Unseen Passage For Class 8 English With Answers

Unseen Passage for Class 8

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

My childhood had always been a sheltered one. My parents along with my teachers, tried to instill good ethics in me. But sharing was one moral value which I was never comfortable with. “Why should I give?” was my question. During one vacation to my hometown, I was at the railway station with my parents. As we were waiting for a train, something caught my attention. Two small children, perhaps siblings, were seeking alms nearby. Though they appeared at ease, I was shocked by their overall untidiness. When they approached us, my father promptly gave the older one, some money. Those were the days when I was constantly reminded of the virtues of ”sharing‟ things with others. So, when my mother nudged me, I knew why and the look my mother gave me, confirmed. I had a pack of my favorite chocolates in my pocket and, even though I pretended to have forgotten about it, she remembered them. I was devastated. With a heavy heart I fished out one and placed reluctantly on the outstretched hand of the girl. She flashed a smile and the duo moved on. But my gaze never left them as I wanted to know about the fate of my chocolate. After a while I saw her unwrap it. She then did something which moved me. Without a moment’s hesitation, she put the chocolate in her brother’s mouth and watched his face brighten up as he savored it. Her action puzzled me. Why did she not eat it herself? Regret and shame overcame me when I realized that I had deliberately given only one chocolate. I quickly decided to give her one more chocolate voluntarily. Strangely, my action made me feel better than I had thought. As our train approached the station, the girl rushed to give me something. It was a small paper doll which she had made with the wrapper of the chocolates. I was speechless. Was she trying to convey a “Thank you”? That little girl taught me the joy of sharing and also answered one big question of “Why should I give? I now ask Why not, as sharing is all about loving . Happiness abounds when shared. Years have rolled by and I still cherish that valuable lesson I learnt during that vacation. Sometimes life teaches us things we fail to learn from classrooms. I still think of that girl and her brother and wonder where they would be now….. Those sparkling eyes and beautiful smile.

(i) Complete the sentences on the basis of your reading of the passage: 

Question. The little girl derived happiness by:`
(i) Throwing it
(ii) giving it to another beggar
(iii) putting it in her younger brother’s mouth
Answer : putting the chocolate in her younger brother’s mouth.

Question. The author learnt from the little girl:
(i) The joy of sharing
(ii) everything can’t be shared
(iii) kindness
Answer : 

Question. The author interpreted the little girl’s act as a way of __________________.
Answer : expressing her gratitude for her act of giving only one chocolate to the two siblings.

Question. The author saw two siblings begging when she was on her way ____________________
Answer :  to her home town.

Question. The author’s mother forced her to _________________________________.
Answer : give a chocolate to the beggar.

Question. Before parting the girl presented ________________________to the author.
Answer : paper doll made of the chocolate wrapper.

Question. The author felt ashamed of ______________________________________
Answer : giving only one chocolate deliberately.

Question. As a child, the author learnt moral values from ______________________.
Answer : parents and teachers.

Class 8 English Unseen Passage

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Driving etiquette is a civilized driving behavior, comprising observance of rules and propriety. Certain statutory obligations have to be observed. While driving a vehicle, it is absolutely essential that all documents connected with the ownership of the vehicle, driving license, pollution – free certificate in original etc. are kept in the car. They have to be produced on demand by the competent authority. When a person driving a vehicle is still a learner, an ‘L’ broad should be prominently displayed. To caution pedestrians or a slow moving vehicle in front of us, sounding the horn is essential. We are bound to do it legally as well but we should not honk unnecessarily, creating sound pollution. 

Basic human dignity is more important than strict observance of rules. At crossroads, those who come from our right always have precedence. We should give hand signals for those who follow us, particularly when we slow down, take a sudden turn or overtake a vehicle. Never overtake a vehicle from the wrong side even if there is space. When another driver makes a mistake, try to correct him if time permits, instead of abusing him or threatening him with dire consequences. When you make a mistake, admit it gracefully and apologize for it if possible. When we cause an accident, instead of escaping we should find out from the victim whether we caused any injury and whether any medical assistance is required. If necessary, we should take the injured person to the hospital and inform the police.

The sign of good driving is to create a feeling of safety among other passengers. Abrupt braking, smoking or speaking over the mobile phone makes them insecure. Drunken driving is illegal and immoral. Under the influence of liquor the driver does not know what he is doing. When you stop at a traffic signal, stop the engine as otherwise it leads to atmospheric pollution. Powerful lights cause harm to those who come from the opposite side. Dipping and dimming lights should be a habit with us. Similarly, playing the music system at high volume is irritating to others. We must be sensitive to others’ needs. Keeping to our lane is not only convenient and safe for us but is also a legal compulsion. Finally, politeness on the roads does not cost us anything, it only makes driving a pleasure. So let us all be polite even as we observe the rules of the road.

