Students can use Poorvi Book Class 8 Solutions Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 5 Somebody’s Mother Questions and Answers as a quick reference guide.
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Questions and Answers
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 5 Somebody’s Mother Question Answer
Somebody’s Mother Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 70)
I. Recall a time you helped someone. Write two words describing:
1. What were your feelings after you did so?
2. What might have been the feelings of the person whom you helped?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
1. Happy and satisfied.
2. Grateful and relieved
II. Work in pairs. Read the words given below. Circle the words you would associate with an elderly person and underline the words you would associate with a school student. Share the reasons for your choices with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Reasoning:
- Elderly people are often described as slow, bent, or trembling due to age, and may have grey hair and feel worried in certain situations.
- School students are usually strong, firm, merry, and helpful, often seen hastening around and ready to guide when needed.
III. Read the lines.
The woman was old and ragged and grey And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
Select the suitable meaning of ‘ragged’ as used in these lines. There are other four meanings given below. Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
1. (of clothes) old and torn; synonym: shabby
- a ragged jacket
2. Having an outline, an edge, or a surface that is not straight or even
- a ragged coastline
3. Not smooth or regular; not showing control or careful preparation
- I could hear the sound of his ragged breathing.
- Their performance was still very ragged.
4. (Informal) very tired, especially after physical effort
- The elderly man was ragged after climbing the stairs.
Answer:
Here’s the meaning of “ragged” in each sentence:
1. A ragged jacket – The jacket is torn, frayed, or in poor condition, possibly old and worn out.
2. A ragged coastline – The coastline is uneven, rough, or jagged, with irregular edges.
3. I could hear the sound of his ragged breathing. – His breathing is uneven, strained, or irregular, possibly due to exhaustion or illness.
4. Their performance was still ragged – The performance was not smooth or well-coordinated, possibly disorganised or lacking refinement.
5. The elderly man was ragged after climbing the stairs – The man was exhausted, worn out, or physically- drained after the effort.
The word “ragged” has different meanings depending on the context, ranging from physical appearance to irregularity or fatigue.
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Pages 73-74)
I. Arrange the events of the poem in the correct order of occurrence.
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. The boy returned to his friends, feeling proud of what he had done.
2. The old woman stood alone at the crossing, hesitant to move.
3. A group of schoolboys passed by, playing, and laughing.
4. The boy offred to help the old woman cross the street.
5. The woman prayed for the boy who helped her.
6. The children hurried past the old woman without offring help.
7. The woman placed her hand on the boy’s arm, and he guided her
safely across the street.
8. The boy thought about his own mother and hoped someone would
help her one day.
Answer:
1. The boy returned to his friends, feeling proud of what he had done. [6]
2. The old woman stood alone crossing, hesitant to move. [1]
3. A group of schoolboys passed playing, and laughing. [2]
4. The boy offered to help the old woman cross the street. [4]
5. The woman prayed for the boy who helped her. [8]
6. The children hurried past the old woman without offering help. [3]
7. The woman placed her hand on the boy’s arm, and he guided her safely across the street. [5]
8. The boy thought about his own mother and hoped someone would help her one day. [7]
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the options given in the brackets.
1. The central theme of the poem is _____________. (kindness and empathy/ adventure and courage)
2. The tone of the poem is _____________. (humorous and playful/sympathetic and hopeful)
3. The poem is written in couplets with _____________ lines in each stanza. (four/two)
4. The structure of the poem gives a rhythmic flew that reflcts both the _____________. (narrative and emotions/story’s pace and message)
5. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of _____________. (AABB/ABAB)
Answer:
1. The central theme of the poem is kindness and empathy.
2. The tone of the poem is sympathetic and hopeful.
3. The poem is written in couplets with two lines in- each stanza.
4. The structure of the poem gives a rhythmic flow that reflects both the story’s pace and message.
5. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of AABB.
|
GOLDEN POETIC DEVICES TIPS A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as” to create vivid imagery. Examples:
Repetition is a literary device where words, phrases, or sentences are repeated to emphasise an idea or create rhythm. Examples:
Alliteration is a literary device where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of closely connected words. It’s often used in poetry, storytelling, and advertising to create rhythm, mood, or emphasis. Examples: The lazy lizard lounged in the lemon grove. Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures and appeal to the senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Writers use imagery to make their descriptions more engaging and immersive. Examples:
To learn more about Poetic Devices refer page no. 354. |
III. Pick examples from the poem for the following poetic devices.
1. Simile
2. Alliteration
3. Repetition
Answer:
1. Simile
“Came the boys like a flock of sheep” Compares the boys to sheep using “like”.
