TERM-I EXAMINATION FOR THE SESSION 2025-26
GRADE- 8
SUBJECT- ENGLISH
Answer Key
SECTION A – READING (10 Marks)
1. What does a genuine smile usually express?
→ Kindness and confidence.
2. Assertion–Reason Question
Answer: C. A is true, but R is false
3. Why does the writer call a smile a “silent” form of communication?
→ Because it conveys emotions and intentions without using words.
4. How does the writer describe the role of a smile in difficult times?
→ It teaches resilience and helps face challenges with a positive mindset.
5. Complete the sentence:
→ A smile can help reduce stress and promote happiness.
6. Which phrase from paragraph 4 suggests that smiling can be an act of strength?
→ “Smiling becomes an act of courage.”
7. What challenge does a smile help us overcome?
→ The isolation caused by busy lives, deadlines, and digital distractions; it helps build
meaningful human connections.
8. How can schools encourage students to use the power of a smile?
→ By promoting kindness through activities like gratitude walls, peer appreciation, or "smile
day" campaigns to foster empathy and connection.
🟢 SECTION B – WRITING (5 Marks)
(No answer provided here as this is subjective and to be attempted by students.)
🟠 SECTION C – GRAMMAR (5 Marks)
1. Identify the type of sentence:
a. I went to school but forgot my project at home. → Compound
b. Since it was raining, we stayed indoors. → Complex
TDNWTGS/ENG PRE-MID TERM EXAMINATION/2025-26 1
2. Synthesis of Sentences:
a. Though he is rich, he is not happy.
b. She opened the door and screamed loudly.
3. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:
a. Too much sugar is harmful to health.
b. Do you have any idea how this happened?
4. Choose the correct conjunctive adverb:
→ B. however
5. Subject-Verb Agreement:
→ B. are
🟣 SECTION D – LITERATURE (20 Marks)
A. MCQs (1×4 = 4 Marks)
1. D. Both B and C
2. B. He enjoyed controlling birds
3. C. She expressed concern
4. B. He gives up hunting birds
B. Short Answer Questions (3 × 2 = 6 marks) (SAMPLE ANSWERS)
1. Describe Bodh Raj at the beginning:
→ Bodh Raj is portrayed as a merciless and thoughtless boy who enjoys shooting birds with
his catapult for fun. He shows no concern for nature or living creatures.
2. Turning point in Bodh Raj's character:
→ The turning point occurs when he watches the helpless baby bird searching for its injured
mother. This moment stirs guilt and empathy in him, making him realise the impact of his
actions.
C. Long Answer Questions (5 × 2 = 10 marks) (SAMPLE ANSWERS)
1. Comparison of empathy in both stories:
→ In The Woman on Platform 8, the woman’s motherly empathy offers comfort and protection
to the lonely boy, making him feel valued. In The Boy with a Catapult, the suffering of a baby
bird evokes empathy in Bodh Raj, leading to his transformation. Both stories show how
empathy can touch hearts and influence behaviour deeply.
2. Theme of awareness and responsibility toward nature:
→ The story explores Bodh Raj’s journey from cruelty to compassion. Initially harming birds
without remorse, he later becomes aware of the suffering he causes. The scene where he
witnesses the baby bird’s despair acts as a powerful lesson, urging readers to respect and
protect nature.
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TDNWTGS/ENG PRE-MID TERM EXAMINATION/2025-26 2
