Students can use Poorvi Book Class 8 Solutions Unit 1 Wit and Wisdom Chapter 2 A Concrete Example Questions and Answers as a quick reference guide.
A Concrete Example Class 8 Questions and Answers
A Concrete Example Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 2 A Concrete Example Question Answer
A Concrete Example Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 17)
I. Read the names of items you usually find in a garden and write their names against each picture given below.
| garden hose, sapling, hedge, flower beds, flower pot, pebbles, rockery, fence, vine, wheelbarrow |
Answer:
1. Hedge
2. Flower pot
3. Wheelbarrow
4. Pebbles
5. Sapling
6. Garden hose
7. Flower beds
8. Vine
9. Fence
10. Rockery
II. Work in groups of four. What kind of garden would you like to have? Mention the features that you can include and the reasons for your choice. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
1. (Suggestive Answer)
I would take to have a Japanese Zen garden with minimalistic features.
2. The features that I can include are:
(a) Pebbles/gravel (for raked patterns symbolising water).
(b) Rockeiy (large stones representing mountains).
(c) Hedge/fence (for privacy and tranquility).
(d) Vine-covered archway (for shade and beauty).
3. Reasons for my choice are:
(a) Promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
(b) Low maintenance compared to flower beds.
III. Read the title of the poem. What comes to your mind when you read the word ‘concrete’? Does it have more than one meaning? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
When I read the word “Concrete” what comes to my mind is stones/rocks like in Mrs. Jones’ garden (e.g., rockeiy, pebbles).
Yes, concrete has more than one meaning, literal, figurative and symbolic. Literal meaning of concrete is a hard, strong building material made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water. The figurative meaning refers to something definite, specific and tangible. It describes ideas or actions that are clear and real enough to be seen, felt or understood rather than vague or abstract. Symbolic meaning here is Mrs. Jones determination how her garden should be so she uses stones etc. to beautify her garden.
A Concrete Example Class 8 Question Answer -Let us Discuss (Pages 19-20)
I. Complete the following summary with exact words from the poem. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker’s next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filed with 1. _________. Her garden includes a peculiar 2. _________, a pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 3. _________ that she fids charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 4. _________ plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 5. _________. One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 6. _________ that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 7. _________ flower is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 8. _________ on it all along.
Answer:
The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker’s next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filled with 1. stones. Her garden includes a peculiar 2. path, a pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 3. sundial that she finds charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 4. delicate plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 5. pin One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 6. flower that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 7. lovely flower is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 8. standing on it all along.
II. Select the correct option to All in the blanks for the following sentences.
1. The tone of the poem is _______.
(i) mocking
(ii) humorous
(iii) mournful
(iv) amusing
(v) light-hearted
A. (i), (ii), and (iii)
B. (i), (ii), and (v)
C. (ii), (iii), and (iv)
D. (ii), (iv), and (v)
Answer:
B. (i), (ii), and (v)
2. The speaker in the poem is _______.
(i) Mrs. Jones
(ii) the poet
(iii) a gardener
(iv) a child
Answer:
(ii) the poet
3. The rhyme scheme of the poem is _______.
(i) AABBCC
(ii) ABABCC
(iii) AABCAC
(iv) ABBACC
Answer:
(ii) ABABCC
III. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer given in the brackets.
1. The poet uses the word ‘stones’ in all stanzas in order to emphasise her ________. (obsession with a stony garden/pride in gardening skills)
2. The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers _____________. (understand Mrs. Jones’ love for plants/visualise the garden’s peculiar nature)
Answer:
1. The poet uses the word ‘stones’ in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a stony garden. (obsession with a stony garden/pride in gardening skills)
2. The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers visualise the garden’s peculiar nature. (understand Mrs. Jones’ love for plants/ visualise the garden’s peculiar nature)
IV. GOLDEN POETIC DEVICES TIPS
| Alliteration – The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of closely connected words. Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, o Purpose: Creates rhythm, enhances flow, and makes phrases more memorable. |
Pick examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer:
1. “got a garden full of stones” (repetition of ‘g’ sound)
2. “puts little plants between the stones” (repetition of ‘p’ sound)
V. A refrain is a repeated line or phrase that appears in each stanza.
|
GOLDEN POETIC DEVICES TIPS Refrain – A repeated line or phrase in a poem or song, often used for emphasis or rhythm. |
Identify the refrain from the poem.
