Class 8 Question Paper 2024-25 English (Half Yearly)

HALF YEARLY EXAM

QUESTION
PAPER
ORIGINAL EXAM PAPERS

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION, 2024
2024-25
ENGLISH
Time – 3:00 Hrs. Class – VIII M.M. : 80
Date – 21.09.2024 (Saturday)
Name of the student _______________________________________________Section _____
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
• Read all instructions carefully before answering.
• There are four sections in this question paper:
 Section A: Reading
 Section B: Writing Skill
 Section C: Grammar
 Section D: Literature
SECTION - A (READING COMPREHENSION – 15 marks)
Q1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (5)
(I) What does family mean to us? Why does the very thought of coming home after a hard day
mean so much? Why do we long to be within the four walls of the haven we call home? The
answers are not difficult at all. Family means protection, love, support and encouragement.
The members of a family stand by each other during times of trouble and joy, guide, serve and
respect each other. You can share your problems with your family, you can trust your family to
extend a helping hand to you when you need it the most and you can be sure that you will be
understood and loved, cherished and guided.
(II) Right from childhood, family is the most dominant influence in a child’s life. Parents guide their
children, nurture them, teach them the values of life and build in them self-esteem and
confidence to face the challenges of life. When a person grows up, it is the family he/she turns
to for any support or advice. The values instilled in us during our childhood help us to have a
clear vision, a positive approach to life and make us responsible and dependable. We are able
to make the right decisions at the right time and this enables us to lead a relatively easy life.
Whether it is providing you with your initial steps in education (like learning to read and write)
or instilling in you the necessary values, your family can mould your personality and beliefs for
many years ahead. Many great leaders have acknowledged the contributions of their families
in the development of their personalities.
(III) A family accepts you as you are with all your failings and weaknesses. Your actions are not
judged or ridiculed at any time. On the contrary, your family provides you with unconditional
affection and support which is the anchor that sustains you when you are caught in a sea of
troubles. Wherever you go, the fact that you have a family to come home to, brings hope and
cheer to your heart. Your home is like a beacon of light in the darkness and you are able to
stride on, confident that nothing can dishearten you so long as you have your family by your
side. Such is the power of the family and the relationship you share!

