GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 The Great Stone Face - I Solutions

Get the most accurate GSEB Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 09 The Great Stone Face I here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest GSEB textbooks for Class 8 English. Our expert-created answers for Class 8 English are available for free download in PDF format.

Detailed Chapter 09 The Great Stone Face I GSEB Solutions for Class 8 English

For Class 8 students, solving GSEB textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 8 English solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 09 The Great Stone Face I solutions will improve your exam performance.

Class 8 English Chapter 09 The Great Stone Face I GSEB Solutions PDF

Answer The Following Questions:

 

Question 1. (i) What was the Great Stone Face?
Answer: The Great Stone Face was a natural creation. It was formed on the side of a mountain by several large rocks. These rocks were arranged in such a way that, from a distance, they looked like a human face. If someone came too close, the shape of the face would disappear, becoming just a pile of huge rocks. Many people believed the valley's rich soil came from the kind face of the Great Stone, which constantly watched over it.
In simple words: The Great Stone Face was a natural rock formation on a mountain that looked like a human face from far away. Many believed it brought prosperity to the valley.

Exam Tip: When describing natural formations, focus on their appearance and any associated beliefs or legends, as these details add depth to the answer.

 

Question 1. (ii) What did young Ernest wish when he gazed at it?
Answer: Young Ernest looked at the Great Stone Face, and it seemed to smile at him. Ernest wished that it could talk, because it looked very gentle and kind. He believed its voice must be pleasing and soft. He would dearly love any man who had such a kind face.
In simple words: Ernest wished the Great Stone Face could speak because it looked so kind, believing its voice would be lovely. He wanted to love a person with such a face.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the character's emotions and desires, as these often reveal key aspects of their personality and the story's themes.

 

Question 2. What was the story attributed to the Stone Face ?
Answer: The story linked to the Stone Face was that, at some future point, a child would be born nearby. This child would be destined to become the greatest and noblest person of his era. His face, when he became a man, would bear an exact likeness to the Great Stone Face.
In simple words: A legend said that a child would be born near the Stone Face, who would grow up to be a great, kind man, looking exactly like the face.

Exam Tip: When explaining prophecies or legends, clearly state the key elements: who, what, when, and the expected outcome.

 

Question 3. What gave the people of the valley the idea that the prophecy was about to come true for the first time?
Answer: A rumour spread in the valley that the great man, who would resemble the Great Stone Face, had finally appeared. This rumour was sparked by the return of Mr. Gathergold, who had left the valley as a young person and made a fortune in a distant seaport. His immense wealth caused people to see a likeness of the Great Stone Face in him. This perceived resemblance made them believe the prophecy was about to happen for the very first time.
In simple words: People thought the prophecy was coming true because Mr. Gathergold, who was very rich, returned. They saw a resemblance to the Great Stone Face in him.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific event or factor that triggers a change in belief or expectation within the narrative.

 

Question 4. (i) Did Ernest see in Gathergold the likeness of the Stone Face ?
Answer: No, Ernest did not see any likeness of the Great Stone Face in Gathergold.
In simple words: Ernest did not think Gathergold looked like the Great Stone Face at all.

Exam Tip: State a clear "Yes" or "No" first for direct questions, then provide the brief, supporting detail from the text.

 

Question 4. (ii) Who did he confide in and how was he proved right?
Answer: Ernest confided in his own heart, feeling that Gathergold was not the correct person he was waiting for. He was proven right because Gathergold passed away after some time, becoming a poor man again. All the people then agreed that he bore no likeness to the Stone Face.
In simple words: Ernest trusted his own feelings that Gathergold wasn't the one. He was proven right when Gathergold died poor, and people then agreed he didn't resemble the Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Explain both aspects of the question: who was confided in, and how the conviction was later validated by events.

 

Question 5. (i) What made people believe General Blood-and-Thunder was their man?
Answer: General Blood-and-Thunder rose from a soldier to a commander. He wished to return to his native valley. The residents of the valley stated that he bore the likeness of the Great Stone Face. His childhood friends also mentioned that the General had always looked like the Great Stone Face. This led people to believe that 'General Blood-and-Thunder' was indeed their prophesied man.
In simple words: People believed General Blood-and-Thunder was the prophesied man because he was a famous commander returning home, and both locals and his childhood friends claimed he resembled the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: List the reasons and supporting evidence provided in the text that influenced the characters' beliefs or actions.