Answer:
My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones” (repeated in each stanza)
VI. Irony is a literary device that emphasises the diffrence between what is expected and what actually happens. It often involves a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what is expected, creating a surprising or a humorous effect. For example, Mrs. Jones’ excitement about her garden contrasts with the speaker’s disappointment on how ordinary it is.
Identify the line(s) from the poem that display(s) situational irony.
| GOLDEN POETIC DEVICES TIPS
Irony – A contrast between expectation and reality, often used for humour or dramatic effect. Example: A fire station burns down. Types of Irony (a) Verbal Irony – Saying the opposite of what one means (e.g., “Oh, great!” when something bad happens). |
Answer:
“You’re standing on it,” she replied.
(The speaker unknowingly crushes the flower Mrs. Jones admires.)
VII. Complete the following sentences appropriately.
1. The word ‘concrete’ can refer to ______________ in Mrs. Jones’ garden.
2. The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or ‘concrete’ example of Mrs. Jones’ ______________ gardening habits.
Answer:
1. The word ‘concrete’ can refer to the stones in Mrs. Jones’ garden.
2. The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or ‘concrete’ example of Mrs. Jones’ unique/ unconventional gardening habits.
VIII. The title ‘A Concrete Example’ carries both literal and symbolic (metaphorical) meaning. Such word play is called a pun. A pun is a fiure of speech that uses words with multiple meanings or words that sound alike but have diffrent meanings, creating a humorous effct.
- I tried arguing with my pencil but it kept making sharp points.(suggests the idea of an actual sharp pencil point and strong argument points)
- My pencil and I had a disagreement but we finally got to the point. (refers to solving an argument and the pencil’s tip)
|
GOLDEN POETIC DEVICES TIPS A pun is a joke or a clever remark that uses the different possible meanings of a word or words that sound alike but have different meanings. Example:
|
- I tried arguing with my pencil but it kept making sharp points, (suggests the idea of an actual sharp pencil point and strong argument points)
- My pencil and I had a disagreement but we finally got to the point.
(refers to solving an argument and the pencil’s tip)
Class 8 English A Concrete Example Question Answer – Let us Think and reflect (Pages 20-21)
I. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
1. My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones,
has got a garden full of stones:
A crazy path, a lily pond,
a rockery and, just beyond
A sundial with a strange device,
which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. (Page 18)
(i) What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones’s taste in gardening from the description of her garden being ‘full of stones’?
Answer:
Mrs. Jones has an unconventional taste in gardening, preferring stone- based features (rockery, pebbles) over traditional flower beds.
(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself.
Answer:
True – The garden reflects her eccentric and proud nature.
(iii) What does the poet mean by ‘crazy path?
Answer:
A winding or irregularly designed pathway, not straight or ordinary, which poet did not like.
(iv) What does the sundial with a ‘strange device’ suggest about Mrs. Jones’ personality?
A. She has a fascination with unusual items.
B. She prefers traditional garden decorations.
C. She is uninterested in her garden’s appearance.
D. She likes modern and expensive items.
Answer:
A. She has a fascination with unusual items
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Answer:
Mrs. Jones loves her garden deeply, as she proudly shows off its unique features like the sundial and delicate plants. Her excitement while discussing the flower reveals her emotional attachment to it.
Question 2.
Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be planted with a pin?
Answer:
The speaker exaggerates their size to highlight how insignificant they seem to him, contrasting with Mrs. Jones’ admiration. The phrase “planted with a pin” emphasises their fragility and his lack of appreciation.
Question 3.
What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones-based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker?
Answer:
Her style reflects an eccentric, patient, and artistic personality. She finds beauty in stones and tiny plants, showcasing her unconventional taste and attention to detail.
Question 4.
The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement.
Answer:
The humorous yet affectionate tone avoids mockery, focusing on her pride in the garden. The poet subtly admires her uniqueness, making her endearing.
Question 5.
What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around them?
Answer:
It shows how people view the same thing differently—Mrs. Jones sees art in stones, while the speaker sees oddity. The irony of the crushed flower underscores this contrast.
A Concrete Example Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us Learn (Pages 21-23)
I. Select the appropriate word from the brackets that correctly replaces the underlined word in the sentences from the text.
