Aim for higher marks with our MCQs for CBSE Class 8 English, updated for 2026-27. These chapter-wise objective questions help Class 8 students master the current English exam pattern, and build stronger problem-solving skills.
Benefits of English MCQ Practice for Class 8
- Neatly organized by chapter, so you can test your grip on each English topic one at a time.
- Every English MCQ comes with a correct, explained answer - not just the right option.
- Matched closely to the 2026 CBSE English textbook and current guidelines.
- Covers several formats beyond regular MCQs - Assertion-Reasoning, Case-based, and Fill-in-the-blanks for English.
English MCQs for Class 8, by Chapter
The 2026-27 English question sets below are ready for practice. Use them to test yourself, and figure out where to focus before your exams.
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Quick Practice - Class 8 English (Poorvi) Select any chapter below to test your understanding with interactive MCQs, instant scoring, and model explanations. Q1.In 'The Wit that Won Hearts', how does the protagonist resolve the central dispute? Answer: (b) By using sharp intellect, humor, and presence of mind. The theme of the story illustrates how quick wit and good-natured humor can defuse tension and win hearts.
Q2.What is the central moral theme highlighted throughout 'The Wit that Won Hearts'? Answer: (a) Cleverness blended with kindness overcomes arrogance. True wit seeks to enlighten and bring harmony rather than merely humiliate others.
Q3.What is the synonym of the word 'wit' as used in the title? Answer: (c) Ingenuity / Sharp intelligence. 'Wit' denotes mental sharpness combined with the ability to express ideas cleverly and amusingly.
Q4.Which literary tone predominates throughout the narrative? Answer: (b) Light-hearted, humorous, and didactic. The story employs engaging humor to impart an underlying life lesson.
Q5.Choose the antonym of the word 'valiant': Answer: (d) Timid / Cowardly. 'Valiant' means possessing courage, making 'timid' or 'cowardly' its direct antonym.
Q1.What does the title 'A Concrete Example' allegorically signify? Answer: (a) A tangible, real-world demonstration that proves a philosophical truth. The lesson demonstrates how practical examples communicate ideas far better than mere abstract words.
Q2.What characteristic attitude leads characters into trouble in 'A Concrete Example'? Answer: (b) Rigid assumptions and lack of practical awareness. Relying on theories without checking realistic conditions leads to misunderstanding.
Q3.Identify the figure of speech in: "The lesson stood as solid as a block of concrete." Answer: (c) Simile. The comparison between the lesson and concrete uses the connecting word 'as', forming a simile.
Q4.The phrase 'actions speak louder than words' implies that: Answer: (a) Practical demonstration holds more value than spoken promises. Demonstrating an idea through tangible action provides unquestionable clarity.
Q5.What is the correct noun form of the adjective 'concrete' when meaning solid reality? Answer: (d) Concreteness. 'Concreteness' is the abstract noun representing the quality of being tangible and definite.
Q1.In 'Wisdom Paves the Way', what is considered the truest guide through difficult life paths? Answer: (b) Thoughtful discernment and seasoned wisdom. The chapter conveys that rational deliberation and foresight steer individuals through life's dilemmas.
Q2.What does the idiom 'pave the way' mean in context? Answer: (a) To make progress easier or prepare the foundation for success. 'Pave the way' is an idiom meaning to create favorable conditions for future achievements.
Q3.A person who possesses deep insight, sound judgment, and patience is termed: Answer: (c) Sagacious / Wise. 'Sagacious' refers to having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
Q4.Which modal verb correctly expresses logical deduction: "He solved the riddle so quickly; he ______ be very wise." Answer: (b) must. 'Must' is used here to indicate a strong logical conclusion based on clear evidence.
Q5.What is the moral takeaway of Unit 1 (Wit and Wisdom)? Answer: (a) Intellect and ethics are the highest human faculties. The stories show that wisdom guided by empathy creates lasting good.
Q1.Major Somnath Sharma was the very first recipient of which highest wartime gallantry decoration in India? Answer: (a) Param Vir Chakra (PVC). Major Somnath Sharma of the 4 Kumaon Regiment was posthumously awarded India's first Param Vir Chakra for his bravery at Badgam in 1947.
Q2.Why was holding the position at Badgam critical during the 1947 operations? Answer: (b) It protected Srinagar airfield from falling into enemy hands. If Badgam had fallen, the raiders would have seized the Srinagar airfield, severing air supply and reinforcement lines.
