Parents often use SCERT Kerala Syllabus 8th Standard English Notes Pdf Unit 4 Chapter 3 Thank You Ma’am Questions and Answers Activities Notes to assist their kids with homework.
Class 8 English Thank You Ma’am Question Answer Activities
Thank You Ma’am Questions and Answers Class 8
8th Standard English Thank You Ma’am Question Answer
Question 1.
How does the boy try to snatch the purse from the lady?
ആൺകുട്ടി ആ സ്ത്രീയുടെ കയ്യിൽ നിന്ന് പേഴ്സ് തട്ടിപ്പറിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചത് എങ്ങനെയാണ്?
Answer:
The boy ran up behind her while she was walking alone at night and grabbed her purse. The strap broke, but his pull was so strong that he lost his balance and fell.
Question 2.
What did the lady do when the boy fell down?
ആൺകുട്ടി താഴെ വീണപ്പോൾ ആ സ്ത്രീ എന്തു ചെയ്തു?
Answer:
Instead of chasing him or shouting, the large woman simply turned around, reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him hard until his teeth rattled.
Question 3.
Why didn’t the woman turn the boy loose?
എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് ആ സ്ത്രീ ആൺകുട്ടിയെ വെറുതെ വിടാതിരുന്നത്?
Answer:
The woman didn’t turn the boy loose because when she asked him if he would run, he admitted that he would (“Yes’m”). She wanted to teach him a lesson and wash his face, not let him escape.
Question 4.
Pick out the words that suggest the boy was frightened as the lady dragged him to her house.
ആ സ്ത്രീ ആൺകുട്ടിയെ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് വലിച്ചു കൊണ്ടുപോകുമ്പോൾ അവൻ ഭയന്നിരുന്നു എന്ന് സൂചിപ്പിക്കുന്ന വാക്കുകൾ കണ്ടെത്തുക.
Answer:
The story explicitly calls him the “frightened boy.” His whispering “I’m very sorry, lady, I’m sorry” and the sweat popping out on his face as he began to struggle also suggest his fear.
Question 5.
Why did Roger snatch the pock book?
എന്തിനാണ് റോജർ പേഴ്സ് തട്ടിപ്പറിച്ചത്?
Answer:
Roger snatched the pocketbook because he wanted a pair of blue suede shoes and likely didn’t have the money to buy them.
Question 6.
Why was Roger awe-struck by Mrs Jones’ words?
മിസിസ് ജോൺസിന്റെ വാക്കുകൾ കേട്ട് റോ ജർ അത്ഭുതപ്പെട്ടത് എന്തുകൊണ്ട്?
Answer:
Roger was awe-struck when Mr. Jones said, “You could of asked me.” He was completely surprised and per- haps touched by the idea that instead of snatching, he could have simply asked for help to get the shoes. It was an unexpected display of kindness and trust.
Question 7.
How does Mrs Jones treat Roger at the table?
ഭക്ഷണമേശയിൽ മിസിസ് ജോൺസ് റോജ റിനോട് എങ്ങനെയാണ് പെരുമാറിയത്?
Answer:
Mrs. Jones treats Roger with kindness and respect at the table. She shares her simple meal (lima beans, ham, cocoa) with him, gives him half of her cake, and tells him about her job. Importantly, she does not ask him embarrassing questions, about his life or family, allowing him to eat in peace.
Question 8.
Could Roger express his gratitude in any other way than by saying, ‘Thank you, ma’am’? Give reasons to support your answer.
‘നന്ദിയുണ്ട്, മാഡം’ എന്ന് പറയുന്നതല്ലാതെ മറ്റേതെങ്കിലും വിധത്തിൽ റോജറിന് തന്റെ ന ന്ദി പ്രകടിപ്പിക്കാൻ കഴിയുമായിരുന്നോ? നിങ്ങ ളുടെ ഉത്തരത്തെ സാധൂകരിക്കുന്ന കാരണ ങ്ങൾ നൽകുക.
Answer:
Yes, Roger did express his gratitude in other ways, even if he couldn’t find the right words at the end.
- His Actions: He consciously chose not to run away when he had the chance, even though the door was open. He sat where she could see him because he “did not want to be mistrusted now.”
- Offering Help: He offered to go to the store for her (“Do you need somebody to go to the store…?”).
These actions show that Mrs Jones’ skindness had deeply affected him, and he was trying to show his trust-worthiness and appreciation through his behaviour, not just words. He was overwhelmed by her unexpected generosity and couldn’t articulate his feelings beyond a simple “Thank you.”
