Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages with Answers offers engaging texts designed for eighth-grade students, accompanied by questions to assess their understanding and critical thinking skills. This resource ensures an effective and comprehensive approach to reading comprehension development.
Importance of Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages
Reading Comprehension Class 8 Passages with Answers play a crucial role in honing students’ reading skills, fostering comprehension, and cultivating critical thinking abilities. This resource not only enhances academic performance but also nurtures a lifelong love for reading and learning.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages with Answers exhibit diverse and engaging content tailored for eighth-grade students. These passages are designed to sharpen analytical skills, encourage critical thinking, and provide a comprehensive assessment of comprehension.
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Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 1:
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below.
1. Birds are fascinating creatures that inhabit various ecosystems around the world. With over 10,000 different species, they display a remarkable diversity in size, color, behavior, and habitat. Birds belong to the class Aves and are characterized by their feathered bodies, beaks, and the ability to lay eggs.
2. Birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They contribute to seed dispersal, insect control, and pollination of plants. Additionally, their migratory patterns help in connecting different parts of the world and contribute to global biodiversity. From the tiny hummingbird to the majestic eagle, each species has unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in their specific environments.
3. Feathers serve various purposes for birds, including insulation, aerodynamics, and display during courtship rituals. The beak of a bird is adapted to its feeding habits, whether it is the long, probing beak of a hummingbird or the strong, hooked beak of a bird of prey.
4. Despite their differences, all birds share common characteristics such as hollow bones, a high metabolic rate, and a keen sense of vision. Some birds are excellent mimics, capable of imitating sounds from their surroundings.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What is the primary purpose of feathers in birds?
a) Flight
b) Camouflage
c) Protection
d) All of the above
2. How do birds contribute to ecosystems?
a) Seed dispersal
b) Insect control
c) Pollination
d) All of the above
a) Hollow bones
b) Fur-covered bodies
c) Lay eggs
d) Webbed feet
4. Which bird is known for its long, probing beak?
a) Eagle
b) Hummingbird
c) Penguin
d) Owl
Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: Feathers serve various purposes for birds, including insulation, aerodynamics, and display during courtship rituals.
Reason: Birds have feathers primarily for aesthetic purposes during courtship rituals.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: All birds share common characteristics such as hollow bones, a high metabolic rate, and a keen sense of vision.
Reason: These common characteristics make birds well-suited for life in aquatic environments.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
B. Fill in the Blanks:
1. Feathers serve various purposes, including ____________, aerodynamics, and display during courtship rituals.
2. Birds contribute to ecological balance through seed dispersal, insect control, and ____________ of plants.
3. All birds share common characteristics such as hollow bones, a high ____________ rate, and a keen sense of vision.
4. Some birds are excellent ____________, capable of imitating sounds from their surroundings.
C. True and False:
1. Birds do not play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. (True/False)
2. All birds have fur-covered bodies. (True/False)
3. Feathers in birds serve only one purpose, which is flight. (True/False)
4. All birds share common characteristics such as laying eggs. (True/False)
D. Meaning
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Travelling.”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Ordinary”
G. Short Answer Type:
1. Name one adaptation of feathers in birds.
2. Explain the role of bird migration in maintaining global biodiversity.
3. Mention two characteristics that all birds share.
H. Long Answer Type:
1. Describe the importance of birds in pollination and its impact on ecosystems.
2. Explain how a bird’s beak is adapted to its feeding habits.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 2:
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below.
1. Rivers are vital components of Earth’s geography, playing a significant role in shaping landscapes and supporting diverse ecosystems. Originating from various sources such as glaciers, lakes, or springs, rivers flow across the land, carrying water, sediment, and nutrients. They serve as crucial habitats for numerous plants and animals, providing sustenance and a breeding ground for aquatic life.
2. Rivers exhibit a distinctive course, typically beginning from a high elevation and winding their way to lower elevations, ultimately emptying into seas or oceans. The course of a river is characterized by its features, including the source, tributaries, confluence, and delta.
3. One essential aspect of rivers is their ability to erode and transport sediments, shaping valleys and contributing to the formation of fertile plains. Additionally, rivers are a source of freshwater for human civilizations, supporting agriculture, industry, and daily life.
