CBSE Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Worksheet Set 01

Fill in the Blanks

Question. Velu observed an old woman sitting under a large shady tree.
Answer: woman
Explanation: Velu saw an old lady resting in the cool shade of a big tree.

Question. When the rains did not arrive, the fields became hardened and cracked.
Answer: hardened, cracked
Explanation: Without water, the wet mud dries up in the hot sun and breaks into hard pieces.

Question. We have scarce time left to complete the assignment, so let's hurry. (few / little / many)
Answer: little
Explanation: We use the word "little" when talking about a small amount of time that we cannot count.

Question. Velu felt a chilly breeze on his back.
Answer: breeze
Explanation: A soft, cool wind blew against Velu, signaling that rain was near.

Question. According to the tale, the land needs rest after ceaseless cultivation.
Answer: rest
Explanation: Just like people need to sleep after working hard, the soil needs time to rest to become fertile again.

Question. There was little hesitation that he would succeed, given his preparation. (much /Every / Another)
Answer: much
Explanation: The word "much" is used with uncountable words like doubt to show how much there is.

Question. Rain or no rain, a cultivator wakes up early in the morning.
Answer: early in the morning
Explanation: Hardworking farmers always start their day before sunrise to take care of their land.

Question. Nature is portrayed as a mother to all living beings in the story.
Answer: mother
Explanation: Nature feeds, waters, and protects us just like our own mothers do.

Question. There were many promising signs yet there was no rain.
Answer: signs
Explanation: Even though the weather showed clues of rain, the sky remained dry.

Question. Several of the candidates appeared confident about their performance. (Few / Little / Several)
Answer: Several
Explanation: We use "several" when we are talking about a number of people that can be counted.

Question. Velu's primary crops were jowar and dhal.
Answer: jowar, dhal
Explanation: Jowar is a cereal grain and dhal is a lentil, which are the main foods Velu grew.

True or False

Question. The weather office could not accurately forecast when the rain would come.
Answer: True
Explanation: The officers told Velu that predicting exact rain dates is very hard and uncertain.

Question. Velu is indifferent to the condition of the land.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu loves his field deeply and feels heartbroken because it is so dry.

Question. The narrative ends with the arrival of rain and Velu feeling happy.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the end, clouds gather, cool raindrops fall, and Velu runs home with joy.

Question. The old lady believes nature has a cycle of rest.
Answer: True
Explanation: She explains that the earth must pause and rest before it can grow green plants again.

Question. Velu has been unable to labour for five years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu missed farming for three seasons during the drought, not five years.

Question. The sky does not show any trace of rain at the beginning of the story.
Answer: True
Explanation: At the start, the sky was completely clear, sunny, and dry with no clouds.

Question. Velu trusted that talking to astrologers would bring rain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu did not believe in fortune-tellers and thought astrologers could not control clouds.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. Who is Velu in the narrative "Waiting for the Rain"?
Answer: Velu is a hardworking farmer who patiently waits for the rains to cultivate his land and support his family.
Explanation: Velu is a simple, caring village farmer who depends on rainwater to feed his family.

Question. What is Velu's profession?
Answer: Farmer
Explanation: A farmer is a person who grows food crops like grains and vegetables in fields.

Question. How does Velu react when the rains did not come for months?
Answer: Velu feels disappointed and restless. He tries to find practical solutions such as visiting the weather office. Despite his efforts, he remains hopeful and concerned about his family’s well-being.
Explanation: Velu felt anxious and searched for real answers instead of giving up.

Question. What does Velu wish to come?
Answer: Rain
Explanation: Without rain, seeds cannot sprout, so Velu desperately waited for water from the clouds.

Question. Define ‘crimson’ as utilized in the story.
Answer: ‘Crimson’ means a deep red colour, describing how the sun looked at sunrise in the chapter.
Explanation: Crimson is a bright, deep red shade like a ripe red apple or a glowing sunrise.

Question. To whom does Velu converse under the tree?
Answer: Woman
Explanation: Velu met a gentle, wise old woman who was resting under the tree's shade.

Question. What caused the land to appear ‘forlorn’?
Answer: The land looked ‘forlorn’ because it was barren, untended, and cracked due to the absence of rain.
Explanation: The dry, empty field looked lonely and abandoned because no water reached it.

Question. What does the ground need according to the old woman?
Answer: Rest
Explanation: The soil had grown crops for many years and needed a break to get its energy back.

Question. Why does the old woman believe the land needs repose, and how does she explain this to Velu?
Answer: The old woman explains that the land, like people, also needs rest after years of continuous cultivation. She advises Velu to let the land recover its strength, suggesting that nature knows what is best for everyone.
Explanation: Even the ground gets tired after working year after year and needs a peaceful pause.

Question. What feeling does Velu experience when he sees the clouds?
Answer: Hope
Explanation: Dark clouds mean rain is coming, which filled Velu's heart with happiness and hope.

Question. Why does Velu decline to consult astrologers about rain, and what does this tell us about his character?
Answer: Velu refuses to consult astrologers because he prefers practical solutions over superstitions. This shows he is logical, realistic, and values scientific answers rather than following blind faith.
Explanation: Velu relies on good sense and facts rather than believing in magical fortunes.