Thank You Ma’am Questions and Answers – Let’s rewind
Question 1.
What do Mrs Jones’s actions reveal about her attitude to the boy?
മിസിസ് ജോൺസിന്റെ പ്രവൃത്തികൾ ആൺകുട്ടി യോടുള്ള അവരുടെ മനോഭാവത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് എന്താണ് വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നത്?
Answer:
Mrs Jones’s actions reveal an attitude of tough love, compassion, and understanding. Instead of handing him over to the police, she takes him home, makes him wash his face, shares her food with him, talks to him respectfully, and even gives him money for the shoes he wanted. This shows she believes in giving him a second chance and teaching him right from wrong through kindness rather than punishment.
Question 2.
What, according to you, might the boy have learnt from his encounter with Mrs Jones?
നിങ്ങളുടെ അഭിപ്രായത്തിൽ, മിസിസ് ജോൺ സുമായുള്ള കണ്ടുമുട്ടലിൽ നിന്ന് ആൺകുട്ടി എന്തായിരിക്കാം പഠിച്ചത്?
Answer:
The boy likely learned several important lessons:
- The value of trust and kindness: He experienced unexpected instead of punishment.
- That stealing is wrong and unnecessary: Mrs Jones points out he could have asked for the money.
- The importance of self-respect: She makes him wash his face and look presentable.
- That people care: He learned that even strangers can show compassion and understanding.
Question 3.
Have you ever experienced unexpected kindness? How does it make you feel even now?
നിങ്ങൾക്ക് എപ്പോഴെങ്കിലും അപ്രതീക്ഷിത മായി ദയ ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ? അത് ഇപ്പോൾ പോലും നിങ്ങളിൽ എന്തു വികാരമാണ് ഉളവാക്കുന്നത്?
Answer:
Yes, I once lost my wallet on a bus. I was very upset as it had my ID cards and some money. A few hours later, a stranger who found it contacted me through a number on one of the cards and returned it with everything intact. I was incredibly relieved and grateful. Even now, remembering that act of kindness makes me feel hopeful about people and reminds me to be helpful to others whenever I can.
Question 4.
How does this story challenge conventional ideas of justice and punishment?
ഈ കഥ നീതിയെയും ശിക്ഷയെയും കുറിച്ചു ള്ള പരമ്പരാഗത ആശയങ്ങളെ എങ്ങനെയാണ് ചോദ്യം ചെയ്യുന്നത്?
Answer:
The story challenges conventional ideas by showing that compassion and understanding can be more effective than punishment. The conventional response to Roger’s crime would be to call the police and have him arrested. Instead, Mrs Jones uses empathy, trust, and generosity to teach him a lesson. This suggests that true justice might involve rehabilitation and understanding rather than just retribution.
Thank You Ma’am Activities
Class 8 English Thank You Ma’am Activities Pdf – Let’s recall and recreate:
Activity 1
A. Roger was deeply moved by the lady’s compassion and humanity He writes a letter to her expressing his gratitude. Let’s read the letter.
Answer:
Note that Roger uses no formal words or phrases in this letter as it is quite personal.
A personal or informal letter addresses someone the writer knows well, such as a friend or family member. Such letters can be casual and often share thoughts, feelings, updates, or news.
B. Nehru, in his speech calls all citizens to live and work together on the path to prosperity. Imagine you share this vision with one of your friends, through a letter. Write the likely letter.
Answer:
നെഹ്റുവിന്റെ കാഴ്ചപ്പാട് ഒരു സുഹൃത്തുമായി പങ്കുവെച്ചുകൊണ്ട് ഒരു വിദ്യാർത്ഥി എഴുതുന്ന കത്ത് തയ്യാറാക്കുക.
Answer:
[Your Address]
[Date]
Dear (Friends name)
I hope you are doing well. Today, I read Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous “Tryst with De tiny” speech, delivered on the eve of our Independence, and it truly moved me. I wanted to share some of his powerful ideas with you.
Nehru spoke of the immense responsibility that comes with freedom. He envisioned a future for India built not on rest, but on “incessant striving” – constant hard work to end poverty, ignorance, disease, and inequality. His dream was to “wipe every tear from every eye.” Isn’t that a beautiful and powerful goal?
He also stressed the importance of unity, saying this is no time for petty criticism or blaming others. We need to work together to build the “noble mansion of free India” where everyone can live with dignity. What struck me most was his view that India’s future is connected to the world’s. He said peace, freedom, and prosperity are indivisible.
