NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Unit 1 Wit and Wisdom Chapter 01 The Wit that Won Hearts

Question. Why are qualities like humour and wit important in a person?
Answer: Humour and wit make life feel lighter and more enjoyable. When someone has these qualities, they can bring smiles to others even during stressful times. Wit also shows how quickly a person can think. It allows us to respond in clever ways without hurting people's feelings. Everyone enjoys being around such people because they bring positive energy wherever they go.
In simple words: Humour and wit help people get along better and make life happier for everyone around them.

Exam Tip: Link qualities like wit and humour to real-life benefits such as solving conflicts and building relationships when answering.

Question. Why do you think kings and queens preferred to have witty people among their courtiers?
Answer: Kings and queens valued witty people because they made the court an exciting and dynamic place. A clever courtier could handle problems without causing fights and could also offer smart guidance when needed. Rulers often faced tricky situations and disputes, and witty people gave them inventive ways to handle these challenges. Additionally, humour helped keep the ruler calm, happy, and mentally relaxed.
In simple words: Witty people made the king's court lively and helped solve problems with clever ideas instead of fighting.

Exam Tip: Remember to mention three key points: how they made court lively, their problem-solving ability, and their role in keeping rulers relaxed.

Question. If you were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, what approach would you take?
Answer: I would begin by listening carefully to what both people have to say. Next, I would work to understand the core reason behind their conflict. After that, I would speak respectfully with both of them and try to find a solution that makes them both feel heard and satisfied. If the moment felt right, I might use a little humour to ease the tension they were feeling.
In simple words: Listen to both sides, find out why they are angry, talk kindly to them, and try to find a way that helps both feel better.

Exam Tip: Show your answer follows a clear sequence - listen, understand, communicate, resolve - which demonstrates a mature problem-solving approach.

Question. Have you ever been in a situation where a small misunderstanding led to a big problem? How was it resolved?
Answer: Yes, one time my friend believed I had ignored her during a game, though really I simply did not hear her call out to me. She became upset and decided to stop speaking with me. Later, I explained what actually happened and even made her laugh with a small joke. We both laughed together and the disagreement ended. I learned from this that talking openly and clearly stops most conflicts before they grow larger.
In simple words: A small misunderstanding made my friend angry, but when I explained and we laughed together, it got better.

Exam Tip: Personal examples carry more weight - use specific details and explain what you learned to make your answer more compelling.

Question. Rectify the following false statements from the text.
Answer:

(1) The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem.
This is false. The queen's yawning came from tiredness, not a deliberate show of disrespect. The king got the wrong idea and viewed her natural action as rudeness.

(2) Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen.
This is false. Tenali Rama made a smart plan using paddy seeds to help the king see his error in an indirect way. He did not go straight to the king. Instead, through wit and by using a comparison, he made the king grasp his mistake.

(3) The courtiers admired the king's poem and praised his literary talent.
This is false. The courtiers stayed away from the king and gave reasons to avoid hearing his poem. The courtiers kept away from the king after hearing his unclear poem, showing they did not like it.

(4) The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama's idea about paddy cultivation.
This is false. The courtiers made fun of Rama's claim about special paddy seeds in a mocking way and did not believe him. Their response included quiet remarks and small laughs showing doubt rather than excitement.

(5) The king never realized his mistake and continued to stay angry with the queen.
This is false. The king came to see that he had overreacted and asked the queen to forgive him. The story finishes with the king seeing that his pride had clouded his judgment and making peace with the queen.

Exam Tip: When correcting false statements, always provide the true information clearly and back it up with details from the text to show careful reading.

Question 1(i). Why does the queen believe that only Tenali Rama can help the king understand?
Answer: The queen feels that Tenali Rama alone can help the king because Rama is extremely witty and intelligent. He has the gift to explain things in a way that is both amusing and meaningful. The king pays attention to him because Rama's words are always engaging and filled with deeper truths wrapped in humour. The queen knows that Rama can make the king recognize his error while keeping the king from feeling hurt or embarrassed.
In simple words: Rama is clever and funny, and the king listens to him. He can make the king understand without making him feel bad.