1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each. 

Tick the correct option: 

Question. Find a word from the passage which is synonym of ‘mandatory’.
(a) Essential
(b) Possible
(c) Statutory
(d) Inform

Question. Find a word from para 1 which is the synonym of ‘concerned’.
(a) Insecure
(b) Competent
(c) Immoral
(d) Legal

Question. Find a word from the passage which means ‘sudden and unexpected’.
(a) Abrupt
(b) Essential
(c) Injury
(d) Assistance

Question. Find a word from para 1 which is a synonym of ‘protocol’.
(a) Etiquette
(b) Competent
(c) Obligations
(d) Behavior

Question. What is driving etiquette?
Answer : Driving etiquette is a civilized vehicle driving behavior comprising observance of rules and propriety. Certain statutory obligations need to be observed while driving a vehicle,

Question. Write some examples of etiquette to be followed while driving.
Answer : Some etiquette to be followed while driving are –
(a) At crossroads, those who come from our right should always have precedence.
(b) We should give hand signals for those who follow us, particularly when we slow down, take a sudden turn or overtake a vehicle.
(c) When another driver makes a mistake, try to correct him if time permits, instead of abusing him.

Question. What is the sign of good driving?
Answer : The sign of good driving is to create a feeling of safety among the other passengers. Abrupt braking, smoking or speaking over the mobile phone makes them insecure.

Question. Which documents should be kept in the vehicle while driving?
Answer : While driving a vehicle, the important documents to be kept inside are your driving license, pollution free certificate in original and any other documents connected with the ownership of the vehicle.

Unseen Passage for Class 8 with Answers

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

Sniffer dog Tucker uses his nose to help researchers find out why a killer whale population off the northwest coast of the United States is on decline. He searches for whale faces floating on the surface of the water, which are then collected for examination. He is one of the elite team of detection dogs used by scientists studying a number of species including Right whales and Killer whales. Conservation canines are fast becoming indispensable tools for biologists according to Aimee Hurt, associate director and co-founder of Working Dogs for Conservation, based in Three Forks, Montana. Over the last few years, though, so many new conservation dog projects have sprung up that Hurt can no longer keep track of them all. Her organization’s dogs and their handlers are fully booked to assist field researchers into 2012.

“Dogs have such a phenomenal sense of smell”, explained Sam Wasser, director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. He has worked with scat-detection dogs since 1990s. Scientists have been using Conservation Canines in their research since 1990s. These dogs have enabled them to non-invasively access vast amount of genetic and physiological information which is used to tackle conservation problems around the world. Such information has proved vital for determining the causes and consequences of human disturbances on wildlife as well as the actions needed to mitigate such impacts.

The ideal detection dog is extremely energetic with an excessive play drive. These dogs will happily work all day long, motivated by the expectation of a ball game as a reward for sample detection. The obsessive, high energy personalities of detection dogs also make them difficult to maintain as pets. As a result, they frequently find themselves abandoned to animal shelters, facing euthanasia. The programme rescues these dogs and offers them a satisfying career in conservation research.

Question. The ideal detection dog ________
Answer : is extremely energetic with an excessive play drive. 

Question. These dogs find career in ________
Answer : conservation research.

Question. Tucker sniffs for whale________
Answer : faeces floating on the surface of water. 

Question. The word ‘euthanasia’ means ________
Answer : painless killing.

Question. The dogs are special because they assist in research without ________
Answer : invasion. 

Question. The dog’s expect________ as a reward of their hard work.
Answer : a ball game. 

Question. According to the text there are a few________ detection dogs like Tucker.
Answer :  elite teams of

Question. _______of these dogs make it difficult to keep them as pets.
Answer : The obsessive, high energy personalities. 

Comprehensions for Class 8 English with Solutions

SPEEDING UP INDIA’S JOURNEY BY BULLETTRAINS

By: Vijay Kumar Dutt,

Indian Railways High speed in Indian Railways is at present limited to 150 KMPH. However, in many other countries the speed of Railways is of the order of 200 KM per hour (KMPH). In France, Japan, Germany, China, Spain and South Korea high speed traction above 280 KMPH has been introduced. India and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 12th December, 2015 on cooperation and assistance in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (HSR) Project referred to by many as ‘Bullet Train Project’. Japan has offered an assistance of over Rs. 79,000 crore for the project. The loan is for a period of 50 years with a moratorium of 15 years, at an interest rate of 0.1 per cent.

