Students can use Poorvi Book Class 8 Solutions Unit 4 Environment Chapter 12 Waiting for the Rain Questions and Answers as a quick reference guide.
Waiting for the Rain Class 8 Questions and Answers
Waiting for the Rain Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 12 Waiting for the Rain Question Answer
Waiting for the Rain Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 185)
I. Have you ever waited for the rains? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I have waited for the rains. I waited for the rains because the weather was very hot, and I wanted some coolness. The rain also makes everything look fresh and green. I love the smell of the wet earth and enjoy watching the raindrops fall. Sometimes, I even like to play in the rain with my friends!
II. How do you feel when it rains after a long time?
Answer:
It feels joyful and refreshing after dry, hot days. The smell of wet soil is soothing, and everyone celebrates. Farmers feel relieved as their fields get water for crops.
III. Why do you think the farmers wait for the rains?
Answer:
Farmers depend on rain to grow crop and feed animals. No rain means no harvest, leading to hunger and debt. Rain is like lifeline for their survival and income.
IV. Discuss in groups what happens when you wait for something or someone for a long period of time.
1. How do you spend the waiting period?
2. What do you think about?
3. How do you feel?
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
When I wait for something or someone for a long time:
1. I try to keep myself busy. I might read a book, listen to music, play a game, or talk to someone. It helps the time go by faster.
2. I think about when the person or thing will arrive. Sometimes I imagine how it will be when it finally happens. I also wonder why it’s taking so long.
3. At first, I feel excited. But if the wait is too long, I start feeling bored, tired, or even a little upset. Still, if it’s something really important, I stay hopeful and try to be patient.
Waiting for the Rain Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 188)
I. Complete the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
| What was Said | Who said | What was said | Who said |
| 1. “It doesn’t look encouraging. ” | Velu | to himself | He looked up at the sky. |
| 2. “The rains came all these years without any such consultations…” | Velu | to other farmers | He rejects astrologers’ advice, trusting natural cycles. |
| 3. “So many favourable conditions but still no rain. ” | Weather office staff | admit their inability to predict the drought’s end. |
II. Do you think the old woman would help Velu? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I think the old woman will help Velu by offering wisdom, emotional support, or a new perspective on his situation, possibly helping him cope with the uncertainty of waiting for the rain.
III. Will Velu’s wait continue or will it rain?
Answer:
Velu’s wait might continue, as the story reflects his struggle between hope and helplessness. He couldn’t get any answers from the weather office, and now he feels disappointed and uncertain.
Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Question Answer – Let Us Discuss (Page 191)
I. Complete the following statements given below with suitable reasons.
1. Velu asked the old woman to stop smiling because _________________.
2. Velu said that it was hard not being able to work since_________________.
3. Velu was confused when the old lady said that the land needed rest because _________________.
4. The old lady said that it was good for the land when it didn’t rain as _________________.
5. Velu ran home laughing and happy because _________________.
Answer:
1. Velu asked the old woman to stop smiling because he felt there was nothing to smile about without the rains, as the crops wouldn’t grow.
2. Velu said that it was hard not being able to work since he had worked hard and honestly, vet he felt punished because without the rains, he couldn’t till the land and no crops would grow.
3. Velu was confused when the old lady said that the land needed rest because he had never thought that the earth could get tired and needed a break. He believed that the land should always be ploughed and cultivated.
4. The old lady said that it was good for the land when it didn’t rain as the land was left alone, undisturbed, and could rest under the sky. This rest helped it become fresh and ready for the next crop when the rains finally came.
5. Velu ran home laughing and happy because he felt the cool breeze and tiny drops of rain. He was confident that the rain would soon arrive, he knew he would be able to till his land and grow his crops.
Waiting for the Rain Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us Think and reflect (Pages 191-193)
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. “..I can’t see how talking to astrologers will bring rain. ”
He decided to go to the weather office in the city and talk to someone. But the people at the weather office said they couldn’t really tell him when the sky would gather clouds and bring rain. “We are at a loss ourselves!” they exclaimed. “So many favourable conditions but still no rain. Very odd!”
(i) What does the first line of the extract tell us about Velu’s beliefs?
Answer:
The first line indicates that Velu is practical and does not believe in superstitious or astrological methods to bring rain. He seeks logical and scientific solutions.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Velu is determined to seek information about the rain because _________________. (he was at a loss of words/he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm)
Answer:
Velu is determined to seek information about the rain because he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm.
