CBSE Class 8 English Spectacular Wonders Worksheet Set 01

Fill in the Blanks

Question. A huge meteorite impact thousands of years ago created the _____________ Crater Lake in Maharashtra.
Answer: Lonar
Explanation: Lonar Lake was formed when a giant rock from outer space crashed into the ground long ago.

Question. The valley in Uttarakhand famous for over 600 species of flowers is called the _____________.
Answer: Valley of Flowers
Explanation: The Valley of Flowers is a high-mountain park where hundreds of colorful flowers blossom naturally.

Question. The living root bridges symbolize the link between nature and _____________ knowledge.
Answer: cultural
Explanation: Local villagers used their traditional knowledge to guide living tree roots across rushing streams.

Question. The natural phenomenon that makes the waters of Kumbalangi shine at night is called _____________.
Answer: bioluminescence
Explanation: Tiny creatures living in the water produce their own glowing light in the dark.

Question. The forests in the Sundarbans help stabilise the coastline by slowing down the flow of _____________.
Answer: tidal waters
Explanation: The thick roots of mangrove trees catch incoming ocean waves and stop the shore from washing away.

Question. The ________ islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the cleanest beaches in India.
Answer: scattered
Explanation: "Scattered" means the islands are spread out across the sea in different spots.

Question. Do you know when this small town ________?
Answer: came into existence
Explanation: "Came into existence" simply means when the town was first built or born.

Question. The ________ view of the Himalayas from Darjeeling attracts visitors from all over the world.
Answer: amazing
Explanation: "Amazing" describes a sight that makes people say "wow" because it is so wonderful.

Question. He opened the old wooden box and stared at the treasure ________.
Answer: in disbelief
Explanation: "In disbelief" means being so surprised that you can hardly believe what you are seeing.

Question. He opened the antique wooden box and stared at the treasure ________.
Answer: in disbelief
Explanation: "In disbelief" means being so shocked that you can hardly believe what your eyes are seeing.

Question. The writer’s most likely purpose to present the information about the Chandipur Beach phenomenon with a question is to ________.
Answer: draw the reader to learn more about the unusual phenomenon
Explanation: Asking an exciting question makes readers curious to read on and find out why the sea vanishes.

Question. The ________ islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the purest beaches in India.
Answer: scattered
Explanation: "Scattered" means the islands are spread out across the ocean in different places.

True or False

Question. The Sundarbans get their title from the Sundari trees.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sundari trees grow everywhere in this coastal forest and give the area its name.

Question. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh actually pulls cars uphill due to a strong magnetic field.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hill does not have magnets; it is only an optical illusion caused by the shape of the land.

Question. Living root bridges are constructed of concrete and stones.
Answer: False
Explanation: These bridges are grown naturally from the living roots of rubber trees, not man-made bricks or concrete.

Question. The Chandipur Beach in Odisha is famous for its sea disappearing and reappearing everyday.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sea water recedes back several kilometers during low tide and comes rushing back during high tide.

Question. Bioluminescence is observed in Kumbalangi due to dirt in water.
Answer: False
Explanation: The water sparkles because of harmless tiny living plankton, not because the water is dirty.

Question. Chandipur Beach in Odisha is known for its unique feature of the sea disappearing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sea water really rolls back several kilometers every single day during low tide.

Question. The brother was surprised to learn about the mountain being covered with snow till lately.
Answer: True
Explanation: He did not realize that thick white snow had been hiding the colored rocks until recently.

Question. The brother was taken aback to see the uploaded pictures.
Answer: False
Explanation: He was not shocked or taken aback; he was simply looking at the photographs with his sister.

Question. The sister understood nature's role in the charm of the mountain.
Answer: True
Explanation: She understood that natural weathering and minerals made the mountain look like a painting.

Question. The sister understood nature’s role in the charm of the mountain.
Answer: True
Explanation: She realized that natural weather and minerals painted the mountain rocks so beautifully over millions of years.

Question. The brother was surprised to learn about the mountain being covered with snow till lately.
Answer: True
Explanation: He did not know that thick ice and snow had been hiding all the bright mineral colors until recently.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. Name one uncommon animal found in the Valley of Flowers.
Answer: One rare animal found in the Valley of Flowers is the snow leopard.
Explanation: The snow leopard is a shy, beautiful wild cat that lives high up in cold, snowy mountains.

Question. Discuss the significance of the Lonar Crater Lake and what makes it unique.
Answer: Lonar Crater Lake is the only Indian crater formed in basaltic rock from a meteorite impact. It is the third largest crater of its kind in the world, making it a unique blend of celestial impact and stunning terrestrial beauty, and a rare site globally.
Explanation: It was made by a shooting star crash on hard volcanic rock, making it one of the rarest lakes in the world.

Question. Define bioluminescence as described in the chapter.
Answer: Bioluminescence is the natural emission of light by living organisms, such as micro-planktons, making the waters glow at night, especially observed in the backwaters of Kumbalangi, Kerala.
Explanation: Bioluminescence is when living things like fireflies or sea creatures make their own glow-in-the-dark light.