 

Question 5. (ii) Ernest compared the man's face with the Stone Face. What did he conclude ?
Answer: Ernest compared General Blood-and-Thunder's face with the Great Stone Face. He could not find any similarities between them. His inner feeling assured him that the General was not the right individual he was anticipating. So, Ernest decided that the greatest and most noble man of his era, bearing the resemblance to the Great Stone Face, had not yet arrived.
In simple words: Ernest compared the General's face to the Great Stone Face and found no likeness. He felt the truly great and noble man who resembled the face was still to come.

Exam Tip: Focus on Ernest's internal reaction and his final judgment, which is often contrasted with the general public's opinion.

 

Working With Language

 

Question 1. Look at the following words: like - likeness punctual – punctuality The words on the left are adjectives and those on the right are their noun forms. Write the noun forms of the following words by adding -ness or -ity to them appropriately. Check the spelling of the new words:
(i) lofty
(ii) able
(iii) happy -
(iv) near
(v) noble
(vi) enormous
(vii) pleasant
(viii) dense
(ix) great
(x) stable
Answer:
(i) loftiness
(ii) ability
(iii) happiness
(iv) nearness
(v) nobility
(vi) enormity
(vii) pleasantness
(viii) density
(ix) greatness
(x) stability

 

Question 2. Add -ly to each of the following adjectives, then use them to fill in the blanks: perfect near kind pleasant eager
1. Why didn't you turn up at the meeting? We all were ...................... waiting for you.
2. ...................... write your name and address in capital letters.
3. I ...................... was surprised to see him at the railway station, I thought he was not coming.
4. It is ...................... believable that I am, not responsible for this mess.
5. He fell over the step and ...................... broke his arm.
Answer:
1. eagerly
2. Kindly
3. pleasantly
4. perfectly
5. nearly

 

Question 3. Complete each sentence below using the appropriate forms of the verbs in brackets:
1. I ................ (phone) you when I ................ (get) home from school.
2. Hurry up! Madam ................ (be) annoyed if we ................ (be) late.
3. If it ................ (rain) today, we ................ (not) go to the play.
4. When you ................ (see) Mandal again, you ................ (not / recognise) him. He is growing a beard.
5. We are off today. We ................ (write) to you after we ................ (be) back.
Answer:
1. shall phone, get
2. will be, are
3. rains, shall not
4. see, will not recognise
5. shall write, are

 

Speaking And Writing

 

Question 1. Imagine you are Ernest. Narrate the story that his mother told him. Begin like this: My mother and I were sitting at the door of our cottage. We were looking at the Great Stone Face. I asked her if she had ever seen any one who looked like the Stone Face. Then she told s me this story.
Answer: On an afternoon, my mother and I were sitting at the door of our cottage. Our eyes were looking at The Great Stone Face. Suddenly, I asked my mom if she had ever seen anyone who resembled the face of the Great Stone. After hearing this, my mom narrated the story about the prophecy of that Great Stone Face. She explained that there was a belief that one day a child, bearing an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face, would be born nearby in manhood. This child would be destined to become the noblest and greatest person. Some people believed in the old prophecy, while others considered it an idle talk.
In simple words: My mother told me a story about a prophecy where a great, noble man, looking exactly like the Great Stone Face, would be born in our valley. Some believed it, others thought it was just a tale.

Exam Tip: For narrative prompts, ensure you maintain the perspective of the assigned character and incorporate details that reflect their thoughts and feelings.

 

Question 2. Imagine you are Gathergold. Write briefly the incident of your return to the valley. Begin like this : My name is Gathergold. I left the valley of the Great Stone Face fifty years ago. I am now going back home. Will the people of the valley welcomes me? Do they realise that I have become very rich?
Answer: I drove to my native village in a horse-drawn carriage. The people mistakenly identified me as the prophesied look-alike of the Great Stone Face. They welcomed me warmly and shouted, "Surely, the old prophecy is true, and the great man has finally arrived!”
In simple words: I, Gathergold, returned rich and was mistaken for the prophesied man. Everyone welcomed me, thinking the old story had finally come true.

Exam Tip: When writing from a character's perspective, use first-person pronouns (I, me, my) and describe events through their unique viewpoint and experiences.