(iii) Complete the table with reference to Velu’s weather office visit.
| Expectation (What I think will happen) | Outcome (What actually happened) |
Answer:
| Expectation (What I think will happen) | Outcome (What actually happened) |
| Velu expected the weather office to provide specific information about when it would rain. | The people at the weather office could not tell him when it would rain. |
(iv) Complete the following sentence with a suitable option.
The absence of rain despite favourable conditions, shows _________________.
A. lack of astrological knowledge
B. ineffectiveness of farmers like Velu
C. delay in understanding the weather
D. unpredictability of nature
Answer:
D. unpredictability of nature
2. “The soil, the land, the earth… shouldn’t someone let the land rest a bit?” the old woman said, softly, smiling.
“Rest? Let the land rest? I don’t understand, ” Velu looked at her, a little puzzled.
“Yes, my son, that is the difficulty. You don’t realise that the earth is old…”
(i) The old woman’s advice was accompanied with a soft tone and a smile. What does that tell us about her?
Answer:
This suggests that she is wise, gentle, and patient, delivering her message with kindness and understanding.
(ii) Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given below.
The old woman’s advice _________________ Velu, at that moment.
A. failed to impress
B. confused
C. scared
D. made sense to
Answer:
B. confused
(iii) State one thing about the old woman when she referred to Velu as ‘my son’, while offering advice.
Answer:
Referring Velu as ‘my son’ indicates her affectionate, maternal, and caring nature, treating him with warmth and wisdom.
(iv) Complete the following sentence with a suitable explanation.
The ‘difficulty’ that the old woman mentions is due to the fact that _________________.
Answer:
The ‘difficulty’ that the old woman mentions is due to the fact that people do not realise that the earth, being old, also requires rest from continuous cultivation, just like humans do.
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
How does the old woman convey Nature’s wisdom to Velu?
Answer:
The old woman conveys Nature’s wisdom by explaining that the earth, like humans, needs rest from continuous cultivation. She portrays Nature as a mother who ensures her children, including the land, receive the necessary rest, implying that the drought is a period of rejuvenation for the land.
Question 2.
The writer says, The fields lay untended…’ Why couldn’t the farmers tend to their fields in the absence of rain?
Answer:
In the absence of rain, the fields lay untended because the earth had become hardened, crusted, and cracked, making it impossible for farmers to till the land and grow crops.
Question 3.
Support the old woman’s perspective that the land needs rest just like people do.
Answer:
The old woman’s view is supported by the idea that constant cultivation can deplete the soil. Just as people need rest to recover, the earth, having been worked for thousands of years, needs a break to rejuvenate. This allows it to become fertile and ready for future crops, “springing back into activity, fresh and ready for your crop.”
Question 4.
What can be inferred about Velu’s character based on his reaction to the drought?
Answer:
Velu is portrayed as hardworking, honest, and initially frustrated and dejected by the uncontrollable drought. He actively seeks practical solutions, such as visiting the weather office, and ultimately demonstrates an openness to new ideas and wisdom, as shown by his acceptance of the old woman’s advice.
Question 5.
What does the story suggest about the life of farmers and their relationship with nature?
Answer:
The story illustrates that farmers’ lives are profoundly dependent on nature, especially rainfall. Despite their diligent and honest work, their livelihood is subject to natural conditions. It also highlights the deep, almost personal connection farmers have with their land and their reliance on nature’s cycles, often sustained by hope.
Question 6.
How might the rest and care of land contribute to a balanced and sustainable ecosystem?
Answer:
Allowing land to rest and be cared for contributes to a balanced and sustainable ecosystem by enabling soil to recover its nutrients and improve its structure, preventing depletion. Practices like crop rotation help maintain long-term soil health and productivity, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance without continuous human intervention disrupting natural cycles.
Waiting for the Rain Question Answer Class 8 – Let us Learn (Pages 193-197)
I. Solve a crossword using picture and word clues. All clues are related to the words from the text that are connected to weather or agriculture.
Answer:
II. The text uses words like ‘piece,’ ‘weather,’ ‘son,’ and ‘rain’. These words are the same as other words that are spelt diffrently—peace, whether, sun, and reign.
Words that are pronounced the same as other words but differ in meaning or in spelling are called homophones.
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GOLDEN GRAMMAR TIPS Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.
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Now, complete the paragraph by filling in the correct option of homophones given in the brackets.