Reading his words made me feel both proud of our nation’s ideals and aware of the huge tasks ahead. It made me think about what we, as young citizens, can do. We need to live up to these ideals, work hard for our country, and treat everyone with respect.
What do you think about his vision? Let me know when we next meet.
With warm regards,
Your name
Class 8 English Thank You Ma’am Question Answer – Activity 2
A. Mrs Jones was extremely happy that she 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.
മിസിസ് ജോൺസ് തന്റെ ഒരു സുഹൃത്തിന് അയക്കുന്ന ഇമെയിൽ തയ്യാറാക്കുക.
Answer:
From: jones123@abc.com
To: unknown@qbc.com
CC:
Subject: About an incident happened last night,
I hope this email finds you well. I had the strangest encounter last night and just had to share it with you.
Around eleven, while walking home, a young boy tried to snatch my pocketbook! Can you imagine? The strap broke, and he fell right down. Well, instead of letting him runoff, I picked him up-poor skinny thing, looked about fourteen-and dragged him back to my place.
His face was terribly dirty, so the first thing I did was make him wash it. He looked scared to death, thought I was taking him to jail. But Martha, when I asked him why he did it, he said he wanted blue suede shoes. Blue suede shoes! It reminded me so much of when I was young and wanted things I couldn’t get.
So, I fixed us some supper-lima beans and ham – and we ate together. I told him a bit about my job. I didn’t pry into his life; didn’t want to embarrass him. Afterwards, I gave him ten dollars for those shoes and told him to behave himself and that asking is better than snatching.
He looked so stunned, barely managed a Thank you’ before I shut the door. I don’t know if I did the right thing, but I hope maybe, just maybe, he learned something more than fear last night. Sometimes a little kindness goes further than locking folks up, don’t you think?
Let me know how you are doing.
Love,
Luella
B. After the incident Roger realised his mistake and vowed that he would never repeat such a deed ever again. He decides to write down his thoughts. Write the thoughts he would notedown.
സംഭവത്തിന് ശേഷം റോജർ കുറിച്ചിടാൻ സാധ്യതയുള്ള ചിന്തകൾ എഴുതുക.
Answer:
That large woman… Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones. I’ll never forget that name. Or her face.
I tried to steal her purse. I fell. I thought for sure she’d yell, hit me, or call the cops. But she just picked me up and shook me. Then… dragged me home.
Her room. Other people laughing. The door was open. I could have run. Why didn’t I run?
She made me wash my face. Said she wouldn’t take me to jail ‘with that face’. Then she gave me food. Lima beans and ham. Cake she didn’t ask questions like everyone else does. Just talked about her job.
I will never forget her……I will not steal anymore
Std 8 English Thank You Ma’am Question Answer – Let’s play with words
Activity 1
A Read the following excerpt from the speech.
Through good fortune and ill alike, she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of misfortunes and India discovers herself again.
• Now, observe the words highlighted in the above passage. What difference do you notice in the two words?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answer:
“Fortune”means good luck or prosperity. “Misfortunes” means bad luck or un fortunate events.
• What is the effect of the prefix ‘mis-‘? Doesn’t it create a word with the opposite meaning?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answer:
Yes, the prefix ‘mis-‘ creates a word with the opposite or negative meaning.
Antonyms are words that are opposite in meaning. They can be created using prefixex like ‘mis’- , ‘dis’, ‘un’-, ‘im-’ and ‘in-’.
B. Now, try to write the antonyms of the following words using suitable prefixes.
Answer:
| Word | Antonym |
| equality | inequality |
| appear | disappear |
| possible | impossible |
| kind | unkind |
| understand | misunderstand |
C. Fill in the blanks with suitable words or their antonyms from the table above.
1. We should be kind to our fellow bein gs rather than ………………………..
Answer:
unkind.
2. Nothing is impossible if you decide to make it ……………………
Answer:
possible.
3. Inequality can never be justified because ………………………. is the birthright of all human beings.
Answer:
equality
Thank You Ma’am Class 8 Question Answer – Let’s analysis:
Activity 1
A. Here’s a short review of the story ‘Thank You, Ma’am’. I have read the story ‘Thank you Ma’am’ in which the kindness of the woman Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones, teaches the young boy, Roger, a valuable lesson. When he tried to snatch her pocketbook, she took the boy home, fed him lima beans and ham, and even gave him money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. Her job in the beauty-shop paid her enough to help many others like Roger. She always felt that children from poor families needed support.
