Cambridge Innovative School

Session 2024-25
Final Term Examination
Subject – English (Sample Paper)
Grade VIII

Time: 2 hours MM: 50M

General Instructions
I. The question paper is divided into three sections:
SECTION A: Reading (8 marks)
SECTION B: Grammar and Writing (20 marks)
SECTION C: Literature (22 marks)
II. All questions are compulsory.
III. You may attempt any section at a time.
IV. All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the
correct order.

SECTION A: Reading Skills (8 marks)

I Read the passage given below and answer the following question. (8X1= 8marks)
For centuries, honeybees have played an essential role in maintaining ecosystems, ensuring the
pollination of countless plant species. Without these small but powerful insects, agriculture and
biodiversity would face severe disruptions. However, in the past few decades, honeybee populations
have been declining at an alarming rate, and scientists are still trying to determine the root causes of
this crisis.

A study conducted over the last ten years has shown that honeybee colonies worldwide have
decreased by nearly 40%. In the United States alone, beekeepers have reported annual colony losses
of up to 45%. A similar trend has been observed in Europe and parts of Asia. The phenomenon,
known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), occurs when large numbers of worker bees disappear
from a hive, leaving behind the queen and a few nurse bees, leading to the eventual collapse of the
colony.

There are several theories about why this is happening. One major cause is the use of pesticides,
particularly neonicotinoids, which interfere with the bees’ nervous system, making them disoriented
and unable to return to their hives. Habitat destruction caused by urbanization and climate change
also plays a significant role, as bees struggle to find sufficient food sources. Additionally, the
Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite, has been devastating honeybee colonies by weakening their
immune systems and making them more vulnerable to diseases.

To better understand the attitudes of people towards honeybee conservation, researchers conducted
a survey across five major cities. Out of 2,500 respondents, 72% admitted they were unaware of the

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decline in honeybee populations. However, when informed of the crisis, 85% expressed concern
and stated they would support conservation efforts such as planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing
pesticide use, and supporting sustainable farming practices. Interestingly, only 34% believed that
governments were doing enough to protect pollinators, indicating a widespread belief that stronger
policies are needed.

The impact of honeybee decline extends far beyond honey production. Bees are responsible for
pollinating over 75% of the world’s crops, including apples, almonds, and coffee. If their numbers
continue to decline, global food production could suffer, leading to increased prices and potential
food shortages. Some scientists are even exploring the possibility of robotic pollinators as a
replacement, but most agree that nothing can truly replace the efficiency and ecological benefits of
natural pollinators.

The question remains: Can humanity reverse the decline of honeybee populations before the
consequences become irreversible, or are we heading toward an ecological disaster? The fate of
these tiny creatures may determine the future of global agriculture and food security.

i) The main idea of the passage is ____________.

a) The benefits of honey production.
b) The global decline of honeybee populations and its consequences.
c) The role of farmers in protecting honeybees.
d) The scientific discoveries about honeybee behavior.

ii) In the passage, the word “disoriented” in relation to bees most likely means:
a) Unable to locate their hive due to confusion.
b) Completely uninterested in finding food.
c) Stronger and more resistant to diseases.
d) Becoming more aggressive towards humans.

iii) What connections can be made between the decline of honeybees and global food security?
Use evidence from the passage to support your answer.

iv) The author mention robotic pollinators ___________.

a) To show a potential alternative to natural pollination.
b) To emphasize the decline of technology in agriculture.
c) To argue that honeybees are no longer necessary.
d) To highlight the advantages of artificial intelligence in farming.

v) State True/False
The main reason for honeybee population decline is natural evolution, and human activities have
little impact.
vi) The Varroa destructor mite plays a role in the decline of honeybee population.Comment.

vii) Robotic Pollinators might not be a sufficient solution to the honeybee crisis. Explain.

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viii) Which of the following is a valid counterargument to the idea that robotic pollinators can
replace bees?
a) Robotic pollinators will be more efficient than bees.
b) Natural pollination is more cost-effective and supports ecosystems.
c) Bees do not contribute to food production.
d) Farmers are against using robotic pollinators.

