Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions

Get the most accurate MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest MSBSHSE textbooks for Class 8 English. Our expert-created answers for Class 8 English are available for free download in PDF format.

Detailed Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 8 English

For Class 8 students, solving MSBSHSE 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 3.3 The Last Leaf solutions will improve your exam performance.

Class 8 English Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf MSBSHSE Solutions PDF

Std 8 English Lesson 3.3 The Last Leaf Question Answer Maharashtra Board

Class 8 English Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Textbook Questions and Answers

Exercise 3.3 The Last Leaf Warming Up:

 

Question 1. Suppose you suffer from a long – term illness (one or two weeks), what should you do and what should you avoid? Fill up the table of Do’s and Don’ts:
Answer:

Do'sDon'ts
(1) Go to a doctor for a diagnosis.(1) Do not self-medicate or ignore symptoms.
(2) Follow the doctor's advice and medication schedule.(2) Do not overexert yourself or engage in strenuous activities.
(3) Get plenty of rest and sleep.(3) Do not eat unhealthy food or skip meals.
(4) Eat nutritious food and stay hydrated.(4) Do not neglect personal hygiene.
(5) Inform your family and school/work about your condition.(5) Do not spread your illness to others by not taking precautions.
In simple words: When you're sick for a while, it's important to see a doctor and follow their instructions, rest well, and eat healthy food, while avoiding things that could make you worse or spread the illness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to fill a table of 'Do's and Don'ts', ensure each 'Do' has a corresponding 'Don't' that is its opposite or a related avoidance, showing a balanced understanding of health practices.

 

Question 1. Complete the following 'Do's and Don'ts' list related to health, based on the provided information.
(2) ............
(3) Take a suitable diet.
(4) Take rest.
(5) Rest in a properly ventilated room.
(6) Have cheerful thoughts, courage, a positive attitude.
(2) Do not avoid medication on time.
(3) Avoid ............
(4) Avoid physical stress and exertion.
(5) Do not ............
(6) Do not lose .... and ............
Answer:

Do'sDon'ts
(1) Go to a doctor for diagnosis.(1) Do not try any medication on your own.
(2) Take medicines on time.(2) Do not avoid medication on time.
(3) Take a suitable diet.(3) Avoid junk food.
(4) Take rest.(4) Avoid physical stress and exertion.
(5) Rest in a properly ventilated room.(5) Do not close doors and windows.
(6) Have cheerful thoughts, courage, a positive attitude.(6) Do not lose hope and courage.
In simple words: This list helps you understand good health practices (Do's) and things to avoid (Don'ts) to maintain your well-being.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing lists, ensure you match each 'Do' with its corresponding 'Don't' and fill in all the blanks accurately based on the context.

Homophones And Homographs

You already know that Homophones are pairs of words that sound the same but differ in spellings and meanings: For example sum and some. There are some words that even have the same spelling and pronunciations, but have different meanings in different situations or contexts. For example: bat (a bird) and ki (sports / games equipment). Such words are called Homographs.

Make Pairs Of Sentences Of Your Own To Point Out The Different Meanings Of The Following Homographs

 

Question 1. fine:
Answer:
(i) The new driver had to pay a fine for breaking the signal. This penalty is a common consequence of traffic violations.
(ii) We decided to go for a picnic only if the day was fine.
In simple words: "Fine" can mean a penalty for breaking a rule, or it can describe good weather.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to show different meanings of homographs, always use two distinct sentences that clearly illustrate each meaning. Underlining the homograph in each sentence can also be helpful.

 

Question. wave:
Answer:
(i) Ronny waved to his father before going for the picnic. This gesture is a common way to say hello or goodbye.
(ii) The waves in the sea before the tsunami were huge.
In simple words: "Wave" can refer to moving your hand as a greeting, or it can mean the movement of water in the sea.

🎯 Exam Tip: For homographs, think about different parts of speech (verb vs. noun) or completely unrelated concepts that share the same spelling and pronunciation.

 

Question. bear:
Answer:
(i) The grizzly bear hibernates during winter. These large mammals are known for their strength.
(ii) Simi could not bear to see the two cats fighting.
In simple words: "Bear" can be an animal, or it can mean to tolerate or endure something difficult.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using a homograph in a sentence, ensure the context makes the intended meaning absolutely clear to avoid confusion.