 

Writing

 

Write a dialogue between a teacher and a student about the importance of learning English necessity of learning English.
Answer:
Student: Good morning sir, how are you ?
Teacher: I am fine, how are you ?
Student: I am fine too. Sir, I want to know about the importance of learning English.
Teacher: Thank you for your curiosity. We know that English is an international language, and all global communication is conducted in English.
Student: But, why should we learn it ?
Teacher: If you want to work in a post office or a foreign office, if you want to get a job at an airport or travel overseas, a good understanding of English is essential. Similarly, if you plan to pursue higher education, you must know English.
Student: Now, I think that everyone should learn English. Because we cannot make progress in life without acquiring it.
Teacher: I hope that you have understood it properly.
Student: Thank you sir, for your advice.

 

Gseb Class 8 English The Great Stone Face 1 Additional Important Questions And Answers

 

Select The Most Appropriate Options As Answers And Complete The Following Sentences:

 

Question 1. Seen from a distance, hilltops and huge rocks seem to
(a) stay still
(b) assume various shapes.
(c) be disappearing.
(d) create illusion.
Answer: (b) assume various shapes.
In simple words: When viewed from far away, the shapes of hills and large rocks appear to change.

Exam Tip: Always read all options carefully before selecting the best fit, ensuring it directly addresses the question's premise.

 

Question 2. If a spectator approached too near the mountain,
(a) he lost the outline of the Great Stone Face.
(b) he could see only a heap of gigantic rocks, piled one upon another.
(c) he could have very clear view of the Great Stone Face.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: If someone got too close to the mountain, they would lose sight of the face's outline and only see a pile of huge rocks.

Exam Tip: Be mindful of options that combine previous choices, as they often capture more complete or nuanced answers, especially in passage-based questions.

 

Question 3. Many people in that valley believed that
(a) the Stone Face was ominous.
(b) the Stone Face changed its features too often.
(c) the valley owed much of its fertility to the Great Stone Face.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) the valley owed much of its fertility to the Great Stone Face.
In simple words: Most people in the valley believed that their fertile land was a gift from the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific beliefs or superstitions of the community mentioned in the text to answer questions about communal understanding.

 

Question 4. The prophecy was
(a) they might see a man some time with exactly such a face as that of the stone.
(b) the valley would turn barren very soon.
(c) a prophet would take birth in the valley soon.
(d) all inhabitants of the valley would be very prosperous soon.
Answer: (a) they might see a man some time with exactly such a face as that of the stone.
In simple words: The prophecy predicted that a man would one day appear whose face would perfectly match the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Focus on the central prediction of any prophecy or significant foreshadowing mentioned in the story to determine the correct option.

 

Question 5. Ernest wished that
(a) he should live to see the man who was going to come some day.
(b) he would have the face resembling to the Great Stone Face.
(c) he would take his mother to meet the man with the Great Stone Face.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) he should live to see the man who was going to come some day.
In simple words: Ernest deeply wished he would live long enough to witness the arrival of the man described in the prophecy.

Exam Tip: Understand the character's core desires and aspirations, as these often drive their actions and internal conflicts in the story.

 

Question 6. People took Gathergold to be
(a) the man who was to come some day in the valley, according to the prophecy.
(b) a miracle man who had come to make the inhabitants of the valley happy.
(c) a man who performs black magic.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) the man who was to come some day in the valley, according to the prophecy.
In simple words: The villagers believed Gathergold was the man foretold in the prophecy who would come to their valley.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between general assumptions and specific beliefs tied to prophecies or significant events in the narrative.

 

Question 7. The Great Stone Face had become
(a) a prophet for Ernest.
(b) a teacher to Ernest.
(c) a mysterious figure to Ernest.
(d) an irritating person for Ernest.
Answer: (b) a teacher to Ernest.
In simple words: For Ernest, the Great Stone Face served as a silent guide and source of wisdom, teaching him about life.

Exam Tip: Identify symbolic roles characters or objects play in the story, especially when they influence a protagonist's development.

 

Question 8. The General was honoured by
(a) preparing a great banquet for him.
(b) waving flags.
(c) soldiers standing on guard.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: The General was celebrated with a grand feast, waving flags, and soldiers guarding him, showing great public honor.

Exam Tip: Look for comprehensive answers that include all relevant details mentioned in the text about a specific event or situation.

 

Question 9. Ernest could not find the General's face
(a) kind and sympathetic.
(b) resembling the Great Stone Face.
(c) like that of Gathergold.
(d) as he had dreamt.
Answer: (b) resembling the Great Stone Face.
In simple words: Ernest could not see any likeness between the General's face and the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the public's perception and Ernest's personal observation and judgment regarding the General's appearance.

