CBSE Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Worksheet Set 03

Fill in the Blanks

Question. Velu requested the old woman to stop smiling because ..............
Answer: there was nothing to be happy about when the rains had failed and the farmers were suffering from drought
Explanation: Velu was very sad about the drought and thought smiling made no sense during hard times.

Question. An old woman counseled Velu that the ____________ should be allowed to rest a bit.
Answer: land
Explanation: The wise old woman explained that the soil gets tired and needs sleep just like humans.

Question. The lack of rain despite favourable conditions, shows ..............
Answer: (d) unpredictability of nature
Explanation: Even with modern science, human beings cannot always predict what nature will do.

Question. Velu searched the sky. There was not a ____________ to be seen.
Answer: cloud
Explanation: The sky was completely clear and blue, with no rain clouds anywhere.

Question. The ‘difficulty’ that the old woman states is due to the fact that ..............
Answer: people do not realise or understand that the earth is old and needs rest, just like humans do.
Explanation: People often forget that the soil is ancient and gets exhausted after years of farming.

Question. Velu chose to go to the ____________ office in the city to talk to someone.
Answer: weather
Explanation: Velu traveled to the city weather department to ask when it would rain.

Question. Velu remained a ____________.
Answer: farmer
Explanation: Velu worked hard in the fields growing crops to feed his family.

Question. Velu ran home laughing and cheerful because ..............
Answer: he saw the first drops of rain falling and the clouds gathering, which meant that the drought was ending and his crops would soon grow.
Explanation: The rain finally came, washing away all his worries and bringing life back to the farm.

Question. The Sun was starting to rise, glowing ____________ like fire.
Answer: crimson
Explanation: Crimson is a deep, rich red color that the sun shows early in the morning.

True or False

Question. Velu instantly understood and agreed with the old woman’s advice.
Answer: False
Explanation: At first, Velu was confused and told her he could not understand how land could rest.

Question. The primary problem in the village was a lack of rainfall.
Answer: True
Explanation: The village suffered from a severe drought because the monsoon rains did not arrive.

Question. The weather office was able to give Velu an exact date for the next rainfall.
Answer: False
Explanation: The weather scientists admitted they were puzzled and could not predict when rain would come.

Question. The old woman thought that the earth was too young to need rest.
Answer: False
Explanation: The old woman reminded Velu that the earth is thousands of years old and deserves a break.

Question. The fields were green and fertile at the end of summer.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ground was completely dry, cracked, and hard because there was no water.

Questions / Short Question Answers

Question. The writer says, “The fields lay untended...” Why couldn’t the farmers care for their fields in the absence of rain?
Answer: The farmers couldn't tend to their fields because the absence of rain made the soil dry and hard, unsuitable for ploughing or sowing. Without water, seeds cannot germinate and crops cannot grow, making all farming activities come to a halt.
Explanation: Without rain water, the dirt becomes like solid brick, making it impossible to dig or plant.

Question. Have you ever longed for the rains? Why?
Answer: Yes, I have waited for the rains during the summer holidays. The heat was unbearable and everything looked dry and dusty. I wanted the rain so the weather would cool down and the trees would look green again.
Explanation: Hot summer days make us wish for cool rain so we can play outside and see green leaves.

Question. Oh, it is tough not to be able to work… Identify the tense.
Answer: Simple Present Tense
Explanation: The verb "is" shows something happening right now in the present time.

Question. How does the old woman share Nature’s wisdom to Velu?
Answer: The old woman conveys Nature’s wisdom by comparing the land to a tired worker who needs rest. She explains that just as people need time to regain their strength, the earth too cannot be forced to work endlessly without a break. Through simple yet powerful metaphors, she helps Velu understand that the drought might be Nature’s way of allowing the soil to rejuvenate.
Explanation: She compares the earth to a hardworking human being who needs a good rest to become strong again.

Question. What can be concluded about Velu’s character based on his reaction to the drought?
Answer: Velu’s reaction to the drought reveals that he is a responsible and hardworking farmer, deeply concerned about his land and livelihood. Initially, he feels frustrated and restless due to his inability to work. However, he is also open-minded and thoughtful, as he listens to the old woman's wisdom and begins to reflect on the deeper cycles of nature. This shows his willingness to learn and adapt.
Explanation: Velu works hard and is ready to listen and learn new lessons from wise elders.