 

Question 4. rose:
Answer:
(i) The rose is a beautiful flower. Its delicate petals and fragrant scent make it a popular choice.
(ii) The teacher rose from her chair to explain the sum.
In simple words: "Rose" can be a type of flower, or it can be the past tense of the verb "rise," meaning to stand up.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the tense of verbs when using homographs, as it can sometimes differentiate their meanings, like "rise" and "rose."

 

Question 5. lead:
Answer:
(i) Lead is used in pencils. This soft, heavy metal has many industrial applications.
(ii) A good king leads his country to prosperity.
In simple words: "Lead" can be a type of metal found in pencils, or it can mean to guide or direct others.

🎯 Exam Tip: Some homographs have different pronunciations for their different meanings (e.g., "lead" as in metal vs. "lead" as in guide). While not explicitly asked, being aware of this helps in understanding the distinct uses.

 

Question 6. match:
Answer:
(i) Though we lost the match, we were not upset,
(ii) "Buy the shoes only if they match the dress," said mother to Madhu. These examples show how the same word can have different meanings depending on the context.
In simple words: The word 'match' can mean either a competition or to be similar or suitable for something.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to use a word in different contexts, provide clear and distinct sentences that highlight each meaning. Ensure your sentences are grammatically correct.

 

Question 7. second:
Answer:
(i) Every second counts when we are writing an examination paper.
(ii) "Take the second turn on the right," directed the policeman. These sentences illustrate the versatility of the word 'second' in English.
In simple words: 'Second' can refer to a unit of time or the position after the first in a sequence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to homonyms and homographs. Practice using words with multiple meanings in sentences to show your understanding of their different uses.

 

Question 8. object:
Answer:
(i) The lawyer objected to what the witness said.
(ii) The objects on the table were taken away before the girl could see them properly. Understanding these different uses helps in comprehending various texts.
In simple words: The word 'object' can mean to disagree with something, or it can refer to a physical item.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always consider the context when encountering words with multiple meanings. The surrounding words will often clarify which meaning is intended.

1. Read The Story And Choose The Appropriate Meanings:

 

Question a. Struggling artists:
(i) artists fighting with one another
(ii) artists trying hard to earn a living
(iii) artists painting war scenes
Answer: (ii) artists trying hard to earn a living
In simple words: "Struggling artists" means artists who are finding it difficult to make enough money from their art to live comfortably.

🎯 Exam Tip: When interpreting phrases, look for the most common and logical meaning in the given context, especially in literature. "Struggling" often implies financial or professional difficulty.

 

Question b. Skeleton branches:
(i) bones branching out from joints
(ii) leafy branches
(iii) bare branches
Answer: (iii) bare branches
In simple words: "Skeleton branches" refers to tree branches that have lost all their leaves, looking thin and exposed like a skeleton.

🎯 Exam Tip: Figurative language often uses comparisons to describe things. "Skeleton" here evokes an image of something stripped bare, without its usual covering, like leaves on a branch in winter.

 

Question c. Wielded the brush:
(i) painted skillfully
(ii) broke the brush
(iii) joined the broken brush
Answer: (i) painted skillfully
In simple words: To 'wield' a brush means to use it effectively and skillfully, showing great control and artistry.

🎯 Exam Tip: When encountering vocabulary questions, try to recall the context from the story to understand the precise meaning of the word.

 

Question d. Palette:
(i) the tip of the brush
(ii) a board used by artists to mix colours
(iii) a fancy dinner plate
Answer: (ii) a board used by artists to mix colours
In simple words: A palette is a flat surface, often made of wood or plastic, where artists arrange and mix their paints before applying them to a canvas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding art-related vocabulary is key for questions about artists and their tools; visualize the object to remember its function.

 

Question e. Masterpiece:
(i) a master who promotes peace
(ii) the very first creation of on artist
(iii) an exceptionally beautiful work of art
Answer: (iii) an exceptionally beautiful work of art
In simple words: A masterpiece is a work of art, music, literature, or craft that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or a work of outstanding skill and beauty.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining terms, focus on the core meaning and any superlative qualities implied by the word, like 'exceptionally beautiful' for a masterpiece.

 

2. Make Pairs Of Sentences To Show The Difference Between The Meanings Of The Following Homographs From The Story:

 

Question a. interest
Answer:
(i) The bank promised a high rate of interest to its customers. This refers to the money earned on savings.
(ii) The audience soon lost interest in the boring match. This refers to a feeling of curiosity or engagement.
In simple words: Homographs are words spelled the same but have different meanings; 'interest' can mean money earned on savings or a feeling of engagement.

🎯 Exam Tip: For homographs, always provide two distinct sentences that clearly illustrate each different meaning to score full marks.