 

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. What is the significance of the Great Stone Face?
Answer: The Stone Face was a natural formation made of rocks on a steep side of a mountain. From afar, these rocks appeared to have the features of a human face. People connected various stories to this image, believing that a great and noble individual, bearing the likeness of that face, would one day emerge in their valley.
In simple words: The Great Stone Face was a unique rock formation that looked like a human face. It held significance as people believed it prophesied the coming of a great, noble man.

Exam Tip: For significance questions, explain both the literal description and the deeper meaning or impact attributed to the subject.

 

Question 2. What did the spectator see when he went near that Great Stone Face ?
Answer: When someone approached the Great Stone Face too closely, they would lose the distinct outline of the massive face. Instead, they would only perceive a large pile of huge rocks, stacked one upon another. The illusion of a face would disappear upon closer inspection.
In simple words: Up close, the Great Stone Face lost its shape and just looked like a heap of big rocks.

Exam Tip: Clearly describe the contrast between perceptions from a distance versus up close, highlighting how perspective changes the view.

 

Question 3. How did Ernest grow up to be a mild and quiet youth?
Answer: Ernest always remembered the story his mother had shared with him. He was a dutiful son to his mother and was helpful in many ways, assisting her significantly with his small tasks and showing a loving heart. Through these actions and his quiet nature, he developed into a gentle and serene young man.
In simple words: Ernest grew up gentle and quiet because he remembered his mother's story, was helpful, and showed kindness, all contributing to his calm nature.

Exam Tip: When detailing character development, connect specific actions or influences to the resulting personality traits.

 

Question 4. How did Gathergold become rich ?
Answer: Gathergold was a young man when he left his native valley and settled in a distant seaport. He established himself there as a shopkeeper. He was very sharp and astute in business matters, and as a result, he became very wealthy in a short period of time.
In simple words: Gathergold moved to a seaport, became a shopkeeper, and got very rich quickly due to his smart business skills.

Exam Tip: For questions about how someone achieved something, list the key steps or traits that contributed to their success.

 

Question 5. How did people's opinion changed about Gathergold after his death?
Answer: Gathergold passed away, and his wealth had vanished before his death. As his gold melted away, people generally came to believe there was no likeness between the ruined merchant and the grand face on the mountain. Their opinion shifted entirely.
In simple words: After Gathergold died and his wealth was gone, people no longer thought he looked like the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Note how external circumstances, such as loss of wealth, can significantly alter public perception and beliefs about an individual.

 

Answer The Following Questions In Four To Five Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. Write in brief about Blood-and-Thunder.
Answer: A son of the valley had become a soldier many years earlier. After a great deal of intense fighting, he was now a renowned commander, recognized on the battlefield by the name Blood-and-Thunder. Now old and weary, he wished to return to his homeland. It was said that the likeness of the Great Stone Face had finally appeared. On the day of the General's arrival, Ernest and all the other people in the valley left their work and proceeded to the place where a grand feast had been prepared. Soldiers stood guard, flags waved, and the crowd cheered loudly.
In simple words: Blood-and-Thunder was a famous, old, and tired commander from the valley, returning home after much fighting. People believed he was the prophesied man due to his supposed resemblance to the Great Stone Face, and they celebrated his return with a big banquet and cheers.

Exam Tip: When asked to write in brief, include key details about the character's background, achievements, and the immediate context of their return.

 

Question 2. Who was Ernest? What personal qualities made him great ?
Answer: Ernest was a young boy who lived in the valley with his mother. He learned about the Great Stone Face from his mother, and his interest in it grew, which seemed to smile at him. His mother also told him the prophecy about the Face. The boy never forgot that story; he spent hours gazing at the face, considering it his teacher. He was inspired to be noble, kind, and helpful, and these qualities helped him become the man with the likeness of the face.
In simple words: Ernest was a young boy who deeply cherished the story of the Great Stone Face, seeing it as his teacher. His noble, kind, and helpful nature made him embody the qualities of the prophesied man.

Exam Tip: Focus on Ernest's intrinsic characteristics and how his continuous interaction with the legend shaped his moral and personal growth.