The project is a 508-kilometre Railway line costing a total of Rs. 97,636 crore, to be implemented in a period of seven years. It has been agreed that for the Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR Project. Japan’s Shinkansen Technology, known for its speeds reliability and safety, will be adopted. Transfer of technology and “Make in India” will be essential part of this assistance package. Japan will also assist India in training of personnel for HSR.’ The two countries have also entered into two comprehensive technological cooperation agreements on 11th December 2015, for modernization and up gradation of Indian railways. These agreements have been signed during the official visit to India of His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, during December 11-13, 2015.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the questions:

Question. How much time and money is estimated for the Project?
Answer : The time of seven years and an amount of about Rs 97,636 crore is estimated for the project.

Question. What agreements were signed during 11th December to 13th December2015?
Answer : The agreements signed during 11th December to 13th December 2015 were modernization and upgradation of Indian railways.

Question. Which technology will be adopted for the Project?
Answer : Shinkansen Technology will be adopted for the Project.

Question. Name the countries where high speed traction above 280 KMPH has been introduced.
Answer : High speed traction above 280 KMPH has been introduced in France, Japan, Germany, China, Spain and South Korea.

Question. What is Shinkansen Technology famous for?
Answer : Shinkansen Technology is famous for its speeds reliability and safety.

Question. Which project is known as “Bullet Train Project”?
Answer : The MoU signed between India and Japan on cooperation and assistance in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (HSR) Project is known as “Bullet Train Project”

Question. How has Japan assisted India financially for the Project?
Answer : Japan has offered an assistance of over Rs. 79,000 crore for the project. The loan is for a period of 50 years with a moratorium of 15 years, at an interest rate of 0.1 per cent.

Question. In paragraph No. 2 the synonym of ‘essential’ is :
(a) unwanted
(b) inessential
(c) unnecessary
(d) fundamental
Answer : The word is ‘fundamental’.

Solved Unseen Passage for Class 8 English

Read the passage given below 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. The 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 for 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 which had been 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.

(A) Answer the following questions: 

Question. Why was the girl crying?
Answer : The little girl was crying because she had lost her way while gathering flowers for a garland for goddess Durga.

Question. Where did the pine tree want the little girl to sleep for the night?
Answer : The pine tree wanted the little girl to sleep in an open cave-like place under the tree itself.

Question. Why was the little girl disappointed when she looked at the flowers and what did the tree do to make her happy?
Answer : The little girl was disappointed because the flowers that she had gathered the previous night laid withered on the ground.
The tree wrapped his branches around the nearby flower trees and shook them gently so that the little girl may become happy getting so many flowers.

Question. What lesson does this short story teach us?
Answer : The short story teaches us to help others in their time of need.

(B) Do as directed:

Question. What is meant by the word ‘cluster’? (Para 1)
(i) Group
(ii) team
(iii) class
(iv) party

Question. What is meant by the word ‘approaching’? (Para 1)
(i) Calling
(ii) touching
(iii) coming close
(iv) running towards

Question. What is meant by the word ‘wild’? (Para 2)
(i) Cunning
(ii) dirty
(iii) unpolished
(iv) dangerous

Question. What is meant by the word ‘withering’? (Para 2)
(i) Dead
(ii) shrunk
(iii) colorless
(iv) unhappy

Unseen Passages for Class 8 English

Read the following passage carefully:

(1) Even as the number of recorded COVID deaths crossed a million on Monday, medical professionals called for balance in the treatment of COVID and non-COVID cases pointing to the fact that every year cardiovascular diseases kill more than 17 million, cancers over 9.5 million and chronic respiratory diseases almost four million. According to the medical journal Lancet’s report Global Burden of Diseases, there are at least 15 different diseases that kill more than a million people every year. (Img 39)

(2) While the swine flue pandemic in 2009 is estimated to have killed about half a million in one year, the 1918 Spanish flu is estimated to have killed about 50 million.

(3) However, COVID-19 stretched the capacity of health systems as no other pandemic in recent history, as an extraordinary number of patients required hospitalised care and came in at unexpected pace. A good section of these needed prolonged critical care. With the virus being highly infectious, large numbers are affected in a short time. Just 5-6% of total case becoming critically ill has meant a huge burden on the health system.

(4) As health systems geared up for COVID, most other health services were suspended. Referring to a survey across several countries, that showed regular health services were hit in most countries due to COVID, WHO Director General said that many who needed treatment for diseases like cancer, heart ailments and diabetes were not getting the required attention. 

(5) A professor at AIMS, Delhi said, “We have about three to four patients of stroke or heart attack who are brought dead to the hospital every day. The only difference is that COVID deaths are being counted and these are not.”

