Regular practice of 8th Standard English Question Paper Kerala Syllabus Set 1 helps students overcome exam fear and perform better.
Kerala Syllabus Class 8 English Model Question Paper Set 1
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Max. Score: 40
Instructions:
- 15 minutes is given as cool off time.
- This time is to be used for reading the question paper.
- You are not supposed to write anything during the cool off time.
- Attempt the questions according to the instructions.
Questions 1-3: Read the excerpt from “Little Things Matter” by APJ. Abdulkalam and answer the questions that follow. (3 × 1 = 3)
The newspapers reached Rameswaram in a unique way. They came by morning train and were kept at the Rameswaram station. From there they had to be collected and sent to all subscribers. Samsuddin managed it effortlessly. When World War II raged, it affected the newspaper delivery business in a strange way. The British government had placed a number of sanctions and rations on goods. Something like a state of emergency prevailed in the country. Our large family felt the difficulties badly. Food, clothes and the need of the babies were difficult to get. Samsuddin came up with a proposal that delighted me. The train stop at Rameswaram was cancelled. How to get the papers then? Samsuddin found a way out.
Question 1.
How did the subscribers in Rameswaram get their newspapers before the World War II?
Answer:
The newspapers reached Rameswaram by the morning train and were kept at the Rameswaram station. From there they were collected and sent to all the subscribers. That was how the subscribers in Rameswaram got their newspapers before the World War II.
Question 2.
The state of emergency prevailed in the country:
A. because the World War II was raging.
B. because the British government had placed a number of sanctions and rations on goods.
C. because the large family of Abdulkalam felt the difficulties badly.
D. both A and B.
Answer:
D. both A and B.
Question 3.
Pick out the word from the passage that means ‘made happy’.
Answer:
Delighted
Questions 4-6: Read the following excerpt from the speech “A Tryst with Destiny” by Nehru and answer the questions that follow. (3 × 1 = 3)
Many years ago we had a secret meeting with destiny and pledged something. Now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not in full measure, but in a good measure. At the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.
A moment comes, which come only rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new. An age ends. The soul of a nation, long suppressed, can speak openly now. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.
Question 4.
When will India get freedom, according to the speech?
Answer:
According to the speech, India will get freedom at the midnight hour, when the world sleeps.
Question 5.
Are we redeeming our pledge in full measure?
Answer:
No, we are not redeeming our pledge in full measure, but in a good measure.
Question 6.
At this solemn moment we take a pledge of dedication:
A. to serve India and her people.
B. to serve the British
C. to serve the larger cause of humanity.
D. both A and C.
Answer:
D. Both A and C.
Question 7.
Read the following lines from “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou and write a paragraph summarising the ideas contained in the lines, using the hints given below. (1 × 4 = 4)
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
(free bird’s actions and feelings; the caged bird’s actions and feelings; their place and the way they look; the difference between freedom and bondage, personification, language used, the message)
Answer:
The free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats and floats downstream till the current ends. Then it dips his wing in the orange sun rays. Since the bird is free he can fly as high he wants and to the places he likes. There is noting that stops him from doing what he likes,.
But the caged bird is not free. It is walkingto and fro in its narrow cage. He can hardly see through the bars of the cage. His wings are clipped and his feet are tied. He can only open his throat and sing loudly, not because he is happy but because he is angry and disappointed.
The poem neatly contrasts the situation of the two birds. One is free and happy and the other is caged and unhappy. We see personification here as the pronoun ‘he’ is used to refer to the birds, the language is simple and emotive. The message is loud and clear – freedom is far better than bondage. Everyone and every creature want freedom.
Questions 8-10: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow. (3 × 1 = 3)
The Incredible Journey of Bird Migration
Bird migration is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the natural world. Every year, billions of birds undertake long, arduous journeys between their breeding grounds and their non-breeding (wintering) areas. These migrations are essential for survival, allowing birds to escape the harsh cold and food scarcity of winter and move to warmer places where food is abundant.
The distances covered can be astonishing. The Arctic Tem, for instance, holds the record for the longest migration, flying from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again each yeara round trip of up to 90,000 kilometres! Even small songbirds, weighing mere grams, can fly thousands of kilometres, often crossing vast oceans and mountains.