2. Alliteration
“So meek, so timid”
Repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
3. Repetition “Somebody’s mother”
The phrase is repeated to emphasis empathy and universal care.
IV. Complete the following sentences appropriately explaining the imagery.
1. The poem uses imagery to describe scenes of a bustling street. We know this by the phrase _____________.
2. The line The street was wet with a recent snow’ suggests a cold and _____________ weather, emphasising the woman’s helplessness.
Answer:
1. The poem uses imagery to describe scenes of a bustling street.
We know this by the phrase: “Down the street, with laughter and shout”
2. The line The street was wet with a recent snow’ suggests a cold and harsh weather, emphasising the woman’s helplessness.
V. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The poet repeats the phrase Somebody’s mother because it _____________.
Answer:
The poet repeats the phrase Somebody’s mother because it emphasises the idea that every elderly person deserves care and kindness, just as we would show to our own mother.
VI. Complete the analogy:
The old woman: vulnerable and neglected ::
The young boy: _____________.
Answer:
The old woman: vulnerable and neglected :: The young boy: strong and compassionate
This highlights the contrast between the two characters in the poem and reflects the theme of empathy and kindness.
Class 8 English Somebody’s Mother Question Answer – Let us Think and reflect (Pages 74-75)
I. Read the given extracts below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The woman was old and ragged and grey
And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman’s feet were aged and slow.
(i) What does the phrase ‘ragged and grey’ refer to?
A. The woman’s emotional state that day.
B. The woman’s old and worn-out • appearance.
C. The weather conditions of the particular day.
D. The colour of the street and the surroundings.
Answer:
B. The woman’s old and worn-out appearance.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason:
The woman was ‘bent’ with the chill of the Winter’s day because she was _____________
Answer:
“The woman was ‘bent’ with the chill of the Winter’s day because she was old and weak due to her age and the harsh cold weather.
(iii) Identify the fact and opinion from the following sentences:
A. The street was wet with recent snow.
B. The woman was too weak to cross the street on her own.
Answer:
A. The street was wet with recent snow. — Fact
B. The woman was too weak to cross the street on her own. — Opinion
(iv) Why do you think the woman’s feet were described as ‘aged and slow’?
Answer:
The woman’s feet were described as •‘aged and slow’ because she was old and physically weak, which made it difficult for her to walk quickly, especially in cold weather and slippery street.
2. He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
(i) What does the contrast between the ‘trembling feet’ of the old woman and the ‘firm and strong’ feet of the boy emphasise?
Answer:
The contrast between the ‘trembling feet’ of the old woman and the ‘firm and strong’ feet of the boy emphasises the difference between weakness and strength, age and youth. It also highlights the boy’s kindness in using his strength to help someone who was weak and in need.
(ii) Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.
- The poem tells us that the boy was ‘proud’ that his feet were strong.
- This tells us that the boy was _____________ (arrogant about being strong/grateful for his ability to help)
Answer:
This tells us that the boy was grateful for his ability to help.
(iii) What is the boy most likely to tell his friends on getting back?
A. I’m so glad I could help her.
B. I’m worried about her safety.
C. I’m surprised she forgot to thank me.
D. I’m thankful for all your support.
Answer:
A. I’m so glad I could help her.
(iv) Rectify the false sentence given below.
The young boy’s actions were driven by a logical decision.
Answer:
The rectified sentence is: The young boy’s actions were driven by kindness and compassion.