Exam Tip: Focus on Rama's unique qualities - his wit, intelligence, and ability to deliver hard truths through humour - to explain why he is the only one who can help.

Question 1(ii). What does the queen's statement suggest about her feelings?
Answer: The queen shows deep faith and confidence in Tenali Rama. She believes that Rama has the wisdom to guide the king in the correct path. Her words also show she feels concerned about the king but does not want to upset him by talking to him herself, so she puts her hope in Rama's sharp wit to help him see the truth.
In simple words: The queen trusts Rama. She worries about the king but thinks Rama's clever words are the safest way to help.

Exam Tip: Identify and name two emotions the queen shows - trust in Rama and worry about the king - to give a complete picture of her feelings.

Question 1(iii). How does Tenali Rama's response reflect his wisdom?
Answer: Tenali Rama's response reveals wisdom in multiple ways. He does not fight back or show anger. Rather, he uses clever thinking and humour to give the king a valuable lesson. He picks simple examples and smart language that make the king both laugh and think hard about what he has done. His way of talking shows that true wisdom goes beyond just knowing facts - it includes the skill of solving problems calmly and smartly.
In simple words: Rama does not get angry. He uses funny and clever words to help the king think deeply about his mistake.

Exam Tip: Show that Rama's wisdom includes emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, not just knowledge.

Question 1(iv). Fill in the blank with correct option: The king's reaction shows that he is sensitive and __________.
Answer: The king's reaction shows that he is sensitive and takes great pride in his poetry.
In simple words: The king feels upset easily and cares a lot about how people judge his poems.

Exam Tip: The word "pride" captures both his concern for his poetry and his quick reaction to what he saw as disrespect.

Question 2(i). Complete the following with a suitable explanation. When the king said, "I let my pride blind me", he means that __________.
Answer: When the king said, "I let my pride blind me", he means that his sense of self-importance stopped him from seeing the true, harmless nature of what the queen had done and led him to wrongly think her tiredness was a sign of disrespect.
In simple words: His pride made him think the queen meant to hurt him when really she was just tired.

Exam Tip: Explain that pride clouds judgment and causes us to misread others' actions - a key theme in understanding character growth.

Question 2(ii). Why does the queen say, "If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us"?
Answer: The queen says this because she wishes to end the argument in a calm way and show the king that she forgives him rather than holding onto anger and hurt feelings.
In simple words: The queen wants to move past the fight and show the king she has forgiven him.

Exam Tip: The queen's gentle phrasing shows grace and maturity - she doesn't demand an apology but creates the space for peace.

Question 2(iii). Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets. The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows __________.
Answer: The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows maturity and self-awareness.
In simple words: The king can see his own mistake and admit it, which means he is growing up and knows himself better.

Exam Tip: Being able to admit one's own error is a sign of emotional growth - this is a key learning point from the text.

Question 2(iv). State any one characteristic that the queen's response to the king's apology shows about her.
Answer: The queen displays kindness and generosity by accepting the king's apology without holding a grudge and by showing interest in his poem to help rebuild their bond.
In simple words: The queen is kind. She forgives easily and wants to make things good again.

Exam Tip: Her response shows not just forgiveness but also active effort to restore the relationship through renewed interest.

Question II. Answer the following questions.
Answer:

1. Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered to be in its Golden Era during Krishnadeva Raya's reign?
During Krishnadeva Raya's rule, the Vijayanagara Empire was called its Golden Era because the kingdom grew very rich and powerful and enjoyed peace. The arts, writing, music, and business all grew and did well. The king was both brave as a warrior and kind as a ruler who helped poets, scholars, and clever people like Tenali Rama succeed.

2. How did Tenali Ramakrishna gain a special place in the king's court?
Tenali Ramakrishna earned his special position through his sharp wit, clever humour, and quick thinking. He solved many difficult situations in creative ways and could make the king smile even during serious moments. His honesty and deep wisdom made the king value him and trust him fully.