The journey is fraught with dangers. Birds face exhaustion, predation, and natural obstacles like storms and strong winds. Human activities, such as the loss of vital stopover habitats (places where they rest and feed) and light pollution that confuses night-flying migrants, also pose significant threats. Understanding and protecting these habitats is crucial for the survival of these incredible travellers.
Question 8.
What are the two main reasons why birds migrate?
Answer:
The two main reasons why birds migrate are survival and escaper from the harsh cold and food scarcity of winter.
Question 9.
Who or what are the incredible travellers mentioned in the last line?
A. Human beings
B. Animals
C. Insects
D. Migratory birds
Answer:
D. Migratory birds
Question 10.
The journey is fraught with dangers. The dangers can be:
A. Exhaustion
B. Distance
C. Size of the Bird
D. Predation
Now, choose the right options.
i) A
ii) B
iii) Both A and D
iv) None of the above
Answer:
iii) Both A and D
Questions 11-13: Answer either A or B. (3 × 4 = 12)
Question 11.
[A] “A shoulder to rest on is a blessing indeed.” Don’t you agree? How does the story, “A Long Walk with Granny” by Ruskin Bond highlight the bond between generations?
Answer:
I quite agree with the statement that a shoulder to rest on is a blessing indeed. In the story “A Long Walk with Granny” by Ruskin Bond we find the bonding between Mani and his grandmother. It was she who brought him up as his mother died when he was only one year old. She loves him so much that she can’t think of keeping away from him even for a day. He also loves her deeply and that is why he takes her to Mussoorie to get her old glasses changed. We see the joy of the grandmother when she sees her grandson clearly when she got her new glasses. In the bus we see him sleeping on her shoulders one time and she sleeping on his shoulders at another time showing how much they loved and supported each other.
OR
[B] Why does O. Henry, the author of the story “A Tale of Two Gifts”, consider Della and Jim the wisest among those who exchange gifts?
Answer:
O. Henry, the author of the story “ATale of Two Gifts” considers Della and Jim the wisest among those who exchange gifts because giving gifts is a way of showing love. Della loved her beautiful hair and Jim loved his watch. As they had no money to buy an appropriate gift for the partner they sell their precious possessions and buy the things they thought were the most befitting for their partners.
When Jesus was bom, the Magi, the three wise men from the east, presented him with gold, myrrh and frankincense to acknowledge the kingship of Jesus and show their love and respect for him. Here, in the story, by selling their most precious possessions and buying the most appropriate gifts for each other, Jim and Della have shown their love for each other. Thus they are, in the opinion of O. Henry, the wisest gift givers and gift-takers.
Question 12.
[A] In “Little Things Matter” by A.P.J. Abdulkalam, Samsuddin offers young Kalamthejobof collecting and distributing newspapers from the railway station. He readily agrees to this. Write the likely conversation between them.
Answer:
Samsuddin : I have come to know that you have problems at home as your father does not get enough money to give you all your needs.
Kalam : You are quite right, brother. The World War has made life difficult for us. Food, clothes and things needed by children have become scarce.
Samsuddin : I have a suggestion for you to make some money.
Kalam : Really? I will be glad to do anything to help my family.
Samsuddin : As you know the Madras-Dhanushkodi Mail does not stop at Rameswarm anymore. So I have a problem of getting newspapers to my subscribers here.
Kalam : How can I help?
Samsuddin : I will make arrangement with one of my employees to throw the bundles of the newspapers on to the platform here as the train slows down at the station. You pick up the bundlers and distribute them to my subscribers. I will then give you a reasonably good amount.
Kalam : That sounds great. I am ready for that work. At least I can do some help to my family to overcome the present difficulties.
Samsuddin : Okay then your work starts tomorrow. The train passes this station at 8 o’ clock in the morning. Be there to collect the bundle. I will give you the names and addresses of subscribers to whom you have to deliver the newspaper.
Kalam : Okay Brother. Agreed. Thank you for giving me this job. I shall not disappoint you.
OR
[B] In the story “Thank you Ma’am” by Langton Hughes, we find how Mrs. Jones could guide a young lad like Roger on the right path. She shares her experience with one of her friends through an email. Write the likely email.