Q3.Despite having his left hand in a plaster cast, what heroic action did Major Somnath Sharma take during battle? Answer: (c) He personally loaded ammunition magazines for his light machine gunners. He actively distributed ammunition to his men to maintain rapid defensive fire despite his injury.
Q4.What famous final message did Major Somnath Sharma transmit to Brigade Headquarters? Answer: (a) "I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." His final wireless message reflects determination and supreme sacrifice.
Q5.What is the abstract noun derived from the adjective 'valiant'? Answer: (d) Valour. 'Valour' is the abstract noun meaning great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
Q1.In the poem 'Somebody's Mother' by Mary Dow Brine, why was the old woman hesitant to cross the street? Answer: (b) She was aged, frail, and terrified of the slippery snow and rushing carriage traffic. Her trembling steps and wet winter streets made crossing dangerous.
Q2.How did the passing crowd of busy people initially treat the elderly woman? Answer: (c) They hastened past uncaringly, heedless of her helpless plight. The crowd moved onward, absorbed in their own affairs without noticing her.
Q3.What noble thought prompted the young schoolboy to pause and help the old woman across? Answer: (a) He hoped someone would help his own mother in her old age if she were ever in need. Empathy led him to view every elderly person as "somebody's mother."
Q4.What prayer did the old woman offer for the compassionate boy that night? Answer: (d) "God, be kind to him, somebody's son, who was kind to me." Her heartfelt prayer asked God's blessings upon the helpful boy.
Q5.What is the predominant rhyme scheme observed in the rhyming couplets of the poem? Answer: (b) AABB. The poem is written in paired rhyming couplets (e.g., gray/day, snow/slow).
Q1.Dr. Verghese Kurien is celebrated throughout India as the: Answer: (a) Father of the White Revolution (Operation Flood). Dr. Kurien spearheaded the dairy cooperative movement, transforming India from a milk-deficient nation into the world's largest milk producer.
Q2.What cooperative dairy brand model was founded in Anand, Gujarat under Dr. Kurien's leadership? Answer: (c) Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited). Amul demonstrated that smallholder farmers could collectively manage processing, logistics, and retail distribution without middlemen.
Q3.What breakthrough technological innovation did Dr. Kurien and H.M. Dalaya pioneer for the dairy industry? Answer: (b) Manufacturing skimmed milk powder and condensed milk from buffalo milk. Before this breakthrough, western dairy experts believed milk powder could only be made from cow milk.
Q4.Whom did Dr. Kurien regard as the true owners and primary beneficiaries of the dairy cooperative? Answer: (d) The rural dairy farmers themselves. He championed farmer empowerment and cooperative ownership.
Q5.What is the title of Dr. Verghese Kurien's autobiography featured in this unit? Answer: (a) I Too Had a Dream. The chapter is adapted from his celebrated memoirs, I Too Had a Dream.
Q1.In 'The Case of the Fifth Word', what critical clue assists in solving the mystery? Answer: (c) A cipher message where the fifth word reveals the true intention. The detective elements hinge on deciphering hidden textual clues and word positioning.
Q2.What essential quality enables a detective to solve cryptic puzzles? Answer: (b) Keen observation, logical deduction, and attention to detail. Detective mysteries emphasize observation and rational deduction.
Q3.Identify the voice: "The secret code was deciphered by the young investigator." Answer: (a) Passive Voice. The grammatical subject receives the action of the verb (was deciphered) with the agent introduced by 'by'.
Q4.A story dealing with crimes, suspense, and unexpected resolutions belongs to the genre of: Answer: (d) Detective / Mystery Fiction. Mystery fiction focuses on investigating puzzles, crimes, or mysterious circumstances.
Q5.What is the synonym of 'cryptic'? Answer: (b) Mysterious / Enigmatic. 'Cryptic' means having a hidden or ambiguous meaning.
Q1.In 'The Magic Brush of Dreams' (based on the classic folk tale), what supernatural power does the brush possess? Answer: (a) Anything painted with it immediately comes to real life. The protagonist receives a magical paintbrush that brings paintings directly into reality to help the poor.
Q2.What strict condition was given regarding the use of the magic paintbrush? Answer: (b) It must be used solely to help the poor and needy, never for selfish riches. The gift came with moral responsibility to aid the impoverished.