3. How did the quarrel between the king and queen affect the palace?
The fight between the king and queen filled the palace with sadness and stress. All the people who worked in the court and the palace helpers felt troubled and anxious. The palace lost its happy feeling until Tenali Rama stepped in and restored peace.

4. What strategy did Tenali Rama use to make the king realize his mistake?
Tenali Rama used wit and a clever story as his way forward. He did not scold the king. Instead, he spoke in a way that was both funny and deep. His smart words made the king laugh but also think carefully about what he had done. This way, the king could see his error without feeling insulted.

5. What was the reaction of courtiers to Tenali Rama's special paddy seeds?
The courtiers felt shocked and very curious when Tenali Rama showed his 'special' paddy seeds. Several of them even giggled because they thought Rama was just joking. But soon they grasped that he was using cleverness to teach the king a valuable truth.

6. How does the story conclude and what lesson can be learnt?
The story finishes when the king admits he made a mistake and says that his pride had blocked his thinking. He asks the queen for forgiveness and calm returns to the palace. The key lesson is that pride can cloud our thinking and lead to wrong choices, yet wisdom and humour can heal disagreements without harming anyone.

Exam Tip: When answering "how does the story conclude" questions, always include both the ending event AND the lesson learned for full marks.

Question I. Fill in the blanks and complete the paragraph by choosing suitable expressions from the box given below.
Answer: My mother is quite witty and her sense of humour always lightens stressful moments. Once at a family dinner an argument began over a minor issue and (1) cast a shadow making everyone feel uncomfortable. Just as things were getting serious she made a clever remark and laughter (2) rippled through the gathering making everyone relaxed. The person who started the argument (3) stormed off. Everyone disapproved of the action and a (4) hush fell over. My (5) mind raced back to how my mother had saved other situations like this. Without her such moments would have (6) murmur swept through over the gatherings. I hope that I grow up to be as witty as my mother.
In simple words: My mother uses humour to calm fights. One time she made everyone laugh when they were angry, and that stopped the argument.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the context and the grammar of surrounding words when choosing from the word bank - this helps you pick the right phrase every time.

Question II. The writer uses words like 'roared', 'murmur' in the text to indicate the sound produced. Fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from the box given below.
Answer:
(1) As the teacher began the riddle challenge a murmur of excitement spread through the classroom.
(2) Anaya sighed in relief - she loved riddles more than solving Mathematics problems.
(3) 'Think carefully' the teacher began to whisper, as she wrote a riddle on the board.
(4) When the question was revealed a few students gasped realizing it wasn't as easy as they had expected.
(5) Some exchanged snickers, wondering if anyone at all would be able to solve it.
(6) Just then Anaya tapped her book on the desk with a small thud deep in thought.
(7) 'Ah I see it now!' she said stretching with a groan as if it had taken her great effort.
(8) A small breeze made the windows rattle, adding to the suspense of the moment.
(9) 'So what's the answer?' the students roared, their voices filled with playful enthusiasm.
(10) Leaning forward with a smile, Anaya mumbled, 'Sometimes, the trickiest questions have the simplest answers.'
In simple words: Sound words help readers feel the sounds happening in a story, making it come alive in their minds.

Exam Tip: Match sound words to the action and emotion - soft sounds for quiet moments, loud sounds for excitement - to create the right feeling.

Question III. Create new compound words by matching words in Column 1 with those in Column 2. Then fill in the blanks with the words created in the previous question.
Answer:

Ravi was (i) soft-spoken always speaking calmly even in arguments. He grew up in a lively (ii) house-hold where he learned to handle different personalities. His friend Arun however was (iii) ill-tempered and often lost his patience. Despite this Arun admired Ravi's (iv) common-sense thinking. One evening as they passed a (v) dance-hall they saw some performers rushing out. Ravi noticed that one of them dropped a (vi) sky-blue book on the ground. "Is this yours?" he asked. "Oh thank you young man!" the performer smiled. "It's a recent purchase from the (vii) book-store round the corner." True to his nature Arun promptly said to Ravi "It's (viii) quick-witted that it's not from a bakery but bookshop!" Ravi smiled and they walked on.
In simple words: Compound words join two simple words together to make a new word with its own meaning.