 

Read The Following Passages Carefully And Answer The Questions Given Below Them:

 

About this time there went a rumour throughout the valley that the great man, who to bear a resemblance to the Great Stone Face, had appeared at last. It seems that, many years before, a young man had left the valley and settled at a distant seaport. Gathergold, which was his name, had set up as a shopkeeper and, being sharp in business matters, had become so very rich ' that it would have taken him a hundred ' years only to count his wealth. In time he thought of his native valley, and decided to go back there, and end his days where he had been born. Ernest had been deeply stirred by the idea that the great man, the noble man, the man of prophecy, after so many ages of delay, was at length to be seen in his native valley. While the boy was still gazing up the S valley one day and imagining that the Great Stone Pace returned his gsize, the noise of wheels was hesird, and a crowd of people cried. “Here comes the great Mr Gathergold."

 

Questions:
(1) What rumour went about the valley ?
Answer: A rumour circulated throughout the valley that the great man, who was supposed to resemble the Great Stone Face, had finally appeared. This news spread quickly among the residents.
In simple words: A rumour spread that the great man, who looked like the Great Stone Face, had finally arrived in the valley.

Exam Tip: When extracting information from a passage, paraphrase the key details to ensure clarity and conciseness in your answer.

 

(2) How rich had Gathergold become?
Answer: Gathergold had become so incredibly wealthy that it would have required a hundred years just to count all his riches. His fortune was immense and vast.
In simple words: Gathergold became so rich it would take a hundred years to count his wealth.

Exam Tip: Use descriptive language from the passage to convey the extent of Gathergold's wealth, ensuring your answer is vivid.

 

(3) What thought had moved Ernest ?
Answer: Ernest had been deeply moved by the idea that the great man, the noble man, the man of prophecy, was finally going to be seen in his native valley after so many years of waiting. This thought stirred his heart deeply.
In simple words: Ernest was excited by the thought that the great, noble man of prophecy was finally coming to the valley after a long time.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific ideas or events that provoke strong emotional responses in characters, as these often reveal central themes.

 

(4) Who was being waited for by the people in the valley ?
Answer: A great man bearing a resemblance to the Great Stone Face was being awaited by the people in the valley. They were hoping for the fulfillment of an old prophecy.
In simple words: The people in the valley were waiting for a great man who looked like the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Focus on the main subject of the expectation, ensuring your answer clearly states who was being anticipated.

 

Question 2.
The years went on, and Ernest grew to be a young man. He attracted little notice from the inhabitants of the valley. They saw nothing remarkable in his way of life, except that, when the labour of the day was over, he still loved to gaze upon the Great Stone Pace. Their idea was that this was a folly, but pardonable, because Ernest was Industrious, kind and neighbourly. They did not know that the Great Stone Face had become a teacher to him, and that the sentiment which was expressed in it would enlarge the young man's heart, and fill it with deeper sympathies than other hearts. They did not know that from this would come a better wisdom than could, be learnt from books. Neither did Ernest know that the thoughts which came to him so naturally, in the fields and at the fireside, were of a higher tone than those which all men shared with him. A simple soul-simple as when his mother first told him the old ' story-he beheld the marvellous face looking down the valley, and still wondered, why its human likeness was so long in coming.

 

Questions:
(1) What did Ernest use to do after the labour of the day was over?
Answer: After the day's hard work was finished, Ernest still enjoyed gazing upon the Great Stone Face. It was his regular habit and a source of contemplation.
In simple words: After work, Ernest liked to look at the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Identify routine actions mentioned in the passage, especially those that reveal character's habits or preferences.

 

(2) How did the people of the valley take Ernest's gazing upon the Great Stone Face ?
Answer: The people of the valley regarded Ernest's gazing upon the Great Stone Face as a foolish habit. However, they found it pardonable because Ernest was industrious, kind, and a good neighbour. They overlooked his quirk due to his positive traits.
In simple words: The villagers thought Ernest's gazing was foolish, but they forgave it because he was hardworking, kind, and a good neighbor.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the community's judgment of an action and their overall opinion of the character involved.

 

(3) What did the people of the valley not know about the strange behaviour of Ernest?
Answer: The people of the valley were unaware that the Great Stone Face had become a teacher to Ernest. They also did not know that the feelings it inspired would enlarge the young man's heart and fill it with deeper compassion than others. Furthermore, they didn't realize that this interaction would bring forth a better wisdom than what could be learned from books.
In simple words: Villagers didn't know the Great Stone Face taught Ernest, expanded his heart, and gave him wisdom beyond books.

