CBSE Class 8 English The Cherry Tree Worksheet Set 02

Fill in the Blanks

Question. Rakesh shielded the sapling by surrounding it with ___________.
Answer: pebbles
Explanation: Rakesh put small, smooth stones in a circle around the baby plant to keep it safe from people stepping on it.

Question. When a goat chewed all the leaves, only the main ___________ and two thin branches remained on the cherry tree.
Answer: stem
Explanation: The stem is the main green stalk of a young plant that holds up the branches.

Question. She ___________ (visit) her granny every Sunday.
Answer: visits
Explanation: We use "visits" because going to see her grandmother is something she does regularly every week.

Question. The cherry tree finally flowered with pale pink ___________ at the end of a branch.
Answer: blossom
Explanation: A blossom is a delicate, pretty flower that blooms on a fruit tree in springtime.

Question. In the nights, Rakesh and his grandfather would sit over a ___________ fire and share stories.
Answer: charcoal
Explanation: Charcoal is burnt wood that glows red-hot without too much smoke, keeping them warm in the cold mountains.

Question. I ___________ (complete) my homework before the deadline yesterday.
Answer: completed
Explanation: We use the past tense "completed" because the homework was finished on a past day.

Question. The first creature to the cherry tree was a ___________.
Answer: praying mantis
Explanation: A praying mantis is a long, bright green insect that looks like it is folding its hands in prayer.

Question. Rakesh lived with his ___________ on the borders of Mussoorie.
Answer: grandfather
Explanation: Rakesh stayed with his grandpa in his cottage because his own village had no school for him to attend.

Question. Tomorrow at this time, I ___________ (travel) to another town.
Answer: will be travelling
Explanation: This describes an action that will be happening continuously at a specific moment in the future.

Question. The cherry tree's first guest was a bright green ___________ perched on a branch.
Answer: praying-mantis
Explanation: The little mantis came to sit quietly on the branch without eating any of the leaves.

Question. They ___________ (watch) a film when I called them.
Answer: were watching
Explanation: They were in the middle of watching the movie when the phone rang, so we use past continuous tense.

Question. The cherry tree faced dangers from a goat and a ___________.
Answer: grass cutter
Explanation: A woman cutting grass with a sharp blade accidentally sliced right through the young cherry tree.

Question. By the time we reached, they ___________ (leave).
Answer: had left
Explanation: The action of them leaving happened before we arrived, which requires the past perfect tense.

Question. Rakesh's grandfather advised him, "Nothing is ___________ if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use."
Answer: lucky
Explanation: Keeping a seed hidden in your pocket does nothing; you must plant it and work for your luck to grow.

True or False

Question. The cherry tree lived despite being cut in half.
Answer: True
Explanation: Even after a sharp scythe chopped it in half, the brave roots sent out fresh green branches when monsoon rains fell.

Question. Rakesh forgot about the cherry seed instantly after planting it and never checked on it again.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rakesh loved checking on the seed, watching eagerly every day until the first tiny green shoot poked out of the ground.

Question. Rakesh's grandfather was uninterested in the cherry tree's growth.
Answer: False
Explanation: Grandfather cared very much, told Rakesh to plant it, and loved resting under its shade when it grew tall.

Question. Birds and insects were drawn to the cherry tree as it grew.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bees visited the pink blossoms for sweet nectar, praying mantises rested on twigs, and birds ate ripe cherries.

Question. Rakesh planted the cherry seed in a pot inside.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rakesh pressed the seed into the soft garden soil outside where it could get sunlight and fresh mountain rain.

Question. The cherry tree survived even after being cut by a woman's scythe during the monsoon season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The tree was tough and resilient; new shoots quickly grew from the remaining stem after the monsoon rains.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. What did Rakesh use to circle the little cherry tree?
Answer: Rakesh used pebbles to circle the cherry tree for privacy and protection.
Explanation: A ring of small stones made a protective border so passers-by would not step on the young sapling.

Question. Find the modal verb in the extract: 'Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use.' What does it express here—possibility, necessity or advice?
Answer: Modal verb: 'must' – expresses advice and necessity here.
Explanation: The word "must" is used to give strong advice that taking action is necessary to achieve good results.

