Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders Question Answer

NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders Question Answer

Spectacular Wonders Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read.

I. Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and man-made wonders.

Natural: ______, ______, ______, and ______
Man-made: ______, ______, ______, and ______
Answer:
Natural Wonders: 3, 4, 7, 8
Man-made Wonders: 1, 2, 5, 6

II. Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Natural wonders are more interesting because they illustrate how beautiful, mysterious, and powerful nature can be. They are not built by people and have changed over time, which makes them more interesting and unique.

III. Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Niagara Falls: The loud noise and huge flow of water are both quite interesting.

Aurora Borealis—The lights that dance in the sky are stunning and illustrate how creative nature can be.

IV. Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Spectacular Wonders Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 142)

I. Complete the information in the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

Class 8 English Spectacular Wonders Question Answer – Let us think and reflect (Pages.142-144)

I- Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. India is home to some of the most mystifying natural phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination.
(i) Replace the underlined phrase with one from the extract. India is the birthplace of several rare species of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.
Answer:
home to

(ii) What does the phrase ‘nature’s unusual side’ suggest about the phenomena described?
Answer:
It says that nature can make weird, unique, and unexpected things happen that are distinct from what we see and do every day, and these things might surprise or astound us.

(iii) Complete the similarity by choosing the correct option,
spark: imagination : : ______ : ______
A. inspiration; creativity
B. wonder; amazement
C. effort; reward
D. knowledge; books
Answer:
B. wonder : amazement

(iv) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
Some natural phenomena can surprise people.
Answer:
True

2. Have you seen things disappearing in front of your eyes? Well, such things happen at times, when we keep things at some place, and just forget where we have kept them. But, what if there’s a sea that disappears?
This happens in Odisha. It is a beach in the Balasore district where one can witness the sea disappearing mysteriously—the Chandipur Beach which is known for its unique feature of playing hide-and-seek with its visitors.

(i) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer’s most likely purpose to introduce the information about the Chandipur Beach phenomenon with a question is to ______ (engage the reader’s curiosity and create a sense of suspense/draw the reader to learn more about the unusual phenomenon/set the tone for the surprising nature of the content that follows)
Answer:
make the reader want to know more and build tension.

(ii) Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): Chandipur Beach in Odisha is known for its unique feature of the sea disappearing.
(R): The tides retreat drastically, exposing the Chandipur beach.
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.
Answer:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(iii) What does the term ‘unique’ suggest about the beach in Balasore?
A. very popular
B. one of its kind
C. ancient place
D. far from city
Answer:
B. One of its kind

(iv) What does the writer want to convey with the use of the phrase ‘playing hide-and-seek with its visitors?
Answer:
The writer wishes to show how strange and fascinating it is that the sea at Chandipur Beach disappears then reappears, like a game of hide-and-seek. This makes it a unique natural event.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
How are the Living Root Bridges a boon for the local people of Meghalaya?
Answer:
The Living Root Bridges are great because they provide a long-lasting, eco-friendly way to cross rivers and streams, especially during the monsoon season. They are created from tree roots in a natural way, are robust, and show how smart and environmentally aware the indigenous people are.

Question 2.
Why is the Lonar Crater Lake considered a remarkable and rare site?
Answer:
It is the only crater in India that was made by a meteorite hitting basaltic rock, and it is the third largest crater in the world. Because of its flawless round shape, one-of-a-kind saltwater lake, and mix of features from space and Earth, it is a remarkable geological wonder.

Question 3.
What might be the writer’s purpose of highlighting the awe-inspiring natural wonders of India?
Answer:
The author wants to make people feel awe and admiration for nature, show off India’s rich natural history, and urge people to be curious, care about the environment, and visit these special places.

Question 4.
The writer uses descriptive language and introductory questions for some of the natural phenomena. What impact does it have on the readers?
Answer:
It draws the reader in, gets them curious, and makes the subject more interesting. It also helps readers picture the wonders and appreciate how special they are in a more vivid way.