Answer:
melaniekennedy@gmail.com Hi Melanie! How are things with you?
I am writing this email just to share some great news with you. I am so happy to write about it. I was returning home after work. My large purse was slung across my shoulder as it had a large strap. It was about 11 at night, and I was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind me and tried to snatch my purse.
The strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from behind. But the boy lost his balance and he fell on his back on the sidewalk. I turned around and kicked him in his buttocks. Then I picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled. He was 14 or 15.
I then asked him to pick up my purse and give it to me. I asked him if he wasn’t ashamed of himself. The boy said yes. He finally told me he was snatching the purse to get money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. I dragged him home.
I made him wash his face. He told me he hadn’t got anybody home to tell him to wash his face. I knew he was hungry. I wanted to give him some food and drink. We sat down and ate together. I did not ask the boy anything about where he lived, or his people or anything else that would embarrass him.
I told him about my job. When we finished eating I gave him ten dollars to buy the blue suede shoes he wanted. I then advised him not to make the mistake of snatching anybody’s purse because shoes got like that can become devilish and they will bum his feet.
I then led him to the door. I knew he was overwhelmed with my kindness. I am sure he wanted to say so many things to me. He managed to say “Thank you Ma’am” before I closed the door. I could see remorse in his eyes and I am sure he will never again try to snatch anybody’s purse. Well, how are things with you there? We will meet next week during the wedding of Caroline. Until then, Bye!
Yours lovingly,
Mrs. Jones
Question 13.
[A] Look at the picture below. It is related to the story “A Prescription for Life” by Jerome K. Jerome. Using the hints give below, write the story in your words.
(Hints: Jerome goes to the British Museum to know more about an illness – medical encyclopaedia – thinks he has all diseases – doctor prescribes – the pharmacist – the prescription – Jerome goes home feeling happy)
Answer:
One day Jerome wanted to learn something about hay fever and so he went to the British Museum to get the information from the books there. There he read the medical encyclopaedia which deal with all kinds of diseases. When he read about the symptoms of hay fever he felt that he had all those symptoms.
Then he looked at some other diseases and their symptoms. He felt that he had all those diseases him. This made him worried and he decided to consult his doctor for help. The doctor was his friend. When the doctor asked him what was the disease that bothered him, he said that if he went on talking about the diseases he had, and the doctor would die before he finished his explanations.
He said he had all the diseases except housemaid’s knee. The doctor examined him and gave him a prescription. Jerome took the prescription to the pharmacy. The chemist read the prescription and told him that he was not running a cooperative store or a family hotel. Jerome then took the prescription back and read it for the first time. It was some commonsense advice on proper diet, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, and going to bed early. Jerome left the pharmacy feeling quite happy and decided to follow the doctor’s advice.
OR
[B] Write a character sketch of Della, the heroine of O. Henry’s “A Tale of Two Gifts” using the hints given below.
Hints: young and selfless – love and devotion for her partner Jim – wants to give a suitable Christmas gift – sells her beautiful hair – buys a chain for the golden watch of Jim – emotional – cries when she sees the gift Jim has brought her – sacrifice)
Answer:
Della is the young, affectionate, and selfless heroine of O. Henry’s “A Tale ofTwo Gifts”. What impresses us most is her deep love and devotion to her husband, Jim. The entire story revolves around her desperate desire to buy him a worthy Christmas present, demonstrating that his happiness is the main aim of her life.
She is a poor house-wife. She has been putting aside cents with the intention of buying a Christmas present for her beloved Jim. She was saving money by buying less meat and other needs of the home. When she checked her savings on the Christmas Eve, she found that she had only $1.87. With that sum she could not buy a suitable present for Jim. She wanted to buy a golden chain for his watch which he could not wear in public as it lacked a proper chain.
Her most precious possession was her hair. It was more valuable than the gold and jewels of any queen and she was very proud of it. To buy the watch chain she sells her hair. Selling her most prized possession her long, beautiful hair—to buy Jim a suitable chain for his gold watch is her ultimate act of selflessness.