The farmer looked at the sky and wondered 1. ________________ (weather/whether) the clouds would fially bring rain. He sat down on the ground, breaking a small 2. ________________ (piece/peace) of roti for his meal. The 3. ________________ (plain/plane) filds stretched endlessly before him, completely dry. He thought about how he could 4. ________________ (sell/cell) his last sack of grain to buy some essentials for his family. Without the rains, it didn’t 5. ________________ (seam/seem) possible to grow another crop this season. Despite his worries, he smiled, knowing that every farmer hopes for the next 6. ________________ (rain/reign) by nature to bring life back to the land.
Answer:
The farmer looked at the sky and wondered 1. whether (weather/whether) the clouds would finally bring rain. He sat down on the ground, breaking a small 2. piece (piece/peace) of roti for his meal. The 3. plain (plain/plane) fields stretched endlessly before him, completely dry. He thought about how he could 4. sell (sell/cell) his last sack of grain to buy some essentials for his family. Without the rains, it didn’t 5. seem (seam/seem) possible to grow another crop this season. Despite his worries, he smiled, knowing that every farmer hopes for the next 6. rain (rain/reign) by nature to bring life back to the land.
III. Choose the correct meanings from the given options for the underlined words or phrases in the following sentences.
1. Being annoyed, she muttered something which nobody heard.
(i) spoke in a low voice
(ii) spoke slowly
(iii) spoke angrily
Answer:
(i) spoke in a low voice
2. At the new work place, Riya felt forlorn for a week.
(i) upset and irritated
(ii) angry and bitter
(iii) sad and neglected
Answer:
(iii) sad and neglected
3. When all his friends had gone, he was at a loss because he did not know what to do.
(i) confused
(ii) shocked
(iii) lonely
Answer:
(i) confused
4. When the little child saw her father, her eyes sparkled.
(i) glowed dimly
(ii) showed joy
(iii) opened wide
Answer:
(ii) showed joy
The forms of tenses in the given statements are Simple Present Tense (1 and 2), Present Progressive Tense (3 and 4) Present Perfect Tense (5 and 6).
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GOLDEN GRAMMAR TIPS 1. Simple Present Tense
Examples:
2. Present Progressive (Present Continuous) Tense
Examples:
3. Present Perfect Tense
Examples:
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Now, fill in the blanks with the correct form of Simple Present, Present Progressive or Present Perfect tenses of the verbs given in brackets.
Ravi (i) __________ (be) a farmer who (ii) __________ (practise) crop rotation on his land. Each season, he (iii) __________ (plant) different crops to maintain the soil’s health. This year, he (iv) __________ (grow) legumes, which help restore the nutrients in the soil. Over the years, Ravi (v) __________ (learn) that planting the same crop repeatedly (vi) __________ (deplete) the soil, making it less fertile. By rotating crops, he (vii) __________ (keep) the land productive and fertile. He (viii) __________ (see) a noticeable improvement in his yields since adopting this method. Now, Ravi (ix) __________ (share) his knowledge with other farmers, explaining how crop rotation(x) __________ (benefit) both the soil and their harvests.
Answer:
Ravi (i) is (be) a farmer who (ii) has been practising (practise) crop rotation on his land. Each season, he (iii) plants (plant) different crops to maintain the soil’s health. This year, he (iv) is growing (grow) legumes, which help restore the nutrients in the soil. Over the years, Ravi (v) has learned (learn) that planting the same crop repeatedly (vi) depletes (deplete) the soil, making it less fertile. By rotating crops, he has kept (keep) the land productive and fertile. He (viii) has seen (see) a noticeable improvement in his yields since adopting this method. Now, Ravi (ix) is sharing (share) his knowledge with other farmers, explaining how crop rotation (x) benefits (benefit) both the soil and their harvests.
VI. Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
- The rains came all these years without any such consultations.
- So many favourable conditions, but still no rain.
- Every day they hoped that the rains would come.
- But this year turned out to be different.
- This is the fist season in fie, no, six years that I have not sown, nor ploughed.
- We ought to talk to some astrologers.
- I have only done what any hard-working farmer would do.
- Velu looked at her, a little puzzled.
- She takes care to give her children the rest they need…
- Velu felt a cool breeze on his back.
The highlighted words or phrases that come before a noun but do not describe them are called determiners.
Let us learn the use of some common determiners.
- Articles: a, an, the
These are used to introduce nouns. - Demonstrative Determiners: this, that, these, those
These are used to point out specifi items. - Possessive Determiners: my, our, your, his, her, its, their, one’s
These indicate ownership or relationship. - Defiite Numeral Determiners: one, two, three, etc.
These specify exact quantities. - Indefiite Numeral Determiners: some, any, no, all, much, many, few, less, several, little and few
‘Some’ is used in affiative sentences, while ‘any’ and ‘no’ are used in negative and interrogative sentences.