 

Question b. well
Answer:
(i) The well was so deep that one could not see the water.
(ii) The Principal sent Sumeet home as he was not feeling well.
In simple words: The word "well" can mean a deep hole in the ground for water (a noun) or feeling healthy and good (an adverb).

🎯 Exam Tip: When a word has multiple meanings, always provide examples that clearly show each distinct usage to score full marks.

 

Question c. left
Answer:
(i) When Roma turned to her left, she saw a long line of taxis.
(ii) The Mayor had left before it begem to rain.
In simple words: The word "left" can refer to a direction (opposite of right) or it can be the past tense of the verb "to leave," meaning to depart.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine if "left" is being used as a direction or an action, as this is a common homonym.

 

Question d. just
Answer:
(i) The children had just left when the magician arrived.
(ii) It is the duty of a judge to be just.
In simple words: The word "just" can mean "only a moment ago" (recently) or "fair and right" (impartial).

🎯 Exam Tip: When using "just," consider if you mean 'recently' or 'fairly' and choose your sentence structure accordingly to avoid confusion.

 

Question e. mind
Answer:
(i) "Mind your language!" said the man to the rude young boy angrily.
(ii) We should try not to have any negative thoughts in our mind.
In simple words: The word "mind" can be a verb meaning to pay attention or care about something, or a noun referring to the part of a person that thinks, feels, and wills.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding whether "mind" is used as a command (verb) or a reference to one's thoughts (noun) is key to correctly interpreting its meaning.

 

Question 3. State the facts about the story:
Main characters:
Problem:
Attempts made to solve it:
Climax / Turning point:
Problem solved:
End:
Answer:
Main characters: Sue, Johnsy, the doctor and Behrman
Problem: Johnsy, a young artist, falls ill with pneumonia and believes she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine outside her window.
Attempts made to solve it: Sue tries to cheer Johnsy up and distract her from the falling leaves; the doctor gives medicine but states Johnsy's recovery depends on her will to live; Behrman, an old artist, secretly paints a leaf on the wall.
Climax / Turning point: A fierce storm blows all night, but one leaf miraculously remains on the vine, giving Johnsy renewed hope and a will to live.
Problem solved: Johnsy recovers from her illness, realizing her foolishness in giving up hope.
End: Johnsy learns that the last leaf she saw was actually Behrman's masterpiece, painted on the wall, and that he died of pneumonia after painting it in the cold and rain.
In simple words: This question asks for the main parts of the story, like who the characters are, what the main problem is, how they try to fix it, the big turning point, how it gets fixed, and how the story ends.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to state facts about a story, ensure you cover all key elements: characters, conflict, rising action, climax, resolution, and conclusion. Providing a complete overview demonstrates full understanding.

Problem: Johnsy's negative attitude, her lack of will to live and the fancy that she would die when the last leaf fell from the ivy vine.

Attempts made to solve it: The doctor informed Sue that Johnsy would recover only if she had the wish to live. Sue looked after her well and tried to make her think positively. Finally, Behrman painted a leaf on the wall so that the last leaf would never fall, and Johnsy would live.

Climax/Turning_point:
(i) When Johnsy sees the last leaf still clinging to the vine, and realizes that she has been given a message that she was wicked to want to die.
(ii) The sweeper finding Behrman in very wet clothes and shoes, with scattered brushes and a palette with yellow and green colors mixed on it.

Problem solved: Johnsy realizes her mistake and begins to look forward to life again.

End: Though Johnsy lives, Behrman, who painted the last leaf, contracts pneumonia due to exposure to rain and snow. He dies due to his efforts. He dies so that Johnsy lives.

Say Whether The Following Statements Are Right Or Wrong:

 

Question a. Sue and Johnsy were very close friends.
Answer: Right. Their strong bond was evident in how Sue cared for Johnsy during her illness.
In simple words: Yes, they were very close, showing great care for each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to identify right or wrong statements, always recall key relationships and character traits from the story to justify your answer.

 

Question b. Sue was a rich girl.
Answer: Wrong. The story implies that Sue, like Johnsy, was an aspiring artist living in modest circumstances.
In simple words: No, Sue was not rich; she was also an artist facing similar financial struggles.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to details about characters' backgrounds and financial situations as they often influence the plot and character motivations.

 

Question c. Johnsy was hopeful that she will live.
Answer: Wrong. Initially, Johnsy had lost all hope and believed she would die when the last leaf fell.
In simple words: No, at first Johnsy had no hope and thought she would die, but she later changed her mind.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between a character's initial feelings and their eventual change in perspective, as this is often a crucial plot point.

