Solutions The Cherry Tree English Poorvi Class 8 CBSE Board

Question Answer For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th

Let us do these activities before we read.(Page 155)

I. Work in pairs and answer the questions that follow. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Have you ever used a seed or a sapling to grow a plant?

Answer: Yes, I planted a seed/sapling in the garden, just like Rakesh planted the cherry seed.

2. What kind of care did the plant need? Who helped you with it?

Answer: The plant needed watering, sunlight, and protection. Grandfather in the story guided Rakesh, so I was also helped by my elders.

3. How did you feel when you saw the plant grow?

Answer: I felt happy and proud when I saw the plant grow, similar to Rakesh’s joy at seeing the cherry tree blossom.

II What kind of trees do people plant in their homes? Why is it important to plant trees?

Answer: People plant fruit trees, flowering plants, and shade-giving trees around their homes. It is important because trees give us food, oxygen, shade, and keep the environment clean, just like the cherry tree brought joy to Rakesh and his grandfather.

III Name some fruit trees that grow in your region. What type of conditions help these fruit trees to grow?

Answer: Some fruit trees are mango, banana, guava, and papaya. These trees need sunlight, water, good soil, and care to grow well, just like the cherry tree that grew in the Himalayan foothills with Rakesh’s care.

Let us discuss (Page 159-160)

I Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the story.

Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
1. Rakesh discovered that the small, well-rooted twig, had grown into a cherry tree.
2. Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie.
3. Rakesh pressed the cherry seed into the soft soil with his thumb.
4. The cherry tree grew quickly after the rains arrived early.
5. Rakesh bought a bunch of cherries and ate most of them.
6. A goat entered the garden and ate all the leaves of the young cherry tree.
7. Rakesh’s parents grew maize, rice, and barley in a village. (1)
8. Rakesh sprinkled water on the cherry tree and surrounded it with pebbles.
9. Grandfather told Rakesh that cherry trees were tough.
10. Rakesh kept rolling the last cherry seed in his mouth.

Answer: 

1. Rakesh’s parents grew maize, rice, and barley in a village.
2. Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie.
3. Rakesh bought a bunch of cherries and ate most of them.
4. Rakesh kept rolling the last cherry seed in his mouth.
5. Rakesh pressed the cherry seed into the soft soil with his thumb.
6. Rakesh discovered that the small, well-rooted twig had grown into a cherry tree.
7. Rakesh sprinkled water on the cherry tree and surrounded it with pebbles.
8. The cherry tree grew quickly after the rains arrived early.
9. A goat entered the garden and ate all the leaves of the young cherry tree.
10. Grandfather told Rakesh that cherry trees were tough.

II Do you think the cherry tree would survive? Why do you think so?

Answer: Yes, because even after being eaten by a goat and cut by a woman, the tree kept growing and blossoming, showing resilience and strength.

Let us discuss(Page 164)

Complete the table given below based on your understanding of Part II of the story. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer: 

Let us think and reflect (Pages 164 – 166)

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. “Have a cherry, Grandfather,” he said, as soon as he saw his grandfather in the garden.
Grandfather took one cherry and Rakesh promptly ate the other two. He kept the last seed in his mouth for some time, rolling it round and round on his tongue until all the tang had gone. Then he placed the seed on the palm of his hand and studied it.
“Are cherry seeds lucky?” asked Rakesh.
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
“Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use.”

(i) Substitute the underlined phrase with a correct word from the extract.
The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy quickly and without delay when a new player came in from the opposing team.

Answer: The correct word is promptly.

(ii) What does Rakesh’s action of rolling the cherry seed in his mouth most likely suggest about his mood at that moment?
A. He is feeling impatient and restless.
B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.
C. He is bored and has nothing better to do.
D. He is thoughtful and feeling playful.

Answer: B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.