II. Answer the following questions:
Question 1.
What might be the old woman’s fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?
Answer:
The old woman might have feared slipping on the icy street, being hit by carriages or horses, and not being noticed or helped by the busy crowd.
Question 2.
How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Answer:
The poet shows the helplessness of the old woman by describing her as “old and ragged and grey” and “bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.” She stands alone at the crossing, “timid, afraid to stir,” while others pass her by, not noticing her anxious eyes. These lines reflect her physical weakness, fear, and loneliness.
Question 3.
Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What does this tell us about him?
Answer:
The boy decides to help the old woman because he feels compassion for her and imagines someone helping his own mother in a similar situation. This tells us that he is kind-hearted, empathetic, and thoughtful.
Question 4.
How was the boy’s approach towards the old woman different from that of the other boys in the group?
Answer:
The boy’s approach was different because, unlike the other boys who ignored the old woman, he noticed her struggle and offered to help her cross the street. This shows that he was compassionate and considerate, while the others were indifferent and careless.
Question 5.
Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
Answer:
The title “Somebody’s Mother” is appropriate because it reminds readers that the elderly woman, though poor and alone, is loved and valued by someone. It highlights the universal truth that every person is important to someone, and encourages empathy, as the boy helps her thinking she could be like his own mother.
Question 6.
What does the poem suggest about the role of empathy and humanity in society?
Answer:
The poem suggests that empathy and humanity are essential values in society. It shows how a small act of kindness, like helping someone in need, can have a lasting emotional impact. By showing care for others, especially the vulnerable, we make the world more compassionate and connected.
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us Learn (Pages 76-77)
I. The grid given below has the antonyms of the words from the text. Locate these words in the grid horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. One example has been done for you. You may refer to a dictionary.
Answer:
| Words | Antonyms |
| Firm | fragile |
| Meek | bold |
| Merry | sad |
| Kind | cruel |
| Anxious | peaceful |
| Bent | straight |
II. Match the words from the text given in Column 1 with the underlined phrases in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. hastened | (i) The mother heard the baby move slightly in the cradle at night. |
| 2. heeded | (ii) It is our duty to give support to the poor. |
| 3. stir | (iii) The students worked auicklv to complete the project and submit it on time. |
| 4. lend | (iv) All the boxes were kent in a hean at one nlace. |
| 5. piled | (v) Thev came forward to heln us when we were in need. |
| 6. offered | (vi) The stranded people were brought to safety because they naid attention to our advice. |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. hastened | (iii) The students worked quickly to complete the project and submit it on time. |
| 2. heeded | (vi) The stranded people were brought to safety because they paid attention to our advice. |
| 3. stir | (i) The mother heard the baby move slightly in the cradle at night. |
| 4. lend | (ii) It is our duty to give support to the poor. |
| 5. piled | (iv) All the boxes were kept in a heap at one place. |
| 6. offered | (v) They came forward to help us when we were in need. |
III. In the poem, the poet uses the idiom ‘lend a hand’ which means ‘help somebody’. Some more idioms using ‘hand’ are given in Column 1. Match these idioms with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. get out of hand | (i) do something new |
| 2. try your hand at something | (ii) applaud somebody |
| 3. give somebody a free hand | (iii) work together |
| 4. give somebody a big hand | (iv) become difficult to control |
| 5. work hand in hand | (v) be very busy |
| 6. have your hands full | (vi) allow somebody to do something with full freedom |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. get out of hand | (iv) become difficult to control |
| 2. try your hand at something | (i) do something new |
| 3. give somebody a free hand | (vi) allow somebody to do something with full freedom |
| 4. give somebody a big hand | (ii) applaud somebody |
| 5. work hand in hand | (v) work together |
| 6. have your hands full | (vi) be very busy |
IV. Complete the following analogy by filling in the blanks with the correct words from the poem.
1. _____________: winter :: heat : summer
2. hurt : _____________:: old: aged
3. whispered : shouted :: humble: ______
4. eyes : _____________ :: legs : walk
5. having a lot of money: wealthy :: densely packed people: ____
Answer:
1. cold : winter :: heat : summer
2. hurt : harm :: old : aged
3. whispered : shouted :: humble : proud
4. eyes : see :: legs : walk
5. having a lot of money: wealthy :: densely packed people: crowded
Somebody’s Mother Question Answer Class 8 – Let us Listen (Page 78)
I. You will listen to a woman read the special broad cast of the news. As you listen, arrange the pictures in the correct sequence of the events that took place. (Transcript for teacher on page 99)
Hello, everyone!