 

Question d. Behrman was a hard-hearted person.
Answer: Wrong.
In simple words: Behrman was actually a kind and selfless person, as he risked his own life to paint the last leaf and give Johnsy hope.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering true/false questions about character traits, recall specific actions or descriptions from the story that support or contradict the statement.

 

Question e. The last leaf fell off during the rain.
Answer: Right.
In simple words: The story describes a fierce storm with rain and wind during which the last real leaf fell from the ivy vine.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to details about weather and timing in the narrative, as they often play a crucial role in the plot.

 

Question f. Johnsy realized that her thinking was wrong.
Answer: Right.
In simple words: After seeing the painted leaf and learning of Behrman's sacrifice, Johnsy understood her pessimistic outlook was mistaken and chose to live.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the turning point for characters in a story; this often involves a realization or change in perspective.

 

Question g. Behrman did not know anything about the last leaf on the ivy.
Answer: Wrong.
In simple words: Behrman was very much aware of the last leaf; he secretly painted a new one on the wall to save Johnsy's life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the motivations and secret actions of key characters, as they often drive the plot and reveal deeper meanings.

5. Correct The Following Statements:

 

Question a. Sue and Johnsy were good neighbours.
Answer: Sue and Johnsy were very good friends. They shared an apartment and supported each other through difficult times.
In simple words: They were much closer than just neighbors; they were dear friends who lived together.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between different types of relationships described in a story (e.g., neighbors vs. friends) to ensure accuracy in your answers.

 

Question b. Johnsy was eager to recover from her illness.
Answer: Johnsy had made up her mind that she was not going to recover. Her illness had made her lose all will to live.
In simple words: Johnsy had given up hope and decided she would not get better, which is the opposite of being eager to recover.

🎯 Exam Tip: When correcting statements, identify the core incorrect idea and replace it with the accurate information from the text.

 

Question d. Behrman was a very heartless person.
Answer: Behrman was a very kind-hearted person.
In simple words: Behrman was actually a very caring person, not heartless, showing kindness to others.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to correct a statement, identify the key incorrect word and replace it with the correct one from the story.

 

Question e. The real ivy leaf did not fall off at all.
Answer: The real ivy leaf fell off the night it rained and snowed.
In simple words: The actual ivy leaf did fall off during bad weather, it didn't stay on the vine.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to details about events in the story, especially those that are central to the plot, like the falling of the leaves.

 

Question f. The last leaf was a real leaf that survived.
Answer: The last leaf was a leaf painted on the wall by Behrman.
In simple words: The final leaf Johnsy saw was not a real leaf, but a painting made by Behrman.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the twist in the story; the painted leaf is a crucial element that saves Johnsy's life.

6. Read The Descriptions Of The Following From The Story And Describe Any One Of Them Using Your Own Words

 

Question 1. The ivy vine
Answer: Outside the window there was an old ivy vine, gnarled and decayed at the roots. It had climbed half way up the brick wall. It had lost most of its leaves due to the cold autumn. Only a few bare branches were left, clinging to the bricks. This description highlights the harshness of the weather and the vine's struggle.
In simple words: The ivy vine outside was old and damaged, having lost most of its leaves in the cold, with only a few branches left clinging to the wall.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing an object, use vivid adjectives and details from the text to paint a clear picture for the reader.

 

Question 2. Behrman
Answer: Behrman was a struggling painter who lived on the ground floor of the building where Sue and Johnsy lived. He was a failure in art, for though he had been painting for forty years, he had not made any money. He always dreamt about painting a masterpiece that would bring him recognition.
In simple words: Behrman was an old, unsuccessful painter who lived downstairs and always dreamed of creating a great painting.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a character, include their profession, living situation, and key personality traits or aspirations mentioned in the story.

 

Question 3. The last leaf that Johnsy saw
Answer: The last leaf that Johnsy saw was not a real leaf but a leaf painted on the wall by Behrman. It was dark green near its stem, but its edges were tinted with yellow. It hung from a branch some twenty feet above the ground. Naturally it never fluttered or moved when the wind blew. It was Behrman's masterpiece and had been painted the night when the real last leaf had fallen. This painting gave Johnsy hope and saved her life.
In simple words: The last leaf Johnsy saw was actually a painting by Behrman, created to give her hope after the real leaves fell.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing events, ensure you include key details like who, what, where, and why, as well as the significance of the event.

