CLASS-8 (ENGLISH) THE SUMMIT WITHIN

CLASS-8 (ENGLISH)

THE SUMMIT WITHIN

Working with Text

Question 1: Answer the following questions.
(i) What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb?

Ans: The three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb are endurance, persistence and will power.

(ii) Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?

Ans: Adventure is risky, but pleasurable. Though it presents great difficulties, man takes delight in overcoming such hurdles. Everest is the highest, the mightiest, and many attempts have been made to climb it. According to the author, when the summit is climbed, there is the feeling of “exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle fought and won”. There is a feeling of victory and of happiness. The physical conquest of a mountain is only one part of the achievement. It is followed by a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. The experience is not merely physical, but it is emotional and spiritual also.
(iii) What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?

Ans: Everest drew him towards itself by its beauty, aloofness, might, ruggedness and the difficulties encountered on the way. That is why he found it irresistible.
(iv) One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really?

Ans: Climbing a peak means endurance, persistence and will power. The demonstration of these physical qualities is exhilarating for a climber. The experience, apart from being merely physical, is also emotional and spiritual. It surely presents great difficulties. However, man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. Therefore, it is not for fame alone that one climbs a mountain. It is actually for the feelings of exhilaration and satisfaction.
(v) “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe.” This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion?

Ans: “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe.” This awareness defines the emotion of humility.
(vi) What were the “symbols of reverence” left by members of the team on Everest?

Ans: On Everest, a picture of Guru Nanak was left by the author; a picture of Goddess Durga was left by Rawat; a relic of the Buddha was left by Phu Dorji. Apart from these ‘symbols of reverence’ there was also the cross that had been buried by Edmund Hillary.
(vii) What, according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him?

Ans: According to the writer, his experience as an Everester provided him with the inspiration to face life’s ordeals determinedly. It taught him that the conquest of the internal summit is as worthwhile as climbing the mountain. He also concluded that perhaps the internal summits are higher than Everest.

   Question 2: Write a sentence against each of the following statements. Your sentence should explain the statement. You can pick out sentences from the text and rewrite them. The first one has been done for you.
(i) The experience changes you completely.
One who has been to the mountains is never the same again.
(ii) Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles.
The demonstration of endurance, persistence and will power in overcoming great difficulties is delightful.
(iii) Mountains are nature at its best.
The beauty and majesty of the mountains pose a great challenge for a climber.
(iv) The going was difficult but the after-effects were satisfying.
Climbing the mountains was difficult, but reaching the summit was a feeling of satisfaction and deep fulfillment.
(v) The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience.
The act of making a physical conquest of the mountain is actually a conquest of the mountain within, which gives a deep satisfaction and is spiritual.

Working with the Language Answer 3

(a) There were formidable obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely.
(b) We have no means of finding out what happened there.
(c) Why he lives in a house remote from any town or village is more than I can tell.
(d) Overwhelmed by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice.
(e) The old castle stands in a dominant position above the sleepy town.

A	B
Remote	far away from
Means	Method(s)
Dominant	most prominent
Formidable	difficult to overcome
Overwhelmed	Be overcome/overpowered

 

EXTRA : QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question 1. Why did he choose Everest, and how does he answer his questions? 

Answer: He had answers to all the questions, and he also knew that climbing Everest was a great challenge as it is one of the highest mountains. In addition, he knew that it requires even the last ounce of energy left in the person. Once a person initiates their journey, they cannot give up halfway, even if their life is at risk. Moving forward in the journey is as difficult as moving back. He got a sense of joy and thankfulness and a sense of battling. 

Question 2. What are the facts that state Everest is just a physical climb?

Answer: There is more than just the fact that Everest is more than a physical climb. A man climbs the mountain top and becomes conscious in a special manner, which he perceives to be extremely small in this big universe. Physical conquest is a part of the achievement. In addition, there is more to it than just climbing the mountain. The experience is both emotional and spiritual. A sense of fulfilment follows the sense of achievement. Further, there is the contentment of a deep urge to ascend above one's surroundings. It also happens that there is an eternal love for adventure in an individual. 

Question 3. What does it mean? "You draw inspiration from each other. And then, without first being aware of it, you are at the summit". 

Answer: When Major Ahluwalia explained his summit to the mountain, he elaborated that while going towards the summit on the last heights. During climbing, you are supposed to share a rope with your partner, and you must hold it at that time. Your partner will start cutting a step in the hard ice, and you inch your way up. In addition, breathing gets difficult, and you feel like giving up. Further, you and your partner are like a strength to each other. That's how you become an inspiration. Just like this, you will reach the summit. 

