CBSE Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Worksheet Set 04

Fill in the Blanks

Question. The old lady said that it was beneficial for the land when it didn’t rain as ..............
Answer: the land could rest and recover from continuous cultivation, so it would be fresh and ready to grow crops when the rains came again.
Explanation: Resting allows the soil to regain its energy and nutrients so plants can grow better later.

Question. The old woman referred to Velu as ‘my ____________’, showing her warmth.
Answer: son
Explanation: She spoke kindly to Velu like a caring mother talking to her own child.

Question. The people at the weather office cried, “We are at a ____________ ourselves!”
Answer: loss
Explanation: Being at a loss means the weather experts also had no idea why it was not raining.

Question. The old woman’s counsel ............. Velu, at that moment.
Answer: (b) confused
Explanation: Velu was surprised because he had never heard anyone say that dirt needs rest.

Question. At the close of summer, the rains didn’t ____________.
Answer: come
Explanation: When hot summer finished, the rainy monsoon failed to arrive.

Question. Velu is eager to seek information about the rain because ..............
Answer: he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm
Explanation: Velu wanted real facts and answers rather than waiting around helplessly.

Question. Velu was puzzled when the old lady said that the land needed rest because ..............
Answer: he had never thought that the earth could get tired or need a break like humans do.
Explanation: He had always believed that fields should be ploughed and planted all year round.

Question. For almost ____________ years it had been so, ever since Velu had got his own piece of land.
Answer: six
Explanation: Velu had been farming on his land successfully for six years before the drought.

Question. The fields lay ____________, as the earth had hardened, crusted, and split.
Answer: untended
Explanation: Because there was no water, the farmer could not plough or care for the hard ground.

Question. Velu said that it was difficult not being able to work since ..............
Answer: he was used to working hard every day without rest and this was the first season in many years that he had not ploughed or sown his land.
Explanation: Velu was an active farmer who loved working in his fields every single day.

True or False

Question. Velu was an astrologer by trade.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu was a hardworking farmer who tilled the soil, not an astrologer.

Question. The story implies that farmers’ lives are deeply dependent on nature.
Answer: True
Explanation: Farmers rely on rain, sunshine, and soil fertility to produce food and survive.

Question. Velu first decided to visit an astrologer to find out about the rain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu went to the weather office in the city because he preferred logical solutions over astrologers.

Question. An old woman advised Velu that the land needed to recover.
Answer: True
Explanation: She gently explained that the earth is old and needs rest just like tired workers.

Question. Velu had been farming his land for only one year.
Answer: False
Explanation: Velu had successfully cultivated his own field for almost six years before the drought.

Questions / Short Question Answers

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.

Question. Assertion (A) : The old woman urged Velu to let the land rest. Reason (R): She believed that continuous cultivation for a long time made the earth tired, just like humans.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: The wise woman told Velu to rest the fields because non-stop farming tires out the soil.

Question. How do you react when it rains after a long time?
Answer: When it rains after many dry days, I feel very happy and refreshed. The cool breeze and the smell of wet earth make me feel peaceful. It feels like nature is coming back to life.
Explanation: Fresh rain smells wonderful on the soil and makes everyone feel cool and cheerful.

Question. State one thing about the old woman when she referred to Velu as ‘my son’, while giving advice.
Answer: It shows that she cares for Velu like a mother and speaks to him with warmth and affection.
Explanation: Calling him 'my son' shows she is like a motherly elder guiding him with love.

Question. What does the story suggest about the life of farmers and their bond with nature?
Answer: The story highlights the deep connection between farmers and nature. It shows that farmers rely on natural elements like rain for their livelihood and that they must work in harmony with the rhythms of the earth. It also suggests that farming is not just physical labour, but a life of patience, observation and respect for nature’s wisdom.
Explanation: Farmers must work gently with nature and learn to be patient with the weather.

Question. How might the rest and care of land contribute to a balanced and healthy ecosystem?
Answer: Allowing land to rest helps maintain soil fertility, supports biodiversity and reduces the risk of land degradation. Practices like crop rotation, fallowing and organic fertilisation restore nutrients and prevent overuse. This leads to a sustainable ecosystem where the environment, crops and people can thrive together without harming the earth’s natural balance.
Explanation: Giving the soil a break keeps the earth healthy so that plants, animals, and people have plenty of food.

Question. I have worked hard and sincerely. Identify the tense.
Answer: Present Perfect Tense
Explanation: "Have worked" shows an action completed in the past that matters in the present.

Question. Do you think the old woman would assist Velu? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, the old woman helps Velu, but not by giving him direct solutions like rain or advice on farming techniques. Instead, she helps him by offering a new way of thinking-she teaches him to understand that the land needs rest just like humans do. Her words comfort Velu and change his attitude from frustration to patience and hope. So, she helps Velu emotionally and mentally to accept the situation.
Explanation: She teaches Velu to be patient and gives him peace of mind during a hard time.

Question. How do you experience it?
Answer: I feel a little impatient and anxious, But when the wait ends, I often feel excited and relieved.
Explanation: Waiting can make us feel restless, but finishing the wait brings great relief and joy.

Question. But my son, that is what I am speaking about. Identify the tense.
Answer: Present Progressive Tense
Explanation: "Am talking" uses an -ing action showing ongoing action in the present.

Question. I am too aged. Identify the tense.
Answer: Simple Present Tense
Explanation: "Am" is in the simple present tense describing a present state of being.

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.