Class 8 English Unit 11

A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B.

👉
a. apology – saying sorry

b. absent-minded – forgetful

c. couch – sofa

d. curved – a bent line; not a straight line

e. dull – lacking interest or excitement

f. gravity – the force of attraction

g. host – a person who receives other people as guests

h. interrupted – made something discontinue

i. puzzled – unable to understand; confused

j. wonder – a feeling of amazement and admiration

B. Choose the correct words/phrases from the box to complete the following sentences.

👉

a. The construction work got interrupted because of the heavy rain.

b. Newton used curved mirrors in telescopes instead of lenses.

c. My grandmother keeps forgetting things. She is suffering from absent-mindedness.

d. Anisha came into my room and sat on the couch.

e. Please draw a curved line on the white board, not a straight one.

f. Particles are attracted to each other by gravitation.

g. Newton was a dull boy in his childhood.

h. My friend hosted a birthday party yesterday.

i. I got tired of working the whole day. I want to rest for some time.

C. Read the text again and write whether the following statements are True or False.

👉

a. Sir Isaac Newton’s father was a lawyer. – False

b. Newton received his father’s affection during his childhood. – False

c. In the beginning, Newton was not good at his studies. – True

d. The fallen apple helped Newton develop the theory of gravitation. – True

e. Newton’s mind always remained full of problems and thoughts. – True

f. He lived with his wife and children in his later years. – False

D. Answer these questions.

a. How was Newton in his studies in his early life?

👉 In his early life, Newton was not good at his studies. He was considered a dull boy.

b. Which subjects did Newton study at Cambridge University?

👉 Newton studied mathematics and science at Cambridge University.

c. What changes did Newton make to telescopes?

👉 Newton made changes to telescopes by using curved mirrors instead of lenses. This gave better results in some ways.

d. Why do you think Newton forgot his food and friends at times?

👉 I think Newton forgot his food and friends at times because he was always thinking about his work. He was a very intelligent man and he was always trying to solve problems. He was so focused on his work that he sometimes forgot about the things that were happening around him.

e. Find some other discoveries Newton has made.

👉

• Laws of Motion: Newton’s three laws of motion are the foundation of classical mechanics.

• Theory of Gravitation: Describes the force that attracts all objects in the universe to each other.

• Calculus: A mathematical tool used in physics, engineering, and economics.

• Composition of White Light: Discovered that white light is a mixture of all rainbow colours.

• Reflecting Telescope: Invented this telescope using curved mirrors instead of lenses.

Grammar I

A. Complete the following sentences with the correct relative pronouns — who, where, whose, which, that, and when.

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• The couple who live next door has six grandchildren.

• The house, which is painted in red, is mine.

• The woman house which was broken into called the police.

• The car which my uncle bought is quite comfortable.

• This is the school where I study now.

• This is the place where I was born and brought up.

• My uncle, who is in the army, came to see us.

• We have a friend who plays the Madal well.

• Is there anything, which I can do to help you?

• She remembered the day when she met her husband for the first time.

B. Join the following pairs of sentences using suitable relative pronouns.

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• We know the woman who donated this money.

• We walked past my old school which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.

• I met the woman yesterday whom I had helped last month.

• A new headteacher is going to be appointed next month which is good.

• Bring me the file which is on the table.

• This is the player whom the committee appointed the captain.

• We met a girl who has lost her way.

• This is the house which Naresh built.

• Mandy is the girl whose car I am using today.

Writing I

Write a short biography of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa based on the given information.

 Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was born on December 16, 1961, in Solukhumbu, Nepal, into a family with a rich mountaineering background. Inspired by her family’s legacy, she began her climbing journey during her teenage years. At age 17, she moved to Kathmandu with her husband Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, where they together ran a travel agency.

Her first attempt to climb Mount Everest was in 1989, which was unsuccessful. However, she successfully climbed Mount Pisang (6091m) and Mount Blanc (4848m). She made two more Everest attempts in 1991, reaching 8750m and 8500m on separate tries.

Finally, on April 22, 1993, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Nepali woman to do so. Unfortunately, she died during her descent due to severe weather conditions, at just 31 years old.

Today, she is honoured as a national hero in Nepal. In her memory, a highway and a mountain have been named after her, and her incredible journey is portrayed in the documentary film “Pasang Lhamu: The First Sherpa Woman on Everest.”

Reading II

Khaptad National Park

A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B

👉 Ans

• pastures – iv. land covered with grass

• biodiversity – iii. the existence of a variety of animals and plants

• aquatic – vi. growing or living in, on, or near water

• confluence – vii. the place where rivers meet and become one

• tranquillity – i. the state of being quiet and peaceful

• documentary – ii. a film or program giving facts about something

• harbour – v. to contain something and allow it to develop

B. Fill in the gaps with correct information from the text

a. Khaptad National Park comprises 22 patches of grassland.

b. The religious sites in the national park are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

c.A tourist from Pakistan should have to pay Rs. 500.

d. The highest point of the national park is Sahashra Linga, situated at a height of 3,276 meters.

e.  Many pilgrims make a holy visit to Triveni during Janai Purnima.