Q3.What happens when the greedy ruler/landlord demands mountains of gold from the painter? Answer: (c) The artist paints a stormy sea/river and traps the greedy ruler, causing his downfall. Using creativity and intelligence, the painter turns the ruler's greed into punishment.
Q4.What does the magic paintbrush symbolize in the narrative? Answer: (a) The transformative power of art, imagination, and moral integrity. The story contrasts selfless creativity with the self-destruction of greed.
Q5.Choose the antonym of the word 'altruistic' (selfless): Answer: (d) Selfish / Covetous. 'Altruistic' means showing unselfish concern for others; its opposite is 'selfish' or 'covetous'.
Q1.What is the primary objective of the text 'Spectacular Wonders'? Answer: (b) To showcase extraordinary natural phenomena and human architectural marvels. The lesson takes readers on an appreciative tour of wonders of the world.
Q2.What feeling is evoked in readers when contemplating spectacular wonders? Answer: (a) Awe, curiosity, and reverence for nature and heritage. Exploring world wonders expands aesthetic horizons and historical awareness.
Q3.What is the adjective form of the noun 'spectacle'? Answer: (c) Spectacular. 'Spectacular' is the descriptive adjective meaning beautiful, eye-catching, or dramatic.
Q4.Which compound word means 'causing great admiration and surprise'? Answer: (a) Awe-inspiring. 'Awe-inspiring' describes something so extraordinary that it arouses immense admiration.
Q5.What is the main takeaway of Unit 3 (Mystery and Magic)? Answer: (b) Imagination, mystery, and wonder enrich the human mind. The unit encourages creative thinking and appreciation of wonder.
Q1.In Ruskin Bond's 'The Cherry Tree', who plants the cherry seed in the garden? Answer: (b) Rakesh. Six-year-old Rakesh puts the last remaining cherry seed into the soil after eating the cherries bought from the bazaar.
Q2.What multiple adversities does the tiny young cherry plant survive? Answer: (a) Being eaten by a goat, cut in half by a grass-cutter's scythe, and monsoon blight. Despite these severe setbacks, the cherry tree displays resilience and continues growing.
Q3.What deep emotion does Rakesh experience when the tree finally blossoms with pink flowers and bears fruit? Answer: (c) The awe and wonder of being part of creation: "Is this what it feels to be God?" Nurturing a plant into a full living tree gives Rakesh a profound sense of connection to nature.
Q4.Grandfather advised Rakesh to plant the seed because: Answer: (d) Nothing is of value unless it is put to some constructive use. Grandfather wisely tells him to plant the seed so it can live and grow.
Q5.The setting of 'The Cherry Tree' is located on the outskirts of which Himalayan town? Answer: (b) Mussoorie. The story is set in the Himalayan foothills near Mussoorie, where Ruskin Bond lived and wrote.
Q1.Who is the celebrated poet of 'Harvest Hymn'? Answer: (a) Sarojini Naidu. Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', composed this lyrical hymn of gratitude.
Q2.In 'Harvest Hymn', whom do the men and women offer their collective praises and thanksgiving to? Answer: (c) Surya (Sun), Varuna (Rain/Water), and Prithvi (Mother Earth). The harvesters sing praise to natural deities for bountiful golden grain.
Q3.What is the central tone of 'Harvest Hymn'? Answer: (b) Joyous, rhythmic, reverent, and grateful. The poem captures the festive spirit and gratitude of rural Indian harvest festivals.
Q4.What do the women in the poem specifically thank Mother Earth for? Answer: (d) For nourishing the seeds into golden sheaves of corn and grain. The earth is praised as the supreme mother providing sustenance to all living beings.
Q5.What poetic device is used in addressing nature deities directly as benevolent providers? Answer: (a) Apostrophe and Personification. Directly addressing natural forces as living providers employs both apostrophe and personification.
Q1.In 'Waiting for the Rain', what crucial agricultural reality is depicted? Answer: (b) The vital dependence of farmers on monsoon rains for parched fields. The story highlights the anxious anticipation and relief associated with the monsoon in rural life.
Q2.How does the landscape transform once the long-awaited rain finally arrives? Answer: (a) Parched brown soil awakens with lush greenery, refreshing life and earth. The monsoon brings renewal, cooling the atmosphere and rejuvenating crops.
Q3.What sensory imagery is strongest in the description of the approaching rainstorm? Answer: (c) The earthy petrichor scent, rolling thunder, and cooling gusts of wind. Rich auditory and olfactory imagery brings the arrival of the storm to life.