Question. Describe the optical illusion seen at Magnetic Hill in Ladakh.
Answer: At Magnetic Hill, vehicles parked at a marked spot appear to roll uphill due to the unusual alignment of the landscape and the horizon. This gravity-defying illusion has left many tourists puzzled and amazed.
Explanation: The shape of the mountains tricks your eyes into thinking you are going up when the road is actually going down.

Question. Why are the living root bridges called a 'boon' for Meghalayan people?
Answer: Living root bridges help people cross water streams safely during heavy rains, providing a sustainable and long-lasting solution built by using roots of trees.
Explanation: When heavy rains cause rivers to swell, these sturdy bridges keep villagers safe while crossing.

Question. Explain how the living root bridges of Meghalaya are formed and why they last for hundreds of years.
Answer: Living root bridges are made by guiding the roots of rubber trees across rivers and streams, allowing them to grow and entwine. Over years, these sturdy bridges become strong enough for humans to cross. Their living nature enables them to renew and last for hundreds of years.
Explanation: People train tree roots to grow across rivers; because the tree stays alive, the bridge never rots and gets stronger over time.

Question. Where is the Magnetic Hill situated?
Answer: The Magnetic Hill is located about 30 km from Leh, in the Ladakh region.
Explanation: It is located along a scenic mountain road in the high Ladakh region of northern India.

Question. How do the Sundarbans maintain biodiversity and protect the coastline?
Answer: The Sundarbans' mangrove roots trap and slow tidal waters, which stabilises shorelines and reduces erosion. The forest supports diverse flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, crocodiles, and rare bird species, thereby preserving ecological balance and wildlife.
Explanation: Strong tree roots hold the muddy shore safe from huge ocean waves and provide a home for tigers, fish, and birds.

Question. What is a mangrove ecosystem?
Answer: A mangrove forest is a coastal ecosystem where trees take root in low-oxygen soil underwater, stabilising shorelines and reducing erosion, like the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
Explanation: It is a wetland near the sea where special trees can grow right inside salty, muddy water.

Question. Why is Kumbalangi in Kerala a popular eco-tourism destination?
Answer: Kumbalangi offers peaceful green surroundings, unique glowing waters caused by bioluminescence, and a chance to experience local culture, cuisine, and village life. This setting appeals to visitors seeking both natural wonders and eco-friendly tourism.
Explanation: Travelers visit to experience peaceful village life, eat traditional food, and see the beautiful glowing blue water at night.

Question. The writer uses descriptive language and introductory questions for some of the natural phenomena. What effect does it have on the readers?
Answer: It grabs the reader's attention, makes the descriptions vivid and lifelike, and encourages readers to imagine and explore the wonders.
Explanation: Good descriptions paint bright pictures in our minds and make reading exciting.

Question. Replace the underlined phrase with one from the extract: India is the cradle of several rare species of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.
Answer: nature's unusual side
Explanation: "Nature's unusual side" describes special, rare living wonders that are different from everyday sights.

Question. What does the phrase 'nature's unusual side' indicate about the phenomena described?
Answer: It suggests rare and surprising natural events and places that are distinctly different from ordinary, everyday nature.
Explanation: It means things in nature that look surprising, weird, and wonderful.

Question. Compare the Valley of Flowers and the Living Root Bridges as models of natural wonders.
Answer: The Valley of Flowers is a natural meadow that showcases pure wild beauty and botanical variety, whereas the Living Root Bridges show how indigenous communities patiently work alongside nature's living roots to solve everyday travel challenges.
Explanation: One is a wild carpet of flowers made by nature, while the other is a helpful bridge grown by villagers and trees together.

Question. Which of these unusual phenomena did you find the most fascinating and why?
Answer: The Living Root Bridges, because they are grown alive from tree roots without harming nature, becoming stronger over time while demonstrating human creativity and patience.
Explanation: Bridges that are alive, never rust, and grow stronger with time are truly magical.

Question. Mention the regions in which the spectacular wonders discussed are located.
Answer: Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Odisha.
Explanation: These unique natural sights are found in different parts of India, from high northern mountains to southern coasts.

Question. Which of these unusual wonders did you find the most interesting and why?
Answer: The Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra, because a saltwater lake formed inside the circular bowl created by an ancient meteorite strike.
Explanation: A lake made by a falling space rock crashing into the earth is super exciting and full of mystery.

Question. Select the choice 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.
Answer: Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The sea really disappears from view because the outgoing tides pull the water back for several kilometers.

Question. Identify whether the word 'Dancing' in 'Dancing is a great way to express feelings' is a gerund (G) or a participle (P).
Answer: Gerund (G)
Explanation: "Dancing" ends in -ing and acts as the naming subject of the sentence, so it is a gerund.

Question. Identify whether the word 'shimmering' in 'He watched the shimmering stars in the dark sky' is a gerund (G) or a participle (P).
Answer: Participle (P)
Explanation: "Shimmering" ends in -ing and describes the noun "stars," so it acts like an adjective (participle).