You Have Learnt That A Clause Is A Group Of Words That Has A Subject And A Verb, And Is A Part Of A Larger Sentence:

In the sentence, 'We returned home, when school was over' there are two clauses.
(i) We returned home and
(ii) When school was over'.
The first one makes complete sense, so it is called Main I Principal Clause. The second one is not complete by itself. It depends on the Main Clause to convey proper sense. So it is called Dependant or Subordinate Clause. 'When' is the joining word, and it is called o Subordinator.

In The Following Sentences, Point Out The Main Clause And Subordinate Clause. Encircle The Subordinator.

 

Question a. There was a colony, where many struggling artists lived.
Answer: Main Clause: There was a colony. The subordinate clause is 'where many struggling artists lived', with 'where' being the subordinator.
In simple words: The main part of the sentence is 'There was a colony', and the part that adds more information, 'where many struggling artists lived', is the subordinate clause, connected by 'where'.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify clauses, look for a subject and a verb. The main clause can stand alone, while the subordinate clause depends on the main clause for complete meaning.

 

Question b. Though Sue looked after her well, Johnsy showed no signs of improvement.
Answer: Main Clause: Johnsy showed no signs of improvement
Subordinate Clause: Though Sue looked after her very well. This clause provides the contrasting condition.
Subordinator: Though
In simple words: The main part of the sentence focuses on Johnsy's lack of improvement, while the 'though' clause explains the effort Sue put in, creating a contrast.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify clauses, look for the main action and the connecting word (subordinator) that introduces the dependent idea, often showing contrast, time, or reason.

 

Question c. Sue thought that she had fallen asleep.
Answer: Main Clause: Sue thought
Subordinate Clause: that she had fallen asleep. This clause clarifies the content of Sue's thought.
Subordinator: that
In simple words: The main idea is what Sue thought, and the 'that' part tells us exactly what she believed had happened.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'That' often introduces a noun clause, which can function as the object of a verb like 'thought', 'said', or 'knew'.

 

Question d. Old Behrman was a painter, who lived on the ground floor.
Answer: Main Clause: Old Behrman was a painter
Subordinate Clause: who lived on the ground floor. This clause provides additional descriptive information about Behrman.
Subordinator: who
In simple words: The main sentence describes Behrman's profession, and the 'who' part adds more detail about where he resided.

🎯 Exam Tip: Relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', and 'that' typically introduce adjective clauses that modify a noun or pronoun.

 

Question e. Johnsy was sleeping when the two went upstairs.
Answer: Main Clause: Johnsy was sleeping
Subordinate Clause: when the two went upstairs. This clause indicates the specific time of Johnsy's sleeping.
Subordinator: when
In simple words: The main point is Johnsy was asleep, and the 'when' part tells us the exact moment this was occurring.

🎯 Exam Tip: Subordinators like 'when', 'while', 'as', and 'before' often introduce adverbial clauses of time, specifying when an action happened.

 

Question f. I want to see the last one before it falls.
Answer:
In simple words: This sentence expresses a desire to witness an event until its very final moment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Even if an answer is not provided, understanding the question helps in identifying potential clauses and their types. Here, 'before it falls' is a subordinate clause of time.

 

Question 8. Compose an imaginary dialogue between Sue and Johns, when I realise what Behrman had done for Johnsy:
Answer:
Johnsy: Sue, did you know that Mr. Behrman had painted that last leaf?
Sue: No, I knew it just now, too.
Johnsy: Sue, that means that he got wet that night painting the last leaf!
Sue: And got pneumonia after that!
Johnsy: Yes, because of my stupid fancy that I would die when the last leaf fell.
Sue: It certainly was a stupid idea.
Johnsy: I feel so guilty now! Sue, it is as if .... as if .... he died for me!
Sue: Yes, so that you may live.
Johnsy: Oh, what a wonderful, compassionate man! To go out in that cold, wintry, snowy night just to paint that leaf!
Sue: And develop pneumonia ....
Johnsy: What can I do now? How can I ever thank him?
Sue: I know what you can do!
Johnsy: What? What?
Sue: Paint your masterpiece of the Bay of Naples and dedicate it to him.
Johnsy: Yes, I think that's a good idea. Yes, I'll do that. Thanks, Sue. This emotional realization highlights the profound sacrifice Behrman made.
In simple words: The dialogue shows Johnsy realizing Behrman's sacrifice, feeling guilty, and then deciding to honor him by painting her masterpiece.

🎯 Exam Tip: When composing dialogues, ensure each character's lines reflect their personality and the emotional context of the scene.

