance, giving the Indian Army time to secure Srinagar. Major Sharma sacrificed his life in the process.
Lesson learned: The story teaches us the importance of courage, patriotism, and selflessness.

Q2. Write a character sketch of the main character in The Case of the Fifth Word.
Ans: The main character in The Case of the Fifth Word is Encyclopedia Brown. He is highly intelligent, observant, and logical. He solves mysteries that adults and his peers cannot, using clues that others overlook. He is calm under pressure, confident, and has a sharp eye for detail. Despite being young, he is mature, responsible, and enjoys helping people solve problems. His curiosity and love for solving puzzles make him a clever and admirable character.

Q3. Explain the theme and message of the poem Harvest Hymn.
Ans: Harvest Hymn celebrates the joy of harvesting and the hard work of farmers. The poem describes the collective effort of men and women in the fields, singing songs and praising the bounty of the harvest. It shows respect for nature and the cycle of sowing and reaping.
Theme and message: The poem highlights the importance of hard work, cooperation, and appreciation for nature’s gifts. It reminds us to respect farmers and the effort that goes into producing our food.