Q4.What is the term for the characteristic pleasant fragrance of earth after the first rain? Answer: (d) Petrichor. Petrichor is the distinctive scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.
Q5.What is the overarching theme of Unit 4 (Environment)? Answer: (a) Coexistence, reverence for nature, and ecological harmony. Unit 4 emphasizes humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Q1.In Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction story 'Feathered Friend', where is the plot set? Answer: (c) Aboard a space station in orbit. The crew lives and works inside a space station orbiting Earth.
Q2.Who smuggled the yellow canary bird named Claribel onto the space station? Answer: (a) Sven Olsen (a construction worker). Sven smuggled Claribel out of curiosity to see how a bird would adapt to zero gravity.
Q3.How did Claribel save the lives of everyone aboard the space station? Answer: (b) Her sudden collapse alerted the crew to failing oxygen levels when electronic alarms failed. Like canaries in coal mines, her sensitivity to bad air gave an early warning before the humans collapsed.
Q4.Why had the automated electronic alarm system failed to alert the crew? Answer: (d) An air circuit had frozen during eclipse and the alarm had not been connected. Claribel filled the safety gap left by the unconnected electronic alarm.
Q5.What historical practice does the story parallel in a futuristic setting? Answer: (a) Miners carrying canaries into coal mines to detect toxic gases. The story adapts the historical "canary in a coal mine" concept into space exploration.
Q1.What is the central theme of the poem 'Magnifying Glass'? Answer: (a) Observing minute details reveals hidden wonders of the natural world. The poem encourages curiosity and close observation of small everyday objects.
Q2.What everyday things become fascinating when viewed through a magnifying glass? Answer: (c) Insect wings, leaf veins, and grains of sand. Magnification brings hidden patterns and textures into view.
Q3.What scientific temperament does the poem inspire in young learners? Answer: (b) Keen curiosity, careful observation, and exploration. It encourages seeing ordinary nature with fresh wonder and scientific interest.
Q4.What type of lens is used in a standard magnifying glass? Answer: (a) Convex lens (converging lens). A convex lens refracts light rays to produce an enlarged virtual image.
Q5.Which poetic device is prominent when describing tiny organisms as 'miniature kingdoms'? Answer: (d) Metaphor and Imagery. Describing small insect habitats directly as kingdoms creates a visual metaphor.
Q1.Bibha Chowdhuri is honored in the history of Indian science as a pioneer in which discipline? Answer: (a) Cosmic ray and high-energy particle physics. She was the first Indian woman physicist to conduct research in high-energy particle physics and cosmic rays.
Q2.Under which Nobel Laureate did Bibha Chowdhuri conduct her doctoral research at the University of Manchester? Answer: (c) Patrick M.S. Blackett. She completed her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Patrick Blackett.
Q3.What remarkable celestial tribute was paid to Bibha Chowdhuri by the International Astronomical Union? Answer: (b) A star (HD 86081 in the constellation Sextans) was named 'Bibha'. In Sanskrit, 'Bibha' means a beam of light, honoring her pioneering legacy.
Q4.What societal barriers did Bibha Chowdhuri overcome during the early 20th century? Answer: (d) Severe gender stereotypes and social exclusion in a male-dominated scientific community. Her perseverance opened opportunities for future generations of women in STEM.
Q5.What is the main inspirational takeaway from the life of Bibha Chowdhuri? Answer: (a) Quiet determination and passion for research can break systemic barriers. Her life exemplifies resilience and dedication to scientific pursuit.
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FAQs
For the 2026-27 session, MCQs and objective-type questions carry around 20% weightage. CBSE has introduced 30% competency based questions as MCQs and they are important part of the Class 8 English paper.
You can access the latest chapter-wise MCQs for Class 8 English for free from StudiesToday.com. All questions are based on the latest syllabus and current academic year.
Yes, our English practice bank includes the new pattern of Assertion Reasoning and Case Study based MCQs. They have been designed to test the analytical skills of Class 8 students.
Solving Class 8 English MCQs regularly improves speed and accuracy as these are objective questions can get you 100% marks if your understanding of the topic is clear.
Yes, all Class 8 English MCQs and answers are accessible on any device at your convenience.
No, all English Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), practice papers, and solutions for Class 8 are available for free for students to get more marks school exams.