Question. What was the first clue of spring seen by Rakesh?
Answer: Rakesh saw the wild ducks flying north in a V-shaped formation, indicating spring had arrived.
Explanation: When cold winter ends, wild ducks fly high across the sky to return to their warm summer homes.

Question. What did Rakesh do with the last cherry seed from his pack?
Answer: Rakesh rolled the cherry seed in his mouth, then planted it in the garden on his grandfather's suggestion.
Explanation: Instead of throwing the stone away, he pressed it into the ground so it could sprout into a real tree.

Question. Describe the hardships faced by the cherry tree in its early years and how it overcame them.
Answer: The cherry tree faced grazing by a goat and being cut by a woman's scythe. Despite losing leaves and being chopped, it kept growing new shoots with the support of Rakesh and favorable weather.
Explanation: Even when animals ate its leaves and tools cut it in two, the plant stayed alive and grew new green branches.

Question. What does the cherry tree represent in the story?
Answer: The rewards of patience and nurturing.
Explanation: Taking care of a small living thing patiently over many years brings great happiness and beautiful blossoms.

Question. Why did Rakesh permit the praying-mantis to stay on the cherry tree?
Answer: Rakesh allowed the praying-mantis to stay because it was the tree's first visitor and did not harm the plant.
Explanation: The gentle insect did not damage any leaves, so Rakesh was happy to let his little guest stay.

Question. Why did Rakesh's family send him to live with his grandfather?
Answer: Rakesh's parents sent him to Mussoorie because there were no schools in their village.
Explanation: His family wanted him to get a good education, and Mussoorie had schools where he could study.

Question. Arrange the following events in the order they happened in the Story: (i) Rakesh planted the cherry seed. (ii) A goat ate the leaves of the young plant. (iii) The cherry tree bore its first blossoms. (iv) Rakesh returned from his village after the monsoon. (v) A grass cutter accidentally cut the cherry plant.
Answer: (i), (ii), (v), (iv), (iii)
Explanation: The seed was planted first, then a hungry goat ate it, a cutter sliced it, Rakesh returned from his village, and finally pink blossoms grew.

Question. How does the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather guide Rakesh's actions in the story?
Answer: Rakesh's grandfather shares stories, gives advice, and encourages Rakesh to plant the seed. His guidance fosters Rakesh's caring nature and love for nurturing life.
Explanation: Grandfather is a kind teacher who inspires Rakesh to value nature, work hard, and care for living things.

Question. What does 'put it to some use' mean in this situation?
Answer: 'Put it to some use' means actively using opportunities or luck by working hard rather than just waiting.
Explanation: It means doing real, honest work instead of sitting idle and hoping good fortune arrives on its own.

Question. Identify the speaker and explain the context in which this guidance is given: 'Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use.'
Answer: The speaker is Rakesh's grandfather, advising him that luck alone doesn't bring success unless effort is made.
Explanation: Grandfather told Rakesh to plant the seed in the soil rather than keeping it uselessly inside his pocket.

Question. What message does the story 'The Cherry Tree' teach about resilience and taking initiative?
Answer: The story shows that patience, continuous effort, and nurturing can help living things overcome difficulties.
Explanation: When you face setbacks, never give up; keep caring and working, and life will overcome the hardest times.

Question. Establish the importance of patience and silent observation as depicted through the character of Rakesh.
Answer: Patience and quiet observation are shown through Rakesh's consistent care for the tree, teaching the value of nurturing growth slowly without rushing.
Explanation: Plants cannot grow overnight; watching them slowly unfold teaches children how to be calm and patient.

Question. Reflect on Rakesh's journey of tending the cherry tree and the personal growth it symbolises.
Answer: Rakesh's journey of nurturing the cherry tree symbolises personal growth through patience, care, and resilience as he learns to wait for the tree to flourish despite setbacks.
Explanation: As the tiny sapling turned into a tall tree, Rakesh also grew older, kinder, and more responsible.

