Annual-Eng-VIII-Key

                            Annual Examination (2025–26)
                Class VIII – English Language and Literature 

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✅ SECTION A – READING (20 Marks)

I. Passage 1 – Procrastination

MCQs:

1. b) delaying important tasks

2. b) Time management

3. c) career growth

4. b) deadlines approach

5. How does procrastination affect a student’s career? (2 marks)
Procrastination prevents students from developing discipline, time management, and responsibility. As a result, they may struggle to meet deadlines and expectations in their professional life, affecting their growth and opportunities.

6. Mention one way to overcome procrastination. (2 marks)
Students can overcome procrastination by planning their time wisely and completing tasks on time.

7. Procrastination helps students meet deadlines easily.
False

8. Good study habits build confidence in students.
True

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II. Passage 2 – Artificial Intelligence

MCQs:

1. b) machines performing intelligent tasks

2. b) increase efficiency

3. c) Emotional intelligence

4. c) adaptability and digital skills

5. How does artificial intelligence affect employment? (2 marks)
AI replaces repetitive and routine jobs, increasing productivity. However, it also creates new job opportunities in fields like data science, robotics, and cybersecurity.

6. Mention one way humans can remain relevant in the future workplace. (2 marks)
Humans can remain relevant by continuously upgrading their skills and developing critical thinking and digital abilities.

7. Artificial intelligence only causes job loss and has no benefits.
False

8. Humans should learn to work alongside artificial intelligence.
True

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✅ SECTION B – WRITING & GRAMMAR (20 Marks)

III. Grammar (Any 10)

1. b) felt

2. b) attract

3. b) was sitting

4. b) must

5. b) He said that he had had no choice.

6. b) at, over

7. c) but

8. b) visited

9. c) onto

10. a) but

11. c) is

12. a) have

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✅ SECTION C – LITERATURE (40 Marks)

V. Extract – Prose

Extract 1 – The Summit Within

(From Beehive)

1. A deep sense of joy and thankfulness.

2. It changes a person completely; he is never the same again.

3. It refers to conquering one’s inner fears, weaknesses, and mental challenges.

4. He asks himself why he had climbed Everest and why it had such a strong hold on his imagination.

5. He wonders this because achievements fade with time, and he fears the memories may become distant.

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OR

Extract 2 – Jalebis

(From Moments)

1. He sat there because he was absent from school after spending his fees money and felt ashamed and worried.

2. He planned to eat jalebis with the fees money and later pay the fees using scholarship money.

3. It suggests he believed his plan was simple and foolproof.

4. Because he had spent his fees money on jalebis.

5. He felt guilty, ashamed, and like crying.

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VI. Extract – Poetry

Extract 1 – The Geography Lesson

1. From a great height in a jet plane.

2. Because from above, the city looked planned and organised.

3. It suggests the city looked small like a map.

4. It appeared haphazard, unplanned, and without style.

5. Repetition

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OR

Extract 2 – The School Boy

1. The father and mother.

2. They symbolise children.

3. It suggests they are destroyed or harmed early.

4. It means children are deprived of happiness during their childhood.

5. Without a happy childhood, a joyful future is impossible.

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VII. Short Answers (Any Four)

1. Hans Wolf appears kind, sensitive, and peace-loving. He does not truly hate the British soldiers and values humanity over war. He shares Christmas celebrations and expresses hope for peace.

2. The author feels guilty because he is healthy and able-bodied, while Stephen Hawking suffers from severe physical disability. Yet Hawking remains cheerful and determined, which makes the author reflect on his own complaints.

3. The child’s offer made the speaker free because it was free from greed and conditions. Unlike others who demanded wages or power, the child only offered companionship.

4. Tilly Smith remembered her geography lesson about tsunamis. She recognised warning signs like the sea receding and alerted others, helping save many lives.

5. Stephen Hawking advises disabled people to focus on their strengths rather than their disabilities. He encourages them to work hard and not waste time feeling sorry for themselves.

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VIII. Short Answers (Any Two)

1. Hafeez Contractor was not considered a good student because he disliked studies and often failed in subjects. However, he had creative talent and strong observation skills.

2. Ranji won Suraj’s respect through his courage, determination, and willingness to improve. He trained hard and faced Suraj bravely without fear.

3. The boy was tempted by the delicious jalebis displayed in the market. The sound of coins in his pocket and his craving for sweets led him to spend his fees money.

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IX. Long Answer (100–120 words)

1. The Best Christmas Present in the World

Jim Macpherson and Hans Wolf show that enemies are ordinary people with similar feelings. During the Christmas truce of 1914, they celebrated together, shared food, and played football. Hans loved music and wanted peace, just like Jim. Their conversation reveals that soldiers on both sides longed for home and happiness. War was forced upon them by political leaders. The story shows that humanity is stronger than hatred and that common people often have shared dreams and emotions despite being enemies.

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OR

2. The Summit Within

The conquest of the internal summit refers to overcoming personal fears and weaknesses. Climbing Everest gave the author physical achievement, but conquering the mind was more important. He reflects on why he climbed and what remained after success. True achievement lies in self-discipline, courage, and self-discovery. Inner strength helps people face life’s challenges. Thus, conquering the internal summit is as valuable as climbing a real mountain.

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X. Long Answer (100–120 words)

1. The Fight

“The Fight” teaches that conflicts can be resolved through understanding and respect. Initially, Ranji and Suraj fight due to pride and misunderstanding. However, after recognising each other’s strengths, they develop mutual respect. Ranji works hard to improve his swimming skills. Instead of continuing rivalry, they become friends. The story shows that courage, self-improvement, and open-mindedness can transform enemies into friends.

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OR

2. The Treasure Within

Proper guidance and encouragement can shape a child’s future. Hafeez Contractor was weak in academics but had creative talent. His teachers recognised his strengths and motivated him. With encouragement, he developed confidence and became a successful architect. The story highlights the importance of identifying a child’s hidden talents. Positive support and motivation help students overcome weaknesses and achieve success.

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✅ Answer Key Completed – Grade VIII CBSE English