CBSE Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Worksheet Set 02

Fill in the Blanks

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

Question. When the rains did not fall, the fields became _________ and _________.
Answer: hardened, cracked
Explanation: Without rain water, the wet mud dries out under the hot sun and turns hard with deep cracks.

Question. Nature is portrayed as a _________ to all living beings in the story.
Answer: mother
Explanation: Nature feeds, waters, and protects us just like a caring mother looks after her children.

Question. According to the story, the land needs _________ after continuous cultivation.
Answer: rest
Explanation: Just like our bodies need sleep after running, the soil needs time to rest so it can grow healthy plants again.

Question. I need some guidance before making such an important decision. (a few/some/ much)
Answer: some
Explanation: We say "some advice" because advice is an uncountable noun.

Question. Each person in the gathering was staring at the strange phenomenon. (Each / Every / Neither)
Answer: Every
Explanation: The word "every" refers to all the individual people together in a crowd.

Question. The shop had less stock left by the end of the sale. (less / fewer / much)
Answer: less
Explanation: "Less" is used when describing an uncountable quantity of stock or goods.

Question. Neither of my efforts to persuade her worked. (Either / Neither / Both)
Answer: Neither
Explanation: We use "neither" when none of the two things tried were successful.

Question. Most pupils prefer practical learning over theory-based lessons. (Most / Every / Another)
Answer: Most
Explanation: "Most" means the greatest number of students in a group.

True or False

Question. The weather office could not correctly predict when the rain would come.
Answer: True
Explanation: The scientists at the office told Velu they could not be certain about when the monsoon would arrive.

Question. The story ends with the arrival of rain and Velu becoming happy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dark rain clouds gathered and raindrops started falling, which brought a joyful smile to Velu's face.

Question. Velu believed that talking to astrologers would cause rain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu did not believe in fortune-tellers and knew that humans cannot magically force clouds to rain.

Question. The old woman in the story was happy about the drought situation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The old woman understood the hardship, but she gently reminded Velu that the earth needed time to rest.

Question. Velu is delighted about the drought.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu was terribly worried and sad because his crops could not grow without water.

Question. The old woman in the story was joyful about the drought situation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The old woman understood the sadness of the drought, but calmly explained nature's need to rest.

Question. At the conclusion of the story, Velu feels joyful when he sees the rain coming.
Answer: True
Explanation: Seeing the rain clouds gave Velu fresh hope and made him celebrate with joy.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. What made the land appear 'forlorn'?
Answer: The land looked 'forlorn' because it was barren, untended, and cracked due to the absence of rain.
Explanation: The fields looked sad, dry, and abandoned because no water had touched them for months.

Question. Who is Velu in the story "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 an honest, hardworking farmer who depends on the monsoon to grow food for his family.

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 thinks sensibly and looks for true facts instead of believing in magic or fortunes.

Question. Why does the old woman believe the land needs rest, and how does she describe 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: She explains that working the soil every single day makes it tired, so it needs a break to regain its strength.

Question. Explain 'crimson' as used in the story.
Answer: 'Crimson' means a deep red colour, describing how the sun looked at sunrise in the chapter.
Explanation: Crimson is a rich, dark red shade, just like a ripe strawberry or a glowing morning sunrise.

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 cares for plants, soil, and living creatures just like a loving mom makes sure her children get food and sleep.

Question. What is the definition of 'consultations' according to the Vocabulary section?
Answer: 'Consultations' means discussions. In the story, some villagers suggest talking to astrologers about the rain.
Explanation: A consultation is a meeting where people sit down and talk together to get advice.

Question. How does Velu react when the rains did not fall 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 about his crops, so he traveled to the city weather office to seek real news about rain.

Question. Describe the importance 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 what gives farmers courage to stay patient during dry times, trusting that the rain will return.

Question. What is the speaker's stance toward consulting astrologers?
(a) Curious
(b) Supportive
(c) Skeptical
(d) Encouraging
Answer: (c) Skeptical
Explanation: Skeptical means having doubts and not easily believing things without proof.

Question. What does the term 'consultations' mean in this context?
Answer: In this context, 'consultations' means seeking advice or guidance, particularly from astrologers, to solve the problem of no rain.
Explanation: Consultations are meetings where you sit and ask someone for help or advice.

Question. What step does Velu take after rejecting the idea of consulting astrologers?
Answer: Velu decides to go to the weather office in the city to find out when it might rain.
Explanation: Instead of astrologers, Velu went to talk to scientific weather officers in the town.

Question. Identify an equivalent for the word 'dejected' used in the passage.
Answer: A synonym for dejected is disheartened or downcast.
Explanation: Dejected means feeling deeply sad, low, and without any cheer.

Vocabulary Activity - "Guess the Word"

Question. The new policy document is still in draft condition and requires revision. (draught/draft)
Answer: draft
Explanation: A draft is an early, rough copy of a writing before the final neat version is ready.

Question. The diplomat hesitated to mention the sensitive topic during the tense negotiations. (broach/broach)
Answer: broach
Explanation: To broach a subject means to bring up a difficult topic for discussion for the first time.

Question. The train is motionless at platform number 1. (Stationary/Stationery)
Answer: Stationary
Explanation: Stationary with an "a" means staying in one spot without moving.

Question. The little boy was heedless to the dangers around him.
(a) Unaware
(b) Terrified
(c) Curious
Answer: (a) Unaware
Explanation: Oblivious means not noticing or knowing about what is happening nearby.

Question. She spoke in a boring voice, making the lecture dull.
(a) Lively
(b) Flat and unchanging
(c) Unclear
Answer: (b) Flat and unchanging
Explanation: Monotonous means speaking in one single tone without any pitch changes or excitement.

Question. The squad faced a daunting challenge but refused to give up.
(a) Easy
(b) Intimidating
(c) Minor
Answer: (b) Intimidating
Explanation: A daunting task is something so big and difficult that it can make you feel scared.