(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to Rakesh and his grandfather.
Rakesh’s decision to plant the seed shows that ______________.
(he respects and values his grandfather’s advice/he has a close bond with his grandfather and a willingness to learn from him)

Answer: Rakesh’s decision to plant the seed shows that he respects and values his grandfather’s advice and has a close bond with him.

(iv) How does the grandfather’s advice reflect his view about luck and effort?

Answer: Grandfather’s advice reflects that luck is not something to store away; it comes through action and effort. You must use opportunities to create luck.

2. Winter came early. The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow. Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.

In February it was Rakesh’s birthday. He was nine—and the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.

(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage’ suggests that _____________.

Answer: The phrase suggests that the cold winter forced animals to seek warmth and safety inside human homes.

(ii) What can be inferred about the cherry tree’s toughness from the line, ‘The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow’?

A. The weight of the tree was more than the snow.
B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
C. The tree was growing close to the ground.
D. The snow gave support to the tree.

Answer: B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.

(iii) How did the early winter affect Grandfather’s mood and storytelling?

Answer: The early winter made Grandfather grumpy, and his stories started having unhappy endings.

(iv) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.
The comparison of Rakesh’s age to the cherry tree’s age symbolises _______________. (the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development/the tree standing as a dear one on Rakesh’s birthday)

Answer: The comparison symbolises the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development.

II Answer the following questions.

1. Why did Rakesh’s parents send him to Mussoorie?

Answer: Rakesh’s parents sent him to Mussoorie to live with his grandfather because there were no schools in their village and they wanted him to study.

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 harmless and was the first visitor to the cherry tree.

3. How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?

Answer: Life in the Himalayan foothills is described as stony and cold, with dry winds that stunt plant growth, but forests of oak and deodar grow on sheltered slopes.

4. What might Rakesh mean when he says, “Is this what it feels to be God?” at the end of the story?

Answer:Rakesh loved the cherry tree he had planted. He took great care of it and hoped it would grow into a big, strong tree. When the tree began to blossom, Rakesh felt it was like a miracle. He became emotional as he touched its branches and remembered how it all started with just a small seed. Watching the tree grow little by little made him feel proud and very happy. He thought that maybe God also feels the same joy after creating the world.

5. How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?

Answer: The writer shows their relationship as loving and close; they share stories, care for each other, and work together in the garden.

6. What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?

Answer: The story shows that humans are deeply connected to nature; caring for plants brings happiness, patience, and a sense of achievement.

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: Rakesh must have felt amazed and proud to see a small seed grow into a strong tree. He felt a deep bond with the tree and realised the miracle of nurturing life with care and patience.

Let us learn (Pages 166-169)

I Each word list has one word that does not match with the other words.
Identify the odd word. One example has been done for you.
1. chop, trim, slice, mince
(‘chop’, ‘slice’ and ‘mince’ are words used for cutting with a knife; whereas ‘trim’ is to cut a part with a pair of scissors)
2. plodded, galloped, scrambled, trudged
3. tender, delicate, soft, smooth
4. stared, peered, pecked, gazed
5. growing, blossoming, progressing, planting

II Choose the most suitable taste words given in the box below and write against the food items that follow.

1. tamarind
2. jaggery
3. neem leaves
4. paneer (cottage cheese)
5. lemon
6. pickle
7. a dish of vegetables

Now, use any five taste words and make sentences of your own.

Answer: 

1. The chocolate cake was sweet and delicious.
2. The raw mango tasted very sour.
3. Bitter gourd has a very bitter taste.
4. The lemonade was fresh and tangy.
5. The chips were too salty to eat.

III Choose the correct antonyms for the textual words given below from the box. There are two extra words that you will not need.

Answer:

IV Read the following lines from the text and underline all the verbs and identify the form of tense.
1. Rakesh was on his way home from school when he bought the cherries.
2. Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house.
3. Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it had performed a miracle.
The forms of tenses in the given statements are Simple Past Tense (1 and 3), Past Progressive Tense (2), and Past Perfect Tense (3).