• List the words highlighted in the review.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Answer:
story, woman, Jones, boy, Roger, lesson, pocketbook, home, lima beans, ham, money, pair, shoes, job, beauty-shop, families.
• What is special about the words listed?
Answer:
The listed words are nouns. A noun denotes a person, place, thing, animal or idea. There are different kinds of nouns such as proper nouns, common nouns, collective nouns and abstract nouns.
B. Classify the nouns in the review as proper, common, collective or abstract and fill in the table. One has been done for you.
Answer:
| Proper noun | Common noun | Collective noun | Abstract noun |
| Roger | boy | pair | kindness |
| Jones | woman | families | lesson |
| (None other) | story | (None other) | (None other) |
| pocketbook | |||
| home | |||
| lima beans |
C. Here is a passage written by a student inspired by Jawaharla! Nehru’s speech.
Note the highlighted words, (page no. 127)
Nehru’s speech on the momentous occasion of Indian independence was indeed an appeal to the people to stand together for the development of our nation. The moment, being historical, can never be forgotten, since millions sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. All these sacrifices were quite significant in helping us gain freedom. So, as responsible citizens of free India, we are bound to
acknowledge the efforts of all freedom fighters, and perform our duties, dedicating ourselves to the service of the nation.
• Now, observe the following phrases from the above passage given below and do as il lustrated.
Answer:
| Phrase | Determiner | Noun |
| an appeal | an | appeal |
| The moment | The | moment |
| their lives | their | lives |
| these sacrifices | these | sacrifices |
• What is the function of the words preceding the nouns in the above paragraph?
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Answer:
The words preceding the nouns (an, The, their, these) are determiners. They function to clarify or specify details relating to the nouns, such as quantity, possession, or definiteness.
Determiners are words that precede nouns, to clarify or specify details relating to the nouns.
• List similar phrases from the passage in the space below.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Answer:
the development, our nation, the freedom, the country, all freedom fighters, our duties, the service
D. Now, match the determiners in column A with suitable nouns in column B to make meaningful phrases in column C.
Answer:
| A | B | C |
| (Determiners) | (Noun) | (Phrase) |
| A | B | C |
| (Determiners) | (Noun) | (Phrase) |
| A | boy | A boy |
| An | orchestra | An orchestra |
| The | speech | The speech |
| This | child | This child |
| That | duty | That duty |
| These | speeches | These speeches |
| Those | boys | Those boys |
| My/her/his | duty | My/her/his duty |
| Some | children | Some children |
| Many | duties | Many duties |
| Five | boys | Five boys |
| First | speech | First speech |
E. Fill in the blanks choosing suitable determiners from those in the box below.
| their, a, the, these, many, his, an |
Roger tried to snatch Mrs Jones’spurse, but, she stopped him. Strangely, she did n’t punish him but helped him realise ………………… mistake. She gave him ………………… opportunity to correct his mistake because she felt he had taken to stealing only because of his circumstances. ………………… children like Roger get carried away by ………………… wishes which they feel they are unable to fulfil. But, if elders take the trouble to correct them, it will encourage them to avoid such tendencies ………………… society that is devoid of moral values is a curse to humanity. In fact, it is ………………… values that make a person human and humane. So, let’s be compassionate to our fellow-beings and help each other because sticking together in times of need is one of ………………… most important of human values.
Answer:
Roger tried to snatch Mrs Jones’spurse, but, she stopped him. Strangely, she did n’t punish him but helped him realise his mistake. She gave him the opportunity to correct his mistake because she felt he had taken to stealing only because of his circumstances. Many children like Roger get carried away by their wishes which they feel they are unable to fulfil. But, if elders take the trouble to correct them, it will encourage them to avoid such tendencies A society that is devoid of moral values is a curse to humanity. In fact, it is these values that make a person human and humane. So, let’s be compassionate to our fellow-beings and help each other because sticking together in times of need is one of the most important of human values.
F. We have learned about nouns, adjectives and determiners. It is possible to turn a noun into a noun phrase by adding determiners and adjectives to the head noun.
Consider the noun, ‘purse’. Let’s turn it into a noun phrase, creating a word pyramid.
Purse (the head noun)
A purse
A brown purse
A beautiful brown purse
Now, expand the following nouns in to noun phrases and create word pyramids.
