The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer β Let us do these activities before we read (Page 122)
I. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.
Answer:
I want a magical notebook that writes replies for me. It would help me finish my assignments quickly and study better by giving me good ideas.
2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?
Answer:
I love reading and learning new things, thus I would sketch a vast library full of books.
3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I would use it to aid people who are impoverished by drawing them food, clothes, and homes. Everyone should be able to be happy.
II. Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:
I read of a child who founded a tiny food bank in his town to help people who were hungry. Another occasion, my acquaintance donated a child in need his new sneakers. I also remember taking an injured bird to the vet and helping it. These nice things people do make the world a better place.
Now, arrange these words into different categories as given below.
Things: _________________________
______________________________
Actions: _________________________
______________________________
Emotions: _________________________
______________________________
Answer:
Paintbrush β A tool with soft hairs used to spread paint while painting pictures or walls.
Joy β A feeling of great happiness and delight.
Fortress β A strong building made to keep people safe from enemies, such as a castle or fort.
Feast β A big and special meal prepared for a celebration or happy occasion.
Fear β The feeling of being frightened or scared.
Winding β Something that bends and turns instead of going straight, like a curved road.
Twig β A thin, small branch of a tree or plant.
Bows β Knots made from ribbon, or curved tools used to shoot arrows, depending on the meaning.
Drawing β A picture created using a pencil, pen, or crayon on paper.
Cold β A condition of low temperature that makes the body feel cool or chilly.
Arranged into categories:
Things: Paintbrush, Fortress, Twig,
Actions: Bows, Winding, Drawing
Emotions: Joy, Fear, Cold
Events: Feast
The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Question Answer β Let us discuss (Pages 127-128)
Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
| 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. | |
| 2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. | |
| 3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. | |
| 4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. | |
| 5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. | |
| 6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. | |
| 7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. | |
| 8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. | |
| 9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. | |
| 10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. | 10 |
Answer:
| 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. | 9 |
| 2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. | 3 |
| 3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. | 1 |
| 4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. | 7 |
| 5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. | 2 |
| 6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. | 5 |
| 7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. | 6 |
| 8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. | 4 |
| 9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. | 8 |
| 10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. | 10 |
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below.

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflcting the diffrent moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. _________________ as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. _________________. In the fial part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. _________________ as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.
Answer:
1. playful and innocent
2. tension and suspense
3. triumphant and celebratory
III. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets.
1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, _________________, which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)
2. This poem belongs to the _________________ poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)
Answer:
1. ABCB
2. narrative or ballad
IV. Give examples from the poem for the following explanations.
1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the readerβs mind. For example, _________________.
2. What is the effect of repetition in the lineββOn you, and you and you!*?
Answer:
1. βGopi paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep.β
This line paints a clear impression of a broad, fast-moving river.
2. It stresses the danger and builds tension and terror, showing how serious Gopi’s warning to the Zamindar and his troops was.
V. Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. The magic paintbrush | (i) greed and the desire for wealth |
| 2. The grand fortress | (ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindarβs anger |
| 3. The river and the beast | (iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. The magic paintbrush | (iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world |
| 2. The grand fortress | (i) greed and the desire for wealth |
| 3. The river and the beast | (ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindarβs anger |
VI. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.
Answer:
True
Class 8 English The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer β Let us think and reflect (Pages 128-130)
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. But on a stone there sits a man,
A brush is in his hand.
He looks around. He calls to Gopi.
βCome here!β he whispers. βHush!
We mustnβt let the village know
About this magic brush. β
He slips the brush into her hand
And tells her to be sure,
βPaint not for the wealthy ones,
But only for the poor.β

(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The man is whispering and telling
Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his _________________
(careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.
Answer:
careful and secretive.
(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopiβs hand?
Answer:
It proves that. He believes in Gopi and trusts that she would use the magic brush wisely and kindly.
(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to βPaint not for wealthy ones but only for the poorβ is because he _________________
Answer:
wants the brush to be used to benefit others, not for selfish or greedy reasons.
(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.
A. The Magic Brushβs Secret
B. Gopiβs Special Gift
Answer:
A. The Magic Brushβs Secret
2. And soon the news spreads far and wide,
Through forests, fields, and plains,
Until the Zamindar himself
Hears of these magic gains.
βI order you to paint for me,
A fortress tall and grand.
Paint treasures, jewels, and riches rare,
Enough to rule this land. β