‘All’ refers to the entirety of a group.
‘Much’ and ‘many’ denote large quantities of uncountable and countable nouns, respectively.
‘Few’ indicates a small number, ‘less’ refers to a smaller quantity, and ‘several’ means more than two but not many.
‘Little’ means not much, ‘few’ means not many. Use ‘a little’ and ‘a few’ to convey a positive sense.
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GOLDEN GRAMMAR TIPS Determiners are words that modify nouns to provide more information about them, such as quantity, ownership, specificity, or position. Types of Determiners Articles – Define specificity of a noun
Demonstrative Determiners – Show the position or distance
Possessive Determiners – Show ownership
Definite Numeral Determiners-Indicate exact numbers or order
Indefinite Numeral Determiners-Show an uncertain quantity
Distributive Determiners-Refer to individuals in a group
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Now, fill in the blanks by choosing the correct determiner from those given in the brackets.
It was 1. ________ (a/an) rainy afternoon, and 2. ________ (a/the) sky was thick with dark clouds. Mala noticed a large puddle quickly forming in front of 3. ________ (her/their) house. Excited, she called for her brother to join her, knowing that both of them always loved playing in 4. ________ (a/the) rain. While jumping from 5. ________ (some/one) puddle to another, Mala spotted 6. ________ (few/a few) snails slowly creeping along the wet sidewalk and pointed them out to her brother. With 7. ________ (each/every) jump, the sound of both 8. ________ (her/their) squeals and laughter was heard through the soft patter of raindrops. Though they were fully drenched 9. ________ (either/neither) siblings minded it. It had been a perfect rainy day.
Answer:
It was 1. a (a/an) rainy afternoon, and 2. the (a/the) sky was thick with dark clouds. Mala noticed a large puddle quickly forming in front of 3. her (her/their) house. Excited, she called for her brother to join her, knowing that both of them always loved playing in 4. the (a/ the) rain. While jumping from 5. one (some/ one) puddle to another, Mala spotted 6. a few (few/a few) snails slowly creeping along the wet sidewalk and pointed them out to her brother. With 7. each (each/every) jump, the sound of both 8. their (her/their) squeals and laughter was heard through the soft patter of raindrops. Though they were fully drenched 9. neither (either/neither) siblings minded it. It had been a perfect rainy day.
Class 8 English Chapter 12 Question Answer – Let us Listen (Page 197)
I. Listen to the weather forecast. As you listen, fill in the blanks with the exact word you listen to. (Transcript for teacher on page 204)
1. Delhi will mostly have a ___________ sky with light rain.
2. Moderate rain is likely to happen in ___________.
3. Kolkata is likely to have a maximum temperature of around ___________ °C.
4. There is a chance of a ___________ in Chennai.
5. Bengaluru will have a ___________ temperature of 29 °C.
6. Taking an ___________ is advisable because of the weather conditions.
Answer:
1. Delhi will mostly have a cloudy sky with light rain.
2. Moderate rain is likely to happen in Mumbai.
3. Kolkata is likely to have a maximum temperature of around 34°C.
4. There is a chance of a thunderstorm in Chennai.
5. Bengaluru will have a maximum temperature of 29°C.
6. Taking an umbrella is advisable because of the weather conditions.
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 12 Question Answer – Let us Speak (Page 198)
I. Here is a tongue twister about ‘weather’. Practice saying it as fast as you can.
Whether the weather be fine, or whether the weather be not, whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot, well weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.
Answer:
Students will recite it clearly at increasing speed while maintaining pronunciation.
II. Rain has arrived after a long dry spell on the Earth. Imagine the Rain and the Earth have a conversation. Work in pairs and present the role-play.
You may use the hints in the table given below.
You may start the conversation in the following way.
Rain: Greetings, Earth! It’s been a while since we’ve met. How have you been?
Earth: Hello Rain! I am so glad to see you.
To continue the conversation, use the hints given below.
| Rain | Earth |
| Ask about how the Earth has been. | Respond and express relief at the arrival of Rain. |
| Speak about your long journey from the Earth to the sky and back again to the Earth. | Enquire why it took so long for Rain to arrive. Express gratitude for the gift of water. |
| Ask about how the Earth can use the gift you brought—rain water. | Speak about how important Rain is to you—for agriculture, for plants and animals to survive. |
| Elaborate how much you enjoy being on the Earth. | Enquire how Rain feels about being on Earth. |
| Thank the Earth for the invite. Promise to return on time the next year. | Invite Rain to join the celebration of the rivers, forests, and people of Earth. |
Answer:
Here’s a sample c ialogue based on the
hints provided, presented as a conversation between Rain and Earth:
Rain: Greetings, Earth! It’s been a while since we met. How have you been?