4. The biodiversity along riverbanks is rich, with various species adapting to the unique conditions of flowing water. Fish, amphibians, and birds are commonly found along river ecosystems, relying on the water for survival. Unfortunately, human activities such as pollution, dam construction, and deforestation can pose threats to river ecosystems, impacting both the environment and the communities that depend on them.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What is a common source of rivers?
a) Deserts
b) Glaciers
c) Mountains
d) Forests
2. Where do rivers typically empty their water?
a) Lakes
b) Oceans
c) Swamps
d) Deserts
3. What is the term for the point where two rivers meet?
a) Source
b) Tributary
c) Confluence
d) Delta
4. What role do rivers play in shaping landscapes?
a) Freezing
b) Eroding and transporting sediments
c) Evaporating
d) Solidifying
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: Rivers serve as crucial habitats for numerous plants and animals.
Reason: Rivers provide sustenance and a breeding ground for aquatic life.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: Human activities like pollution and dam construction have no impact on river ecosystems.
Reason: River ecosystems are resilient and unaffected by human activities.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. Rivers serve as a source of freshwater for human civilizations, supporting ____________, industry, and daily life.
2. The course of a river is characterized by its features, including the source, tributaries, ____________, and delta.
3. Unfortunately, human activities such as pollution, dam construction, and deforestation can pose threats to ____________ ecosystems.
D. True and False:
1. Rivers typically begin from low elevations. (True/False)
2. River ecosystems are not affected by human activities. (True/False)
3. The course of a river is characterized by its source and delta. (True/False)
4. Rivers serve as a breeding ground for aquatic life. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Junction.”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Barren”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. Name two sources of rivers.
2. Explain the role of rivers in shaping valleys.
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Describe the impact of human activities on river ecosystems.
2. Discuss the significance of rivers as a source of freshwater for human civilizations.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 3:
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below.
1. Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled at the edge of an enchanted forest, lived a young girl named Emily. Curiosity ran in her veins, and one day, she ventured beyond the village into the mysterious woods. As Emily strolled deeper, the trees whispered ancient tales, and the air sparkled with magic.
2. In the heart of the forest, she discovered a hidden clearing adorned with radiant flowers. In the center stood a talking tree named Eldor, the guardian of the enchanted realm. Eldor revealed that the forest held secrets of dreams coming true, but only those with pure hearts could unlock its wonders.
3. Emily’s courage impressed Eldor, who bestowed upon her a magical key. This key opened a portal to a realm where animals spoke, and dreams took flight. Emily embarked on a journey, encountering mystical creatures, each with a lesson to teach. Along the way, she befriended a wise owl, danced with fairies, and outsmarted a mischievous pixie.
4. As Emily’s adventure unfolded, she faced challenges that tested her kindness and resilience. With each triumph, the enchanted forest revealed more of its wonders. Finally, Emily’s pure heart unlocked the ultimate secret – the power to turn dreams into reality.
5. Returning to the village, Emily shared her magical experience, inspiring others to believe in the extraordinary. The enchanted forest became a symbol of hope and the endless possibilities that await those with courage and goodness in their hearts.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What inspired Emily to explore the enchanted forest?
a) Fear
b) Curiosity
c) Boredom
d) Peer pressure
2. What is the guardian’s name in the enchanted forest?
a) Eldor
b) Enchantus
c) Magica
d) Mystique
3. What did Eldor reveal about the enchanted forest?
a) It held ancient artifacts.
b) Dreams could come true with a pure heart.
c) It was a dangerous place.
d) It was cursed.
4. How did Emily unlock the ultimate secret of the enchanted forest?
a) By solving riddles
b) By facing challenges with kindness and resilience
c) By defeating a dragon
d) By casting a spell
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: The enchanted forest holds secrets of dreams coming true.
Reason: Eldor, the guardian, believes that only those with pure hearts can unlock the forest’s wonders.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: Emily’s courage impressed Eldor.
Reason: The Eldor bestowed a magical key upon Emily.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. In the heart of the forest, Emily discovered a hidden clearing adorned with radiant ___________.
2. Eldor, the guardian, revealed that the forest held secrets of dreams coming true, but only those with ___________ hearts could unlock its wonders.
3. Emily’s adventure unfolded as she encountered mystical creatures, each with a ___________ to teach.
D. True and False:
1. Emily ventured into the enchanted forest because she was bored. (True/False)
2. Eldor is a mischievous pixie in the enchanted forest. (True/False)
3. The magical key opened a portal to a realm where animals spoke. (True/False)
4. The enchanted forest became a symbol of fear and danger. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Charming”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Well-behaved.”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What did Eldor bestow upon Emily?