Question 4. What does it mean? "These are not symbols of conquest but reverence."

Answer: When Major and his partner reached the summit, they knew it would be worthwhile. In addition, he looks at the beauty of the mountain and observes how the peak looks like a necklace around the neck of your summit. Further, they were grateful to God for keeping them alive and healthy through the journey. Major and his partner bowed down and made their obeisance to God they worshipped. Both of them left a picture on the Everest of their Gods. He left a picture of Guru Nanak, and his partner left a picture of Goddess Durga. Phy Dorji left a relic of Buddha, and Edmund Hillary buried a cross under a cairn in the mountains. 

Question 5. Explain the lines "There is another summit. It is within yourself."

Answer: According to the author, there is another summit within oneself. It is in the mind of the individual. Each man carries within himself a peak of the mountain. A man must try to climb it to reach the last ounce of learning. The journey is scary and cannot be measured, and no one else can climb it for someone else. Only the person himself can do it. It is strenuous physically, mentally, and emotionally. One will experience the change that can be brought about by trying to improve with each passing day. 

Question 6. What does the title mean, "The Summit Within"?

Answer: The author was one of the team members who reached Mount Everest's summit. The journey was an incredible experience. However, the author did not feel vain or heroic. According to him, his conquest was a physical experience. Further, there was another summit for every person. It was his mind. One must also climb the mountain to get a fuller knowledge of oneself. 

Question 7. How did Major Ahluwaliah feel standing on the summit?

Answer: Major was overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and gratefulness. Looking around from the summit, he told himself about his adventure. The journey was risky and worthwhile. The surrounding peaks looked like a jewelled necklace. Further, it was an ennobling and enriching experience. The major was filled with humility, and he thanked God and then left a picture of Guru Nanak on Everest. 

Question 8. What were the problems climbers face when they climb a mountain?

Answer: The climbers faced many problems and obstacles, such as difficulty breathing at great heights. They had to cut the steps in the hard ice, and he had to strain every nerve as they took every step. Sometimes they curse themselves for undertaking such a task. There are moments when they feel like going back for relief. However, something does not let them give up the struggle. 

Question 9. Why do people like to climb mountains?

Answer: People climb mountains because it is one of the most difficult things to achieve. In addition, people take an interest in overcoming obstacles. These obstacles are physically, mentally and emotionally difficult to overcome. A climb to a summit means the person has enough endurance, persistence and willpower. Further, the demonstration of these qualities is exhilarating. 

Question 10. How does the writer view mountains?

Answer: The writer finds great joy in the company of mountains. He felt miserable on the plains. Beauty and majesty pose a great challenge. He believes that mountains are a means of communication with God. 

Question 11. Where were the features of Everest the author drew?

Answer: The author elaborated on the beauty of Everest, its aloofness, and its ruggedness. He took the difficulties that the author encountered on the way as challenges that he couldn't resist. 

Question 12. Who is H.P.S. Ahluwalia?

Answer: Major H.P.S Ahluwalia was a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965. 

Question 13. What three qualities played a major role in the author's climb?

Answer: The three qualities that ensured the author's success were endurance, persistence and willpower. 

Question 14. Why is adventure risky and also enjoyable?

Answer: Climbing mountains is considered a great adventure. However, it is very risky, and it is a great challenge. When someone does a challenging task, they feel pleasurable, giving them immense joy. 

Question 15. What was it about Mount Everest that Major found irresistible?

Answer: Mount Everest attracted the writer because it is the highest and mightiest and has defied many past attempts. In addition, it takes the last ounce of one's energy to achieve the final goal. 

Question 16. What are the "symbols of reverence" left by team members on Everest?

Answer: Major and his partners left a symbol on Everest, a picture of Guru Nanak. In addition, Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga and Edmund Hillary being Christian buried a cross under the rock. These were the symbols of reverence for God. 

 

 

 

 

THE FIGHT

 

Comprehension Check 

1. In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?
Ans. Ranji used to live with his parents in a thirsty town in the middle of the Rajputana desert. There, he had known only sticky, muddy pools, where buffaloes wallowed and women washed clothes. He had never seen a pool like this — so clean and cold and inviting as it was in the forest.

2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.
(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?
Ans. The other boy expected Ranji to apologise for entering the pool without his permission. Further, he wanted Ranji to never use the pool again.

(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?
Ans. In my opinion, it was right on the part of the boy to ask Ranji this question. This is because the pool belonged to the forest and was open for use by everyone. He had no right to claim it as his.