Class 8 English Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Additional Important Questions And Answers

Complex Factual Activities

 

Question 1. What did the doctor tell Sue about Johnsy?
Answer: The doctor told Sue that Johnsy had one chance in ten. That chance was for Johnsy to want to live, and Johnsy had made up her mind that she was not going to get well. He emphasized that Johnsy's will to live was the most crucial factor in her recovery.
In simple words: The doctor told Sue that Johnsy's chances of survival were very low, mainly because Johnsy herself had given up hope and didn't want to live.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about character statements, quote or paraphrase accurately and explain the significance of their words.

 

Question 2. Describe the ivy vine outside the window.
Answer: Outside the window, there was an old ivy vine, gnarled and decayed at the roots. It had climbed half way up the brick wall. This ancient vine showed signs of age and neglect. It had lost most of its leaves due to the cold autumn. Only a few bare branches were left, clinging to the bricks.
In simple words: The ivy vine outside was old, twisted, and mostly bare, having lost its leaves in the cold autumn, with only a few branches still stuck to the wall.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing something, use vivid adjectives and details about its appearance, condition, and location to create a clear picture for the reader.

 

Question 3. Explain the false belief that Johnsy had about the ivy vine.
Answer: Johnsy felt that when the last leaf fell off from the ivy vine, she too would die. This belief was a symptom of her deep despair and illness.
In simple words: Johnsy wrongly believed that her life was tied to the ivy vine, thinking she would die when its last leaf fell.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining a belief, clearly state what the belief is and, if possible, briefly mention its underlying cause or significance in the story.

 

Question 4. Who was Behrman? Explain why Sue called Him to their flat.
Answer: Behrman was a struggling painter who lived on the ground floor of the building where Sue and Johnsy lived. He was an older artist who had not yet achieved success. He served as a model for the young artists in the colony. Sue called him to their flat to act as a model for the old man that she was drawing.
In simple words: Behrman was an old, struggling painter who lived downstairs and often modeled for artists. Sue called him to pose for a drawing she was working on.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions asking "who" and "why," provide a concise description of the person and a clear reason for their action or involvement.

 

Question 5. What happened that night and what did the two friends see when the window was open?
Answer: That night it rained and snowed. A fierce wind blew. The weather was very harsh and cold. When the window was open, the two friends saw one ivy leaf still clinging to the vine. It was dark green near the stem, but its edges were tinted with yellow. It hung from a branch some twenty feet above the ground.
In simple words: That night, it rained and snowed with strong winds. When the window was opened, they saw a single ivy leaf, green with yellow edges, still hanging on the vine.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing events and observations, be specific about the sequence of events and the details of what was seen, including colors and positions.

 

Question 6. What did Johnsy declare when she saw the last ivy leaf?
Answer:
In simple words: This question asks about Johnsy's reaction to seeing the last ivy leaf.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks for a character's declaration, state their exact words or the core message of their statement.

 

Question 7. What change came over Johnsy the next day? Why?
Answer: Johnsy now felt that she had been wicked earlier and it was a sin to want to die. She wanted to sit up in bed and was ready to have broth and milk. She looked forward to the future and hoped to paint the Bay of Naples some day. This shift in perspective gave her a renewed will to live. It was the sight of the last leaf staying on the vine that was the reason for her change.
In simple words: Johnsy changed her mind and wanted to live because she felt bad for wanting to die and was inspired by the last ivy leaf that didn't fall.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about a character's change, describe both their new feelings and the specific event or realization that caused the change.

 

Question 8. Explain what happened to Mr. Behrman.
Answer: Mr. Behrman had gone out in the rain and snow to paint the last leaf on the wall. He had got thoroughly wet and became ill with pneumonia. He died in a hospital two days later, a true hero.
In simple words: Mr. Behrman got very sick with pneumonia and died because he went out in bad weather to paint a leaf to save Johnsy's life.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions about character fates, clearly state what happened and, if applicable, the cause or consequence of their actions.

 

Question 9. Who had saved Johnsy's life and how?
Answer: Mr. Behrman had saved Johnsy's life. He had realized that Johnsy had a fancy that she would die after the last leaf; fell. He wanted to make certain that the last J leaf never fell, and hence he painted a false leaf on the wall. The sight of the persistent leaf, which Johnsy thought was real, made her come to her senses and want to live, proving the power of hope.
In simple words: Mr. Behrman saved Johnsy by painting a fake ivy leaf on the wall. Johnsy believed it was real and that it didn't fall, which gave her hope and made her want to live again.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining how someone was saved, detail the specific action taken and its direct impact on the person's recovery or change in mindset.