Question 5.
Which of these unusual phenomena did you find the most interesting and why?
Answer:
I thought the gleaming Waters of Kerala were the most interesting since the idea of water gleaming in the dark because of living things is both magical and scientifically fascinating. It has both beauty and mystery.

Spectacular Wonders Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us learn (Pages 144-148)

I. Fill in the blanks with the correct expressions from the text given in the box below.

1. I have read many stories ______
2. Do you know when this little town ______?
3. His hard work has helped him ______
4. There are no simple solutions to the ______ of traffic jams.
5. He opened the ancient wooden box and stared at the treasure ______.
6. The garden is ______ in spring with lots of beautiful flowers in bloom.
Answer:
1. to name a few.
2. came into existence
3. to no end.
4. age-old problem
5. in disbelief.
6. in full glory

II. Select the correct synonyms from the box given below that match the list of words in 1-5. You may refer to a thesaurus.

1. mysterious, puzzling, baffling
2. mighty, gigantic, huge
3. breath-taking, stunning, awe-inspiring
4. peaceful, calm, tranquil
5. unusual, peculiar, foreign
Answer:
1. enigmatic
2. colossal
3. spectacular
4. serene
5. exotic

III. The expressions ‘hide-and-seek’ and ‘flra and fauna’ are used in the text. These are called binomials—a pair of filed words joined by ‘and’ or ‘or’. The binomials are mostly synonyms, antonyms, rhyming words, same sound words (alliterations), etc.

Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.

Answer:

Use the binomials given in Column 1 in sentences of your own.
1. Odds and ends: After cleaning the attic, we found a box full of odds and ends like old buttons, broken toys, and faded photographs.
2. On and off: It rained on and off throughout the day, so we decided to postpone the picnic.
3. Mix and match: You can mix and match different colors and patterns to create a unique outfit.
4. All or nothing: For Riya, winning the competition was an all or nothing situation—she wouldn’t settle for second place.
5. Part and parcel: Stress is part and parcel of preparing for board exams, but it can be managed with good planning.
6. Pick and choose: You can’t pick and choose which rules to follow—you must follow them all.
7. Sooner or later: Sooner or later, the truth will come out, no matter how hard you try to hide it.
8. Leaps and bounds: Her spoken English has improved by leaps and bounds since she joined the new language course.

IV. Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.

• The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful…
• …creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding rugged terrain.

In the given sentences, the highlighted words ‘living’, ‘striking’, and ‘rugged’ are examples of verbs used as adjectives. Such verbs are called participles.

Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives, and they come in two types: present participles (‘living’ and ‘striking’) usually ending in –ing, and past participles (‘rugged’) usually ending in -ed, -d, -t, -en, or –n. (though irregular verbs may vary) Present participles are used to describe ongoing or continuous actions.
For example,
People have seen these lights moving quickly in random directions but often hanging out in one spot for a while before fading. Past participles usually describe actions that have already been completed.
For example,
When the vehicles are parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a speed of almost 20km/h.

Fill in the blanks using present participle or past participle form of the verbs in the box given below.

1. The ______ marble monument looks even more spectacular in the moonlight.
2. The ______ view of the Himalayas from Darjeeling attracts visitors from all over the world.
3. The Sun Temple in Konark features intricately ______ stone wheels and walls.
4. ______ at a height of 182 m, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. The ______ islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the cleanest beaches in India.
Answer:
1. glowing
2. amazing
3. carved.
4. Standing
5. scattered

V. Study the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text.

Crossing the many waterways without bridges was diffilt for people in the past, during monsoons.

In the given sentence, the highlighted word ‘crossing’, is one example of a verb used as a noun. Such a verb is called gerund. Gerunds are verb forms that can function as nouns and they end in –ing. They can serve as the subject, complement, or object in a sentence, as well as the object of a preposition.
For example,

• Subject of a sentence:
  Swimming is my favourite hobby.
• Subject complement:
  Her passion is painting.
• Object of a verb:
  I enjoy reading books in my free time.
• Object of a preposition:
  She is interested in learning new languages.
• After certain verbs:
  Shekar avoided talking about his weekend plans.