3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans. Between Ranji and the other boy, it was the other boy who was trying to initiate a quarrel with Ranji. On seeing Ranji, the other boy gave him hostile looks while Ranji’s first thought was to be friendly with him. Ranji even invited the strange boy to swim with him while on the other hand, the strange boy refused to do so. He told Ranji that the pool belonged to him and he swam alone in it. He even threatened and told Ranji that he was a Warrior.

4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.
(i) What made him say that?
Ans. Upon realising that Ranji was not ready to give up on the pool, the other boy said, “Then we will have to continue the fight,”.

(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?
Ans. No, the fight did not continue. It is because both of them were tired after that day’s quarrel. They were breathing heavily and their heartbeats were speeding. Although they had not come to a solution, both of them decided to continue the fight the following day. 

5. What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?
Ans. When Ranji got home, he found it difficult to explain the cuts and bruises that showed on his face, leg and arms. It was difficult to conceal the fact that he had been in an unusually violent fight.

6. Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.
(i) What does he wish to do?
Ans. When Ranji saw his adversary in the bazaar, his first impulse was to turn away and look elsewhere, his second to throw the lemonade bottle at his enemy.

(ii) What does he actually do, and why?
Ans. He stood his ground and scowled at his passing adversary. He did neither of the things he wished to, probably because he did not want to initiate a fight in the bazaar. 

7. Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?
Ans. Ranji felt weak and lazy and not at all eager for the second fight. His body was stiff and sore after the previous day’s encounter. But he could not refuse the challenge. Not to turn up at the pool would be an acknowledgement of defeat.  He must defy his enemy to the last, or outwit him, for only then could he gain his respect. If he surrendered now, he would be beaten for all time; but to fight and be beaten today left him free to fight and be beaten again. As long as he fought, he had a right to the pool in the forest. Thus, he went back to the pool.

8. Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?
Ans. Ranji was the better swimmer. This is evident from the fact that he could dive flawlessly and even swim under water. Suraj, on the other hand, couldn’t do either of these things.

9. What surprises the warrior?
Ans. The Warrior asked Ranji to come over to his side of the pool and fight him. He said that the reason behind Ranji not coming to his side, is probably because he couldn’t swim the length of the pool. But Ranji could have swum the length of the pool a dozen times without tiring, and here he would show the warrior his superiority. So, Ranji slipped out of his vest, dived straight into the water, cutting through it like a knife, and surfaced with hardly a splash. This made the warrior’s mouth hang open in amazement.

10. Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?
Ans. Now, when both of them were at the pool, both of them got into a conversation about diving and the Warrior asked Ranji to teach him how to dive. Ranji gave him the instructions and Suraj tried. Then Suraj asked him to teach him how to swim under water. Thus, both of them got involved in this and decided to not fight against each other. Instead, they made a pact and promised to help each other.

11. Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help
Underline the relevant phrases
Ans. The relevant phrases that highlight Ranji’s superiority over the other boy are-
i) Good diving
ii) swimming under water
iii) willingness to help

12. What, according to you, make the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it
Ans. According to me, good skills, appreciation for each other and their willingness to help each other made the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes. The Warrior admired Ranji’s diving skills and his ability to dive under water. Ranji, on the other hand, was more than happy to teach him these skills. The Warrior, in return, promised to help Ranji become a pahelwan.

 

CLASS 8 ENGLISH THE FIGHT CHAPTER 6 EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow-

A. It was on such a day — a hot, tired day — that Ranji found the pool in the forest. The water had a gentle translucency, and you could see the smooth round pebbles at the bottom of the pool. A small stream emerged from a cluster of rocks to feed the pool. During the monsoon, this stream would be a gushing torrent, cascading down from the hills, but during the summer, it was barely a trickle. The rocks, however, held the water in the pool, and it did not dry up like the pools in the plains.

Q1. What did Ranji find on a hot day?
Ans. He found a pool in the forest.

Q2. What was visible at the bottom of the pool?
A. A snake  B. Mud     C. Pebbles        D. Fishes
Ans. C. Pebbles

Q3. From where was the water collecting in the pool?
Ans. From a stream

Q4. How did the stream vary in different seasons?
Ans. In monsoon, it was a gushing torrent while in the summer, it was barely a trickle.

Q5. How was the water in the pool different from pools in the plain?
Ans. Water in that pool was held by rocks and so the pool didn’t dry up like the pools in the plains.