1. Shoes
2. Children
Answer:
1. Shoes
Shoes (the head noun)
The shoes
The blue shoes
The coveted blue suede shoes
2. Children
Children (the head noun)
Many children
Many poor children
Many poor hungry children
Thank You Ma’am Class 8 Questions and Answers Pdf – Activity 2
A. These are Roger’s thoughts when he returns home. Read them.
Answer:
Why did I do it? I shouldn’t have done it. In fact, trying to pick someone’s pocketbook is a crime, a serious offence. How embarrassing the experience was! Actually, such a thought should never have entered my mind. But, it did. I think I got carried away by my longing for the blue suede shoes. It was so kind of Mrs Jones to forgive me. Otherwise, I would have ended up at the police station. Someone, please help me, I won’t repeat this ever again. I will always be good to everyone.
B. Now, let’s focus on a few of Roger’s thoughts.
Answer:
C. Now, try to categorise the thoughts by their function. One has been done for you
Answer:
| Statement | Question | Request/Order/ Advice | Expressions of sudden or strong emotion |
| I shouldn’t have done it. | Why did I do it? | Someone, please help me | How embarrassing the experience was! |
| In fact, trying to pick someone’s pocket-book is a crime, a serious offence. | I won’t repeat this ever again. | ||
| Actually, such a thought should never have entered my mind. | I will always be good to everyone. | ||
| But, it did. | |||
| I think I got carried away by my longing for the blue suede shoes. | |||
| It was so kind of Mrs Jones to forgive me. | |||
| Otherwise, I would have ended up at the police station. |
D. Match the following sentences with their function.
Answer:
| Sentence | Type |
| Come with me to my house. | Imperative |
| Why did Mrs Jones help Roger? | Interrogative |
| Roger was a poor boy. | Assertive (Declarative) |
| What a wonderful moment! | Exclamatory |
Activity 3
A. Let’s read an account of the conversation between Mrs Jones and Roger in the picture-story below.
Answer:
B. Imagine Roger meets a friend and reports this conversation to him. Read the conversation between Roger and his friend.
Answer:
C. Let’s note the changes to a dialogue when it is reported. The first is done for you.
Answer:
| Sentence | Type |
| Come with me to my house. | Imperative |
| Why did Mrs Jones help Roger? | Interrogative |
| Roger was a poor boy. | Assertive (Declarative) |
| What a wonderful moment! | Exclamatory |
D. Let’s list the changes we note in a reported statement:
Answer:
E. Now report the following dialogue:
Roger: I will remember this day forever.
Mrs Jones: I won’t forget it either.
: …………………………………………………
: …………………………………………………
Answer:
Roger: I will remember this day forever.
Mrs Jones: I won’t forget it either.
Reported Dialogue: Roger said that he would remember that day forever. Mrs Jones replied that she wouldn’t forget it either.
Thank You Ma’am Notes – Let’s converse:
Activity
Mrs Jones wants to know why Roger had tried to snatch her pocketbook. She enquires about the reasons and his whereabout as she serves him food.
Mrs Jones: I’d like to know why you tried to attack me.
Roger: I wished so much to buy a pair of blue suede shoes.
Mrs Jones: Do you know I could hand you over to the police?
Roger: Yes, ma’am.
Mrs Jones: Will you tell me more about your circumstances?
Roger: We are very poor ma’am. We live in the suburbs.
• Note that Mrs Jones uses a few expressions as she speaks to Roger to get information from him.
We may use several other expressions to seek information, such as the following
Answer:
• Will you tell me…?
• Do you know…?
• Please share with me…
• I’d like to know..
• ………….
• ………….
• ………….
Class 8 English Thank You Ma’am Activities Pdf- Let’s team up (Group Project):
A. There are many well-known speeches in history and literature. Some of these are political orations, some are literary pieces, while others are speeches on public platforms such as TED. Here is a short list. You may add more examples to the list.
• Swami Vivekananda’s speech in Chicago on 11 September 1893.
• ……………………………………………………………….
• ……………………………………………………………….
• ……………………………………………………………….
B. Now, let’s listen to some speeches.
C. You may form four groups, select any of the speeches on the list and prepare for a declamation performance. You may choose any of the speeches that you have listened to or any other by a historical figure or literary character.
D. Now, you may take up different roles such as those of the character delivering the speech, the videographer, the director, etc. When you deliver the speech, focus on vocal delivery, body language, gestures and emotional expression. Using props and costumes relating to the selected character could add to the power of the performance. You may publish the video on the school channel.