Exam Tip: Remember that compound words can be written as one word, with a hyphen, or as two words - all three forms are correct depending on the word.

Question IV. Identify the subordinate and main clauses in the given sentences.
Answer:

Sentence 2:
Subordinate clause: If by chance something were to go wrong
Main clause: Our farmers would suffer.

Sentence 3:
Subordinate clause: If I had known this would happen
Main clause: I would have chosen another day.

Exam Tip: The subordinate clause always begins with "if" and gives a condition. The main clause shows the result or action that follows.

Question (Match the subordinate clauses in Column 1 with the appropriate main clauses in Column 2 to make complete sentences).
Answer:

Exam Tip: Look at the verb tense in the "if" clause - past conditions match with "would have" results, present conditions match with "will" results.

Question V. Complete the following sentences appropriately with either the main clause or the subordinate clause (if clause).
Answer:
(1) Your teacher will be unhappy if you don't complete your homework.
(2) They would have caught the train if they had left earlier.
(3) You will feel tired if you continue to stay up late every night.
(4) If she knew the answer she would tell us immediately.
(5) She would have passed the exam if she had studied harder.
(6) If I had a million rupees, I would donate half to charity.
In simple words: For each sentence, add either a condition (if part) or a result (main part) so the sentence makes complete sense.

Exam Tip: Keep verb tenses consistent - past conditions pair with "would have", present conditions pair with "will".

Question VI. Complete the following sentences. One example has been done for you.
Answer:
(1) If I were a tree, I would play with the wind and talk to the birds.
(2) If I were the Head Teacher of my school, I would make learning more fun.
(3) If I were a bird, I would fly around the world.
(4) If I were a magician, I would make everyone happy.
(5) If I had studied harder, I would have scored better marks.
In simple words: Use your imagination to complete what you would do if you were something or someone else.

Exam Tip: Be creative but keep the grammar correct - imaginative answers with proper tenses show both creativity and language skills.

Question (Let us listen).
Answer:

I. Fill in the blanks by selecting the correct options.
(1) The rope tying the bundle of sticks was (ii) thick.
(2) The scholar is finally referred to as (iii) arrogant.

II. Number the events of the story in the correct order of occurrence.
(5) The visitor wanted to show his superiority over others in the palace.
(8) The court scholars were afraid of the king's anger.
(2) Rama accepted the challenge thrown by the visitor.
(3) Rama had a bundle tied in silk when he came to the palace.
(1) The great scholar was ashamed because he did not know what to say.
(7) The king wanted to know more about the work mentioned by Rama.
(6) Rama showed the work to be a bundle of sticks tied together by a rope.
(4) The king laughed at the explanation given by Rama.
In simple words: Follow the order of events in the story from beginning to end, event by event.

Exam Tip: Read the events carefully and arrange them in the exact sequence they happen in the story for full marks.

Question (Let us speak).
Answer:

I. Mark the intonation in the questions given below.
"Yes" or "No" Questions: Rising tone (↗)
(i) Is this your cat? ↗
(iii) Will you be going to your village? ↗
(v) Is this where you live? ↗
(vii) Can I meet your parents? ↗
(ix) Do you have any plans for tomorrow? ↗

"Wh" Questions: Falling tone (↘)
(ii) What is the name of your cat? ↘
(iv) Why are you going to your village? ↘
(vi) Where do you live? ↘
(viii) How are your parents? ↘
(x) What are you going to do tomorrow? ↘
In simple words: Yes-or-no questions go up at the end, Wh- questions go down at the end.

Exam Tip: Practice saying these questions aloud with the correct intonation - your voice should rise or fall naturally at the end depending on the question type.