B. When Ranji saw the pool, he did not hesitate to get into it. He had often gone swimming, alone or with friends, when he had lived with his parents in a thirsty town in the middle of the Rajputana desert. There, he had known only sticky, muddy pools, where buffaloes wallowed and women washed clothes. He had never seen a pool like this — so clean and cold and inviting. He leapt into the water. His limbs were supple, free of any fat, and his dark body glistened in patches of sunlit water.

Q1. On seeing the pool, what did Ranji do?
Ans. He got into it.

Q2. Where did Ranji lived with his parents?
Ans. He lived in a thirsty town in the middle of the Rajputana desert.

Q3. What did he do there?
Ans. He would often go swimming, alone or with friends.

Q4. What type of pools were there?
Ans. They were sticky, muddy pools.

Q5. What activities were visible in those pools?
Ans. In those pools buffaloes wallowed and women washed clothes.

C. When Ranji got home, he found it difficult to explain the cuts and bruises that showed on his face, leg and arms. It was difficult to conceal the fact that he had been in an unusually violent fight, and his mother insisted on his staying at home for the rest of the day. That evening, though, he slipped out of the house and went to the bazaar, where he found comfort and solace in a bottle of vividly coloured lemonade and a banana leaf full of hot, sweet jalebis. He had just finished the lemonade when he saw his adversary coming down the road. His first impulse was to turn away and look elsewhere, his second to throw the lemonade bottle at his enemy. But he did neither of these things. Instead, he stood his ground and scowled at his passing adversary. And the warrior said nothing either but scowled back with equal ferocity.

Q1. What did Ranji’s mother insist when he failed to explain the cuts and bruises on his face, legs and arms?
A. Visit to the doctor
B. Stay at home
C. Go to the temple
D. Sleep and rest
Ans. B. Stay at home

Q2. What gave him comfort?
Ans. A bottle of vividly coloured lemonade and a banana leaf full of hot, sweet jalebis.

Q3. What did he see when he had just finished the lemonade?
A. His mother
B. His father
C. his assailant
D. None of these
Ans. C. his assailant

Q4. What did Ranji do?
Ans. He stood his ground and scowled.

Q5. What did the assailant do?
Ans. He also scowled with equal force.

D. “Come this side and fight!” he shouted back with equal vigour. “Swim across and fight me here!” called the other. “Or perhaps you cannot swim the length of this pool?”
But Ranji could have swum the length of the pool a dozen times without tiring, and here he would show the warrior his superiority. So, slipping out of his vest, he dived straight into the water, cutting through it like a knife, and surfaced with hardly a splash. The warrior’s mouth hung open in amazement.
“You can dive!” he exclaimed.
“It is easy,” said Ranji, treading water, waiting for a further challenge. “Can’t you dive?”
“No,” said the other. “I jump straight in. But if you will tell me how, I will make a dive.”
“It is easy,” said Ranji. “Stand on the rock, stretch your arms out and allow your head to displace your feet.”
The warrior stood up, stiff and straight, stretched out his arms, and threw himself into the water. He landed flat on his belly, with a crash that sent the birds screaming out of the trees.
Ranji dissolved into laughter.

Q1. What were both the boys saying?
Ans. They were calling each other to come over to their end of the pool and fight.

Q2. Could Ranji swim in the pool? Add supporting evidence from the text.
Ans. Yes, he could swim in the pool. This is clear from the statement – “But Ranji could have swum the length of the pool a dozen times without tiring”.

Q3. What did Ranji do before diving into the water?
A. Prayed to God          B. Slipped out of his vest         C. Sang a song        D. Scowled
Ans. B. Slipped out of his vest

Q4. Ranji taught his assailant to _____ (dive / sing)
Ans. dive

Q5. Who / What came screaming out of the trees?
Ans. Birds came screaming out of the trees.

Class 8 The fight Extra Question Answers

Q1. When Suraj failed to swim underwater, what was Ranji’s reaction?
Ans. Ranji did not discourage him and said that he needed practice.

Q2. How did Ranji praise Suraj’s strength?
Ans. Ranji commented that Suraj was strong like a pehelwan.

Q3. What deal did Suraj want to enter into with Ranji?
Ans. He wanted Ranji to teach him to dive and swim. In return Suraj would feed him food from his farm and make him a pehelwan.

Q4. Who out of Ranji and Suraj started the fight?
Ans. Suraj started the fight. He was annoyed that someone else was swimming in ‘his’ pool.

Q5. What did the stranger do to make Ranji run away?
Ans. First he threatened Ranji and then, he slapped him hard.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR CBSE CLASS 8 ENGLISH HONEYDEW POEM 5

Question 1. Why child hates going to school?

Answer: Child hates school because he is under strict control of his teacher. He feels like a caged bird.