Underline the gerunds and participles in the following sentences. Write ‘G’ for gerunds and ‘P’ for participles in the space provided. One example has been done for you.
1. Dancing is a great way to express emotions. G
2. Travelling can broaden your perspective.
3. The falling leaves signalled the arrival of autumn.
4. She enjoys cooking new recipes for her family.
5. Reading helps improve your vocabulaiy.
6. He watched the shimmering stars in the night sky.
7. Forgetting the keys inside, Kanchan locked the door.
Answer:
1. Dancing is a great way to express emotions. → G
2. Travelling can broaden your perspective. → G
3. The falling leaves signalled the arrival of autumn. → P
4. She enjoys cooking new recipes for her family. → G
5. Reading helps improve your vocabulary. → G
6. He watched the shimmering stars in the night sky. → P
7. Forgetting the keys inside, Kanchan locked the door. → P

VI. Combine the following pairs of sentences using participles or gerunds.
You may use the clues given in brackets. One example has been done for you.
1. Nitesh entered the room. He saw his friend sitting in the corner, (participle)
Entering the room, Nitesh saw his friend sitting in the corner.
2. Smitha walked carelessly. She slipped on the doormat, (participle)
3. Sleep for eight hours. It is good for health, (gerund)
4. Ranjith felt happy about the result. He called his parents, (participle)
5. Father encouraged Meena. Meena joined the course, (gerund)
Answer:
1. Entering the room, Nitesh saw his friend sitting in the corner.
2. Walking carelessly, Smitha slipped on the doormat, (participle)
3. Sleeping for eight hours is good for health, (gerund)
4. Feeling happy about the result, Ranjith called his parents, (participle)
5. Father encouraged Meena in joining the course, (gerund)

Spectacular Wonders Question Answer Class 8 – Let us listen (Pages 148-149)

I. You will listen to a brother and sister discuss a natural phenomenon. As you listen, mark the four true statements from 1-6 given below. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 153 for transcript).

1. The brother was taken aback to see the posted pictures.
2. The brother admitted to not knowing about his sister’s favourite picture.
3. The sister stated that the rainbow mountain was like any other mountain.
4. The brother was aware of the reason for the formation of colours on the mountain.
5. The brother was surprised to learn about the mountain being covered with snow till recently.
6. The sister understood nature’s role in the beauty of the mountain.
Answer:
True statements: 2, 4, 5, 6

Class 8 English Chapter 9 Question Answer – Let us speak (Page 149)

I. Work in groups of four. Make a presentation on a place of interest in and around your region that people like to visit. You may use the following guidelines to make your presentation.

Guidelines:
1. Slides 1-2: Choose any popular place of interest in your region.
2. Slides 3-4: Mention where it is located and how to reach there.
3. Slides 5-6: Describe the attractions of the place, why it is popular and explain its historical importance, if any.
4. Slides 7-8: List out weather conditions, local food, customs, and language.
5. Slides 9-10: Suggest the best time of the year to visit and why you recommend this place.
Answer:
Sample Presentation: “The Rock Garden of Chandigarh”
Slides 1-2: Place of Interest
Title: The Rock Garden – A Symbol of Creativity and Sustainability
Place: Rock Garden, Chandigarh

Introduction:
The Rock Garden is a famous sculpture garden in Chandigarh. It’s known for being completely built using industrial and domestic waste.

Slides 3-4: Location and How to Reach

• Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh, near Sukhna Lake.
• How to Reach:
• By road: Well-connected through local buses, taxis, and autos.
• Nearest railway station: Chandigarh Railway Station (5-6 km away).
• Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport.

Slides 5-6: Attractions and Importance

• Built single-handedly by Nek Chand, a government employee.
• Sculptures made from recycled materials like broken bangles, tiles, glass, wires, and ceramics.
• Divided into different sections – waterfall area, amphitheatre, and open-air galleries.
• Showcases environmental consciousness and artistic brilliance.

