CBSE Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain MCQs Set 01

Answer: (B) Let the land rest

Explanation:
1. Velu was making the soil grow crops all the time.
2. The wise woman explained that the soil was very tired.
3. She advised him to give the land time to sleep and recover.

Answer: (A) Dust-induced coughing

Explanation:
1. The dry wind blew thick brown dust from the road.
2. Velu breathed in the dirty, dry air while walking.
3. This dust made his throat hurt and caused him to cough.

Answer: (A) It is dry and lifeless

Explanation:
1. The fields were dry and had no green life.
2. Velu also felt sad, empty, and helpless inside.
3. The dead-looking ground matched his sad mood.

Answer: (A) Jowar and dhal

Explanation:
1. Velu changed his crops every season.
2. He planted jowar grain and dhal pulses one after the other.
3. This smart farming method kept his soil strong and fertile.

Answer: (A) Simile

Explanation:
1. The morning sun was described as glowing red like fire.
2. Comparing two things using the word "like" is called a simile.
3. This helps us imagine the bright, fiery sunrise clearly.

Answer: (B) From despair to acceptance

Explanation:
1. At first, Velu felt angry and hopeless because of the drought.
2. After talking to the old woman, he understood nature better.
3. He learned to be calm and accept nature's cycles patiently.

Answer: (C) Sad and neglected

Explanation:
1. The word forlorn means feeling lonely and unhappy.
2. It describes things that look left behind without care.
3. It paints a picture of a sad and neglected state.

Answer: (B) Hardened and cracked

Explanation:
1. The hot sun took all the water away from the soil.
2. The mud baked until it became as tough as stone.
3. Deep cracks broke open across the dry ground.

Answer: (A) He feels uncertain and worried about his future

Explanation:
1. The old woman's words gave Velu a totally new thought.
2. He did not know if leaving the land alone would really work.
3. So he walked home feeling unsure and anxious about tomorrow.

Answer: (A) Loving mother

Explanation:
1. The old woman speaks of Nature as a caring mother.
2. Just like a mother, Nature provides food and protects us.
3. Like any mother, Nature also gets tired and needs rest.

Answer: (D) Cloud gathering

Explanation:
1. Dark rain clouds began grouping together in the sky.
2. They covered the hot sun and brought cool shade.
3. Soon, rain fell and ended the long dry season.

Answer: (C) They consulted astrologers

Explanation:
1. The villagers were terrified when rain did not arrive.
2. They turned to traditional beliefs for quick answers.
3. Many went to astrologers to ask when the skies would open.

Answer: (B) Running joyfully

Explanation:
1. Velu was thrilled when he felt water drops falling.
2. All his worries and tiredness disappeared.
3. He ran happily all the way back to his house.

Answer: (D) He is skeptical and does not rely on them

Explanation:
1. Velu believed in practical farming and real facts.
2. He doubted that astrologers could magically know about rain.
3. Therefore, he did not trust or follow their advice.

Answer: (C) Evening

Explanation:
1. Velu spent the whole long day walking and looking for answers.
2. When the day ended and darkness fell, the weather changed.
3. The rain finally showered down in the cool evening.

Answer: (B) Let the land rest

Explanation:
1. Most farmers think they must work the fields non-stop.
2. But the old woman told him not to plough the dry earth.
3. She gave the special advice to let the field sleep and rest.

Answer: (A) Wrinkled skin but sparkling eyes

Explanation:
1. The old woman's body looked aged and frail.
2. However, her bright eyes were full of lively intelligence.
3. This showed she was deeply wise and understood nature.

Answer: (C) To seek information about the rain

Explanation:
1. Velu was worried that his crops would die without water.
2. He wanted scientific news about the weather.
3. So he traveled to the city office to ask when it would rain.

Answer: (B) 6 years

Explanation:
1. Velu was not a new farmer.
2. He had harvested good grains for nearly six full years.
3. This was the very first time he faced such a terrible drought.

Answer: (A) Sweet and fragrant

Explanation:
1. The raindrops created a fresh, lovely earthy scent.
2. The cool water brought life back to the thirsty earth.
3. The author calls the gentle shower sweet and fragrant.

Answer: (A) Stares at sky

Explanation:
1. The author imagines the empty field as a living being.
2. The peaceful ground lies quiet and still under the open air.
3. It looks as if it is gazing quietly up into the blue sky.

Answer: (B) Under a large tree

Explanation:
1. Velu was walking home feeling hot, tired, and upset.
2. He went to sit under the cool shade of a big tree.
3. There he met the kind old woman who shared her wisdom.

Answer: (C) Its consistency

Explanation:
1. Velu took pride in never leaving his field alone.
2. He worked constantly and steadily day after day.
3. Doing work without stopping shows his consistency.

Answer: (D) A cool breeze

Explanation:
1. The burning hot air suddenly turned cool and fresh.
2. A pleasant wind blew against Velu's face.
3. This cool breeze was nature's signal that rain was near.

Answer: (B) Ecological parable

Explanation:
1. A parable is a story that teaches a valuable lesson.
2. This story teaches us to respect the natural environment.
3. Therefore, it is known as an ecological parable.

Answer: (A) Hopelessness

Explanation:
1. The city weather office gave Velu no good news.
2. He felt completely defeated and without hope.
3. Dejected means feeling downcast, helpless, and sad.

Answer: (A) Puzzled resistance

Explanation:
1. Velu had always been taught that farmers must keep working.
2. He had never imagined that dirt could get tired and need rest.
3. He felt puzzled and resisted the idea at first.

Answer: (B) Wisdom keeper

Explanation:
1. The old woman understands ancient truths about nature.
2. She guides the young farmer with gentle understanding.
3. She represents the traditional keeper of village wisdom.

Answer: (B) Tilling land

Explanation:
1. The lack of rain made the ground as hard as brick.
2. The plough could not cut into the solid, dry earth.
3. Because of this, Velu was unable to till his farm.

Answer: (A) Weather office

Explanation:
1. Velu wanted dependable news about rain clouds.
2. He traveled to the city where weather scientists worked.
3. He visited the weather office hoping for good news.

Answer: (A) Land ownership

Explanation:
1. Velu is worried about food, seeds, and having no work.
2. But he never worries about losing his ownership of the land.
3. His only goal is surviving the hard drought season.