CBSE Class 8 English Verghese KurienI Too Had A Dream Worksheet Set 01

Fill in the Blanks

Question. The task before Dr. Kurien’s grandson was to earn his own ________ for the work done in his lifetime.
Answer: reward
Explanation: His grandfather won medals for his service, but the grandson must do good deeds to earn his own honor.

Question. The author thinks that unlike a phone call which provides temporary happiness, a letter offers a profound and ________ pleasure.
Answer: abiding
Explanation: A phone conversation is forgotten quickly, but a written letter gives lasting happiness every time you read it.

Question. Dr. Kurien regarded ________ as the most important value for success.
Answer: integrity
Explanation: Being honest and truthful to yourself is the most important quality for doing well in life.

Question. The White Revolution in India boosted ________ production across the country.
Answer: milk
Explanation: Dr. Kurien organized dairy farmers so that India could produce lots of fresh milk for everyone.

Question. According to Dr. Kurien, life is a ________ and to waste it would be incorrect.
Answer: privilege
Explanation: Life is a precious gift given to us, so we should use our time wisely to help others.

Question. Writing a letter can be treasured and reread with great, ________ joy.
Answer: abiding
Explanation: 'Abiding' means lasting forever, so a handwritten letter brings joy that stays with you.

True or False

Question. Dr. Kurien accepted the Padma Vibhushan in Delhi in 1999.
Answer: True
Explanation: The President of India presented him with this great civilian award in the year 1999.

Question. Dr. Kurien decided to work in metallurgy instead of joining the cooperative in Anand.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dr. Kurien chose not to work in metallurgy and instead went to Anand to help dairy farmers.

Question. Dr. Kurien believed it was not needed for children to learn financial literacy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dr. Kurien believed that children should learn how to manage and respect money properly.

Question. According to Dr. Kurien, letter writing offers short-lived happiness compared to phone calls.
Answer: False
Explanation: Phone calls give short-lived joy, while written letters can be kept and enjoyed for years.

Question. Dr. Kurien thanks his guide Tribhuvandas Patel for instilling values in him.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tribhuvandas Patel was a wise mentor who inspired Dr. Kurien to serve the farmers.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. What does the phrase "addicted to instant communication" imply about human behaviour in the current world?
Answer: It implies that modern society has developed a compulsive dependence on quick, effortless modes of interaction, often sacrificing the depth and permanence of traditional communication.
Explanation: People today want fast messages on screens and often forget the beauty of saving handwritten letters.

Question. What part did Dr. Kurien’s wife play in his life and work?
Answer: Dr. Kurien’s wife supported his choice to work in Anand, even when conditions were tough. Her encouragement gave him long-lasting strength and dignity, helping him handle responsibilities confidently and calmly.
Explanation: She happily lived with him in a simple village, giving him courage and peace when his work was hard.

Question. What is the speaker's main purpose in contrasting a telephone call with a letter?
Answer: To establish that written words carry a lasting emotional legacy and historical value.
Explanation: He wants to show that written letters do not disappear and can be read with joy for many years.

Question. Which significant event does Dr. Kurien recall sharing with his grandson?
Answer: Dr. Kurien recalls the Padma Vibhushan ceremony in Delhi in 1999, where his grandson wore the medal and wanted to keep it.
Explanation: He took his young grandson to Delhi to receive the award, and the boy proudly wore the shiny medal.

Question. How does the author foresee the future utility of his "jottings"? Elaborate based on the extract.
Answer: They will provide his grandson with a deeper understanding of his life choices and dedication to farmers, serve as a historical reminder of the late twentieth century, and can be shared with future generations.
Explanation: He wants his grandson and other young people to read his notes and learn how to help our nation.

Question. Why does Dr. Kurien want the next generation to respect integrity and responsibility?
Answer: Dr. Kurien believes integrity and responsibility help individuals trust themselves and contribute to society’s well-being. He encourages younger generations to uphold these values for personal growth and for the larger good of humanity.
Explanation: When children grow up being honest and responsible, they build a happy, truthful, and caring country.