Question. What is the principal crop Velu grows?
Answer: Jowar
Explanation: Jowar is a healthy grain that farmers grow in dry regions.

Question. How is nature represented as a mother in the story?
Answer: Nature is depicted as a caring mother who gives rest to all her children, including land, trees, and people. She ensures everything gets the necessary rest to regain strength and remain healthy.
Explanation: Nature protects all creatures and gives them food and sleep when they are tired.

Question. Describe the function of hope in the lives of Velu and other farmers.
Answer: Hope keeps Velu and other farmers going when the rains are delayed. They endure hardship but continue to wait, believing that rain will come and their fields will thrive again, showing resilience and faith in nature.
Explanation: Hope is like a little light in the dark that helps farmers keep trying even during hard times.

Question. In the dialogue between Velu and the old woman, what perspective does she offer about the need for the land to rest? How does this differ from Velu's initial thoughts?
Answer: The old woman explains that just like people, the land too needs rest to regain its strength. This view contrasts with Velu’s initial belief that the land should always be cultivated for productivity.
Explanation: Velu thought fields must work all the time, but the woman taught him that resting makes the soil stronger.

Question. How does the imagery of environment (e.g., the sun, clouds, rain) contribute to the overall mood of the story?
Answer: The imagery of the scorching sun, gathering clouds, and the gentle breeze deepens the emotional impact of the farmer's struggle. For example, the sun beating down creates a feeling of exhaustion, while the clouds offer a hint of relief and hope.
Explanation: Hot sunshine makes us feel Velu's sadness, while cool wind makes us feel happy that rain is near.

Question. At the end of the narrative, Velu feels joy when he sees the clouds gathering. What does this moment signify in terms of hope and resilience for farmers like him?
Answer: The gathering clouds symbolise the promise of rain and a better future. This moment reflects the resilience and unwavering hope of farmers who continue to believe in nature's cycle despite hardships.
Explanation: It shows that hard times do pass, and patient farmers are rewarded when nature blooms again.

Question. Who is the old lady speaking to, and what is the context of this conversation?
Answer: The old woman is speaking to Velu, a farmer who is distressed about not being able to work and support his family. She is trying to explain to him that just as humans need rest, the land also needs time to recover after years of continuous farming.
Explanation: She speaks kindly to comfort Velu when he is sad about his dry, unploughed field.

Question. What does the old woman liken the land to and why?
Answer: Old woman compares the land to a human being, suggesting that the earth also 'works' when ploughed, sown and planted. Just like humans need rest after continuous labour so does the earth.
Explanation: She says the earth is like a hardworking person who needs sleep after a busy day.

Question. What mood does the old woman use in this passage? Pick the most appropriate word.
(a) Angry
(b) Harsh
(c) Soothing
(d) Sarcastic
Answer: (c) Soothing
Explanation: She talks in a gentle, warm, and comforting voice to make Velu feel calm.

Question. Identify the figure of speech in 'The earth labours, too'. Explain it briefly.
Answer: The figure of speech is personification. The earth is given human qualities – the ability to 'work' – to emphasise the idea that it too needs rest.
Explanation: Personification means talking about the soil as if it were a real living person who can do work.

Question. Pick out one modal verb from the excerpt and state its function.
Answer: The modal verb 'can' in 'You can work without a break' is used to express ability.
Explanation: The helping word "can" shows what someone is able to do.

Question. Who utters this line, and in response to what suggestion?
Answer: Velu says this line in response to someone suggesting that they should consult astrologers to please the heavens and bring rain.
Explanation: Velu said this when neighbors told him to visit fortune-tellers to ask for rain.

Vocabulary Activity - "Guess the Word"

Question. The artist carefully selected colours from her wooden palette before painting the artwork. (palette/palate)
Answer: palette
Explanation: A palette is a flat wooden board that painters use to hold and mix their paints.

Question. The warrior executed a quick feint, deceiving his opponent before striking. (faint/feint)
Answer: feint
Explanation: A feint is a clever trick move made in a game or battle to fool the other person.

Question. The treasure seekers discovered an ancient hoard of gold hidden beneath the ruins. (hoard/horde)
Answer: hoard
Explanation: A hoard is a hidden store of valuable things like coins or gold.

Question. The prisoner attempted to free himself out by bribing the guards. (bail/bale)
Answer: bail
Explanation: Bail means paying money to get someone released from jail before a court trial.

Question. The general had to gather his troops before leading them into battle. (marshal/martial)
Answer: marshal
Explanation: To marshal means to bring people or soldiers together in an organized order.

Question. He was fearful about the results of his final exams.
(a) Excited
(b) Nervous
(c) Confident
Answer: (b) Nervous
Explanation: Apprehensive means feeling anxious or worried that something bad might happen.

Question. The soldiers showed steadfast courage in battle.
(a) Weak
(b) Firm and strong
(c) Hesitant
Answer: (b) Firm and strong
Explanation: Unyielding means staying strong and solid like a rock without giving up.

Question. The villagers were amazed when they saw the enormous palace.
(a) Unimpressed
(b) Shocked and amazed
(c) Furious
Answer: (b) Shocked and amazed
Explanation: Astounded means feeling greatly surprised and filled with wide-eyed wonder.