The Cherry Tree Question Answer β Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 155)
I. Work in pairs and answer the questions that follow. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Have you ever used a seed or a sapling to grow a plant?
Answer:
Yes, I have planted a seed/sapling to grow a plant.
2. What kind of care did the plant need? Who helped you with it?
Answer:
The plant needed care, water, and sunlight. My mom and dad assisted me.
3. How did you feel when you saw the plant grow?
Answer:
It made me feel glad and proud to see it grow.
II. What kind of trees do people plant in their homes? Why is it important to plant trees?
Answer:
People grow moneyplants, aloe vera, and tulsi in their homes. Trees provide shade, oxygen, and beauty.
III. Name some fruit trees that grow in your region. What type of conditions help these fruit trees to grow?

Answer:
In my area, there are trees that grow mangoes, guavas, and coconuts. They need suitable soil, sunlight, and warmth.
The Cherry Tree Class 8 Question Answer β Let us discuss (Pages 159-160)
I. Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
1. Rakesh discovered that the small, well- rooted twig, had grown into a cherry tree.
2. Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie.
3. Rakesh pressed the cherry seed into the soft soil with his thumb. (5)
4. The cherry tree grew quickly after the rains arrived early.
5. Rakesh bought a bunch of cherries and ate most of them.
6. A goat entered the garden and ate all the leaves of the young cherry tree. .
7. Rakeshβs parents grew maize, rice, and barley in a village. (1)
8. Rakesh sprinkled water on the cherry tree and surrounded it with pebbles.
9. Grandfather told Rakesh that cherry trees were tough.
10. Rakesh kept rolling the last cherry seed in his mouth.
Answer:
The correct order of the events is:
7. β 2. β 5. β 10. β 3. β 1. β 8. β 4. β 6. β 9. β
II. Do you think the cherry tree would survive? Why do you think so?
Answer:
Yes, the cherry tree would live since it has already been through a lot and showed a strong will to live, just like a person who is determined.
Class 8 English The Cherry Tree Question Answer β Let us discuss (Page 164)
I. Complete the table given below based on your understanding of Part II of the story. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
| Cause | Effect |
| 1. A woman cut the cherry tree while cutting grass. | (i) Grandfather scolded the woman. |
| 2. | (ii) Rakesh was thinner but stronger when he came back. |
| 3. A hairy caterpillar started eating the leaves of the cherry tree. | (iii) |
| 4. | (iv) Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it was a miracle. |
| 5. Rakesh tasted one of the small cherries during summer. | (v) |
Answer:
| Cause | Effect |
| 1. A woman cut the cherry tree while cutting grass. | (i) Grandfather scolded the woman. |
| 2. Rakesh helped in farm work in his village. | (ii) Rakesh was thinner but stronger when he came back. |
| 3. A hairy caterpillar started eating the leaves of the cherry tree. | ((iii) Rakesh removed it and dropped it on the ground. |
| 4. A blossom appeared on the cherry tree. | (iv) Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it was a miracle. |
| 5. Rakesh tasted one of the small cherries during summer. | (v) He spat it out because it was too sour. |
The Cherry Tree Class 8 Questions and Answers β Let us think and reflect (Page 164)
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. βHave a cherry, Grandfather,β he said, as soon as he saw his grandfather in the garden.
Grandfather took one cherry and Rakesh promptly ate the other two. He kept the last seed in his mouth for some time, rolling it round and round on his tongue until all the tang had gone. Then he placed the seed on the palm of his hand and studied it.
βAre cherry seeds lucky?β asked Rakesh. βOf course. β
βThen Iβll keep it. β
βNothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use. β
(i) Substitute the underlined phrase with a correct word from the extract. The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy quickly and without delay when a new player came in from the opposing team.
Answer:
promptly
(ii) What does Rakeshβs action of rolling the cherry seed in his mouth most likely suggest about his mood at ________ that moment?
A. He is feeling impatient and restless.
B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.
C. He is bored and has nothing better to do.
D. He is thoughtful and feeling playful.
Answer:
B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.
(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to Rakesh and his grandfather.
Rakeshβs decision to plant the seed shows that ________
(he respects and values his grandΒ¬fatherβs advice/he has a close bond with his grandfather and a willingness to learn from him)
Answer:
he respects and values his grandfatherβs advice.
(iv) How does the grandfatherβs advice reflect his view about luck and effort?
Answer:
Grandfather thinks that luck only works when you do something about it.
2. Winter came early. The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow.
Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.
In February it was Rakeshβs birthday. He was nineβand the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.
(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase βfield-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottageβ suggests that ________
Answer:
It was really cold outside.