(6) A modelling study published in the Lancet Global Health suggested that, worldwide, one in five people were at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 should they become infected, mostly as a result of underlying non-communicable diseases.

(7) Unfortunately, hospital systems are designed for average patient loads, not epidemics, stated a paper on hospital capacity and operations during COVID-19, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It added that most hospitals prided themselves on minimising empty beds, but this could result in their being ill-equipped for an increase in cases. The pandemic brought into focus the slackness in a system — under-utilized capacities and capabilities both physical and human, which could be put to use in a crisis.

(8) With health systems operating at more than maximum capacity, a Lancet editorial warned that “healthcare workers, unlike ventilators or wards cannot be urgently manufactured or run at 100% occupancy for long periods.”

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below.

Question. What concern was shown by medical professionals?
Answer : The concern shown up by medical professional was that not enough attention was being paid to non-covid cases with the rise of covid patients.

Question. How did COVID-19 affect the health systems?
Answer : COVID-19 stretched the capacity of health systems as an extraordinary number of patients required hospitalised care and that too prolonged critical case.

Question. Which disease is the world’s biggest killer after cardiovascular diseases?
Answer : Cancers are the biggest killers after cardiovascular diseases.

Question. How many people were killed due to diabetes mellitus in 2017?
Answer : As many as 1.4 million people were killed due to Diabetes milletus in 2017.

Question. What was brought into focus by the pandemic?
Answer : The pandemic brought into focus the slackness in a system – under utilized capacities and capabilities whether it was physical or human and which could be put to use in a crisis.

Question. The phrase ‘geared up’ in para 4 means ___________.
Answer : get ready

Solved Unseen Passages for English Class 8

Read the passage given below :

(1) Music is perhaps the most popular and widely practised form of fine arts, transcending all kinds of cultural and linguistic barriers. Any form of fine art is difficult to master and almost impossible to perfect and music is no exception.

(2) Nature, it is learnt, has blessed almost two-thirds of the human race with musical ability of some sort. Music has the power to bring out the deepest emotions. In fact, it is a magic medicine and many seek refuge in it when they are depressed or stressed. It is this intimacy that makes us listen to music or even hum or sing sometimes. This singing, or realistically speaking, expressing one’s emotion musically sometimes takes a serious turn.

(3) The desire to sing before an audience is innocent and beautiful and indeed it is perfectly alright to have such a genuine desire. But it is also important to understand that singing is an intricate art — a highly refined one at that, which requires systematic, prolonged and strict training, to be acceptable. This is an aspect we forget in our keen desire to reach the stage and perform. It is almost like preparing a formal meal for some specially invited guests, without even having learnt and trained in the basics of cooking.

(4) These days almost everyone sings and it does not stop here. Most of us want to become professional singers. Result: a complete disregard for and ignorance of the training part, as the need is never felt to go through one and the urge to get to the stage and perform overcomes even a little desire to learn, if any. If at all, somewhere along the way one feels the need to gain some knowledge and training, it leads to hurried shortcuts and half-hearted attempts, best described as ‘Crash Courses’.

(5) It is observed that those who have attained the so called partial success, suddenly feel that they lack the required knowledge and are not learned enough. But it is too late by then. It should be understood here that the stage or a performance brings in a different mind-set within the artist. It is always recommended and rightly said that while on stage, cover the mistakes and weaknesses if any, and get along. But the contrary is true when it comes to acquiring knowledge and during the learning process. While under training, the student is expected to make mistakes but then rectify those mistakes under the supervision and guidance of the teacher. Therefore, it is good to make mistakes and then be corrected during the process of learning as this subsequently makes one flawless and educated. This is a different mind-set. And these two mind-set discussed above, (those of a performer and that of a student) cannot coexist.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below:

Question. What happens when most of us want to become a professional singer?
Answer : Such desires result in a complete disregard for and ignorance of the training part.

Question. What should one do when on stage?
Answer : When on stage, one should cover the mistakes and weaknesses if any and get along.

Question. Which two mind-sets are discussed in the last line of the above passage?
Answer : One mind-set is that of a performer, who is recommended to cover the mistakes.
Second is of a student, who is expected to make mistakes and then rectify them under proper supervision.

Question. How can we say that music is a magic medicine?
Answer : Indeed, Music is a magic medicine as it can make one cry or bring smile on one’s face.

Question. What is best described as Crash Course?
Answer : Hurried short cuts and half hearted attempts at learning something are described as crash courses.

Question. ‘Transcending’ in Paragraph 1 means ______________.
Answer : Rise above.