Earth: Hello, Rain! I am so glad to see you. I’ve missed you dearly. It’s been quite dry and difficult without you.
Rain: I’m sorry to hear that. How have you managed all this while?
Earth: It wasn’t easy. The rivers started drying up, the plants were wilting, and the animals were struggling. Your arrival has brought us hope again!
Rain: That warms my heart. The journey from you to the sky and back has been long. I travelled through the clouds, faced winds and sun, but finally, I made it back to you.
Earth: I was wondering what took you so long. But I’m just grateful you’re here now. Your gift of water is truly precious to us.
Rain: Tell me, how do you plan to use the rainwater I’ve brought?
Earth: Your water will nourish the soil, fill the rivers, help crops grow, and give animals the strength to survive. You are life itself for everything on me.
Rain: That’s wonderful to hear. I always love being on Earth—seeing greenery bloom, rivers flow, and people dance with joy.
Earth: And how do you feel about being back?
Rain: I feel refreshed and happy. There’s nothing like the feeling of touching the Earth again and seeing everything come alive.
Earth: We are having a celebration soon— for the rivers, forests, and all the people of Earth. Will you join us?
Rain: Thank you for the invite! I’d be honoured. I promise to return right on time next year too.
Class 8th English Chapter 12 Waiting for the Rain Question Answer – Let us write (Page 199)
I. You have observed the difficulties faced by the people in your neighbourhood due to scarcity of water especially during the summer months. Write a letter to the Councillor of your Municipal ward, requesting her/him to set up a rain water harvesting unit. Provide suggestions to address the issue.
Remember to
- use formal language
- keep sentences short and to the point
- state the purpose clearly and concisely
- give relevant details
Format and Layout:
Answer:
25 Greenview Apartments
MG Road, Bengaluru
Karnataka – 560001
November 10, 2024
The Municipal Councillor
Bengaluru Municipal Corporation
Bengaluru – 560001
Subject: Request to Install Rainwater Harvesting Unit in Ward No. 44
Dear Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the severe water shortage our locality faces every summer. For the past three years, residents of Greenview Apartments and surrounding areas have struggled with inadequate water supply from May to October, forcing us to depend on expensive private water tankers.
The problem has worsened due to declining groundwater levels and lack of proper rainwater conservation systems. Last summer, we had no water supply for 8-10 days continuously, causing immense hardship to families, especially children and senior citizens.
I kindly request you to:
1. Install a community rainwater harvesting system in our ward
2. Conduct awareness programs about water conservation
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Rahul Sharma
(Resident of Greenview Apartments)
Waiting for the Rain Class 8 NCERT Solutions – Let us Explore (Pages 199-200)
I. Rest is very important for us to function in a proper manner. Even the Earth needs rest. This is known as fallowing.
Read the facts given below related to fallowing:
- A fallow year refers to leaving the land without sowing for one, or several vegetative cycles.
- This is done to allow the land to recover its nutrients and retain moisture. It also helps to avoid spreading of diseases and controlling pests.
- The sustainable land management method has been applied for centuries, wherein a field is divided into two halves—one is planted with crops while the other remains unplanted. Then, the process is reversed in the following year.
Answer:
Fallowing is to let the land remain uncultivated for one or more seasons.
The purpose of fallowing is to
- Replenish soil nutrients
- Control pests /diseases
- Retain soil moisture
Traditional Method of fallowing are to
- Divide the field into two halves
- One half is cultivated in one season and the other is left fallow
- This system is to follow every year.
II. Find out from your Vocational Education teacher about Agriculture as a vocation and other related vocations, such as horticulture, etc.
Answer:
Students ask their vocational teacher about agriculture as a vocation, including fields such as horticulture, agroforestry, organic farming, and hydroponics.
III. India’s rich tradition of meteorological knowledge includes indigenous forecasting systems, grounded in ancient wisdom. These provide sophisticated methods for predicting climate, calculating rainfall, and issuing early warnings.
References to rain and weather are found in numerous ancient texts, including the Rigveda, Shrimad Bhagavad, Parashara Samhita, Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, and Meghmala. These texts offer insights into rainfall patterns and seasonal changes.
Answer:
No questions asked.
IV. Meteorological Services for Agriculture in India (See, NCERT Textbook page 200)
Answer:
Students to scan QR code and search weather related services.