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Answer the following questions:
i) When we are troubled by hardships and failures, the thought of _______ is both comforting
and reassuring. (1)
a) enemies b) foes c) values d) home
ii) How do the members of the family support each other? (1)
a) The members of the family criticise each other.
b) The members of the family stand by each other during times of trouble and joy.
c) The members of the family do not help each other.
d) None of the above.
iii) In times of darkness, our home becomes a beacon of ___________. (1)
a) sorrow b) unconditional affection and support
c) conflict d) childhood memories
iv) In paragraph 1, the word ‘cherished’ means – (1)
a) guided b) hidden c) hated d) valued
v) How does a family accept you? (1)
a) A family accepts you as you are with all your failings and weaknesses.
b) Your actions are not judged or ridiculed at any time.
c) both a and b
d) none of the above
Q2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (10)
(I) The ocean, covering more than 70% of Earth's surface, is home to an incredible diversity of life
forms. The deep, mysterious waters of the ocean are filled with creatures that are both
fascinating and strange. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, the ocean teems
with life in every corner.
(II) One of the most remarkable ocean creatures is the jellyfish. With their translucent bodies and
graceful movements, jellyfish have mesmerized scientists and divers alike. Despite their
delicate appearance, jellyfish are equipped with venomous stingers that can paralyze their prey
instantly. Some species, like the box jellyfish, are even considered among the most dangerous
animals in the world. The ocean is also home to the mighty blue whale, the largest animal to
have ever existed. These gentle giants can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 200
tons. Blue whales feed mainly on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill, consuming up to 4 tons
of krill a day. Despite their enormous size, blue whales are peaceful creatures, known for their
melodic songs that can be heard across vast distances underwater.
(III) Another fascinating ocean dweller is the octopus, a creature known for its intelligence and
ability to camouflage itself. Octopuses can change the colour and texture of their skin to blend
in with their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to predators. Their problem-solving
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skills and ability to escape from enclosures have earned them a reputation as the escape artists
of the sea. The ocean remains one of the least explored parts of our planet, with new species
being discovered regularly. The amazing world of ocean creatures continues to inspire awe and
wonder, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life beneath the waves.
(IV) Beyond these well-known creatures, the ocean also hides countless species that are yet to be
discovered. The deep-sea zones, in particular, are home to bioluminescent organisms that
create an otherworldly glow in the pitch-black depths. These unique adaptations highlight the
resilience and adaptability of ocean life, revealing a world that is as enigmatic as it is
extraordinary.
Answer the following questions:
i) Complete the statements – (1x2=2)
a) Jellyfish have mesmerized scientists and divers because of their __________________.
b) Blue whales are peaceful creatures known for their___________ that can be heard across
vast distances underwater.
ii) How do octopuses avoid predators? (2)
iii) What do blue whales primarily feed on, and how much can they consume in a day? (2)
iv) a) Find a word from the passage which is the synonym of ‘disguise’. (Para III) (1)
b) Find a word from the passage which is the antonym of ‘miniscule’. (Para II) (1)
v) How do the translucent bodies of jellyfish benefit them in their ocean habitat and help them
to catch their prey? (2)
SECTION – B (WRITING SKILL – 20 marks)
Q3. Imagine you've stumbled upon a time machine and have travelled back to a historical era or
a significant event. Write a diary entry about your experiences within 100 words. (5)
Hints:- choose a specific time period or event to visit
- describe what you see, hear, and feel as you explore this new time and place
- consider meeting famous figures or witnessing significant events first-hand
- reflect on how this experience has changed your perspective
- think about the challenges and opportunities of navigating a different time period
Q4. Write a descriptive paragraph on ‘A Bustling City Street’ within 120 words. (7)
Hint: - capture the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy city street
- think about the hum of traffic
- the chatter of pedestrians
- the aroma of street food
Q5. Write a letter to the Editor of ‘The Times of India’ requesting him to publish the problem of
littering in and around your locality. Suggest solutions and urge the citizens to take
responsibility. Describe the condition of poor hygiene that is affecting the environment and the

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people. Identify the cause of inadequate waste management. Emphasise on individual
responsibility. (word limit 120 words) (8)
OR
Write a leave application within 120 words to the head of your institution requesting him to
grant you leave as you are going for a medical procedure (minor surgery) and thereafter
recovery period.
Hints: - clearly state the medical procedure you'll be undergoing
- provide a doctor's note or medical documentation to support your leave
- specify the date of the procedure and the expected recovery time
- estimate the number of days you'll need
- offer a plan for catching up on the missed work
- keep your explanation concise and focus on the essential details
SECTION - C (GRAMMAR – 15 marks)
Q6. a. Edit the following passage. Each line has an error: (½x4=2)
Incorrect Correct
The new employee, whom was hired last week, eg: whom who
is already making a big impact at our team. I. ________ ________
The manager give him a lot of responsibilities, II. ________ ________
and he is rising up the challenge. III. ________ ________
The rest of us is learning a lot from him. IV.________ ________
b. Rearrange the words to form meaningful sentences with proper punctuations: (1x3=3)
(i) research /the / for /project /need /I /sources/ reliable/some
(ii) to/ the/ store/ go/ I/ milk /and /eggs /need/to/ buy/and
(iii) manager/ the /with /meeting /a /have/ I /scheduled
c. Fill in the blanks with proper tense of the verb. (1x3=3)
(i) By the time I ________ my homework, it was already midnight.
A) had finished B) finish C) have finished D) was finishing
(ii) By next year, Jane ________ English for five years.
A) will have studied B) study C) have studied D) am studying
(iii) I ________ her since we graduated from high school.
A) have not seen B) did not see C) was not seeing D) am not seeing
d. Change the voice of the following sentences: (1x4=4)
(i) The artist painted a beautiful portrait.
(ii) The company will announce the winner of the contest tomorrow.
(iii) The team is working on a new project.
(iv) Who taught you grammar?

