ANGELS’ ACADEMY SR. SEC.

SCHOOL
SAMPLE PAPER-2 FOR ANNUAL EXAMINATION
CLASS –VIII (2024-25)
SUBJECT -ENGLISH
Time: 3 Hrs. MM: 80
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. This question paper contains 14 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper is divided into three Sections- A, B, and C. however, an internal choice has been
provided in question no 3, and 4.

SECTION-A (READING)
1. Read the passage given below: - (1X10=10)
History is often considered a boring subject by many students, but its importance cannot be overstated. It is
more than just a list of events that happened in the past. Learning history helps us understand who we are,
where we come from, and how the world has developed over time. By studying history, we can learn valuable
lessons that can guide us in making better decisions in the present and future.
One of the main reasons to study history is to understand the mistakes of the past. Many of the problems we
face today, such as wars, poverty, and social inequality, are rooted in historical events. For example, the two
World Wars were tragic events that caused immense loss of life and shaped the global political landscape for
decades. By studying these events, we can understand the causes of conflict and work toward peace. History
helps us avoid repeating the same errors by teaching us what went wrong and how it could have been
prevented.
Moreover, history provides us with a sense of identity and belonging. Every nation has a rich history, full of
traditions, cultures, and significant moments that define it. Learning about our ancestors' struggles, triumphs,
and achievements helps we feel connected to the past. It fosters a sense of pride and understanding of the
values that have been passed down through generations. This connection to the past can help shape the way
we view our own role in the world.
History also broadens our understanding of other cultures and civilizations. It gives us a glimpse into the lives
of people from different times and places, allowing us to see how they lived, what they valued, and how they
contributed to the world. By understanding the histories of different cultures, we become more tolerant and
open-minded, as we can better appreciate the diversity of human experiences.
Furthermore, history is not just about facts and dates; it is about stories. The story of a civilization’s rise and
fall, the struggles of individuals who fought for justice, and the achievements of great leaders are all part of the
human experience. These stories are inspiring and can motivate us to overcome our own challenges. They show
us that people, even in difficult circumstances, can make a difference.
Finally, studying history enhances critical thinking and analytical skills. History is not just about memorizing
facts; it involves interpreting evidence, understanding different perspectives, and making connections between
different events. By analysing historical sources, students learn to think critically and evaluate information,
which is a valuable skill in every area of life.
In conclusion, history is much more than a school subject; it is a vital tool for understanding the world around
us. It helps us learn from the past, connect with our heritage, appreciate different cultures, and develop
important life skills. The more we understand our history, the better we can shape our future.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Why history is considered important, according to the passage?
ii. What lessons can we learn from studying history?
iii. How do historical events like the World Wars impact the world today?
iv. In what ways does history provide us with a sense of identity and belonging?
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 v. How can learning about other cultures through history help us become more open-minded?
vi. What are some of the benefits of learning history beyond memorizing facts and dates?
vii. How does studying the stories of individuals and civilizations inspire us?
viii. Why is it important to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past?
ix. According to the passage, how does studying history enhance critical thinking?
x. What is the main message of the passage about the role of history in shaping our future?

2. Read the passage given below: - (1X10=10)

Trees are essential to life on Earth. They provide oxygen, which is necessary for humans and animals to breathe.
Without trees, the world would become a very inhospitable place. Trees help clean the air by absorbing carbon
dioxide, a harmful gas, and releasing oxygen. They also absorb pollutants like sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and
nitrogen oxides, making the air cleaner for us to breathe.

Trees play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the environment. Their roots help prevent soil erosion by
holding the soil together. When trees are cut down, the roots no longer help to stabilize the soil, which can lead
to landslides and flooding, especially during heavy rains. In addition, trees help regulate the climate by
absorbing greenhouse gases. This makes them crucial in the fight against global warming.