C. Answer these questions

a. What type of forest can be found in Khaptad National Park?

👉 Ans The main flora found in the park are sal, pine, and alder species. The Khaptad plateau is dominated by sub-alpine vegetation. Fir, oak, birch, and rhododendron are the major species here.

b. How have the patans supported local people around the national park?

👉 Ans In summer, the patches of grasslands called patans support local livelihood by offering ample grazing ground for cattle.

c. Where is the Shiva temple?

👉 Ans The Shiva temple is located at the confluence of three rivers, known as Triveni.

d. After whose name is the national park named as Khaptad National Park?

👉 Ans The national park is named after the late Khaptad Swami, a renowned spiritual saint.

e. If anyone is interested in shooting a film in the national park, how much money does he/she have to pay?

👉 Ans The documentary/filming fee is:

  • $1,500 for foreigners

  • Rs. 50,000 for SAARC nationals

  • Rs. 10,000 for Nepali

  (An additional 25% must be paid if drones are used)

f. Make a list of the flora and fauna found in the national park

👉 Ans

Flora:

sal, pine, alder, fir, oak, birch, rhododendron, primulas, buttercups, wild berries, and various medicinal herbs.

Fauna:

266 bird species (Dhanphe, flycatcher, bulbul, cuckoo, eagle), butterflies, moths, insects, and 23 mammal species (barking deer, wild boar, goral, black bear, yellow-throated marten, rhesus and langur monkeys, common leopard, wolf, wild dog, jackal, and musk deer).

C. If you visited Khaptad National Park, which thing would you enjoy the most? Why?

👉 Ans I would enjoy the serene and peaceful environment the most. Surrounded by lush greenery, tranquil grasslands, and breathtaking views, it would offer a perfect escape from the chaotic city life. Walking through the patans, observing wildlife, and relaxing by Khaptad Daha would allow deep reflection and appreciation for nature’s beauty.

Writing II 

Explore Gorkha: The Historical Place

Introduction:
Welcome to Gorkha, a historical destination in Nepal. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we take you on a journey through this remarkable region.

Major Attractions:

👉 Gorkha Durbar: Unveil the history of Nepal at the majestic Gorkha Durbar, the ancestral palace of the Shah dynasty and the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

👉 Manakamana Temple: Experience spiritual bliss at the famous Manakamana Temple, perched atop a hill and reachable via a scenic cable car ride.

👉 Gorakhnath Cave: A sacred site linked with Guru Gorakhnath, rich in spiritual ambiance and local legends.

👉 Gorkha Museum: Explore artefacts and exhibits that reflect the rich history, art, and culture of the Gorkha region.

How to Get There:

Gorkha is located around 140 km west of Kathmandu.

 • By Road: 5–6 hour scenic drive via private vehicle, bus, or taxi

 • By Hiking: Trek from Besi Sahar or Pokhara to enjoy Himalayan views

Provisions and Requirements:

 • Accommodation: Comfortable guesthouses to luxurious hotels available

 • Health & Safety: Carry a first-aid kit, insect repellent, stay hydrated, and dress modestly at religious sites

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather and clear views.

👉 Plan your journey now and discover the magical fusion of history, nature, and spirituality in Gorkha!

D. Rules to be Followed in Gorkha

👉 Ans

• It is prohibited to litter or engage in any activity that harms the environment.

• Visitors are supposed to dress modestly and behave respectfully at cultural sites.

• Disturbing or harming wildlife is not allowed.

• Permission must be obtained for photography or filming at religious or private properties.

• Visitors are not supposed to stray from designated trails.

• Informing authorities about trekking plans is recommended.

• Respect locals and support their businesses.

• Loud noise or disturbance is not allowed.

• Unauthorized activities are not entertained and may lead to legal consequences.

Grammar II

A. Fill in the blanks with articles (a, an, the, or X)

👉 Ans

1. I’d like to ask you a question now.

2. It is a nice day today, isn’t it?

3. Where is the tallest statue of Lord Shiva located?

4. The boys are playing X football in the backyard.

5. She is an intelligent girl.

6. Do you want to go to the restaurant where we first met?

7. My father bought a new TV set yesterday.

8. I live in an old house which needs to be repaired.

9. Would you like to have a piece of cake?

10. Sharmila can play the guitar well.

11. We usually have X lunch at 12:30.

B. Complete the paragraph with appropriate articles

👉 Ans

You’ve probably learned the rule that an comes before a vowel, and that a comes before a consonant. While this is generally true, it is more accurate to say that an comes before a vowel sound, and a comes before a consonant sound. The can be used with both singular and plural nouns, with nouns of any gender, and with nouns that start with any letter. The is the most commonly used word in the English language.

Once upon a time, there was an old farmer. He was honest and helpful. Once, the whole village was affected by famine. People remembered the old farmer. He helped the villagers by providing food and shelter. This news reached the king. He invited the old farmer and gave him a golden stick as a gift for his honesty and help to the villagers during hard times.