2. Name one mystical creature Emily encountered in the enchanted forest.
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Describe one challenge Emily faced in the enchanted forest and how she overcame it.
2. Explain the significance of the enchanted forest in Emily’s village after her return.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 4:
Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions below.
In the meadow, by the old oak tree,
A whispering breeze speaks to me.
Rustling leaves and branches sway,
Nature’s secrets it conveys.
Softly it tells tales untold,
Of mountains high and valleys bold.
Through fields of gold and rivers wide,
On its wings, dreams take a ride.
Sunset hues, a painted sky,
The breeze, a gentle lullaby.
Carrying fragrances from afar,
It whispers the secrets of every star.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What does the breeze convey in the meadow?
a) Recipes
b) Nature’s secrets
c) Shopping lists
d) Traffic updates
2. Where does the breeze carry dreams?
a) To the moon
b) On its wings
c) Under the ocean
d) In a treasure chest
3. What is the breeze compared to during the sunset?
a) A bulldozer
b) A gentle lullaby
c) A racing car
d) A barking dog
4. What is the main theme of the poem?
a) Cooking
b) Nature and the whispering breeze
c) Car mechanics
d) Urban life
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: The breeze whispers the secrets of every star.
Reason: Stars communicate through whispers carried by the breeze.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: The poem’s main theme is car mechanics.
Reason: The poem mentions racing cars and bulldozers.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. In the meadow, by the old __________ tree,
2. A whispering breeze speaks to __________.
3. Carrying fragrances from __________,
4. It whispers secrets of every __________.
5. The breeze, a gentle __________,
6. Through fields of gold and rivers __________.
D. True and False:
1. The breeze communicates recipes. (True/False)
2. Dreams take a ride on the wings of the breeze. (True/False)
3. The poem’s main theme is urban life. (True/False)
4. The breeze compares to a racing car during the sunset. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Murmuring”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Harsh”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What does the breeze convey in the meadow?
2. What is the breeze compared to during the sunset?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Describe the main theme and mood of the poem.
2. How does the poet use personification in describing the breeze?
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 5:
Rear the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. Renowned British physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking sought to explain some of the most complicated questions of life while himself working under the shadow of a likely premature
death had died at 76.
2. He died peacefully at his home in the British University, city of Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 March 2018. Hawking’s formidable mind probed the very limits of human understanding both in the vastness of space and in the bizarre sub-molecular world of quantum theory, which he said could predict what happens at the beginning and end of time.
3. His varied work ranged from the origins of the universe itself, through the tantalizing prospect of time travel to the mysteries of space’s all-consuming black holes. The power of his intellect contrasted cruelly with the weakness of his body, ravaged by the wasting motor neuron disease he contracted at the age of 21. Hawking was confined for most of his life to a wheelchair.
4. As his condition worsened, he had to resort to speaking through a voice synthesizer and communicating by moving his eyebrows. He had 13 honorary degrees and had received many International awards. He was born on January 8, 1942, in England.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What was Stephen Hawking’s primary field of expertise?
a) Biology
b) Cosmology
c) Chemistry
d) Mathematics
2. At what age did Stephen Hawking contract motor neuron disease?
a) 31
b) 41
c) 21
d) 51
3. How did Stephen Hawking communicate as his condition worsened?
a) Sign language
b) Voice synthesizer and eyebrow movements
c) Morse code
d) Written notes
4. Where did Stephen Hawking pass away?
a) New York
b) Paris
c) Cambridge
d) London
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: Stephen Hawking’s work ranged from the origins of the universe to the mysteries of black holes.
Reason: His mind probed the limits of human understanding in both the vastness of space and the sub-molecular world of quantum theory.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in England.
Reason: He received many international awards throughout his life.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. Stephen Hawking passed away at his home in the British University city of __________ in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 March 2018.
2. Hawking contracted motor neuron disease at the age of __________.
3. As his condition worsened, Hawking communicated by speaking through a voice synthesizer and moving his __________.
D. True and False:
1. Stephen Hawking’s work was limited to the sub-molecular world. (True/False)
2. He contracted motor neuron disease at the age of 31. (True/False)
3. Stephen Hawking was born in Paris. (True/False)
4. Hawking communicated using sign language. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “early or before the expected time.”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “narrowness or limited space”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What was the primary field of expertise for Stephen Hawking?