(ii) What can be inferred about the cherry treeβs toughness from the line, βThe cherry tree bent low with the weight of snowβ?
A. The weight of the tree was more than the snow.
B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
C. The tree was growing close to the ground.
D. The snow gave support to the tree.
Answer:
B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
(iii) How did the early winter affect Grandfatherβs mood and storytelling?
Answer:
Grandpa got upset since it was early winter, and his stories always ended badly.
(iv) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.
The comparison of Rakeshβs age to the cherry treeβs age symbolises ________ (the treeβs growth paralleling Rakeshβs own development/the tree standing as a dear one on Rakeshβs birthday)
Answer:
The tree’s growth is similar to Rakesh’s own growth.
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
Why did Rakeshβs parents send him to Mussoorie?
Answer:
Rakesh’s parents lived in a remote community on the lower slopes of the Himalayas where there were no schools. They wanted Rakesh to get a good education very much. They chose to send him to Mussoorie, where his grandfather lived and there were schools. They wanted him to have more chances to learn and grow. Rakesh started living with his grandfather so he could go to school.
Question 2.
Why did Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the cherry tree?
Answer:
Rakesh let the praying mantis stay on the cherry tree limb since he thought it was a harmless and maybe a welcome guest. It was the first bug he saw on the tree after it had started to develop healthily. He did not need to take it off because it was not hurting anything. His kind behavior revealed that he was beginning to care for and appreciate the tree and its habitat. He knew that the tree was now a small part of nature.
Question 3.
How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?
Answer:
People say that life in the Himalayan foothills is attractive but hard on plants. The soil was primarily rocky, and the dry, cold air made it hard for fruit trees to flourish. But in the more protected places, oak and deodar trees grew well. The seasons affected the environment. In the spring, birds would migrate; in the monsoon, it would rain and plants would grow; and in the winter, it would snow and be quiet. Even though it was hard, the setting made the story more beautiful and gave it a natural flow.
Question 4.
What might Rakesh mean when he says, βIs this what it feels to be God?β at the end of the story?
Answer:
Rakesh asks, “Is this what it feels like to be God?” He is thinking about how happy and amazed he is that he has grown anything from a little seed to a fully grown tree. He learned about creation and growth by planting and taking care of the cherry tree. He felt good about himself and at peace when he saw the tree grow. He felt strong in a peaceful, divine sense because he had made the earth more beautiful and alive. It was a time when I felt very close to nature.
Question 5.
How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?
Answer:
The writer says that Rakesh and his grandfather had a close, loving, and respectful connection. Grandfather is smart and compassionate, and he gently guides Rakesh with stories and counsel. They spend quiet evenings by the fire and happy times in the garden. Grandpa educates Rakesh about being responsible and environment by doing tiny things like planting a seed. As they take care of the cherry tree together, their friendship grows stronger. Love, learning, and being with each other are what this partnership is based on.
Question 6.
What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?
Answer:
The narrative reveals that the bond between people and environment is emotional, caring, and very important. Rakesh starts a journey of care and duty without even knowing it when he plants a seed. Nature responds to his work by expanding, flowering, and giving him calm and beauty. This bond teaches you how to be patient, strong, and respectful. It also indicates that people can find happiness and meaning in caring for living things. People and nature both do better when they help each other.
Question 7.
Imagine Rakesh reflects on his wonderful experience of watching a seed being transformed into a full-grown cherry tree. Write how he must have felt.
Answer:
Rakesh must have been quite proud and happy to see the seed he planted develop into a tall, blooming cherry tree. He would have remembered how tiny and unimportant the seed looked at first and how close he was to forgetting about it. But as time went on, with rain, snow, and sunshine, the seed turned into something wonderful. The tree was more than just a plant; it was a live reminder of how much he cared for and loved her. He undoubtedly felt little in the face of nature’s magic and astounded that such a simple gesture could signify so much. He must have felt calm and close to the tree while he lay under its shade. It was a calm happiness that came from helping something grow.
The Cherry Tree Question Answer Class 8 β Let us learn (Pages 166-169)
I. Each word list has one word that does not match with the other words.
Identify the odd word. One example has been done for you.
1. chop, trim, slice, mince
(βchopβ, βsliceβ and βminceβ are words used for cutting with a knife; whereas βtrimβ is to cut a part with a pair of scissors)
2. plodded, galloped, scrambled, trudged
3. tender, delicate, soft, smooth
4. stared, peered, pecked, gazed
5. growing, blossoming, progressing, planting
Answer:
1. Trim β (Odd word)
βChopβ, βsliceβ, and βminceβ are knife actions, while βtrimβ is done with scissors.