Exam Tip: Focus on the hidden knowledge or deeper understanding that contrasts with public perception, as this often highlights a character's unique insight.

 

(4) What of the Great Stone Face always wondered Ernest?
Answer: Ernest looked at the marvellous face watching over the valley and always wondered why its human likeness was taking so long to appear. He kept pondering when the prophesied man would finally arrive.
In simple words: Ernest constantly wondered why the Great Stone Face's human likeness, the prophesied man, had not yet appeared.

Exam Tip: Identify the central question or mystery that occupies a character's thoughts, as this often reflects their core beliefs or hopes.

 

Question 3.
It so happened that another son of the valley had become a soldier many years before. After a great deal of hard fighting, he was now a famous commander. He was known on the battlefield by the name of Blood-and- Thunder. Old and tired now, he had lately expressed a desire to return to bis native valley. The inhabitants, his old neighbours and their grown up children, prepared to welcome the renowned commander. It was being said that at last the likeness of the Great Stone Face had actually appeared. Great, therefore, was the excitement throughout the valley, and many people who had never once thought of glancing at the Great Stone Pace now spent much time in gazing at it, for the sake of knowing exactly how General Blood- and-Thunder looked. On the day of the general's arrival, Ernest and all the other people of the valley left their work, and proceeded to the spot where a great banquet had been prepared. Soldiers stood on guard, flags waved and the crowd roared. Ernest was standing too far back to see Blood-and-Thunder's face. However, he could hear several voices.

 

Questions:
(1) How had the soldier risen to the position of a commander?
Answer: The soldier had engaged in a great deal of hard fighting, which resulted in his promotion to the rank of commander. His efforts on the battlefield were recognized and rewarded.
In simple words: The soldier became a commander by fighting bravely and intensely in many battles.

Exam Tip: Look for direct statements in the passage that explain the progression of a character's career or status.

 

(2) What was being said about the commander in the valley ?
Answer: It was being circulated in the valley that, as the prophecy had foretold, the commander was the man who bore the likeness of the Great Stone Face. People believed he had finally appeared, fulfilling the long-awaited prediction.
In simple words: People in the valley were saying that the commander was the man from the prophecy who looked like the Great Stone Face.

Exam Tip: Accurately convey the rumors or widespread beliefs within the community, ensuring they align with the passage's description.

 

(3) How was the General Blood-and- Thunder welcomed in the valley?
Answer: On the day of the General's arrival, Ernest and all the other residents of the valley ceased their work. They proceeded to the designated spot where a grand banquet had been arranged. Soldiers stood on guard, flags were waved, and the crowd roared with excitement. This is how General Blood-and-Thunder was welcomed in the valley.
In simple words: General Blood-and-Thunder was welcomed with a large banquet, soldiers, waving flags, and a cheering crowd as everyone left their work to greet him.

Exam Tip: Provide a complete account of the welcoming events, including all specific details mentioned in the passage.

 

(4) Why, do you think, the commander might have been given the name 'Blood and- Thunder'?
Answer: The commander might have been given the name 'Blood-and-Thunder' because he likely fought with great bravery and caused significant destruction to the enemy. This name would reflect his fierce and impactful actions in battle.
In simple words: The commander was probably named 'Blood-and-Thunder' because he fought very bravely and caused huge damage to enemies.

Exam Tip: Infer the meaning or reason behind a name or title by connecting it to the character's actions or reputation described in the text.

 

Vocabulary

 

Choose The Correct Words From The Brackets And Complete The Following Passages:
Question 1. (fanciful, proper, thoughtful, Perhaps, discourage, affectionate) His mother was an ...................1................. and ...................2.................. woman. It was ...................3.................., she thought, not to ...................4.................. the ...................5.................. hopes of her little boy. So she said to him, “ ...................6.................. you may."
Answer:
1. affectionate
2. thoughtful
3. proper
4. discourage
5. fanciful
6. Perhaps

 

Question 2. (resemblance, seaport, rumour, appeared, throughout, settled) About this time there went a ...................1................. ...................2.................. the valley that the great man, who was to bear a ...................3.................. to the Great Stone Face, had ...................4.................. at last. It seems that many years before, a young man had left the valley and ...................5.................. at a distant ...................6.................. .
Answer:
1. rumour
2. throughout
3. resemblance
4. appeared
5. settled
6. seaport

 

Grammar

 