Let me tell you about the Param Vir Chakra. It is one of the most prestigious awards in India and signifis the ‘Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.’ This award is granted for ‘exemplary bravery in the presence of the enemy.’ This means that this award is given to someone who shows extraordinary courage and bravery while fihting the enemy.
The medal was instituted as a Gallantry Medal with retrospective effct from 15 August 1947 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India. The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar, who drew inspiration from Sage Dadhichi, a Vedic rishi, who made the ultimate sacrifie by giving up his body so that the gods could create a deadly weapon called Vajra, or Thunderbolt, from his spine.
The Param Vir Chakra is cast in bronze. At its centre, on a raised circle, is the State Emblem of India. Surrounding it are four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, lined with lotus flwers. That, my dear friends, is the Param Vir Chakra, a true symbol of bravery.
Thank you
Answer:
Based on the story about Rohan’s brave rescue, the correct sequence of the pictures is:
3 → 6 → 1 → 5 → 2 → 4
Explanation of the sequence:
1. (3) The woman is seen washing clothes near the river.
2. (6) She slips and falls into the river.
3. (1) She struggles to stay afloat in the strong current.
4. (5) Rohan bravely dives into the river to save her.
5. (2) He pulls her out and helps her to safety with the help of others.
6. (4) Rohan is honoured for his courageous act.
II. You will once again listen to the special broadcast of the news. As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words.
1. The woman was having a diffilt time staying aflat due to the _________________.
2. Rohan leapt into the river to save the woman without any _________________.
3. Rohan’s act of bravery was witnessed by _________________.
4. Rohan was honoured at the Vigyan Bhawan for his incredible courage and _________________.
5. Rohan proved that when it comes to saving lives, age is _________________
Answer:
1. The woman was having a difficult time staying afloat due to the strong currents.
2. Rohan leapt into the river to save the woman without any hesitation.
3. Rohan’s act of bravery was witnessed by onlookers.
4. Rohan was honoured at the Vigyan Bhawan for his incredible courage and selflessness.
5. Rohan proved that when it comes to saving lives, age is no barrier.
Class 8 English Chapter 5 Question Answer – Let us speak (Page 79)
I. Read aloud the list of words from the poem that end in ‘-ed’. As you read, focus on the fial sound of each word and place them in the appropriate columns. One example has been done for you.
| /id/sound | /d/sound | /t/sound |
| ragged | heeded | paused |
Note: Adjectives that come before a noun and end with ‘-ed’ have /id/as the final sound.
Answer:
| /id/sound | /d/sound | /t/sound |
| ragged | paused | whispered |
| aged | offered | |
| waited | ||
| guided | ||
| headed |
II. Work in pairs. Narrate an incident where you helped someone in the past. Take turns to speak and use the cue cards given below.
| at school classmate explaining a concept | in the neighbourhood cleanliness campaign |
| at the market place elderly carrying bags | in the playground a friend gets injured |
You may use the following prompts.
| Beginning the Story | Describing the Experience |
|
|
| Beginning the Story | Describing the Experience |
|
|
Answer:
Here’s a narration using the cue card “At the market place – elderly carrying bags” using the provided prompts:
It all started when I was walking back home from school and saw an elderly woman at the market place. She was struggling to carry multiple bags full of vegetables.
At that moment, I realised she needed help. I quickly walked up to her and offered to carry her bags. She looked surprised at first but then smiled warmly and accepted my help.
The next few minutes were filled with a pleasant conversation as I walked with her to her home, which was just around the corner.