Personal Response:

 

Question 1. What type of attitude should a person have when he/she is ill?
Answer: When a person is ill, he/she should have a positive attitude. He/She should have cheerful thoughts and courage and try to keep the mind occupied. Only then will medication help, as a strong mind aids recovery.
In simple words: When you are sick, it's important to stay positive, think happy thoughts, be brave, and keep your mind busy, because a good attitude helps medicines work better.

🎯 Exam Tip: For personal response questions, express your opinion clearly and support it with logical reasons or common wisdom, using keywords like 'positive attitude' and 'courage'.

 

Question 2. Do you think that Johnsy was talking nonsense? Or did she have some forewarning that she would die?
Answer: I think that Johnsy was talking nonsense. Her belief was a symptom of her illness and despair, not a genuine premonition. How can the number of leaves on an ivy vine indicate when she was going to die? This is just having negative thoughts when the mind is idle and frightened.
In simple words: Johnsy was just being silly because she was sick and scared, not actually predicting her death.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for your opinion, state it clearly and support it with reasons from the text, showing your understanding of the character's state of mind.

Write Who Said The Given Words And To Whom:

 

Question 1. Identify who said the following words and to whom:
Answer: Accurately identifying speakers and listeners helps in understanding character relationships and plot development.

The wordsWho saidTo whom
(1) Open the windowJohnsySue
(2) She is very ill and weakSueBehrman
(3) I have not heard of such a thing.BehrmanSue
(4) It is the last one.JohnsySue

In simple words: This table shows who spoke each line and to whom they were speaking, which helps us understand the story better.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to dialogue tags and context clues in the story to correctly identify speakers and listeners for each statement.

Write The Words Given Below In The Proper Columns:

 

Question 1. idiotic, fancy, foolish, weak, place, away, upstairs, work, rain, continuously, closed, window, fierce, bravely, branch, surely
Answer: The words are categorized as follows:

NounsAdjectivesAdverbs
fancy, place,idiotic,away,
work, rain,foolish,upstairs,
window,weak,continuously,
branchclosed,bravely,
fiercesurely

In simple words: This table helps you understand how different words function in a sentence, classifying them as nouns (naming words), adjectives (describing words), or adverbs (words that describe actions or other descriptions).

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice identifying parts of speech to improve your grammar and vocabulary. Understanding word categories is fundamental to sentence construction.

Do as directed:

 

Pick out two words from the lesson whose first letter is silent.
Answer: pneumonia, gnarled. These words are interesting because their first letter is not pronounced.
In simple words: Some words in English have silent letters at the beginning, like 'p' in pneumonia or 'g' in gnarled, which makes them sound different from how they are spelled.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to pronunciation rules and common silent letters in English words. Knowing these helps with both spelling and speaking.

 

Question 2. Use the following phrase in your own sentence: above the ground
Answer: During monsoon, the clouds are just a few feet above the ground in Ooty. This phrase helps describe the position of something relative to the earth's surface.
In simple words: To use 'above the ground', think of something floating or positioned higher than the earth, like clouds or a bird flying.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to use a phrase in a sentence, ensure your sentence clearly shows the meaning of the phrase and is grammatically correct. Use descriptive language to make your sentence interesting.

 

Question 3. Add two letters before the given word to form three separate words: own
Answer: brown, crown, drown. Adding prefixes can dramatically change the meaning and form of a word.
In simple words: By adding just two letters to the beginning of 'own', you can create new words like 'brown' (a color), 'crown' (a king's hat), and 'drown' (to sink in water).

🎯 Exam Tip: Experiment with prefixes and suffixes to expand your vocabulary and understand word formation. This skill is crucial for building a strong vocabulary.

 

Question 4. Find out four hidden words from the given word: twilight (Each word should have at least 3 letters.)
Answer: twilight: light, tight, wilt, tilt. Finding hidden words helps improve vocabulary and observation skills.
In simple words: Look inside the main word "twilight" to find smaller words like "light" or "tilt" that use its letters.

🎯 Exam Tip: When finding hidden words, ensure each word uses only the letters from the original word and meets any length requirements. Practice helps you spot them quickly.

 

Question 5. Use the following word and its homophone in two separate sentences: earn
Answer:
(i) It is difficult to earn a living if you are illiterate.
(ii) I placed the flowers in an urn and poured water into it.
In simple words: "Earn" means to get money for work, while "urn" is a decorative container, often for ashes or flowers.