Forests, which are made up of large groups of trees, are often called the "lungs of the Earth." They produce
oxygen, and their canopies provide shelter for many species of birds, animals, and insects. Forests also play an
important role in the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water into the atmosphere, which helps maintain
rainfall patterns.

In addition to their environmental benefits, trees are valuable to humans in many other ways. Wood from trees
is used to build houses, furniture, and tools. Fruits, nuts, and other tree products provide food and income to
millions of people around the world. Trees also have medicinal properties, and many medicines are derived
from various parts of trees.

Despite all the benefits they provide, trees are being cut down at an alarming rate. Deforestation, particularly
in tropical rainforests, is a major environmental issue. The loss of trees is causing widespread damage to
ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and contributing to climate change. It is important for us to recognize the
value of trees and take action to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

i. What is one of the main roles of trees in the environment?

a. They produce carbon dioxide
b. They absorb oxygen
c. They provide oxygen
d. They increase pollution
ii. How do trees help clean the air?
a. By absorbing water
b. By releasing carbon dioxide
c. By absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide
d. By producing sulphur dioxide
iii. What happens when trees are cut down, according to the passage?
a. The soil becomes more stable
b. Soil erosion and landslides can occur
c. The air quality improves
d. The water cycle is unaffected

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 iv. What is the term used for forests in the passage?
a. The lungs of the Earth
b. The eyes of the Earth
c. The heart of the Earth
d. The roots of the Earth
v. How do trees help with the water cycle?
a. By creating rainfall directly
b. By absorbing and releasing water into the atmosphere
c. By preventing water from reaching the ground
d. By blocking the sun's heat
vi. What is one way humans benefit from trees?
a. Trees provide food and income
b. Trees prevent earthquakes
c. Trees create artificial rain
d. Trees produce gold
vii. Why is deforestation a major environmental issue?
a. It creates more jobs
b. It leads to the loss of trees, causing damage to ecosystems
c. It improves the climate
d. It increases air quality
viii. What is the primary cause of deforestation mentioned in the passage?
a. Forests are expanding
b. Forests are being cut down at an alarming rate
c. Trees are growing faster than ever
d. Humans are planting more trees
ix. What are trees important for in the fight against global warming?
a. They reduce the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere
b. They absorb greenhouse gases
c. They cause more pollution
d. They decrease the amount of water in rivers
x. Why is it important to protect and preserve trees?
a. Because trees create more forests
b. Because trees provide entertainment
c. Because they provide many environmental and human benefits
d. Because trees stop rain from falling

SECTION B: (CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR)

3. You are Aman/Reema. You genuinely feel that despite the ban on tobacco related advertisements and the
law against smoking in public places, the consumption of tobacco and its products is on the rise in India.
You are of the opinion that banning such ads will not serve the purpose. The government should come out
with a blanket ban on the use of tobacco and the closure of tobacco industry. Only such drastic measures
will eliminate this evil. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views
and suggestions. (5X1=5)
Or
You are Kushal living at 123, Gaur City, Bengaluru. The continuous leaking of drain pipes in your colony is
causing diseases and health complications for the residents. Write a complaint letter to the Municipal
Commissioner to take necessary actions regarding the same.

4. As President of Student Council, Kamal Public School, Lucknow. Write a notice using not more than 50
words requesting students to donate old clothes, books and bags for orphanages. (5X1=5)

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 Or
On the basis of outlines given below, develop a story.
Outline: a clever thief………… robbed the rich………. helped the needy…………… other jealous thieves
………. challenged to steal king’s pyjamas ……. opened a bottle of ants………….. the king was bitten
…………. removed the king’s pyjamas.

5. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable Preposition (0.5X5=2.5)

i. Some boys were listening……………. The music.
ii. Some people always boast ……………. Their knowledge.
iii. Mrs. Arora is popular……….. her students
iv. One must raise voice ……….. injustice.
v. I was born …….. the year 2000.

6. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable Conjunctions: (0.5X5=2.5)

i. He likes rice………….. his brother likes bread.
ii. Make hay ………… the sun shines.
iii. Sit quietly …….. go outside.
iv. Study well………… you will fail.
v. ……………. You study hard, you will not good marks.

7. Change the Direct Speech into Indirect Speech. (0.5X5=2.5)

i. He said,” He plays football”.
ii. They said,” We need more time”.
iii. He said,” I lost my wallet.”
iv. She said,” You look beautiful.
v. Lata said,” I haven’t eaten lunch”.

8. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Spot the error and rectify them.
One has been done as an example (0.5X5=2.5)
Incorrect Correct
In 1789, there was as many as a. …………….. ………………
360 states in Germany. But the number of state b. …………….. ………………
In 1815 were 39. Austria and c. …………….. ………………
Prussia laid claim of the leadership d. …………….. ………………
Of all German states. Prussia were assisted e. …………….. ………………
With his able chancellor Bismarck.

SECTION – C (LITERATURE)
9. Attempt the following extract given (1X5=5)
Winter rains in the hills in the hushed silence of the house when I am quite alone, and my friend, who was
here has gone. It is very lonely, very quiet, as I sit in a liquid silence, a silence within, surrounded by the
rhythm of rain, the steady drift of water on leaves, on lemons, on roof, drumming on drenched dahlias and
window panes, while the mist holds the house in a dark caress. As I pause near a window, the rain stops. And
starts again. And the trees, no longer green but grey, menace me with their loneliness.

i. What was the writer doing on January 26?

ii. How did he describe the rhythm of rain?
iii. Explain ‘the mist……. Dark cares’.
iv. What did he observe by standing near a window?
v. Find the suitable word from the extract which means ‘soaked thoroughly’.
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10. Answer the following question from the given Extract: (1X5=5)

In the heat of the mid-day the houses stood with shut doors.
I wandered along the crooked lane,
An old man came out with his bag gold.
He pondered and said,” I will hire you with my money.”
He weighed his coins one by one, but I turned away..

i. Why was the speaker wandering along the lanes?

a. to pass his time
b. To search his lost wrist watch
c. To enjoy wandering
d. To look for a job
ii. What did he want?
a. He wanted a kind employer
b. He wanted to sell his services to somebody on payment
c. He wanted to earn a huge amount of money
d. He wanted to spend the money non the needy
iii. What offer did the old man make to him?
a. to hire him and pay him in gold
b. to hire him and pay him in silver
c. to hire him and give him power
d. to hire him and give him sea-shells
iv. Why did the speaker reject his offer?
a. He was not willing to do other’s work
b. He fell sick
c. He did not find freedom in it
d. he wanted even more than that
v. Which word in the stanza means ‘thought’?
a. Wandered
b. Crooked
c. Weighed
d. Pondered

11. Answer ANY FOUR of the following questions in about 30-40 words each (3X4=12)
i. Why couldn’t the author sleep on August 2 night?
ii. What took the author Firdaus to England? Why did he wish to see Hawking?
iii. Why couldn’t Bepin Babu ignore what Parimal Ghose had said to him?
iv. How did Jody feel as he touched the Fawn’s skin?
v. What is a diary? What do the extracts from Ruskin Bonds diary portray?

12. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in about 30-40 words each (3X2=6)
i. He reached home with the coins in his pocket. What happened then?
ii. How has Rajpur’s summer been described in the lesson “The Fight”?
iii. The eight sisters kept their windows shut. How did it affect them?

13. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 60-80 words (4X2=8)
i. What was Bepin Choudhary’s ailment or problem? Was it real or deliberate?
ii. Who are the seasonal visitors? How does the author describe them?

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 iii. Why did the writer feel guilty talking to Stephen Hawking?

14. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 60-80 words (4X1=4)
i. How does a school boy try to please God to come to the rescue?
ii. Compare and contrast the characters of princess September and her other eight sisters.

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