I was extremely satisfied knowing that such a small act made her day easier.
From that day on, I always try to notice people around me who may need help.
This experience taught me the value of kindness and how even small actions can make a big difference
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 5 Question Answer – Let us Write (Page 80)
I. Write a diary entry of a day you helped someone in need. Remember to include the following points while writing it.
|
GOLDEN WRITING TIPS A diary is a personal record of thoughts, experiences, and reflections. It allows you to express emotions, track events, and document memories. Format of a Diary Entry
Tips for Writing a Diary
Refer to page 340 for more practice of Diary Entry. |
Start with a sentence describing the day.
/ Mention whom you helped.
/ Explain the situation in which the other person needed help.
/ Add the place and time of the day when the situation arose.
/ Describe how you helped the other person.
/ Describe the reaction of the person you helped.
/ Mention how you felt during and after helping the person.
/ Conclude by mentioning why you would do something like this again.
You may begin like this:
26 April 20xx, Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I feel was a special day…
Answer:
26 April 20xx, Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I feel proud of myself for helping a friend in need.
During the lunch break at school, I noticed my classmate Riya sitting alone and looking confused. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she didn’t understand an important math concept that would be tested the next day. She looked really anxious and said she was afraid of failing.
I offered to explain it to her and we sat together under the big tree in the school courtyard. I used simple steps and examples to help her understand. Slowly, her face lit up and she started solving the problems on her own!
Riya smiled and said, “Thank you so much! You made it so easy.” That moment made me feel really good — like I had done something valuable. It felt great to be useful to someone.
I realised that helping others not only supports them, but it also strengthens our own understanding and kindness. 1 would definitely do this again.
With a happy heart,
Good night!
Class 8th English Chapter 5 Somebody’s Mother Question Answer – Let us Explore (Pages 80-81)
I. Did you know that even Earth has been referred to as mother in the ancient scriptures of India? In section 12.1.12 of Prthvi-Sukta (hymn-to-the- earth) of Atharva Veda, Earth is referred to as mother and us as her children by stating:
| माता भूमि: फूत्रोऽहं पृथिव्या:। |
It can be translated as ‘Earth is my mother and I am her child’.
Answer:
No questions asked.
II. Work in groups of four. Find out the names of countries that refer to their country as ‘motherland’ and a few others as ‘fatherland’. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Countries that use the term Motherland:
- India – Bharat Mata (Mother India) is a national personification.
- Russia – Often referred to as Rodina- Mat (Motherland).
- Philippines – Called Inang Bayan (Motherland) in Filipino.
- Sri Lanka – Often referred to as the motherland in national songs and speeches.
Countries that use the term Fatherland:
- Germany – Vaterland (Fatherland) is a traditional and patriotic term.
- Netherlands – Sometimes referred to as Vaderland (Fatherland).
- China – The term zuguo (IIS) translates as “ancestral land” or “fatherland”.
- Russia – Can also be referred to as Otechestvo (Fatherland), depending on the context.
- Motherland is more commonly used in countries where the nation is viewed with nurturing and protective qualities.
- Fatherland is used where the nation is associated with strength, heritage, and protection.
III. Read the poem and enjoy.
A Nation’s Strength
Not gold, but only men can make
A people great and strong…
Men who for truth and honour’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
— RALPH WALDO EMERSON
IV. Make a gratitude card for your mother/ grandmother to thank her for at least five things that she does for you. Also write two things that you would do regularly to help them. Use recycled material to make and decorate the card.
Answer:
Here’s a sweet sample message you can write inside the gratitude card for your mother or grandmother:
Dear Mom/Grandma,
Thank you for everything you do for me every single day!
I’m especially grateful for:
1. Cooking delicious meals for our family.
2. Helping me with my homework.
3. Taking care of me when I’m sick.
4. Telling me amazing stories and teaching me values.
5. Loving me unconditionally.
To help you in return, I promise to:
1. Keep my room clean every day.
2. Help you with small chores around the house.
You are my biggest blessing, and I love you so much!
With lots of love,
Kunal Verma