(i) Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.
The news of Gopiβs magic 1 msh spreads βthrough forests, field , and plainsβ because of its _________________
Answer:
a magical power to turn drawings into real objects that serve others.
(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopiβs paintbrush as βmagic gainsβ?
Answer:
Because everything Gopi paints with the brush comes to life and makes people happy or helps them, especially the impoverished, it seems magical and valuable.
(iii) Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.
A. Gopiβs magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.
B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
Answer:
False Statement B: The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
Rectification: The Zamindar orders, not requests, Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
(iv) What does the Zamindarβs demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?
Answer:
Because everything Gopi paints with the brush comes to life and makes people happy or helps them, especially the impoverished, it seems magical and valuable.
II. Answer the following Questions.
Question 1.
Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.
Answer:
Gopi did the right thing because the Zamindar was selfish and wanted to utilize the brush for his own advantage. Gopi kept her word and only used the brush on people who were impoverished and in need.
Question 2.
Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?
Answer:
Gopi did the right thing by stopping the Zamindar from using the brush in a bad way and protected herself. She scared him off without injuring anyone by being smart.
I might have done the same thing as her or tried to persuade the locals to stand up to the Zamindar together if I were her.
Question 3.
What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?
Answer:
It illustrates that being decent and kind always wins. It also shows how much Gopi loves her village and how she selflessly uses the brush to make other people happy.
Question 4.
Compare Gopiβs use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.
Answer:
Gopi used the brush to aid the poor and make them happy, but the Zamindar wanted to utilize it to get rich and powerful. Gopi used it in a nice and generous way, whereas the Zamindar would have used it in a greedy and damaging way.
Question 5.
What can be inferred about Gopiβs character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindarβs orders?
Answer:
Gopi is brave, honest, compassionate, and determined. She puts assisting others above fear or pressure, and she sticks to her ideals even when she is threatened.
Question 6.
Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
Answer:
The title “The Magic Brush of Dreams” is fitting because the brush makes poor people’s dreams come true by turning helpful designs into real items. It brings about transformation and hope through kindness and creativity.
Question 7.
If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in todayβs world?
Answer:
I would use the brush to paint food for those who are hungry, housing for people who are homeless, medicine for people who are sick, and books for kids who can not go to school. I would attempt to make things better for people that need help.
The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Questions and Answers β Let us learn (Pages 130-132)
I. The verb βdrawβ has different meanings in different contexts. Match the sentences in Column 1 with their appropriate meanings in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience. | (i) opened |
| 2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places. | (ii) pulled out |
| 3. Plants draw water from the soil. | (iii) got a reaction |
| 4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station. | (iv) attract |
| 5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in. | (v) moving |
| 6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder. | (vi) absorb |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience. | (iii) got a reaction |
| 2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places. | (iv) attract |
| 3. Plants draw water from the soil. | (vi) absorb |
| 4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station. | (v) moving |
| 5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in. | (i) opened |
| 6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder. | (ii) pulled out |
II. Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem.

| Across | Down |
| 2. the fastest pace of a horse | 1. runs away from a place |
| 4. happen fast | 3. possessing a great deal of strength or power |
| 7. speaks very softly | 5. a deep loud shout in pam or anger |
| 10. take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place | 6. to act according to rules |
| 11. having a lot of money; rich | 8. moved in a continuous flow in a specified direction |
| 12. take hold of something suddenly and forcibly | 9. a win after overcoming an enemy |
Answer:

III. There are certain expressions that convey a sudden feeling or reaction. They can be used to express a variety of emotions and thoughts.
Example: β¦ he whispers. βHush!β
(βHushβ denotes the act of silencing someone)
Now, match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. Phew! | (i) surprise |
| 2. Eek! | (ii) pain |
| 3. Ouch! | (iii) mistake |
| 4. Yippee! | (iv) attract attention |
| 5. Whoa! | (v) relief |
| 6. Oops! | (vi) delight |
| 7. Hey! | (vii) alarm |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. Phew! | (v) relief |
| 2. Eek! | (vii) alarm |
| 3. Ouch! | (ii) pain |
| 4. Yippee! | (vi) delight |
| 5. Whoa! | (i) surprise |
| 6. Oops! | (iii) mistake |
| 7. Hey! | (iv) attract attention |
Now, create sentences using any five expressions:
1. Phew! I finished the exam just in time.
2. Eek! Thereβs a mouse under the table!
3. Ouch! I accidentally bit my tongue while eating.
4. Yippee! Weβre going on a school picnic tomorrow!
5. Oops! I dropped the glass while washing dishes.
The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer Class 8 β Let us listen (Page 132)
I. You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1-7 with speakers (i)-(v). There are two statements you do not need. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 152 for transcript.)
| Statements | Speaker No. |
| 1. Power of healing ailments | |
| 2. Ability to end poverty in the world | |
| 3. Power to control the weather as per need | |
| 4. Ability to make wise business decisions | |
| 5. Power to predict oneβs own future clearly | |
| 6. Ability to remember information quickly | |
| 7. Power to move around without using vehicles |
Speaker (i) : If I could have any magical power, Iβd choose the ability to predict the future. Imagine being able to see profis and losses before time. I could make better savings and secure my business. Plus, Iβd use it to help others make wise fiancial decisions as well.
Speaker (ii) : I think having the power to learn instantly would be amazing! Exams would be easy, and Iβd have more time for activities I enjoy, like playing cricket. If I could remember everything,itwouldmakelifesomucheasier!
Speaker (iii) : I would want the power of fling. Imagine being able to see the world from up above clearly. I would be able to go from one place to another quickly without using any means of transport. It would be a dream come true.
Speaker (iv) : At my age, Iβd love to have the power of healing. There are so many aches and pains that come with growing old, but itβs not just for me. If I could heal others too, Iβd help my family stay healthy and happy.
Speaker (v) : If I had a magical power, Iβd want control over the weather. We depend so much on the rains. With this power, I could ensure that crops always get the right amount of rain and sunshine.
Answer:
| Statements | Speaker No. |
| 1. Power of healing ailments | (iv) |
| 2. Ability to end poverty in the world | (i) |
| 3. Power to control the weather as per need | (v) |
| 4. Ability to make wise business decisions | (i) |
| 5. Power to predict oneβs own future clearly | (i) |
| 6. Ability to remember information quickly | (ii) |
| 7. Power to move around without using vehicles | (iii) |
Class 8 English Chapter 8 Question Answer β Let us speak (Page 133)
I. Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch of tone while speaking.
The βfallingβ tone is the fall in the pitch of the voice from a high level to a low level. It is marked [ ]. The falling tone is generally used in imperative sentences. Such sentences are used in speech for different communicative purposesβ to express a command or an instruction, to ask for a favour or to give a warning.
Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone.
- Come here!
- Seize this magic brushβ¦
- Paint my fortress tall!
- Go and fetch some rice.
II. Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations.
Formal Requests
| Situation 1 | Situation 2 | Situation 3 |
| You request your teacher to organise a class picnic. | You request your class teacher for an extra sports period, since you missed it last week. | You request your Activity incharge teacher to include you in the upcoming inter-school event. |
Formal Requests β Sample Answers:
Situation 1: Would it be possible to organise a class picnic next month, Maβam?
Situation 2: Would you mind giving us an extra sports period since we missed one last week?
Situation 3: I would like to request you to consider me for the upcoming inter-school event, if there is a spot available.
Informal Requests
| Situation 1 | Situation 2 | Situation 3 |
| You request your sibling to help you with the completion of your project | You request your mother to enroll you in a dance class | You request your cousin to come over to spend the weekend with you. |
Informal Requests β Sample Answers:
Situation 1: Hey, can you help me finish my project today? Iβm running late.
Situation 2: Mom, can you please enroll me in that new dance class? I really want to join.
Situation 3: Hey! Can you come over this weekend? Itβll be so much fun together!
You may use the following phrases when you make the request.
| Formal | Informal |
| Would you mind ifβ¦Do you think you couldβ¦I would like toβ¦Would it be possibleβ¦ | Can/Will youβ¦Do you mind ifβ¦By any chance do you knowβ¦I was wondering ifβ¦ |
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 8 Question Answer β Let us write (Pages 134 & 135)
I. Imaginative essay is a type of creative writing where the writers use their imagination. An imaginative essay can be based on real-life events, observation, or experiences. It is usually a descriptive piece or a personal reflection.
Read the sample of an imaginative essay.