Question II. Work in pairs and take turns to ask and answer questions about a trip that you are planning. Here are some prompts for you.
Answer:

Questions About a Planned Trip:
• Where are you going for your trip?
I'm going to Manali.
• Why are you going there?
I want to enjoy the snow and relax during my vacation.
• How will you travel to Manali?
I'll be taking a bus from Delhi.
• When will your trip begin?
My trip will start next Monday.
• Who will go with you?
I'm going with my family - my parents and sister.
• What activities are you planning to do there?
I'm planning to go trekking, try skiing, and visit the Hadimba Temple.

Questions About a Witty Character from a Folktale:
1. Who is the witty character in the folktale you like most?
Tenali Ramakrishna is my favourite witty character.
2. Why is his wit important in the story?
His cleverness always helped solve difficult problems in the king's court.
3. What is the most famous trick he used?
He once tricked thieves by pretending to throw valuables into a well.
4. When is the story set?
It is set during the rule of King Krishnadeva Raya in the 16th century.
5. How did Tenali Rama use his wit to solve problems?
He used logic, humour, and sharp thinking to find peaceful solutions.
6. Where do most of his stories take place?
Most stories are set in the royal court of the Vijayanagara Empire.
In simple words: Ask Wh- questions about a trip you plan, and answer each one with real information about where, when, who, and what.

Exam Tip: Use complete, well-formed sentences in your answers and vary your vocabulary to show fluency in spoken English.

Question (Let us write - A narrative essay on a personal experience).
Answer:

The Day I Learnt the Value of Teamwork
It was a bright Saturday morning when our school announced an inter-class sports competition. I felt excited because our class was participating in the relay race and I was chosen as one of the runners. At first, I thought it would be easy - I just had to run fast and hand over the baton. But the day turned out to be a bigger lesson than I had imagined.
During practice, I noticed that each of us was focused only on running as fast as possible. We often dropped the baton because we weren't coordinating properly. Our sports teacher reminded us, "Relay races aren't about who runs the fastest, but how well the team works together". This made me think. I started encouraging my teammates to practice the handover technique carefully. Soon, we began to trust each other and our movements became smoother.
On the day of the race, my heart was pounding as I waited for my turn. When the baton reached me, I ran with all my energy, but what truly mattered was how perfectly I passed it to the next runner. Our team didn't win first place, but we finished the race without a single mistake. Standing together at the finish line, we felt proud - not for winning, but for working as one.
That day, I learnt that teamwork is about trust, communication and supporting each other. It's not just about individual effort, but how we come together to achieve something bigger.

A Small Act of Kindness that Made a Difference
One rainy afternoon, as I was returning home from school, I noticed an elderly man standing by the roadside. He held an umbrella that had turned inside out because of the strong wind. His grocery bag had fallen and apples were rolling onto the wet pavement. People passed by without stopping, too busy or too hurried to notice. I hesitated for a moment, then ran over to help.
I picked up the apples and handed him the bag. His hands were trembling and his clothes were soaked. I offered to walk him home since his house was just a lane away. On the way, he told me he lived alone and had no one nearby to help. As we reached his doorstep, he patted my shoulder and said with a smile, "Today, you were my sunshine on a rainy day".
I didn't expect much from that moment, but later, the school principal called me to the stage in morning assembly. The old man had written a letter to the school, appreciating my help. I was overwhelmed. That small act, which took just a few minutes, had made someone feel seen and cared for.
That day, I learnt how even a simple gesture can bring comfort to someone in need. Kindness doesn't require big actions - just a caring heart and a willingness to help.
In simple words: A narrative essay tells a real or imagined story from your own view. It should have a beginning, middle, and end, and teach a lesson at the end.

Exam Tip: Use first-person pronouns (I, my, me), describe your feelings during the experience, and make sure your lesson is clear and meaningful.

Question (Let us explore - Limericks).
Answer:

Limerick 1:
A monkey once danced in the rain,
With a banana he could not contain.
He slipped with a shout,
And the fruit popped out,
Now he dances with cautious refrain!

Limerick 2:
A boy named Sam had a shoe so bright,
It sparkled and glowed in the night.
He tripped on a stone,
And let out a groan,
Now he hides it from everyone's sight!