1. A sundial with a strange device, (unusual, peculiar, new, rare, external)
2. … which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice, (pleasant, superior, agreeable, gentle, charming)
3. They are so delicate…
(delicious, fragile, dainty, graceful, weak)
4. “Where is this lovely thing?” I cried, (exclaimed, wept, shouted, announced, whispered)
Answer:
1. A sundial with a peculiar device
2. …which Mrs. Jones thinks rather charming
3. “They are so fragile…”
4. “Where is this lovely thing? I exclaimed. ”
II. The ‘sundial’ is referred to as a ‘device’ in the poem. Work in pairs to infer the meaning of ‘device’. Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
In the poem A Concrete Example, the term “device” likely refers to a tool or instrument used for a specific purpose. A sundial, being an ancient timekeeping instrument, is a device that measures time based on the position of the sun’s shadow.
In a poetic context, “device” can also mean a literary or artistic technique used to convey meaning. If the sundial is described as a device in the poem, it might symbolize time, permanence, or the passage of life—depending on the poem’s theme and imagery.
Now, match the type of instruments in column 1 with their definitions in Column 2. Column 3 shows one example of each type of instrument. Add more examples in Column 3.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| 1. implement | (i) something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house | spade, knife |
| 2. tool | (ii) something small that is mechanical or electronic | hammer |
| 3. equipment | (in) something that works on being moved by hand | cricket bat, helmet, batting gloves, etc. |
| 4. appliance | (iv) a set of necessary items for a particular purpose | mixer grinder |
| 5. gadget | (v) something used by hand to make or repair | mobile phone, laptop |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| 1. Implement | (v) something used by hand to make or repair | spade, knife, pliers, screwdriver, hoe, rake, trowel |
| 2. Tool | (iii) something that works on being moved by hand | hammer, chisels, handsaw, clamps |
| 3. Equipment | (iv) a set of necessary items for a particular purpose | cricket bat, helmet, batting gloves, racket, net, football |
| 4. Appliance | (i) something that is electrical and is used to do work in the house | mixer grinder, fan, oven, refrigerator, air conditioner |
| 5. Gadget | (ii) something small that is mechanical or electronic | mobile phone, laptop, camera, smartphone, tablet |
III. Complete the table by making new words in Column 1 using the hints given in Column 2. Replace the first letter of the given word to create new words. One example has been done for you.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| nice | |
| (i) dice | cut into small pieces |
| (ii) | grain that we cook |
| (iii) | plural of mouse |
| (iv) | bad habit |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| nice | |
| (i) dice | cut into small pieces |
| (ii) rice | grain that we cook |
| (iii) mice | plural of mouse |
| (iv) vice | bad habit |
(ii)
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| soil | |
| (i) | heat something |
| (ii) | work very hard |
| (iii) | length of wire in a circle |
| (iv) | sheets to wrap food items |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| soil | |
| (i) boil | heat something |
| (ii) toil | work very hard |
| (iii) coil | length of wire in a circle |
| (iv) foil | sheets to wrap food items |
A Concrete Example Question Answer Class 8 – Let us Listen (Page 23)
I. You will listen to a presentation about the wonderful Rock Garden of Chandigarh. As you listen, answer the following questions using one to three exact words from the presentation. (Transcript for teacher on page 47)
Question 1.
Where was Nek Chand’s Rock Garden featured?
Answer:
The Rock Garden was featured on an Indian postage stamp.
Question 2.
What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have?
Answer:
The garden contains colorful sculptures made from recycled materials.
Question 3.
How is the Rock Garden divided?
Answer:
The Rock Garden is divided into three distinct phases or sections. Each area has different items like clay pots, lights and even broken toilet pots, turned into amazing art.
Question 4.
Name any one thing that has been transformed into a piece of art in the Rock Garden.
Answer:
Broken toilet pots were transformed into art pieces in the garden.
Question 5.
Approximately, how many statues border the Rock Garden?
Answer:
Approximately 5,000 statues border the Rock Garden.
Class 8 English Chapter 2 Question Answer – Let us Speak (Pages 23-24)
I. The speaker of the poem might have felt sorry for stepping on Mrs. Jones’ flower. When we make a mistake, we must express regret and apologise for our actions.
1. When we apologise to a friend or a family member, we use informal language. Take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology,
(i) You have eaten your brother’s share of sweets.
(ii) You have broken your sister’s flower craft. .
(iii) You accidentally spilled ink on your mother’s important documents.
(iv) You forgot to bring your friend’s notebook to the school after borrowing it.
You may use the following phrases given below.
| Phrases for Apology | Phrases to Respond to Apology |
| I’m sorry about… | That’s alright. |
| I’m really sorry… | It’s no big deal. |
| Please forgive me for… | No problem. |
| Sorry, I didn’t mean to… | These things happen. |
Answer:
(i) (a) “Sorry I ate your sweets! I’ll buy them tomorrow for you.”