SECTION B (Grammar and Writing: 20 marks)

II) You are Siya/Saksham, Head Girl/Boy of Bluebell International School, Delhi. Your school
is organizing an educational trip to a historical site for students of grade VIII. Draft a notice
informing students about the trip. (50 words) (4 marks)

III) Write an article about the role of youth in environmental conservation and how their
actions can contribute to a sustainable future. (100-120 words) (4 marks)

IV) Write a letter to the editor addressing the lack of proper waste management systems in
your area and suggesting solutions for better disposal of garbage. (120 words) (4
marks)

V) Convert Active Voice into Passive Voice: (4 marks)

Recipe for Making a Mango Shake (Active Voice)
1.Peel the mango and cut it into small pieces.
2.Take a blender and add the mango pieces to it.
3.Pour a glass of chilled milk into the blender.
4.Add sugar and a few ice cubes for a refreshing taste.
5.Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
6.Pour the shake into a glass.
7.Garnish it with chopped nuts or a mango slice.
8.Serve chilled and enjoy!

Cloze Fill (Passive Voice)

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The mango ________ and cut into small pieces. Chilled milk and mango pieces ________ into the
blender. The mixture ________ until smooth and creamy. Finally, the shake ________ and served
chilled.
VI) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given in the brackets. (4 marks)

When we (a)____(enter) the museum, the guide (b)______(explain) the history of an ancient
artifact. We (c)_____(listen) carefully when a loud noise (d) ______(interrupt) the session.

SECTION C (Literature: 22 marks)

VII) Read the passage carefully and answer the given questions briefly: (4X1=4 marks)

He may be lean or swarthy, short or tall, but his machismo must be in place, and his ability to fend
for the house, albeit by working long hours away from home, is often seen as his primary role. This
may not always be the case in reality, but more often than not, this is the popular and accepted
narrative.

i) What underlying assumption does the passage make about the role of fathers in society?
a) Fathers are naturally better at providing financial support than mothers.
b) Fathers are expected to conform to traditional gender roles as providers.
c) Fathers prefer working long hours over spending time with their families.
d) Fathers should not be involved in household responsibilities.

ii) The passage highlights the gap between societal expectations and the reality of fatherhood.
Explain.

(iii) If societal expectations of fatherhood were to change, what might be a possible outcome?
a) Fathers would no longer need to work.
b) Gender roles within families could become more balanced.
c) Fathers would lose authority in the household.
d) Mothers would take on all financial responsibilities.

(iv) The word “machismo” means ____________.

VIII) Read the given lines of the poem carefully: (4X1=4 marks)

On a sunny Sunday
My home becomes a honey pot
It’s both a blessing and a curse
Living near a tourist spot

i) The rhyme scheme of the above stanza is __________.

a) ABAB
b) ABCD
c) AABB
d) ABCB

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ii) The contrast the poet highlights in the stanza is _____________.
a) Beauty vs. inconvenience
b) Tourism vs. economy
c) Solitude vs. noise
d) Home vs. travel

iii) The poet calls their home a “honey pot” because________.

a) It is small and cozy
b) It attracts tourists like bees
c) It is full of nature’s sweetness
d) It is a hidden, unknown place.

iv) Poet says ‘living near a tourist spot is both a blessing and a curse’. Explain.

IX) Read the questions given below and answer them in 40-50 words: (2x5=10 marks)

i) In what ways does the poem Busy as a Bee highlight the relentless routine and fatigue faced by
women in their daily lives?
ii) As a tour guide in the Andaman Islands, which places would you take tourists to? Provide
examples from ‘Heaven on Earth’.
iii) Pocket money allows a child to learn financial management skills. Evaluate with reference.
iv) In the story ‘Persistence and Grit’ why do you think Jo cherished the letter more than money?
v) ‘The old man and his donkey in the fable suited nobody’ reflect Jo’s struggle to satisfy
everyone’s opinions about her writing. Comment.

X) Answer the following question in 100-120 words (Any One) (4 marks)

In the poem ‘Busy as a Bee’ the contrast between the speaker’s responsibilities and their
connection to nature reflect deeper themes of freedom and escape in the poem? Discuss with
examples.
Or
The author’s use of vivid descriptions brings out the uniqueness and charm of the places Fogg
and Passepartout explore in their journey. Explain and give examples from ‘Full Steam
Ahead’.

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