2. How did Stephen Hawking communicate as his condition worsened?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Describe the contrasts in Stephen Hawking’s life, focusing on the power of his intellect and the weakness of his body.
2. Explain the significance of Stephen Hawking’s contributions to the field of cosmology and quantum theory.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 6:
Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions below.
I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers
I move the sweet forget-me-nots
That grows for happy lovers.
I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,
Among my skimming swallows;
I make the netted sunbeam dance
Against my sandy shallows.
I murmur under the moon and stars
In brambly wildernesses;
I linger by my shingly bars;
I loiter around my cresses;
And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What is the speaker in the poem?
a) A bird
b) A brook
c) A lover
d) A fish
2. What does the brook do with the forget-me-nots?
a) Steals them
b) Waters them
c) Dances with them
d) Sings to them
3. What does the brook make the netted sunbeam do?
a) Cry
b) Dance
c) Disappear
d) Shine
4. According to the poem, what happens to the brook?
a) It stops flowing
b) It joins a river
c) It disappears
d) It becomes a lake
5. Which poetic device is used in the line “I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance” to create a rhythmic and flowing effect?
a) Simile
b) Alliteration
c) Personification
d) Oxymoron
6. What poetic device is employed in the line “For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever” to emphasize the eternal nature of the brook?
a) Metaphor
b) Hyperbole
c) Symbolism
d) Repetition
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type::
1. Assertion: The brook mentions hazel covers in the poem.
Reason: Hazel covers represent a type of protective shelter for the brook.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: The brook claims to go on forever in the poem.
Reason: The brook is eternal, and its flow is constant.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. I move the sweet ____________ that grow for happy lovers.
2. I make the netted sunbeam dance against my sandy ____________.
D. True and False:
1. The brook flows through forests. (True/False)
2. The brook murmurs only during the day. (True/False)
3. The brook joins the brimming river in the end. (True/False)
4. The brook claims to go on for a limited time. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following:
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of:
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What does the brook do with the forget-me-nots?
2. According to the poem, where does the brook go to join?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Explore the significance of the brook’s constant movement and how it contrasts with human experiences mentioned in the poem.
2. Discuss the various actions and characteristics of the brook as portrayed in the poem.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 7:
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below.
1. As I stepped further into the room, the old deodar flooring creaked beneath my weight. By the light of another match, I reached the mantlepiece and lit the candle, noticing at the same
time that the candlestick was a genuine antique with cutglass hangings. A deserted cottage with good furniture and glass. I wondered why no one had ever broken in. And then realized that I had just done so.
2. I held the candlestick high and glanced round the room. The walls were hung with several watercolours and portraits in oils. There was no dust anywhere. But no one answered my call, no one responded to my hesitant knocking. It was as though the occupants of the house were in hiding, watching me obliquely from dark corners and chimneys.
3. I entered a bedroom and found myself facing a full-length mirror. My reflection stared back at me as though I were a stranger, as though my reflection belonged to the house, while I was only an outsider.
4. As I turned from the mirror, I thought I saw someone, something, some reflection other than mine, move behind me in the mirror. I caught a glimpse of whiteness, a pale oval face, burning eyes, long tresses, golden in the candlelight. But when I looked in the mirror again there was nothing to be seen but my own pallid face.
5. A pool of water was forming at my feet. I set the candle down on a small table, found the edge of the bed-a large old four- poster-sat down, and removed my soggy shoes and socks. Then I took off my clothes and hung them over the back of a chair.
6. I stood naked in the darkness, shivering a little. There was no one to see me and yet I felt oddly exposed, almost as though I had stripped in a room full of curious people.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What material is the flooring made of in the room?
a) Marble
b) Wood
c) Concrete
d) Granite
2. What kind of candlestick is mentioned in the passage?
a) Modern
b) Antique with cut-glass hangings
c) Brass
d) Electric
3. What catches the narrator’s attention about the bedroom’s furniture?
a) It is modern
b) It is old and worn
c) It is antique
d) It is minimalistic
4. What does the narrator see in the mirror behind them?
a) Another person
b) A reflection belonging to the house
c) Nothing unusual
d) A ghostly figure
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: The narrator wonders why no one has broken into the deserted cottage.
Reason: The cottage has good furniture and glass.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: The narrator sees a reflection other than their own in the mirror.