(b) Response: “That’s alright, just ask next time!”
(ii) (a) “I’m really sorry I broke your flower craft. Let me help make a new one!”
(b) Response: “It’s no big deal, accidents happen.” Thanks for your concern.”
(iii) (a) “Please forgive me for the ink spill! Ill help reprint them.”
(b) Response: “No problem. Be more careful next time.”
(iv) (a) “Sorry I forgot your notebook! Ill bring it tomorrow surely.”
(b) Response: “These things happen, don’t worry, just don’t forget again!”
2. When we apologise to someone in authority like a Principal or a teacher in a formal setting, we use formal language. Work in pairs and take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology.
(i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission.
(ii) You were late to school for the past three days and had to meet the Principal.
(iii) You did not submit your project work and were asked to explain.
(i) (a) “I sincerely apologise for not submitting my assignment. Ill complete it by today.”
(b) Teacher’s response: “I accept your apology. Ensure it doesn’t recur.”
(c) I promise it won’t happen again.
(ii) (a) “I owe you an apology for being late.
I’ll set reminders to be punctual.”
(b) Principal’s response: “I appreciate you saying this, but you should improve from tomorrow.”
(iii) (a) “I really regret for submitting the project work late.”
(b) Teacher’s response: “Glad you realised your mistake. In future, stick to deadlines”
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 2 Question Answer – Let us Write (Page 25)
You are a member of the Nature Club of your school. Draft a notice informing the students of Grades 6-8 about the inauguration of the Herb Garden.
Points to remember:
- Mention the purpose of writing, date, time, venue, and any other relevant information—whom to contact, when, and where.
- Use formal language in the third person form.
- Write the notice in a box.
Answer:
For Practice on Notice Writing, see page 303 in Writing Section.
|
NATURE CLUB Date: 15th November 2025 All students of Grades 6-8 are cordially invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of our school’s new Herb Garden on Monday, 18th November 2025 at 10:00 AM near the science block. The event will include a brief speech by our Principal, demonstration of herb planting techniques, and distribution of saplings. Interested participants may contact the undersigned for further details. Rahul Mehta |
Class 8th English Chapter 2 A Concrete Example Question Answer – Let us Explore (Pages 25-26)
I. Amrit Udyan is a garden r spread over an expanse of 15 acres around Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. It has multiple attractions that include a specially curated garden for children called Bal Vatika, a treehouse, nature’s classroom, etc. It also has the Bonsai, Herbal-I, Herbal- II, Tactile Garden, Arogya Vanam, and Circular Gardens with a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
Now, find out about popular gardens in your region and share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
(Suggestive answer) Lodhi Garden in New Delhi is a peaceful park that blends nature with history. Spread over 90 acres, it’s famous for its flowering trees, lotus ponds, and birdwatching opportunities. The tombs of the Lodi dynasty add a historical touch, making it a perfect spot for joggers, photographers, or anyone seeking a tranquil walk in nature. Another popular garden, Nehru Park, also in New Delhi, features large lawns, fountains, and plenty of birds. It’s ideal for morning walks, picnics, and outdoor exercise, with cultural events hosted throughout the year.
Lastly, Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a beautiful Mughal garden built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife. It has stepped fountains where water flows down from one level to another, creating a lovely, calming effect. The garden also features terraced lawns and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it one of the most beautiful and historic gardens in India.
These gardens are not only peaceful retreats but also showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of India.
II. A herbarium is a collection of plant samples, preserved for long-term study, usually in the form of dried and pressed plants mounted on paper.
Now, collect some fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood. Place them in folds of a newspaper carefully and put a pile of books on them. After one week, take them out and use them to make a card, wall hanging or any other artwork. A sample has been given for your reference.
Answer:
Students to do as directed, collect fallen flowers and leaves and use them to make cards, wall hangings or any other art work.
III. Read and enjoy the poem.
A Sea of Foliage
A sea of foliage girds our garden round,
But not a sea of dull unvaried green,
Sharp contrasts of all colours here are seen;
The light-green graceful tamarinds abound
Amid the mango clumps of green profound,
And palms arise, like pillars gray, between;
And o’er the quiet pools the seemuls lean,
Red—red, and startling like a trumpet’s sound.
But nothing can be lovelier than the ranges
Of bamboos to the eastward, when the moon
Looks through their gaps, and the white lotus changes
Into a cup of silver. One might swoon
Drunken with beauty then, or gaze and gaze
On a primeval Eden, in amaze.
– Toru Dutt
Answer:
Do it Yourself