My Life as EcoFlash
Imagine an ordinary 13-year-old student who is also a secret superhero protecting the environment. Thatβs my life as EcoFlash! By day, Iβm Meenu, an ordinary Grade 8 student. By evening, I use my powers to keep my neighbourhood green and clean.
As EcoFlash, I have the ability to grow plants, purify water, and clean polluted air with a wave of my hand. I wear a green suit with a glowing leaf symbol and carry a small seed pouch that holds magic seeds to restore damaged areas. My mission is to fight pollution, save trees, and educate people about taking care of our planet. My friends wonder why Iβm always carrying a plant in my bag or why my shoes are muddy, but I can never tell them the truth.
Once, my little brother saw me turning a garbage dump into a beautiful garden and almost spilled my secret to our parents. I had to convince him it was a magic trick!
Being EcoFlash is not just about powers but also responsibility. Every time I see clean streets, blooming flwers, and children playing in green parks, I feel proud. I know that even small changes can make a big difference, and thatβs what keeps me going.
II. Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Title β A relevant title
2. Introduction
- Captivating opening sentence to catch the readerβs attention
- Clear statement of the setting, situation, or main idea
- Establishes the tone (e.g., playful, serious, and adventurous)
- Introduces the narrator briefly (if applicable)
3. Setting and Context
- Description of the setting to create a mental picture
- Clear time frame (past, present, or future)
- Brief explanation of any unique or imaginative elements (e.g., powers, fantasy world)
4. Characters
- Main character introduced with unique traits
- Supporting characters briefly described (if relevant)
5. Central Idea
Clear focus on a single powerful- idea or narrative
6. Language and Style
- Use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) to enhance the narrative
- Creative metaphors or similes to enrich descriptions
7. Resolution
- Key turning point or moment of realisation
- Resolution of the main idea
- Clear takeaway message
8. Conclusion
- Ends on a reflctive or thought-provoking note
- Summarises the main message or leaves the reader with a strong final impression
Answer:
The example essay “My Life as EcoFlash” shows how to produce a creative essay. Here is a list of things to do based on the essay:
| Element | Checklist |
| 1. Title | βMy Life as EcoFlashβ |
| 2. Introduction | Captivating opening sentence (introduces EcoFlashβs dual life)Clear main idea and settingEstablishes playful and adventurous toneIntroduces narrator (Meenu / EcoFlash) |
| 3. Setting and Context | Describes neighbourhood, nature, and secret powersTime frame is the presentIncludes imaginative elements like βmagic seedsβ |
| 4. Characters | Main character (EcoFlash) introduced with special traitsSupporting character: little brother |
| 5. Central Idea | Clear focus on protecting the environmentLogical flow of events (garden rescue, secret-keeping) |
| 6. Language and Style | Uses sensory details (sight, smell, sound)Includes metaphors/ similes like βwave of handβ and βgreen suitβ |
| 7. Resolution | Has a turning point (nearly exposed secret)Shows sense of responsibilityMessage: Small actions can make big changes |
| 8. Conclusion | Reflective ending β feels proud of her contributionLeaves strong final impression |
III. Write an imaginative essay on any one of the following.
Question 1.
Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also write about what you thought was the most valuable experience.
Answer:
The Flying Scarfs Journey
One stormy afternoon, I was hanging out on a clothesline with a bright red scarf when an unexpected blast of wind carried me into the sky! I flew over highways, trees, and rooftops like a bird without wings.
The first place I went was a quiet village where a small girl scooped me up and put me around her doll. But soon enough, I was able to get away and fly again. Then I landed in a busy market where an old merchant utilized me as a shade. I was proud to assist someone stay cool.
Then came my favorite part: landing on a mountaintop at sunrise. The view was amazing! I felt like I was in the skies for the first time as birds chirped around me.
Finally, a kind boy discovered me, tied me to his bike, and drove me back to the house I had flown from. I was back home!
The most important thing I learned is that a simple scarf may provide joy, warmth, and color to many people’s lives.
Question 2.
Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different time period. Describe your experience and an important learning.
Answer:
The Book of Time
One night, when I was looking about the library, I saw a dusty book with a golden cover that was shimmering faintly. I opened it out of curiosity, and everything started to spin around me! I was in the middle of an old forest where people rode horses and carried scrolls.
I had gone back in time to the 15th century!
The attire were weird, but the people were nice. I saw a rural scribe teach kids by writing letters in the sand. There were no laptops or pens; only chalk, leaves, and time.
I discovered that people shared what they knew through songs and storytelling. Books were really valuable things. A teacher I had a long time ago told me, “The more you write, the more you remember.”
I felt the pages flip again before I could ask anything else, and I was back in the library.
The most essential thing I learned was to never take books for granted. They are like windows to the past, bridges to the future, and doors to new things.
Class 8th English Chapter 8 The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer β Let us explore (Pages 136)
I. Have you heard of Indiaβs famous magician, P. C. Sorcar Sr.? He is known as one of the βWorldβs Greatest Magicianβ and performed live magic shows in front of audiences and on television, internationally.
He was awarded Padma Shri on 26 January 1964 for his contribution to the world of magic.

II. Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and And what they refer to.

1. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. Iβm often heard, but never seen. What am I?
Answer:
Sound
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Answer:
Footsteps
3. I have cities but no houses,
I have forests but no trees.
What am I?
Answer:
A map
4. Iβm tall when Iβm young and short when Iβm old, in a dark room, my story is told.
Answer:
A candle
III. You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.
Answer:
Object Name: Glow Sphere
Drawing Suggestion: A glowing crystal ball with stars and swirling mist inside.
Special Quality: It grants one wish a dayβbut only if the wish is kind and helps someone else. The GlowSphere glows brighter every time a good deed is done.