Now, fill in the blanks with the correct form of Simple Past, Past Progressive, or Past Perfect Tenses of the verbs given in brackets. One example has been done for you.

(i) I was sitting (sit) with my grandparents in the garden, sharing the wonderful memories from my childhood. As we (ii) ______________ (talk), I (iii) ______________ (realise) how much wisdom they (iv) ______________ (impart) to me over the years. While I (v) ______________ (listen) to their stories for hours together, I (vi) ______________ (remember) the times we (vii) ______________ (spend) together planting flowers and learning about life. By the time I left, the sun (viii) ______________ (set), and I (ix) ______________ (feel) a deep sense of gratitude for the bond we (x) ______________ (nurture) through love, care, and countless memories.

Answer: 

(i) I was sitting (sit) with my grandparents in the garden, sharing the wonderful memories from my childhood.
(ii) As we were talking (talk),
(iii) I realised (realise) how much wisdom they
(iv) had imparted (impart) to me over the years.
(v) While I was listening (listen) to their stories for hours together,
(vi) I remembered (remember) the times we
(vii) had spent (spend) together planting flowers and learning about life.
(viii) By the time I left, the sun had set (set),
(ix) and I felt (feel) a deep sense of gratitude for the bond we
(x) had nurtured (nurture) through love, care, and countless memories.

V Study the punctuation marks in the following sentences from the text.
• “Hey, not there,” said Grandfather, “I’ve sown mustard in that bed. Plant it in that shady corner, where it won’t be disturbed.”
• When Grandfather saw what had happened, he went after the woman and scolded her; but the damage could not be repaired.
• She did not try to avoid the tree: one sweep, and the cherry tree was cut in two.

Here are some of the most common punctuation marks:
• Full stop (.)—ends a declarative sentence
For example: She went to the store.
• Comma (,)—separates components in a list, clauses, or phrases
within a sentence
For example: We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Question Mark (?)—ends a direct question
For example: Where are you going?
• Exclamation Mark (!)—indicates strong emotion or emphasis
For example: Watch out!
• Colon (:)—introduces a list, explanation or elaboration
For example: He had one goal: win the race.
• Semicolon (;)—connects closely related independent clauses or
separates complex list items
For example: She likes reading; he prefers writing.
• Apostrophe ( ’)
In contractions—He’s (He is), they’ll (they will), I’m (I am)
To show possession—Jagan’s book, the girls’ toys
If the noun ends in -s, add only the apostrophe—Manas’ car
• Quotation Marks (“ ”)—enclose direct speech or quotations
For example: She said, “I’m happy.”
• Dash (– or —)—adds emphasis or separates related thoughts
For example: He was late—again.

• Capitalisation Rules
Names of people and places—Priya, India
Days, months, festivals—Monday, December, Diwali
Titles with names—Dr. Sneha, Mr. Patel
Deities and holy books—God, the Quran, the Bhagawad Gita
First person pronoun—I
Adjectives from proper nouns—Indian, American
Geographical features, races, religions, languages—the Himalayas,
Hindu, French
Titles of books, poems, or plays—Malgudi Days, The Road Not Taken,
Good Heavens, etc.

Answer: 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 where 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. They sat in silence, bound not by words but by a timeless bond.

Let us listen (Pages 170-171)

I You will listen to a conversation between a son and his mother. As you listen, select four true statements from 1–7 given below. (Transcript for teacher on page 201)

1. The mother encouraged her son to deliver a presentation on the Chipko Movement.
2. The son was surprised to know about the Appiko Movement.
3. The son agreed that the Chipko Movement was about people uniting to make an impact.
4. The mother expressed a desire to share more details about Saalumarada Thimakka.
5. The mother was curious to hear about Saalumarada Thimakka.
6. The mother and son were in disagreement about the work of Jadav Payeng.
7. The son found the information on Jadav Payeng wonderful.