Exam Tip: When writing limericks, focus on the rhythm (the beat when read aloud) and the unexpected twist at the end to make people smile.

Question. Limerick 3
Answer: There once was a boy named Daddu, who enjoyed eating motichoor Laddu. He placed it outside, the ants got in, and now the jar belongs to them - what a trick!
In simple words: A boy left his sweet laddu outside, and ants took it over instead.

Exam Tip: When reading limericks, notice the rhyming pattern and the humour in the ending twist.

Question. Go to the library and read a story of your choice. Share its theme and the interesting parts of the story with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:

Story 1: Panchatantra - The Monkey and the Crocodile
Theme: This story shows us how being smart and quick-thinking matter, and how we should pick our friends carefully.
Interesting Parts: A clever monkey lives on a tree next to a river. He makes friends with a crocodile and gives him yummy fruits every day. One day, the crocodile's wife asks him to bring the monkey home so she can eat his heart. The crocodile tries to fool the monkey into coming with him. But the monkey is too smart - he figures out the trick and saves himself by saying his heart is back up in the tree. The ending is full of surprise and shows that being clever can keep you safe from danger.

Story 2: The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond
Theme: The story shows us the power of being kind to others, the sadness that comes from wanting what someone else has, and why forgiving people matters. It tells us that giving to others brings more joy than keeping things for ourselves.
Interesting Parts: A young girl called Binya gets a pretty blue umbrella that everyone in her village loves. The man who runs the village shop, Ram Bharosa, becomes unhappy because he wants the umbrella for himself. But then something wonderful happens - when Binya finds out how much he wants it, she gives it to him as a gift. This act of kindness changes how Ram Bharosa thinks and feels, making the end of the story both touching and something you will never forget.

Story 3: The Thirsty Crow
Theme: The story teaches that being smart and working hard can help us get through tough times. Even when things look bad, we should not quit - we should keep trying to find answers.
Interesting Parts: The most captivating moment is when the crow finds a pot with water in it, but the water is too low to reach. Instead of flying away upset, the crow thinks of something clever. It picks up tiny stones one by one and puts them in the pot. Little by little, the water goes up higher, and at last, the crow can drink. I found this part amazing because it shows how the crow thinks creatively and never gives up. Even though the story is short and simple, it teaches an important lesson: "If you really want something, you will find a way to get it".

Question. You must have read stories of wit, humour and wisdom in your own language or English. Make a list of these stories that you have read on a chart paper. Each student should read at least one new story from the list.
Answer:

Stories of Wit, Humour and Wisdom:

1. Tenali Rama and the Thieves - Tenali Rama plays a trick on the thieves by talking loudly about keeping treasure in the well.
2. Akbar and Birbal: The Crows in the Kingdom - Birbal gives a smart answer to Akbar's question about how many crows live in the city.
3. The Thirsty Crow - The crow uses stones to reach water in a pot.
4. The Shepherd's Wisdom (Panchatantra) - A poor shepherd offers clever answers to questions asked by the king and gets rewarded.
5. The Lion and the Clever Rabbit (Panchatantra) - A small rabbit beats a strong lion by fooling him into falling into a well.
6. Mulla Nasruddin's Stories - Humorous stories where Mulla uses his brains to sort out problems, like riding his donkey the wrong way around.
7. The Fox and the Grapes (Aesop's Fable) - Shows us that it is wise not to wish for things we cannot have.
8. The Farmer and His Lazy Sons - The farmer uses a clever plan to get his sons to work harder in the field.
9. Akbar and Birbal: The Pot of Wisdom - Birbal shows the king that knowledge cannot be counted or kept in a pot.
10. Tenali Rama and the Weight of the Elephant - Tenali Rama gives a smart answer to the problem of weighing the king's big elephant.

In simple words: These are stories where characters use their brains and good humour to sort out big problems and teach lessons at the same time.

Exam Tip: When making your chart, group stories by their main idea - some teach about being clever, some about kindness, some about not giving up. This helps you remember them better and share them well with your class.