2. Galloped β (Odd word)
βPloddedβ, βscrambledβ, and βtrudgedβ refer to slow or difficult movements, while βgallopedβ means fast running (especially of a horse).
3. Smooth β (Odd word)
Tenderβ, βdelicateβ, and βsoftβ are similar in texture or sensitivity. βSmoothβ refers more to surface texture than gentleness.
4. Pecked β (Odd word)
βStaredβ, βpeeredβ, and βgazedβ relate to looking; βpeckedβ refers to hitting with the beak.
5. Planting β (Odd word)
βGrowingβ, blossomingβ, and βprogressingβ are natural stages of development. βPlantingβ is the beginning action, not part of the progression itself.
II. Choose the most suitable taste words given in the box below and write against the food items that follow.

Answer:
1. sour
2. sweet
3. bitter
4. bland
5. tangy
6. spicy
7. salty
Now, use any five taste words and make sentences of your own.
Answer:
- Sweet β The mango was so sweet that everyone asked for another slice.
- Sour β Raw tamarind has a sour taste that makes your mouth water.
- Spicy β The spicy curry made my eyes water, but it tasted delicious.
- Bitter β Neem leaves are bitter, but they are good for health.
- Bland β The rice tasted bland without any vegetables or spices.
III. Choose the correct antonyms for the textual words given below from the box. There are two extra words that you will not need.

Answer:
1. hard
2. shaky
3. wide
4. coldness
5. fasting
6. cheerful
7. unprotected
8. ordinary
IV. Read the following lines from the text and underline all the verbs and identify the form of tense.
1. Rakesh was on his way home from school when he bought the cherries.
2. Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house.
3. Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it had performed a miracle.
The forms of tenses in the given statements are Simple Past Tense (1 and 3), Past Progressive Tense (2), and Past Perfect Tense (3).
Answer:
1. Rakesh was on his way home from school when he bought the cherries. β Simple Past Tense
2. Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house β Past Progressive Tense
3. Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it had performed a miracle. β Simple Past Tense and Past Perfect Tense
Now, fill in the blanks with the correct form of Simple Past, Past Progressive, or Past Perfect Tenses of the verbs given in brackets.
One example has been done for you.
(i) I was sitting (sit) with my grandparents in the garden, sharing the wonderful memories from my childhood. As we (ii) ________ (talk), I (iii) ________ (realise) how much wisdom they (iv) ________ (impart) to me over the years. While I (v) ________ (listen) to their stories for hours together, I (vi) ________ (remember) the times we (vii) ________ (spend) together planting flowers and learning about life. By the time I left, the sun (viii) ________ (set), and I (ix) ________ (feel) a deep sense of gratitude for the bond we (x) ________ (nurture) through love, care, and countless memories.

Answer:
(i) was sitting
(ii) were talking
(iii) realised
(iv) had imparted
(n) was listening
(vi) remembered
(vii) had spent
(viii) had set
(ix) felt
(x) had nurtured
V. Study the punctuation marks in the following sentences from the text.
- βHey, not there,β said Grandfather, βIβve sown mustard in that bed. Plant it in that shady corner, where it wonβt be disturbed.β
- When Grandfather saw what had happened, he went after the woman and scolded her; but the damage could not be repaired.
- She did not try to avoid the tree: one sweep, and the cherry tree was cut in two.
Punctuation refers to the symbols used in writing to clarify meaning and separate sentences and their components. Proper punctuation ensures the clarity and flw of a text, guiding readers through its structure.
Here are some of the most common punctuation marks:
Full stop (.)βends a declarative sentence
For example: She went to the store.
Comma (,)βseparates components in a list, clauses, or phrases within a sentence
For example: We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
Question Mark (?)βends a direct question
For example: Where are you going?
Exclamation Mark (!)βindicates strong emotion or emphasis
For example: Watch out!
Colon (:)βintroduces a list, explanation or elaboration
For example: He had one goal: win the race.
Semicolon (;)βconnects closely related independent clauses or separates complex list items
For example: She likes reading; he prefers writing.
Apostrophe ( β)
In contractionsβHeβs (He is), theyβll (they will), Iβm (I am)
To show possessionβJaganβs book, the girlsβ toys
If the noun ends in -s, add only the apostropheβManasβ car
Quotation Marks (β β)βenclose direct speech or quotations
For example: She said, βIβm happy.β
Dash (β or β)βadds emphasis or separates related thoughts
For example: He was lateβagain.