Answer:

2. The son was surprised to know about the Appiko Movement. (True)
3. The son agreed that the Chipko Movement was about people uniting to make an impact. (True)
5. The mother was curious to hear about Saalumarada Thimakka. (True)
7. The son found the information on Jadav Payeng wonderful. (True)

Let us speak (Pages 170-171)

I Work in pairs. Read aloud the following words from the text. Write the number of syllables in each word. Check your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Now, read the words aloud again with the beats. Check if the number of syllables matches with the number of beats.

Answer: 

II Speak about Van Mahotsav Diwas and its significance. Before you speak in the class or assembly, prepare yourself on the following points:
• When is it celebrated?
• Who celebrates it?
• Why is it celebrated?
• How is it celebrated?
• What is the message it conveys?

Answer:

Van Mahotsav is celebrated every year in the first week of July. It is celebrated by people all over India, including students, teachers, nature lovers, and environmental organisations.

It is celebrated to spread awareness about the importance of trees, forests, and protecting nature. During Van Mahotsav, people plant saplings, organise awareness campaigns, and take part in rallies or cleanliness drives.

The message of Van Mahotsav is clear: “Save Trees, Save Life.” It reminds us that trees are our lifeline as they provide us with oxygen, food, shelter, and a clean environment.

Let us write (Pages 171-172)

An article is a piece of writing on a specific topic. It showcases independent opinions expressed by a writer. Articles are published in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, and online portals.
Let us understand how to draft an article for a school magazine.

Remember to
• write the heading or title at the top,
• write the name of the writer below it as a byline, and
• follow the correct layout.

Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction of the topic or issue. Focus on the main idea of the paragraph.
Paragraph 2: Elaborate by giving facts and advantages.
Paragraph 3: Include consequences and disadvantages.
Paragraph 4: Provide suggestions. End with a word of hope, a word of caution or a call for action.

Now, complete the article for a magazine on ‘Trees–Our Lifeline’. Use the words and phrases given in the box below.

(i) ________________ -by ________________ (write your name and class) Trees are essential for life on Earth. Without them, life as we know (ii) ________________. This is the reason why trees are our lifeline. Trees provide us with food, shelter, and even medicine. Trees (iii) ________________ and release oxygen, helping us breathe. This process also (iv) ________________ and keeps the environment clean. (v) ________________, trees give us fruits, nuts, and other foods. Trees also help in (vi) ________________ and prevention of soil erosion. (vii) ________________, the air would be polluted, and we would struggle to breathe. (viii) ________________ would be barren, lacking food, shelter, and life-giving greenery. (ix) ________________, trees are true friends. Protecting and greenery (x) ________________ for everyone on Earth. Therefore, we must act now to protect and plant more trees, preserving Earth’s green lifeline for future generations.

Answer: i) Trees – Our Lifeline
by Ananya, Class VIII
(ii) would stop existing
(iii) absorb carbon dioxide
(iv) reduces pollution
(y) Additionally,
(vi) climate control
(vii) If trees were not there
(viii) Moreover, our planet
(ix) To conclude
(x) ensures a better future

Let us explore (Page 172)

Did you know that the banyan tree is the National Tree of India? Our country has age-old banyan trees. Some of them are:
1. The Great Banyan, located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata.
2. Dodda Aalada Mara, located in Kethohalli village, near Bengaluru.
3. Thimmamma Marrimanu, in Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. It was recorded as the largest tree specimen in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.

II Kailash Sankhala, ‘The Tiger Man of India’, was an Indian biologist and conservationist. He carried out a census of the tigers in India in 1971. Later, because of his studies, he was appointed the first director of Project Tiger—an initiative to prevent the extinction of the Indian Tiger. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992.

Now, find more information about such Indian environmentalists and share with your classmates.

Answer: 

Sunderlal Bahuguna

• Leader of the Chipko Movement to save forests.
• Encouraged people to hug trees to stop them from being cut.

Medha Patkar

• Founded the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
• Fought for the rights of people and nature affected by big dams.