Reason: The narrator catches a glimpse of a ghostly figure with burning eyes and long tresses.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. I held the candlestick high and glanced round the room. The walls were hung with several ____________ and portraits in oils.
2. A pool of water was forming at my feet. I set the candle down on a small table, found the edge of the bed—a large old four-poster—sat down, and removed my soggy shoes and ____________.
D. True and False:
1. The narrator’s reflection stares back at them as if they were a stranger. (True/False)
2. The narrator sees a ghostly figure in the mirror. (True/False)
3. The flooring in the room is made of concrete. (True/False)
4. The narrator feels warm and comfortable after entering the room. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Trembling”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Occupied”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What catches the narrator’s attention about the bedroom’s furniture?
2. What does the narrator see in the mirror behind them?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Explore the significance of the narrator’s reflection in the mirror and its impact on their perception of the surroundings.
2. Discuss the narrator’s observations upon entering the room and their changing emotions throughout the passage.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 8:
Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions below.
All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
5 His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
10 Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier.
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What is the central metaphor used in the poem?
a) Life as a journey
b) Life as a game
c) Life as a book
d) Life as a puzzle
2. How many ages are mentioned in the poem?
a) Five
b) Six
c) Seven
d) Eight
3. What does the schoolboy carry with him?
a) A book
b) A satchel
c) A sword
d) A pen
4. According to the poem, what is the lover compared to?
a) A snail
b) A furnace
c) A soldier
d) A bubble
5. Which poetic device is evident in the line “And all the men and women merely players”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Alliteration
6. What poetic device is employed in the line “Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad made to his mistress’s eyebrow”?
a) Hyperbole
b) Personification
c) Simile
d) Metaphor
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: The lover in the poem is compared to a furnace.
Reason: The lover’s sighs are intense and passionate.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: The soldier in the poem is described as bearded like the pard.
Reason: The soldier is portrayed as an honorable and respected figure.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. At first, the infant, Mewling and ____________ in the nurse’s arms.
2. Then the whining schoolboy, with his ____________ and shining morning face, creeping like a snail unwillingly to school.
D. True and False:
1. The lover in the poem sings a joyful ballad to his mistress. (True/False)
2. The soldier in the poem is described as quick to quarrel. (True/False)
3. The poem suggests that life has eight distinct stages. (True/False)
4. The lover in the poem is compared to a bubble seeking reputation. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Complaining”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Joyful.”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What is the central metaphor used in the poem?
2. How many ages are mentioned in the poem?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Discuss the significance of the seven ages of man as portrayed in the poem and how it reflects the journey of life.
2. Analyze the portrayal of the lover and the soldier in the poem, exploring their characteristics and roles in the stages of life.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 9:
Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions below.
There was a time when meadow, grove and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;-
Turn wheresoe’er I may,
By night or day,
The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose, tod
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where’er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What does the poet say about the perception of nature in the past?
a) It was always gloomy
b) It appeared celestial and glorious
c) It was unnoticed
d) It was always changing
2. According to the poet, what has changed in the present regarding his perception of nature?
a) Nature remains the same
b) The glory and freshness of nature have diminished
c) The poet is more appreciative now
d) Nature is more beautiful than ever
3. Which natural elements are mentioned as having lost their former glory?
a) The Rainbow and the Moon
b) The Rose and starry nights
c) The Sunshine and the Earth
d) The Meadow and the Stream
4. What emotion or feeling does the poet express in the last line?
a) Joy
b) Regret
c) Excitement
d) Hope
5. What poetic device is used in the line “The Rainbow comes and goes”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Alliteration
d) Personification
6. Which poetic device is evident in the line “The Moon doth with delight look round her when the heavens are bare”?
a) Hyperbole
b) Personification
c) Onomatopoeia
d) Oxymoron
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: The poet claims that there was a time when nature appeared celestial and glorious to him.
Reason: The perception of nature is constant and does not change over time.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
.2. Assertion: The poet expresses a sense of loss and regret in the last line of the poem.
Reason: The poet believes that nature’s glory and freshness have only increased with time.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. The poet describes the earth, meadow, grove, and stream as being ______________ in celestial light.