Capitalisation Rules
Names of people and placesβPriya, India
Days, months, festivalsβMonday, December, Diwali
Titles with namesβDr. Sneha, Mr. Patel
Deities and holy booksβGod, the Quran, the Bhagawad Gita
First person pronounβI
Adjectives from proper nounsβIndian, American
Geographical features, races, religions, languagesβthe Himalayas,
Hindu, French
Titles of books, poems, or playsβMalgudi Days, The Road Not Taken,
Good Heavens, etc.
Now, punctuate the following paragraph appropriately.
every sunday roshni would visit her grandparents house on their farm come sit grandpa would say patting the bench on their porch roshni loved these moments where the world slowed down and stories flowed like magic grandma would bring tea her eyes twinkling with joy im excited to hear about your younger days the adventures the lessons
and the memories roshni said eagerly grandpa smiled softly his wrinkled hands resting on the cane ah the old days⦠when everything was simple and happiness was all we had roshni could feel the warmth of those memories he sat in silence bound not by words but by a timeless bond
Answer:
Every Sunday, Roshni would visit her grandparentsβ house on their farm. βCome, sit,β Grandpa would say, patting the bench on their porch.
Roshni loved these moments, where the world slowed down and stories flowed like magic. Grandma would bring tea, her eyes twinkling with joy. βIβm excited to hear about your younger daysβthe adventures, the lessons, and the memories,β Roshni said eagerly.
Grandpa smiled softly, his wrinkled hands resting on the cane. βAh, the old daysβ¦ when everything was simple and happiness was all we had.β Roshni could feel the warmth of those memories. She sat in silence, bound not by words but by a timeless bond.
Class 8 English Chapter 10 Question Answer β Let us listen (Page 170)
I. You will listen to a conversation between a son and his mother. As you listen, select four true statements from 1-7 given below. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 201 for Transcript.)
Son : Amma, could you help me with this project?
Mother : Why not? Whatβs the project about?
Son : Itβs about the Chipko Movement. I have to make a PowerPoint presentation and talk about it in class.
Mother : Thatβs good! Chipko Movement was all about hugging trees to prevent them from being cut, isnβt it? Such an inspiring movement it was!
Son : Yes, it was the fist time that common people came together for the noble cause of saving trees. It showed how people can also make a diffrence. Have you heard or read about something similar?
Mother : Yes, of course. The success of the Chipko Movement led to the Appiko Movement.
Son : Really? Doesnβt appiko mean βhuggingβ in Kannada? So, did they also hug trees to protect them?
Mother : Yes they did. In this movement people not only hugged trees to protect them but also regenerated the forest areas in the Western Ghats.
Son : Thatβs great! This reminds me of what my teacher shared about Saalumarada Thimakka last week. She is a Padma Shri awardee.
Mother : What an amazing personality! Iβve heard about her and Iβm interested to know what your teacher has shared with you.
Son : She is an Indian environmentalist who has been planting trees since 1948. She has planted over 8000 trees in the area around her village.
Mother : Wonderful!
Son : What I admire about her is the commitment she has towards conserving the environment.
Mother : Incredible! That is one superwoman! But do you know who the Forest Man of India is?
Son : Yes, Iβve read about him. It is Jadav Payeng, from Assam. He too is a Padma Shri awardee. Isnβt he the one who single-handedly turned a barren land of around a thousand acres into a lush green forest? He did so by planting nearly forty million trees.
Mother : Yes, youβre absolutely right. It was not something that happened overnight. It took him thirty years to achieve this. This forest has become a habitat for different kinds of animals including migratory birds.
Son : Fascinating, isnβt it? Iβve read a book and watched a documentary in school about him which has really inspired me.
Mother : Iβm glad that you have begun to care about the environment too.
1. The mother encouraged her son to deliver a presentation on the Chipko Movement.
2. The son was surprised to know about the Appiko Movement.
3. The son agreed that the Chipko Movement was about people uniting to make an impact.
4. The mother expressed a desire to share more details about Saalumarada Thimakka.
5. The mother was curious to hear about Saalumarada Thimakka.
6. The mother and son were in disagreement about the work of Jadav Payeng.
7. The son found the information on Jadav Payeng wonderful.
Answer:
Four True statements:
2. β 3. β 5. β 7.
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 10 Question Answer β Let us speak (Pages 170-171)
A syllable is a single, unbroken vowel sound in a word. Some words have only one syllable. Some have two and some more than two. For example, the word βtreeβ has one syllable.
The word βcherryβ has two syllablesβcherry. (Here the hyphen is used to mark the gap between the two syllables.)A syllable can also be called a βbeatβ because you can clap out the βbeatsβ in the word.
