SSVM INSTITUTIONS

SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2021-2022

PERIODIC TEST 1
CLASS: VIII MARKS: 40
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into two parts: A and B. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read
these instructions very carefully and follow them.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Part A (15 Marks -MCQ TYPE)

READING (10 marks)
Q.1 Read the passage given below.

The kingdom of book is as vast as the universe, for there is no corner of which they have
left unexplored. There is no dearth of books on any topic, be it as simple as the
composition of sodium nitrate or as intricate as the mechanism of a space craft rocketing
towards the Mars. We make use of books for the dissemination of useful ideas, for
popularising the fruits of our research in various fields of knowledge and for spreading
our progressive views on matters which are of vital concern to our fellow beings. In fact,
no single product of human labour has been as helpful to the advancement of civilization
as books which are written in all languages of the world and which are decoratively
placed in bookshelves in our homes and tastefully displayed in bookstalls and libraries. If
to Keats, works of ancient poets like Homer were realms of gold from which he derived
much joy as well as inspiration, to the modern lover of books, the labours of all geniuses,
including those of Keats, are mines of inestimable intellectual wealth which he goes on
exploring for the sake of his mental and spiritual advancement.

(On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from
the SEVEN that follow.) (5X1=5)

1. The kingdom of books is compared to

a. a nation b. universe c. a country d. a state.

2. The books are used

a. for gaining knowledge b. for learning new things

c. for gaining useful ideas d. all of the above.

3. Keats was inspired by

a. ancient poets b. Homer c. Words Worth d. Robert Frost.

4. Pick out the right antonym of the word „calculable‟ from the passage

a. dissemination b. progressive c. inestimable d. advancement

5. Books are written in ________ the languages of the world

a. some of b. all c. a few of d. most of.

6. Books are displayed in

a. libraries b. bookstalls c. bookstalls and libraries d. shops.

7. The word „Dearth‟ implies

a. scarcity b. plenty c. lenient d. benefit.

Q.2 Read the passage given below.

Andrew Fang is a legend in bowling. He was voted Sportsman of the year in 2000. Andrew
is only 23. He started bowling when he was nine, picking up the sport from his parents.
“When I was just starting out, my family supported me by paying for my training and
equipment,” says the Arts undergraduate whose major is economics. Competition or not,
Andrew has no problem keeping fit. “I like biking. Rain or shine, you’ll find me on my
mountain bike cycling for at least two hours at Bukit Timah, four times a week. It takes my
mind off problems.” Says Andrew. Rest and creation are as important as exercise.

“I love sleeping”, Andrew says. When I’m preparing for tournament, I usually sleep eight to
nine hours a day”. He also likes playing pool, reading novel or watching a show with his
friends. When it comes to food, Andrew says he takes everything in moderation and stays
away from fried and fatty food. He takes in more protein than the average person and tries to
drink as much water as he can to prevent dehydration since he cycles so much. Because of
his discipline, Andrew’s working relationship with his coach has been very smooth.
Andrew’s priority, however, is education. “Getting my degree is my biggest wish now. After
that I can concentrate fully on professional bowling”. Andrew states firmly.
(On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from
the SEVEN that follow.) (5x1=5)
1. Andrew Fang is introduced to bowling by his
a. parents b. teacher c. coach d. friends
2. What does Andrew do when he is stressed?

a. he goes climbing b. he climbs up Bukit Timah Hill

c. he goes cycling on his mountain bike. d. he eats fried and fatty food.

3. How does Andrew prepare himself for tournaments?

a. he cycles for two hours everyday

b. he sleeps at least eight to nine hours a day

c. he plays pool and reads a good novel

d. he takes in less protein and drinks more water.

4. Which one of the following is most important to Andrew now?

a. to be a graduate from university.

b. to be a professional bowler

c. to be voted as Sportsman of the year

d. pay his parents for his training and the equipment.

5. “Andrew Fang is legend in bowling” means that

a. he is very disciplined and co-operates with his coach.

b. his achievements in sports must be remarkable.

c. his interest in bowling lasted for fourteen years

d. he has written a book on bowling.

6. According to Andrew the two things those are as important as exercise.

a. swimming and jogging b. fat and protein rich food

c. rest and recreation d. yoga and meditation.

7. The above passage clearly points out Andrew‟s

a. passion for cycling b. interest in climbing mountains

c. craving for protein rich food d. passion for bowling.

 LITERATURE (5 MARKS)

Q.3 A. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE, by answering the
questions that follow. (5 X 1 = 5)

“I‟ll go round the world one day, “he vows. I‟ll buy a plane and go everywhere” And
maybe he will. He has a determined chin and a defiant look in his eye.

1. „I‟ll buy a plane and go everywhere. „Who is the speaker of the above passage?

a. The author b. Bindra c. Ranbir d. Bindra’s father.