Slides 7-8: Weather, Food, Customs, Language

• Weather: Best from October to March (pleasant winter).
• Local Food: Punjabi cuisine – chole bhature, butter chicken, lassi.
• Customs: Friendly people, traditional attire during festivals.
• Language: Punjabi, Hindi, English commonly spoken. .

Slides 9-10: Best Time to Visit & Recommendation

• Best Time: October to March for a comfortable climate.
• Why Visit:
• It’s a perfect blend of art and sustainability.
• Inspires creativity and environmental responsibility.
• A peaceful retreat for families, students, and artists.

NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 9 Question Answer – Let us write (Page 149)

I. You just read vivid descriptions of the natural wonders of our country. Write a descriptive essay for your school magazine describing anything from nature that attracted your attention. It may be an object, a place, or an event experienced by you. Remember to give a title to your essay.
Use proper format and content organisation—begin with a title, include introduction (one paragraph), body (two to three paragraphs), and conclusion (one paragraph).
Answer:
Sample Descriptive Essay
Title: The Magical Glow of a Rainy Evening

Introduction: Last year, during the monsoon, I saw something so beautiful that it stuck with me for a long time. I had been to Kumbalangi, a peaceful fishing village in Kochi, Kerala.
As the rain stopped and the sun went down, I saw the backwaters shimmering strangely in the dark.

Body: The water sparkled in a delicate blue light, making it look like little stars were floating inside. Later, I learned that this amazing event was created by bioluminescence, which is caused by tiny organisms called planktons. The lighting got stronger when the boats moved or the water was disturbed, making waves of light that danced in the dark.

It all felt like a dream. The palm trees around me stood tall in the dark, and the serene sounds of nature made the situation even more beautiful. I had heard about these kinds of natural wonders in novels, but seeing one in person was amazing. It was like nature was giving off her magic in a quiet way.

Conclusion: this event showed me that nature has mysteries that we can not even begin to imagine. The sparkling waters of Kumbalangi are not merely a scientific curiosity; they remind us of how beautiful and strange our planet can be. I wish more people visit locations like these, not just to look about, but to enjoy the amazing things that the Earth has to give.

Class 8th English Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders Question Answer – Let us explore (Page 150)

I. Man-made Wonders

1. Kallanai Dam (The Grand Anaicut) in Tamil Nadu is one of the world’s oldest dams and is still in use.TheKallanaiDamrepresentsasignificant achievement in ancient Indian hydraulic engineering. It was built by the Chola King Karikala around 150 CE.

2. Another spectacular legacy of ancient wisdom that we have is the world’s fist residential university at Nalanda in Bihar. Nalanda was established much before any European university, providing higher education to thousands of students. It was declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1980.
You may visit the site given below to know more about this. https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-nalanda/history-and-revival/

3. Hampi, a town in Karnataka, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vittala Temple in Hampi was built in the 15th century. This temple has 56 special pillars known as the SaReGaMa pillars. When these pillars are tapped, they produce musical notes that can be heard clearly.

4. Some of the man-made wonders of modern India include the Bandra–Worli Sea Link in Mumbai; Statue of Unity in Gujarat; Bhupen Hazarika Setu (The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) in Assam; and many more.
Answer:
Do it yourself

II. Some micro-planktons in the sea are bioluminescent. Have you seen any other life form that has this quality? Identify the insect given below and find out what it is called in your language. Look out for it when you visit a field or a place with a wetland.

Answer:

• Insect Shown: Firefly
• Bioluminescence: Fireflies produce light from their abdomen due to a chemical reaction, similar to the micro-planktons.
• Common Names in Indian Languages:
  • Hindi: Jugnu
  • Malayalam: Minnaminungu (£2l’lrr)mO(2l’lm^6T36T3)
  • Tamil: Minnal Poochi (i£fl6OT€OT60
  • Bengali: Jonaki Poka (CvytHlfo C’TRST)
  • Telugu: Deepa Purugu (dfo Sotfotfa)
  • Marathi: Jugas (vgiRT)