2. The poet mentions that the Rainbow comes and goes, and the Moon looks round her when the heavens are ______________.
3. The poet asserts that there hath passed away a ______________ from the earth.
D. True and False:
1. The poet claims that his perception of nature has remained constant over time. (True/False)
2. The poet expresses joy and contentment with the current state of nature. (True/False)
3. The Rainbow and the Moon are mentioned as having retained their former glory. (True/False)
4. The poet believes that there is still a glorious birth in the sunshine. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following:”Adorned.”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of:”Dull”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. What has changed in the poet’s perception of nature in the present?
2. What does the poet express in the last line of the poem?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Discuss the significance of the poet’s changing perception of nature and its impact on the overall theme of the poem.
2. Explore the significance of the specific natural elements mentioned in the poem, such as the Rainbow, the Rose, and the Moon.
Class 8 Reading Comprehension Passages 10:
Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions below.
1. At half-past nine, that night, Tom and Sid were sent to bed, as usual. They said their prayers, and Sid was soon asleep. Tom lay awake and waited, in restless impatience. When it seemed to him that it must be nearly daylight, he heard the clock strike ten!
2. This was despair. He would have tossed and fidgeted, as his nerves demanded, but he was afraid he might wake Sid. So he lay still, and stared up into the dark. Everything was dismally still. By and by, out of the stillness, little, scarcely perceptible noises began to emphasize themselves. The ticking of the clock began to bring itself into notice.
3. Old beams began to crack mysteriously. The stairs creaked faintly. Evidently spirits were abroad. A measured, muffled snore issued from Aunt Polly’s chamber. And now the tiresome chirping of a cricket that no human ingenuity could locate, began. Next the ghastly ticking of a death-watch in the wall at the bed’s head made Tom shudder- it meant that somebody’s days were numbered. Then the howl of a far-off dog rose on the night air, and was answered by a fainter howl from a remoter distance.
4. Tom was in an agony. At last he was satisfied that time had ceased and eternity begun; he began to doze, in spite of himself; the clock chimed eleven, but he did not hear it. And then there came, mingling with his half- formed dreams, a most melancholy caterwauling
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
1. What time did Tom and Sid go to bed that night?
a) 9:30 PM
b) 10:00 PM
c) 11:00 PM
d) 12:00 AM
2. Why did Tom lay still and stare into the dark?
a) He was afraid of the dark
b) He was waiting for Sid to wake up
c) He didn’t want to wake Sid
d) He was counting the minutes until morning
3. What did Tom hear that made him shudder?
a) A cricket chirping
b) The ticking of the clock
c) The creaking of the stairs
d) The howl of a dog
4. What does the ticking of the death-watch in the wall signify?
a) The arrival of morning
b) Somebody’s days are numbered
c) The end of the world
d) Tom’s time to sleep
B. Reason(R) Assertion(A) Type:
1. Assertion: Tom lay still and stared into the dark.
Reason: Tom was fascinated by the darkness.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
2. Assertion: The ticking of the death-watch in the wall made Tom shudder.
Reason: Tom was superstitious and believed in omens.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
C. Fill in the Blanks:
1. Tom heard the clock strike __________.
2. The stairs creaked __________.
3. Tom was satisfied that time had ceased and eternity had begun when the clock chimed __________.
D. True and False:
1. Tom and Sid said their prayers before going to bed. (True/False)
2. The ticking of the death-watch signifies the end of the world. (True/False)
3. Tom was counting the minutes until morning. (True/False)
4. The howl of a dog made Tom happy. (True/False)
E. Meaning:
1. Find from the passage that means the following: “Yowling.”
2. Find from the passage that is opposite of: “Calm.”
F. Short Answer Type:
1. Why did Tom lay still and stare into the dark?
2. What did the ticking of the death-watch signify?
G. Long Answer Type:
1. Discuss the atmosphere created by the sounds and events described in the passage and how they contribute to Tom’s restlessness.
2. Explore the significance of Tom’s perception of time and eternity in the passage.
FAQs on Reading Comprehension Passages Class 8
1. How to solve passage in English Class 8?
Ans: To effectively solve a passage in English Class 8, start by reading the passage carefully to understand its main idea and details. Pay attention to keywords and context. Break down questions systematically, referring back to the passage for evidence, and practice time management to ensure completion within the allocated time.
2. How to crack reading comprehension?
Ans: To crack reading comprehension, begin by skimming the passage for its main idea. Focus on understanding the context, identify keywords, and pay attention to details. Practice regularly, enhance vocabulary, and employ critical thinking skills to comprehend the passage thoroughly.