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e. Choose the verb that agrees with the subject in the following sentences: (1x3=3)
(i) The team of experts ________ working on the project.
A) is B) are C) am D) be
(ii) Every student in the class ________ a textbook.
A) has B) have C) having D) have been
(iii) The family, including the children, ________ the concert now.
A) is attending B) are attending C) attends D) attend
SECTION - D (LITERATURE - 30 marks)
Q.7 Read these sentences and answer the questions that follow: (1x3=3)
‘Each patient is precious. Be careful. If a patient dies, it is just one more hospital death for
the doctor. But for the unfortunate family, it is a permanent loss.’
A. Who said these words?
(i) Sudha said these words to her father.
(ii) Sudha's father said these words to Sudha.
(iii) The nurse said these words to the doctor.
B. When was this said?
(i) At the end of the story of the doctor and the nurse as said by the speaker here.
(ii) In the middle of the story of the doctor and the nurse.
(iii) When Sudha interrupted the story.
C. How would you explain the speaker's perspective?
(i) The speaker's perspective is not to save every patient as once a death is caused, his or her
family becomes totally devastated.
(ii) The speaker's perspective is to save every patient as once a death is caused, his or her
family becomes totally devastated.
(iii) The speaker's perspective is to save every patient as once a death is caused, his or her
family becomes happy.
Q.8 Read these sentences and answer the questions that follow: (1x3=3)
‘Do you wish the world were happy?
Then remember day by day
Just to scatter seeds of kindness
As you pass along the way.’
A. From which book this poem is taken?
I. ‘Songs of Innocence’ II. ‘Songs of Experience’ III. ‘Poems of Power’
B. What figure of speech has been used in the third line of the stanza?
I. simile II. personification III. metaphor
C. Which 'way' is the speaker referring to?
I. The various stages of our life. II. The way to the problems. III. The way to home.

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Q.9 Answer these questions in 30-40 words. (ANY 4) (2x4=8)
i) Explain 'the sphere you occupy' with reference to the first stanza of the poem ‘Wishing’.
ii) What did Jo say to rehearse that night and why?
iii) Why was Neel backing down the passageway as fast as he could?
iv) What did the speaker see when he looked up into the sky in the poem 'Paper Boats'?
v) What was the 'apparent defiance' of the inexperienced nurse?
Q.10 Answer these questions within 80 words. (ANY 2) (3x2=6)
(i) If you read the story ‘A Risky Rescue’, you'll understand that to some extent Rupa and Neel
were going against their father to save the tiger cub from Gupta. Do you think it was right?
How will you describe the characters of Rupa and Neel?
(ii) How does the poet bring out the inner meaning of the poem 'Paper Boats' through the use of
symbolism and personification?
(iii) Do you think Mr. March's letter made his daughters conscious of their actions and behaviours?
What were the resolutions taken by each of the daughters after the letter was read?
Q.11 Answer ANY ONE of the following questions: (5x1=5)
(i) Do you think the nurse was rude to the doctor? State your opinion portraying the traits of her
character.
(ii) Who are the armies in the poem 'Wishing'? How does the poet justify that the hand that plants
an acorn shelters armies from the sun?
Q.12 Do as directed:
(i) Choose the phrasal verb which means 'an electrical power cut': (1)
a) blackout b) letdown c) breakout
(ii) Identify the part of speech of the underlined word. (1)
used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on.
a) noun b) adverb c) adjective
(iii) Complete the sentence using the appropriate compound adjective. (1)
This plan seems ____________ as it doesn’t consider the future of the company.
a) solar-powered b) eco-friendly c) short-sighted
(iv) Read the clues and write the words for each of the clues: (1x2=2)
a) This is used to draw blood out of the body. __________
b) A detailed plan for a journey, especially a list of places to visit; plan of travel. __________

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Study Materials
Notes

Model Papers Class 6 Notes

Sample Papers Class 7 Notes
Half Yearly Sample Papers Class 8 Notes

Class 9 Notes
Important Resources
Class 10 Notes
Periodic Table
Class 11 Notes
Writing Skills / Formats

Maps of India / World Class 12 Notes

Books and Solutions

NCERT Books
NCERT Book Solutions
HC Verma Chapter Wise Solutions
RD Sharma Solutions
CGBSE Solutions