Choose The Correct Article(s), Conjunction(s) And Preposition(s) And Complete The Following Passages:
Question 1. One afternoon, ...................1................. the sun was going ...................2.................., a mother and her little boy sat ...................3.................. the door of their cottage, talking ...................4.................. the Great Stone Face. They had only to lift their eyes ...................5.................. there it was, plain to be seen, ...................6.................. miles away, with the sunshine brightening all its features.
Answer:
1. when
2. down
3. at
4. about
5. and
6. though

 

Fill In The Blanks With The Appropriate Forms Of Verbs Given In The Brackets And Complete The Texts:

 

Question 1. Ernest had ................1............ (have) no teacher, but the Great Stone Face ....................2............ (become) one to him. When the work of the day was over, he .............3............... (will + gaze) at it for hours, until he began ................4............... (imagine) that those vast features recognised him, and gave him a smile of kindness and encouragement.
Answer:
1. had
2. became
3. would gaze
4. to imagine

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks involving verb forms, carefully consider the tense and context of each sentence to choose the correct grammatical form.

 

Question 2. And, what greatly ……………………………………….1............ (puzzle) Ernest, they seemed actually to believe that here was' the likeness which they ....................... (speak) of. He turned away sadly from the ..............3... (wrinkle) shrewdness of that unpleasant face, and gazed up the valley, where the Stone Face seemed to say: He .............4. (will + come)! Fear not, Ernest the man will come!
Answer:
1. puzzled
2. spoke
3. wrinkled
4. will
5. come

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the surrounding verbs and adverbs to determine the correct tense and mood for the missing words in fill-in-the-blank questions.

 

Change The Voice Of The Following:

 

Question 1. What prophecy do you mean, dear Mother?
Answer: What prophecy is meant by you, dear Mother?

Exam Tip: When changing to passive voice, identify the object in the active sentence and make it the subject. Use the correct form of "to be" plus the past participle of the main verb.

 

Question 2. His mother told him a story.
Answer: He was told a story by his mother.

Exam Tip: For sentences with two objects, either can become the subject in the passive voice. Choose the one that flows more naturally or is emphasized.

 

Question 3. Others took it to be nothing but idle talk.
Answer: It was taken to be nothing but idle talk by others.

Exam Tip: When the active subject is general ("others," "people"), it can sometimes be omitted in the passive voice if the meaning remains clear, but it's often safer to include it with "by."

 

Question 4. Ernest never forgot the story that his mother told him.
Answer: The story that was told by his mother was never forgotten by Ernest.

Exam Tip: Ensure that all parts of the original active sentence, including relative clauses and modifiers, are correctly maintained or adapted in the passive construction.

 

Question 5. The boy was still gazing up the valley.
Answer: The valley was still being gazed up by the boy.

Exam Tip: For phrasal verbs like "gaze up," treat the entire phrase as the verb unit when converting to passive voice.

 

Question 6. They saw nothing remarkable in his way of life.
Answer: Nothing remarkable in his way of life was seen by them.

Exam Tip: When the active sentence contains a negative subject or object, ensure the passive voice retains the negative meaning correctly.

 

Question 7. They did not know that the Great Stone Face had become a teacher to him.
Answer: That the Great Stone Face had become a teacher to him was not known by them.

Exam Tip: For complex sentences with subordinate clauses, identify the main clause to transform first, then integrate the subordinate clause into the passive structure.

 

Turn The Following Dialogue Into Indirect Speech:

 

Question 1. “Mother,” said he, while the Great Face smiled on him, “I wish that it could speak, for it looks so very kindly that its voice must indeed be pleasant. If I ever see a man with such a face, I should love him very much."
Answer: While the Great Face smiled on him, he told his mother that he wished that it could speak, because it looked very kindly, and its voice must certainly be pleasant. He then added that if he ever saw a man with such a face, he would love him very much.

Exam Tip: Remember to change pronouns, tenses, and time/place expressions when converting direct speech to indirect speech. "Should" often becomes "would" in such transformations.

 

Question 2. "If an old prophecy should come to pass,” answered his mother, "we may see a man some time, with exactly such a face as that."
Answer: His mother answered that if an old prophecy should come to pass, they might see a man some time with exactly such a face as that.

Exam Tip: When reporting conditional sentences in indirect speech, the tense changes often follow the general rules, but modal verbs like 'should' or 'may' sometimes remain the same or change to 'might'.