2. I‟ll go round the world one day, he vows.

a. It expresses Ranbir’s confidence

b. It expresses his headstrong attitude

c. It expresses Ranbir’s interest to go round

d. None of the above.

3. And may be he will. These words are said by?

a. Children b. Bindra’s father c. Ranbir’s Sister d. The narrator.

4. The figure of speech Determined chin explicits

a. Ranbir’s Physical feature

b. Ranbir’s stubborn and strong will

c. Ranbir’s struggles in life

d. Ranbir’s enthusiastic attitude.

5. Pick out the correct synonym for the word defiant look

a. bold and challenging b. cooperative c. very obedient d. too aggressive.

(OR)
B. „Her golden finger on her lip

Wills silence everywhere.‟

1. The phrase golden finger insinuates

a. the poet’s artistic talent

b. the poet’s sense of imagination

c. the motherly touch of the nature

d. none of the above.

2. How does Mother Nature brings silence everywhere?

a. by admonishing all living beings

b. by frightening all creatures

c .by keeping her fingers on her lips and hushing

d. by singing songs.

3. What does this poem symbolize?

a. Nature as God

b. Nature as a caring Mother

c. Nature as a well wisher

d. Nature as a guide

4. What does the poet try to imply in the above lines?

a. Mother nature’s impatient behaviour

b. Mother nature’s impolite attitude

c. Mother nature’s disciplining methods

d. Mother nature’s strict upbringing.

5. The mentioned poetic lines express

a. the poet’s deep love for nature

b. the poet’s concern on materialistic things

c. the poet’s interest on worldly pleasures

d. the poet’s dislike of human beings.

 GRAMMAR (5 MARKS)

Q.4 Choose the correct options to complete the following sentences: (1/2 X 2=1)
1. Which sentence expresses possibility?

a. They may come by car.

b. She can dance well.

2. Which sentence expresses a request?

a. Students may not wear jeans.

b. Could you give me a lift in your bike?

Q.5 Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks and complete the following
sentences: (1/2 X 2=1)

1. Lack of sleep __________ (affects/ effects)-the quality of work

2. My mother bought _________ (stationary/ stationery) that was on recycled paper.

Q.6. Choose the correct options for ANY THREE of the FIVE sentences given below:
(3 x 1 =3)
1. She had no sleep. She ______ be tired now.
a. have to b. can c. may d. will

2. You ________ leave early to the railway station on time.

a. should b. might c. can d. could

3. ___________ I borrow your camera please?

a. would b. might c. could d. should

4. ___________ you mind carrying this parcel?

a. shall b. would c. may d. ought

5. We ___________ complete our exams on time.

a. shall b. have to c. can d. could

 PART B: (20 Marks) WRITING (5 Marks)
Q.7. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5 marks)

A. You want to join a coaching centre for admission to ITI courses. You had seen an
advertisement in the local newspaper. “Join Sahdev Coaching Centre for all ITI Courses.
Write to the Director, A-109, Pahari Dhiraj, New Delhi.” Write a letter enquiring about
the duration, fees timings and two more things you consider important. You are Avik and
live at 1668, Laxmibai Nagar, New Delhi.
(OR)

B. Question: On the basis of the information provided in the box below, write a short
bio-sketch of Abraham Lincoln.

Born: 1809 in Northern Kentucky

Family: Father- wealthy farmer, lost his land when Lincoln was 7, moved to Indiana
Mother- died when he was nine, family moved to Illinois soon after

Education: Little formal education, loved to read. Studied law by reading law books-
became a lawyer in 1837, Springfield, Illinois

Political Career: began early- served in State Legislature, in the U.S. House of
Representatives. Gifted Speaker, speeches against slavery, nomination for Presidency-
won in 1860. Re elected in 1864

Death: assassinated by John Wilks Booth on April 15, 1865. Remembered for wisdom,
compassion, patriotism

LITERATURE (15 Marks)

Q.8. Answer ANY TWO questions in 20-30 words each, from the following: (2x2=4)

1) What were the three questions that the king asked?

2) How does nature deal with the feeble, the wayward and the children?

3) What do you know about Ranbir? What kind of life does he lead?

4) In what ways the life of these children better than those of their parents?
Q. 9. Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each, from the following. (3x2=6)
1) How did the hermit teach the king a lesson? What was the lesson?

2) Why does nature have to restrain the animals and birds of the forests?

3) Was the king satisfied with the answers he received? Why/ why not?

4) What was the earlier status of girls with regard to education and what is the status now?

Q. 10. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words. (5x1=5)

A. You belong to the privileged class of Indian citizens. What can you do to help the
children who belong to the underprivileged class? Relate this to the lesson „Children of
India‟
(OR)
B. Even though humans are nature’s children, they tend to destroy more than nature can
recoup. Explain this statement in relevant to the poem „Nature-the gentlest mother is‟

All the Best!

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