I. Work in pairs. Read aloud the following words from the text. Write the number of syllables in each word. Check your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Now, read the words aloud again with the beats. Check if the number of syllables matches with the number of beats.
II. Speak about Van Mahotsav Diwas and its significance. Before you speak in the class or assembly, prepare yourself on the following points:
- When is it celebrated?
- Who celebrates it?
- Why is it celebrated?
- How is it celebrated?
- What is the message it conveys?
Answer:
Based on the five main points of the textbook, here is a sample speech:
Good morning, teacher and company.
Van Mahotsav Diwas is a holiday that honors the important role trees play in our lives. Today I am going to talk about it. Every year, the first week of July is a big deal in India, notably at schools, colleges, and by environmental groups. The “Tree Festival,” or Van Mahotsav, began in 1950 to raise awareness about planting trees and protecting forests. It reminds us that trees are important to our lives since they give us food, shelter, oxygen, and help keep the climate stable.
People plant young trees, go to rallies, make posters, put on skits, and do other things to raise awareness this week. People celebrate it with a lot of excitement to get others to plant and protect more trees.
The celebration has a clear message: “Save the environment by planting more trees!” Let us vow to plant and take care of trees around us so that the Earth will be greener for future generations.
Thanks!
Class 8th English Chapter 10 The Cherry Tree Question Answer β Let us Write (Pages 171-172)
An article is a piece of writing on a specific topic. It showcases independent opinions expressed by a writer. Articles are published in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, and online portals.
Let us understand how to draft an article for a school magazine.
Remember to
- write the heading or title at the top,
- write the name of the writer below it as a byline, and
- follow the correct layout.
Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction of the topic or issue.
Focus on the main idea of the paragraph.
Paragraph 2: Elaborate by giving facts and advantages.
Paragraph 3: Include consequences and disadvantages.
Paragraph 4: Provide suggestions. End with a word of hope, a word of caution or a call for action.
Now, complete the article for a magazine on βTreesβOur Lifelineβ. Use the words and phrases given in the box below.
Complete the article for a magazine on βTrees- Our Lifeline?. Use the words and phrases given in the box below.

(i) ________________ -by ________________ (write your name and class) Trees are essential for life on Earth. Without them, life as we know (ii) ________________. This is the reason why trees are our lifeline. Trees provide us with food, shelter, and even medicine. Trees (iii) ________________ and release oxygen, helping us breathe. This process also (iv) ________________ and keeps the environment clean. (v) ________________, trees give us fruits, nuts, and other foods. Trees also help in (vi) ________________ and prevention of soil erosion. (vii) ________________, the air would be polluted, and we would struggle to breathe. (viii) ________________ would be barren, lacking food, shelter, and life-giving greenery. (ix) ________________, trees are true friends. Protecting and planting trees (x) ________________ foreveryone on Earth. Therefore, we must act now to protect and plant more trees, preserving Earthβs green lifeline for future generations.
Answer:
(i) Trees β Our Lifeline
by ANANNYA, Class VIII-A
(ii) would stop existing
(iii) absorb carbon dioxide
(iv) reduces pollution
(y) Additionally,
(vi) climate control
(vii) If trees were not there
(viii) Moreover, our planet
(ix) To conclude
(x) ensures a better future
The Cherry Tree Class 8 NCERT Solutions β Let us explore (Page 172)
I. Did you know that the banyan tree is the National Tree of India?
Our country has age-old banyan trees. Some of them are:
1. The Great Banyan, located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata.
2. Dodda Aalada Mara, located in Kethohalli village, near Bengaluru.
3. Thimmamma Marrimanu, in Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. It was recorded as the largest tree specimen in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.
II. Kailash Sankhala, βThe Tiger Man of Indiaβ, was an Indian biologist and conservationist. He carried out a census of the tigers in India in 1971. Later, because of his studies, he was appointed the fist director of Project Tigerβan initiative to prevent the extinction of the Indian Tiger. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992.
Now, find more information about such Indian environmentalists and share with your classmates.
Find more information about such Indian environmentalists and share with your classmates.
Answer:
Sundarlal Bahuguna
Sundarlal Bahuguna was a well-known Indian environmentalist who led the Chipko Movement in the 1970s. People in this movement embraced trees to keep professional loggers from cutting them down. He worked hard to safeguard the forests of the Himalayas and spread the word about how important it is to develop in a way that is good for the environment. His work helped change India’s policies on protecting forests. He thought that people and environment should be able to live together in peace. In 2009, he won the Padma Vibhushan for his work to protect the environment.