Question 2. How child happiness turn into sorrowness?

Answer: The child rise in the fresh and delightful summer morning. He is very happy but his parents force him to go to the school where he spends his time in sorrowfulness.

Question 3. Find three or four words/phrases in stanza 1 that reflect the child’s happiness and joy.

Answer: The phrases that reflect the child’s joy and happiness are ‘love to rise in a summer mom’, birds sing on every tree,’ ‘the skylark sings with me’, and ‘sweet company’.

Question 4. In stanza 2, the mood changes. Which words/ phrases reflect the changed mood?

Answer: ‘It drives all joy away’ under a cruel eye outworm. In sighing and dismay.

Question 5. ‘A cruel eye outworm’ (Stanza 2) refers to
(i) the classroom which is shabby/ noisy.
(ii) the lessons which are difficult / uninteresting.
(iii) the dull /uninspiring life at school with lots of work and no play.

Answer: (iii) the dull /uninspiring life at school with lots of work and no play.

Question 6. ‘Nor sit in learning’s bower
worn thro with the dreary shower’
Which of the following is a close paraphrase of the lines above?
(i) Nor can I sit a roofless classroom when it is raining.
(ii) Nor can I learn anything at school though teachers go on lecturing and explaining.
(iii) Nor can I sit in the school garden for fear of getting wet in the rain.

Answer: (ii) Nor can I learn anything at school though teachers go on lecturing and explaining.

7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

But to go to school in a summer morn,
O’ it drives all joy away,
under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day,
In sighing and dismay.

What drives away all the joy?
Ans. Going to school in a summer morning drives away all the joy.

What does ‘cruel eye outworn’ refer to?
Ans. ‘Cruel eye outworn’ refers to the teachers and uninspiring life at school.

How do the little ones spend the day?
Ans. The little ones spend the day sadly sighing.

 

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow-

A. I love to rise in a summer morn,
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me.
O! what sweet company.

Q1. What does ‘rise’ in the first line mean?
Ans. It means to wake up.

Q2. What season is the poem talking of?
Ans. Summer season.

Q3. Which bird has been mentioned?
Ans. Skylark

Q4. Who gives the poet company?
Ans. The Skylark bird.

Q5. Who winds his horn?
Ans. The huntsman

B. But to go to school in a summer morn,
O! it drives all joy away;
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day,
In sighing and dismay.

Q1. What drives the joy away?
Ans. Going to school on a summer morning drives all joy away.

Q2. Who are the little ones?
Ans. School-going children.

Q3. Why do the kids sigh?
Ans. They sigh because they do not want to go to school.

Q4. What is the rhyme scheme?
Ans. ABABB

Q5. The little ones spend the day _____ (in sadness / at school)
Ans. in sadness

 

C. Ah! then at times I drooping sit,
And spend many an anxious hour.
Nor in my book can I take delight,
Nor sit in learning’s bower,
Worn thro’ with the dreary shower.

Q1. How does the poet sit at times?
Ans. He droops

Q2. What does he feel?
Ans. He feels anxiety.

Q3. Does the book make him happy?
Ans. No, he says that he does not get happiness from the book.

Q4. What is the learning’s bower?
Ans. It is the shady area under a tree where one can sit in peace and study.

Q5. Why is the bower worn?
Ans. It is worn due to the rain.

 

D. How can the bird that is born for joy,
Sit in a cage and sing.
How can a child when fears annoy,
But droop his tender wing,
And forget his youthful spring.

Q1. What are the two phases of the bird?
Ans. One is the free bird and the other is in the cage.

Q2. What annoys the child?
Ans. Fears annoy the child.

Q3. Can the bird sing in the cage?
Ans. No, it is not joyous in the cage. So, it cannot sing there.

Q4. What does the child do in fear?
Ans. He droops his arms and forgets his youthful time.

Q5. Does ‘spring’ refer to the season?
Ans. No, it refers to the youth of one’s life. 

Answer the following questions-

 

Q1. What figure of speech is used in the following lines-
O! Father and Mother, if buds are nip’d,
And blossoms blown away
Ans. Alliteration is used in ‘blossoms blown’. Both words start with the same consonant sound ‘b’.

Q2. What question does the poet ask in the last stanza?
Ans. On behalf of the school boy, the poet asks the parents that if the children’s growth is checked then how will they blossom and give results when they grow.

Q3. What does ‘nipped’ mean?
Ans. It means to check the growth of something.

Q4. To whom does the school boy compare himself to?
Ans. He compares himself to the bird in the cage and the withered plant that is nipped.