Della is a sensitive and an emotional character. She cries when she realizes how little money she has and later worrying anxiously about how Jim will react to her short hair, fearing he won’t think she’s pretty anymore. Della is an ideal wife. She was ready to sacrifice her most precious possession for her dear Jim.
Question 14.
Using the hints given below, prepare a brief profile of Ruskin Bond who wrote the story “A Long Walk with Granny”. (1 × 4 = 4)
(Hints: Indian author of British descent – bom in 1934 at Kasauli in HP – His father died when he was ten – raised by his mother and stepfather – grew up in Jamnagar, Simla and Dehru Dun – wrote 500 short stories, essays, and novels, including 64 books for children – famous works “The Room on the Roof”, ”A Flight of Pigeons ”, and ”The Blue Umbrella ” – Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan)
Answer:
Ruskin Bond is a celebrated Indian author of British descent. He was bom in 1934 in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, and Dehradun. His father died when he was ten, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather. He is known for his extensive work in children’s literature, short stories, novels, and essays.
His first novel, ’’The Room on the Roof’ was published in 1956, and he has since authored over a hundred books. His most notable works are “The Room on the Roof’, “A Flight of Pigeons ”, and ”The Blue Umbrella “, Many of his stories have been adapted into films. He has received major awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. Bond lives in Landour, Mussoorie, with his adopted family.
Questions 15-17: Read the news headlines and answer the questions that follow. (3 × 1 = 3)
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy: Coromandel Express Derailment and Collision on 2.6.2023, Leaves Over 290 Dead.
Firozabad Disaster 1995: Kalindi and Purushottam Express Collision Kills 358 Deadliest Train Accident Indore-Patna Express Derailment: 20.11.2016: At Least 150 Killed in Pukhrayan Crash.
Gaisal Train Disaster: 1999 – Collision in West Bengal Claims 285 Lives because of a Signal Failure.
Question 15.
Of the four tragedies which was the worst?
Answer:
Of the four tragedies the worst was the Firozabad Disaster in 1995. In the ‘Kalindi and Pumshottam Express’ collision 358 people died.
Question 16.
What is the cause of accidents in most the cases?
Answer:
The cause of accidents in most the cases was collision.
Question 17.
The accident of 1999 was caused because of:
A. The train was overcrowded.
B. The driver was drunk.
C. The train was going too fast.
D. The signal had failed
Answer:
D. The signal had failed.
Question 18.
Fill in the blanks using the appropriate phrases given in brackets.
My initial plan was just to (a) ……. a few articles for my history paper, but I ended up staying much longer. The library was quiet, and I managed to (b) ……. a significant chunk of my reading list. Around four o’clock, my friend Alex stopped by to see if I was ready to leave. I had to tell him to (c) ……. for about ten more minutes while 1 finished summarizing the final chapter. (taken aback, hold on, get through, look up, make out, speed up)
Answer:
a) lookup,
b) get through,
c) hold on
Question 19.
Edit the following passage: Errors are in bold. ( 4 × 1/2 = 2)
The school was (a) found by my father before I was bom. On the wall above us Khushal school was painted proudly in red and white letters. Wc went to school six mornings a week. My classes were (b) spend chanting chemical equations or studying Urdu (c) grammer, writing stories in English with morals or drawing diagrams of blood circulation. Most ofmy(d) classmate wanted to be doctors. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would see that as a threat.
Answer:
a) founded,
b) spent,
c) grammar,
d) classmates
Question 20.
Complete the conversation between Della and Jim. (3 × 1 = 3)
Della: “Jim, dear, don’t look at me like that. I had my hair cut off and sold it. I couldn’t live through Christmas without giving you a gift. My hair will (a) ……..”. “You’ve (b) …….. hair?” asked Jim slowly. He seemed to labour to understand what had happened. He seemed not to feel sure he knew.“Cut it off and sold it,” said Della. “Don’t you like me now? I’mme, Jim. I’m the same without my hair. It’s the night before Christmas, boy. Be good to me, because I sold it for you. Maybe the hairs of my head could be counted but no one could ever count (c) …….. Shall we eat dinner, Jim?”
Answer:
a) grow well soon.
b) cutoff
c) my love for you.