Question. What does the first line of the extract tell us about Velu’s views?
Answer: The first line of the extract tells us that Velu does not believe in superstition or consulting astrologers; he prefers practical and logical solutions to problems like drought.
Explanation: Velu relies on common sense rather than believing that fortune-tellers can bring rain.

Question. Will Velu’s wait last or will it rain?
Answer: Velu’s wait will not continue for long because by the end of the story, clouds gather and the first drops of rain fall. This shows that nature responds in its own time. Velu’s patience and understanding help him face the wait with hope and eventually, the rain comes to revive his land.
Explanation: In the end, rain clouds arrive and wet drops fall from the sky onto the dry fields.

Question. The old woman's advice was delivered with a soft tone and a smile. What does that tell us about her?
Answer: It shows that she is kind, gentle and wise. She wants to comfort Velu and gently guide him to a new understanding.
Explanation: Speaking gently with a smile shows she cares deeply for the troubled young farmer.

Question. The earth has laboured for years, centuries… Identify the tense.
Answer: Present Perfect Tense
Explanation: "Has worked" uses has plus the third form of the verb to show an action connected to the present.

Question. Why do you believe the farmers wait for the rains?
Answer: Farmers wait for the rains because they depend on rainwater to grow their crops. Without rain, the soil becomes dry and they cannot plant seeds or harvest food. Rain is important for their fields and their income.
Explanation: Crops cannot drink water or grow tall without regular rainfall.

Question. How do you pass the waiting period?
Answer: I try to distract myself by reading, drawing, or listening to music. Sometimes, I keep looking at the clock or checking messages.
Explanation: Doing fun hobbies helps pass the time when waiting for something exciting.

Question. Support the old woman’s view that the land needs rest just like people do.
Answer: The old woman's perspective is wise and rooted in a deep understanding of nature. Just as humans become exhausted and require rest to recover their energy, the soil also becomes worn out after continuous farming. Without adequate rest, the land loses its fertility. Letting the earth lie fallow during a dry season allows it to regain nutrients and moisture, leading to healthier crops in the future.
Explanation: Resting the ground allows it to gather fresh nutrients so crops can grow bigger and better later.

Question. What are you laughing at, Amma? Identify the tense.
Answer: Present Progressive Tense
Explanation: "Are smiling" shows an action that is currently going on right now.

Question. What do you wonder about?
Answer: I think about when the person or thing will finally arrive. I also imagine what I will do once it happens and whether things will go as planned.
Explanation: While waiting, our minds dream about what will happen when our wish comes true.

Match the Following

Question. Match each word (adjective) in Column 1 with a word (noun) that collocates in Column 2, and identify the correct adjective-noun collocation.

Answer: 1-(iii), 2-(iv), 3-(vi), 4-(v), 5-(ii), 6-(i)
Explanation: Words that naturally go together in English are called collocations, like "fragrant garden" or "wrinkled skin".

Question. Match Velu's expectation with the actual outcome regarding his city weather office visit.

Answer: Velu expected rain predictions, but the officials were also at a loss.
Explanation: Velu hoped the scientists could tell him the rain date, but they were just as puzzled as he was.

Vocabulary Activity - "Guess the Word"

Question. When all his companions had gone, he was at a loss because he did not know what to do. What does 'at a loss' mean?
(i) confused
(ii) shocked
(iii) lonely
Answer: (i) confused
Explanation: Being at a loss means feeling puzzled and not knowing what choice to make.

Question. Being irritated, she muttered something which nobody heard. What does muttered mean?
(i) spoke in a low voice
(ii) spoke slowly
(iii) spoke angrily
Answer: (i) spoke in a low voice
Explanation: Muttering means speaking in a quiet, low voice under your breath.

Question. When the young child saw her father, her eyes sparkled. What does sparkled mean?
(i) glowed dimly
(ii) showed joy
(iii) opened wide
Answer: (ii) showed joy
Explanation: When someone is excited or happy, their eyes shine with bright joy.

Question. At the new job, Riya felt forlorn for a week. What does forlorn mean?
(i) upset and irritated
(ii) angry and bitter
(iii) sad and neglected
Answer: (iii) sad and neglected
Explanation: Forlorn describes feeling lonely, unhappy, and forgotten by others.

Question. Select the correct homophone pair to finish the sentence: "The farmer wondered ............. (weather/whether) the clouds would bring rain."
Answer: whether
Explanation: "Whether" is used to show a choice or doubt, while "weather" means rain, sun, or wind.