Question. Bring out the importance of the natural imagery used by Ruskin Bond in conveying the resilience of life.
Answer: Ruskin Bond uses natural imagery—like the growing tree and visiting insects—to convey life's resilience and the persistent spirit of nature despite challenges.
Explanation: Beautiful pictures of green leaves, singing birds, and warm rain show that life always finds a way to survive.

Question. Give another example from the story where the idea of making an effort instead of relying on luck is reflected.
Answer: The story shows Rakesh watering and protecting the tree despite difficulties, reflecting effort rather than luck.
Explanation: Rakesh did not simply wish for the tree to live; he built a circle of pebbles and gave it water during dry days.

Question. Make a case for the cherry tree as a metaphor for hope and persistence in the face of trouble.
Answer: The cherry tree metaphorically represents hope and persistence as it survives hardships and gradually blossoms, reflecting the reward of steadfastness.
Explanation: Even after getting eaten by a goat and sliced in two, the plant kept growing toward the light with hope.

Question. Illustrate with examples how the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather contributes to the main theme of the story.
Answer: The supportive relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather highlights encouragement and wisdom, reinforcing themes of guidance and nurturing growth.
Explanation: By telling stories and sharing quiet moments together, grandfather gave Rakesh the love needed to grow well.

Match the Following

Question. Match the items in Column A with their correct descriptions in Column B.

Explanation: This table matches each character or animal from the story with the action they did to or for the cherry tree.

Vocabulary Activity - "Guess the Word"

Question. Identify the mismatched word out from: surreptitious, clandestine, overt, covert
Answer: overt
Explanation: "Overt" means done openly in plain sight, while all the other three words mean sneaky and secret.

Question. Find the odd word out from: elated, exuberant, despondent, euphoric
Answer: despondent
Explanation: "Despondent" means deeply sad and unhappy, while the other three words describe feeling joyful and excited.

Question. Identify the odd term out from: deteriorate, wither, flourish, corrode
Answer: flourish
Explanation: "Flourish" means to grow healthy and strong, whereas the others mean to decay, rot, or get ruined.

Question. Identify the odd word out among: ephemeral, transient, permanent, evanescent
Answer: permanent
Explanation: "Permanent" means lasting forever, while the other three words describe things that disappear very quickly.

Question. Select the odd word out from: equivocate, prevaricate, disclose, obfuscate
Answer: disclose
Explanation: "Disclose" means to tell the truth openly, while the other three words mean to confuse or hide the truth.

Question. Spot the odd word out from: irascible, cantankerous, placid, choleric
Answer: placid
Explanation: "Placid" means gentle, calm, and peaceful, whereas the other three mean grumpy and easily angered.

Question. Pick the odd word out from: meticulous, fastidious, negligent, scrupulous
Answer: negligent
Explanation: "Negligent" means being careless and sloppy, while the other three words mean being very neat and careful.

Question. Identify the different word out from: perturb, placate, mollify, pacify
Answer: perturb
Explanation: "Perturb" means to bother or worry someone, while the other three words mean to soothe and calm someone down.

Question. What is the typical taste of Green tea?
Answer: bitter
Explanation: Pure brewed green tea leaves have a sharp, slightly bitter flavor on the tongue.

Question. What is the distinct taste of Pineapple?
Answer: sour
Explanation: Fresh pineapple has a tangy, juicy, sour-sweet taste.

Question. What is the usual taste of French fries?
Answer: salty
Explanation: French fries are warm fried potatoes coated with sprinkles of table salt.

Question. What is the characteristic taste of Dark chocolate?
Answer: bitter
Explanation: Dark chocolate contains a lot of raw cocoa with little sugar, giving it a rich, bitter taste.

Question. What is the prominent taste of Mustard sauce?
Answer: spicy
Explanation: Mustard paste made from crushed mustard seeds has a pungent, spicy tang.

Question. What is the common taste of Coconut water?
Answer: bland (tasteless)
Explanation: Fresh tender coconut water is very mild, soothing, and light without any strong sugar or sourness.

Question. What is the primary taste of Black pepper?
Answer: spicy
Explanation: Crushed black peppercorns add a hot, spicy warmth to food.

Question. Choose the correct opposite for: Strong
Answer: Feeble
Explanation: "Feeble" means weak and frail, which is the exact opposite of being strong.