 

Question 3. "What prophecy do you mean, dear Mother ?” eagerly inquired Ernest. “Please tell me about it."
Answer: Ernest eagerly inquired of his mother what prophecy she meant and requested her to tell him about it.

Exam Tip: When converting interrogative sentences to indirect speech, use reporting verbs like 'asked,' 'inquired,' or 'demanded,' and change the sentence structure to an assertive form without a question mark.

 

Rewrite As Directed:

 

Question 1. If the spectator approached too near, he lost the outline of the enormous face. (Use 'Unless'.)
Answer: Unless the spectator approached too near, he would not lose the outline of the enormous face.

Exam Tip: 'Unless' introduces a condition and implies 'if not'. Ensure the main clause reflects the negative consequence if the 'unless' condition isn't met.

 

Question 2. Ernest was destined to become the greatest and noblest person of his time. (Change the degree.)
Answer: No other person of his time was destined to become so great and noble as Ernest. OR Ernest was destined to become greater and nobler than any other person of his time.

Exam Tip: When changing degrees of comparison, ensure the meaning remains the same. You can often use either comparative or positive degree to rewrite a superlative sentence.

 

Question 3. Others took it to be nothing but idle talk. (Turn into affirmative.)
Answer: Others took it to be only idle talk.

Exam Tip: To convert a negative sentence to affirmative while keeping the meaning, replace negative words with their affirmative counterparts or use synonyms that convey the original sense.

 

Question 4. His mother was really an affectionate and thoughtful woman. (Turn into Exclamatory.)
Answer: What an affectionate and thoughtful woman his mother was!

Exam Tip: Exclamatory sentences often begin with 'What a/an' or 'How' and express strong emotion. Remember to end with an exclamation mark.

 

Question 5. Ernest had had no teacher. (Add a question tag.)
Answer: Ernest had had no teacher, had he?

Exam Tip: A question tag is typically a mini-question at the end of a statement. If the main statement is negative, the tag is positive; if the main statement is positive, the tag is negative.

 

Question 6. When the work of the day was over, he would gaze at it for hours. (Make it Simple.)
Answer: The work of the day being over, he would gaze at it for hours.

Exam Tip: To convert a complex sentence to a simple one, try using phrases (participial, infinitive, noun phrases) instead of subordinate clauses, maintaining one finite verb.

 

Question 7. He attracted little notice from the inhabitants of the valley. (Turn into Negative.)
Answer: He did not attract any notice from the inhabitants of the valley.

Exam Tip: When changing to negative, use auxiliary verbs (do, did, does) with 'not' and often replace 'little' with 'any' or other negative determiners, ensuring the meaning is preserved.

 

The Great Stone Face 1 Summary In English

The Great Stone Face 1 Summary:

On one afternoon, a mother and her son, Ernest, sat at the entrance of their cottage. They were discussing the Great Stone Face. It appeared clearly in the brilliant sunlight. Many people resided there. Everyone in that place was acquainted with the Great Stone Face. It was a natural creation. Once, the large stone face seemed to smile at Ernest and looked gently. He longed to listen to its pleasing voice. He desired to meet a man with such a face so he could love him deeply. A man named Gathergold existed. He had departed his home valley several years earlier. He had grown very wealthy in a faraway seaport. He chose to go back to his hometown valley. A rumor circulated that Gathergold seemed like the Great Stone Face, bearing the appearance of an elderly man with yellowish skin. The locals believed him to be the very image of the Great Stone Face. Ernest looked up at the valley. The Great Stone Face appeared to deny Gathergold as its resemblance. Ernest had developed into a young fellow. Daily, he would wander alone and look at the Great Stone Face. He pondered why its exact copy was taking so long to show up. By then, Gathergold had grown impoverished and passed away without ever confirming his resemblance to the Stone Face. Another young man from the valley had joined the military as a fighter many years prior. He had, by that point, become a well-known commander and was called General Blood-and-Thunder in combat. In his elder years, he wished to come back to his home valley. The residents saw him as the true likeness of the Great Stone Face. Upon his arrival, he received a warm welcome. The crowd mistakenly thought he was the most remarkable man ever. Ernest could not find any resemblance between Blood-and-Thunder and the Great Stone Face. His feelings assured him that the actual face was yet to appear.

Exam Tip: When summarizing, ensure you cover all major plot points and character developments concisely. Focus on the core message and the progression of the story.

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GSEB Solutions Class 8 English Chapter 09 The Great Stone Face I

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