Question. What underlying realization triggered the author's inner "transformation" fifty years ago?
Answer: True nation-building requires individuals to sacrifice their alternative personal ambitions.
Explanation: He realized that to build a strong nation, citizens must put aside selfish dreams to help others.

Question. What does “service to the nation’s farmers” mean in the scope of Dr. Kurien’s life?
Answer: It means dedicating himself to improving the lives and self-reliance of Indian dairy farmers by working with cooperatives and supporting rural growth.
Explanation: It means spending his whole career making sure milk farmers earn good money and live with respect.

Question. In what way does the author simplify the idea of contributing to the "common good"? Explain with reference to the text.
Answer: He explains that contributing to the common good does not require grand gestures; it can be as simple as helping a friend in need, volunteering for a teacher, or serving one's local community.
Explanation: You do not have to do giant things; small daily acts like helping a classmate or teacher count as doing good.

Question. According to Dr. Kurien, what is real failure?
Answer: True failure, according to Dr. Kurien, is not about not succeeding, but about not putting in your effort and not contributing to the common good.
Explanation: You do not fail when you lose; you only fail when you do not try your best to help people.

Question. Based on the extract, what were the key components of the "India of our dreams" imagined by the author's generation?
Answer: A nation free from hunger, poverty, and inequality; a society where citizens live with pride, equal respect, and mutual love; and a country recognized among the foremost nations of the world.
Explanation: They dreamed of an India where nobody is hungry, all people are respected, and everyone lives proudly.

Question. How did Dr. Kurien’s values influence his career choices?
Answer: Dr. Kurien’s commitment to integrity, personal honesty, and service guided him to choose a life helping farmers in Anand. Despite more lucrative options, his values motivated him to contribute to the country’s development and the welfare of rural people.
Explanation: He chose honesty and service over high-paying city jobs because he wanted to help poor farmers.

Question. Based on the extract, what is the author's basic philosophy regarding 'failure'?
Answer: Failure is defined by the absence of sincere effort and a lack of contribution to society.
Explanation: You only fail when you do not put in honest effort; trying your best to help others is always a success.

Question. Discuss the importance of letter-writing as explained by Dr. Kurien in his message to his grandson.
Answer: Dr. Kurien believes letter-writing preserves thoughts and feelings for the future. A written letter can be reread, offering lasting joy and insight over time, unlike fleeting conversations. It becomes a treasured record for later generations.
Explanation: Letters do not disappear like telephone chats; you can keep them safely and read them again anytime.

Question. How does the author's decision to work for a "small cooperative of dairy farmers" align with his wider vision for the nation?
Answer: By helping struggling dairy farmers gain control over their livelihoods, he was actively contributing to building an India free from poverty, where people could hold their heads high in freedom.
Explanation: Helping poor village farmers earn fair money for milk helped end poverty and made India self-reliant.

Question. What does Dr. Kurien say about measuring our happiness with others?
Answer: Dr. Kurien says many people compare themselves with others, thinking they are happier, but often these are just images of perfection. We should cherish what we have.
Explanation: Comparing yourself to others brings sadness; we should be happy and thankful for our own blessings.

Question. State the link the author makes between 'privilege' and 'responsibility' in the context of one's life.
Answer: The author asserts that because having a life is a valuable privilege, it inherently comes with the moral responsibility to utilize one's talents fully and serve others, rather than wasting the opportunity.
Explanation: Having life is a special gift, so it is our duty to use our talents to make the world better for everyone.

Question. Explain Dr. Kurien’s opinions on rewards for selfless service.
Answer: Dr. Kurien stresses that true rewards come from working for the greater good, not material gain. Selfless service brings real satisfaction, inspires others, and leaves a positive impact on society that lasts beyond an individual’s lifetime.
Explanation: Doing good things for others makes your heart happy, which is worth much more than money or trophies.

Vocabulary Activity - "Guess the Word"

Question. Which word in the extract suggests a sense of modest estimation of one's own importance?
Answer: humility
Explanation: 'Humility' means being modest, gentle, and not acting proud or boastful about yourself.

Question. Identify one word from the extract that means 'in a relatively small, unpretentious, or humble manner'.
Answer: modestly
Explanation: 'Modestly' means doing something quietly and simply without trying to show off to others.