🎯 Exam Tip: For homophone questions, clearly show the different meanings of the words in distinct sentences. Double-check that the homophone used is correct.

 

Question 6. Pick out the main clause and subordinate clause from the following sentence: Medicines alone did not help if the patient did not wish to live.
Answer: Medicines alone did not help- the main clause if the patient did not wish to live- subordinate clause. Understanding clauses is fundamental to sentence structure.
In simple words: The main clause can stand alone as a sentence, while the subordinate clause depends on the main clause and starts with a word like "if" or "when."

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify clauses, look for the part of the sentence that makes complete sense on its own (main clause) and the part that starts with a subordinating conjunction (like if, when, because, although) and cannot stand alone (subordinate clause).

 

Question 7. Rewrite in indirect speech : "Open the window; I want to see," she ordered. Sue obeyed.
Answer: She ordered Sue to open the window as she wanted to see. Sue obeyed. Converting direct speech to indirect speech requires careful changes in pronouns and verb tenses.
In simple words: Indirect speech tells you what someone said without using their exact words, often changing "I" to "she" and adjusting verbs.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, remember to change pronouns (e.g., 'I' to 'she'), adjust verb tenses if necessary, and remove quotation marks. For commands, use 'to' + verb.

 

Question 8. Pick out the non-finite verb and state what it is: He always talked of his coming masterpiece.
Answer: coming – present participle. Non-finite verbs do not change their form based on the subject or tense.
In simple words: A non-finite verb doesn't show tense or agree with a subject; "coming" here acts like an adjective describing the masterpiece, not an action happening now.

🎯 Exam Tip: Non-finite verbs include infinitives (to + verb), gerunds (verb + -ing acting as a noun), and participles (verb + -ing or -ed acting as an adjective). Identify the verb form that isn't showing the main action's tense.

 

Question 9. Rewrite as an affirmative sentence: In those days, it was not easy to cure pneumonia patients.
Answer: In those days, it was difficult to cure pneumonia patients. An affirmative sentence states a fact positively.
In simple words: To make a sentence affirmative, change the negative word (like "not easy") to a positive one with a similar meaning (like "difficult").

🎯 Exam Tip: To convert a negative sentence to an affirmative one, find an antonym for the negative word or phrase that conveys the same meaning without using 'not'.

 

Question 10. Rewrite using the positive form of the adjective: They are falling faster now.
Answer: They were not falling as fast as before. This transformation helps to express the same idea in a simpler comparative structure.
In simple words: To change to the positive form, we use "as...as" to show equality or lack thereof, comparing the current state to a previous one.

🎯 Exam Tip: When rewriting sentences using different forms of adjectives (positive, comparative, superlative), focus on maintaining the original meaning while correctly applying the grammatical structure, often involving "as...as" for positive comparisons.

MSBSHSE Solutions Class 8 English Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf

Students can now access the MSBSHSE Solutions for Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 8 English textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest MSBSHSE syllabus.

Detailed Explanations for Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf

Our expert teachers have provided step-by-step explanations for all the difficult questions in the Class 8 English chapter. Along with the final answers, we have also explained the concept behind it to help you build stronger understanding of each topic. This will be really helpful for Class 8 students who want to understand both theoretical and practical questions. By studying these MSBSHSE Questions and Answers your basic concepts will improve a lot.

Benefits of using English Class 8 Solved Papers

Using our English solutions regularly students will be able to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving speed. These Class 8 solutions are a guide for self-study and homework assistance. Along with the chapter-wise solutions, you should also refer to our Revision Notes and Sample Papers for Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf to get a complete preparation experience.

FAQs

Where can I find the latest Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions for the 2026-27 session?

The complete and updated Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions is available for free on StudiesToday.com. These solutions for Class 8 English are as per latest MSBSHSE curriculum.

Are the English MSBSHSE solutions for Class 8 updated for the new 50% competency-based exam pattern?

Yes, our experts have revised the Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions as per 2026 exam pattern. All textbook exercises have been solved and have added explanation about how the English concepts are applied in case-study and assertion-reasoning questions.

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Toppers recommend using MSBSHSE language because MSBSHSE marking schemes are strictly based on textbook definitions. Our Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions will help students to get full marks in the theory paper.

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Yes, we provide bilingual support for Class 8 English. You can access Maharashtra Board Class 8 English Unit 3 Chapter 3.3 The Last Leaf Solutions in both English and Hindi medium.

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