The Cherry Tree
Class VIII | English – Poorvi | Textbook Questions and Practice Material
ON THIS PAGE
Question I: Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1
**(i) Substitute the underlined phrase with a correct word from the extract.**
Answer: **Promptly**
**(ii) What does Rakesh's action of rolling the cherry seed in his mouth most likely suggest about his mood at that moment?**
Answer: **B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.**
**(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably.**
Answer: Rakesh's decision to plant the seed shows that **he respects and values his grandfather's advice**.
**(iv) How does the grandfather's advice reflect his view about luck and effort?**
Answer: Grandfather believes that luck becomes meaningful only when we make an effort to use an opportunity. Keeping the seed would not produce anything, but planting it could help it grow into a tree. He teaches Rakesh that success requires action, care and patience.
Extract 2
**(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.**
Answer: The phrase suggests that **the winter was extremely cold, forcing even field-mice to leave their natural shelter and seek warmth inside the cottage**.
**(ii) What can be inferred about the cherry tree's toughness from the given line?**
Answer: **B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.**
**(iii) How did the early winter affect Grandfather's mood and storytelling?**
Answer: The early winter blocked the road from the valley, so newspapers could not reach the cottage for several days. This made Grandfather grumpy. His stories, which usually had interesting and cheerful endings, began to have unhappy endings.
**(iv) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.**
Answer: The comparison symbolises **the tree's growth paralleling Rakesh's own development**.
Question II: Short Answer Type Questions
1. Why did Rakesh's parents send him to Mussoorie?
Answer:
Rakesh's parents sent him to Mussoorie to receive an education. Their village had no school, so they sent him to live with his grandfather.
2. Why did Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the cherry tree?
Answer:
Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain because it was not harming the tree. He was also pleased that his cherry tree had attracted its first visitor.
3. How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?
Answer:
Life in the Himalayan foothills is beautiful but difficult. The region experiences harsh winters, monsoons and changing seasons. People depend on farming, while forests, birds and animals form an important part of their surroundings.
4. What might Rakesh mean when he says, "Is this what it feels to be God?" at the end of the story?
Answer:
Rakesh feels amazed that a tiny seed planted by him has grown into a beautiful tree. He experiences the joy of creating and nurturing life. He wonders whether this feeling of bringing something to life is what being God feels like.
5. How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?
Answer:
Rakesh and his grandfather share a loving and affectionate relationship. They enjoy each other's company, exchange stories and learn from one another. Grandfather guides Rakesh with practical advice, while Rakesh brings happiness and companionship to his life.
6. What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?
Answer:
The story shows that human beings and nature are closely connected. Humans can plant and care for trees, but nature provides the conditions for their growth. Caring for nature also develops patience, kindness and respect for all living creatures.
7. Imagine Rakesh reflects on his wonderful experience of watching a seed being transformed into a full-grown cherry tree. Write how he must have felt.
Answer:
I feel amazed when I look at the tall cherry tree. I still remember planting a tiny seed without expecting much from it. I had almost forgotten about it when I discovered a little shoot growing from the soil. I cared for it and watched it grow. The tree faced many difficulties. A goat ate its leaves, a woman cut it with a sickle, and heavy snowfall bent it down. Yet, it survived and grew stronger. Today, it gives shade, flowers and fruits. I feel proud and happy because I helped it grow. It has taught me that even a small effort can create something beautiful and lasting.
Question V: Punctuation
Answer: Punctuated Paragraph
Every Sunday, Roshni would visit her grandparents' house on their farm.
"Come, sit," Grandpa would say, patting the bench on their porch.
Roshni loved these moments when the world slowed down and stories flowed like magic. Grandma would bring tea, her eyes twinkling with joy.
"I'm excited to hear about your younger days, the adventures, the lessons, and the memories," Roshni said eagerly.
Grandpa smiled softly, his wrinkled hands resting on the cane. "Ah, the old days... when everything was simple and happiness was all we had."
Roshni could feel the warmth of those memories. She sat in silence, bound not by words but by a timeless bond.
Let Us Write: Article Writing
Trees – Our Lifeline
Trees are essential for life on Earth. Without them, life as we know **would stop existing**. This is the reason why trees are our lifeline.
Trees provide us with food, shelter, and even medicine. Trees **absorb carbon dioxide** and release oxygen, helping us breathe. This process also **reduces pollution** and keeps the environment clean. **Additionally**, trees give us fruits, nuts, and other foods. Trees also help in **climate control** and prevention of soil erosion.
**If trees were not there**, the air would be polluted, and we would struggle to breathe. **Moreover, our planet** would be barren, lacking food, shelter, and life-giving greenery.
**To conclude**, trees are true friends. Protecting and planting trees **ensures a better future** for everyone on Earth. Therefore, we must act now to protect and plant more trees, preserving Earth's green lifeline for future generations.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question: The story *The Cherry Tree* shows that patience, care and determination can help even a small seed grow into a beautiful tree. Explain how the story also highlights the relationship between human beings and nature.
Answer:
The story *The Cherry Tree* highlights the close relationship between human beings and nature through Rakesh's experience of planting and nurturing a cherry seed. With his grandfather's guidance, Rakesh plants the seed and looks after the young tree. The tree faces several difficulties, including goats, a careless grass-cutter, a caterpillar and heavy snowfall. However, it survives and gradually grows into a beautiful tree. Rakesh learns to care for living things and develops a deep emotional attachment to the tree. His grandfather also teaches him that nature rewards patience and effort. The tree provides shade, blossoms, fruits and shelter to birds and insects. The story reminds us that humans are not separate from nature; they are its partners and caretakers. We must protect and respect it.
Practice Questions
A. Short Answer Type Questions
Answer the following questions in about 30–40 words each.
1.
Why did Grandfather believe that the cherry tree would survive even after being cut in two?
2.
How did Rakesh show his concern for the cherry tree as it grew?
3.
What role did different animals and birds play in the life of the cherry tree?
4.
Why did the appearance of the first blossom seem like a miracle to Rakesh and Grandfather?
5.
How did the cherry tree become a special part of Rakesh and Grandfather's lives?
B. Long Answer Type Questions
Answer the following questions in about 100–125 words each.
1.
Rakesh and the cherry tree grow together in the story. Explain how their growth and development are connected.
2.
Grandfather plays an important role in shaping Rakesh's attitude towards life and nature. Discuss his influence with examples from the story.
C. Article Writing – Practice Questions
Write articles on the following topics in about 120–150 words each. Use the clues to develop your ideas.
1. Save Trees, Save Life
Clues: Importance of trees – oxygen and food – shelter for animals – rainfall – soil conservation – deforestation – need for afforestation – public awareness.
2. Environmental Pollution: A Growing Concern
Clues: Meaning of pollution – air, water and land pollution – causes – effects on human health – damage to nature – preventive measures – public responsibility.
3. The Importance of Forests
Clues: Natural wealth – biodiversity – homes for wildlife – climate regulation – rainfall – medicinal plants – deforestation – forest conservation.
4. Plant More Trees, Make Earth Greener
Clues: Need for plantation – benefits of trees – school plantation drives – community participation – care of saplings – responsibility of citizens.
5. Nature: Our Best Teacher
Clues: Beauty of nature – patience and growth – interdependence of living things – lessons from trees – respect for all forms of life – living in harmony with nature.
No comments:
Post a Comment