NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Unit 1 Wit and Wisdom Chapter 03 Wisdom Paves the Way

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Question. Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: We ask older family members for guidance because they have lived through many experiences. They have dealt with various challenges and learned solutions from those experiences. Their advice helps us avoid making similar mistakes and directs us toward better choices. Since they care about us deeply, their suggestions come from a place of genuine concern and knowledge about life.
In simple words: Elderly people have seen and done many things in life. Their advice helps us make better choices and avoid problems.

Exam Tip: When answering this type of question, mention both the experience factor and the emotional care behind elderly guidance - examiners look for both elements.

Question. Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgement. Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as either 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'.
(i) Riya's understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard.
(ii) Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
(iii) Karuna's expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.
(iv) Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
(v) Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
(vi) Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.
Answer:

In simple words: Knowledge means learning facts (like how to code or about music). Wisdom means using what you know to make smart life choices (like spending time with family or forgiving someone).

Exam Tip: The key difference is: knowledge is information you learn, while wisdom is how you use that information to live better - always look for decision-making or judgment in wisdom examples.

Question. Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: The roof of the house appears damaged, with visible cracks running through the walls. Pieces of broken pots scatter across the ground, and the straw roof looks unstable and weak. A monkey sits on the roof while a cat perches on a nearby tree branch, suggesting the house has been disturbed by animals. The people visible in the picture - two women wearing sarees and a man - seem to be discussing the damage together. Perhaps a family quarrel took place, or heavy rainfall and animal mischief caused the roof and walls to collapse. Everyone in the scene looks stressed and unsure, as if trying to figure out what should be done next. This scene shows that the family needs a smart solution to fix the damage and restore calm to the house.
In simple words: The house has been damaged - the roof is broken, walls have cracks, and pots are broken. Animals may have done this, or it could be from heavy rain or other causes.

Exam Tip: When describing images, mention specific visual details (cracks, broken items, animals) and connect them logically to possible causes - this shows careful observation skills.

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Question. Complete the following sentences with suitable reasons. Shiv Datt said, "I believe it has been over a week, perhaps even longer," because _______.
Answer: it had been a long time since they left the village.
In simple words: A lot of time had passed since they started traveling from home.

Exam Tip: For "because" questions, state the direct reason clearly - the answer should complete the sentence naturally without adding extra information.

Question. Dev Datt said, "Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain", because _______.
Answer: they believed the King might recognize their talents and offer them employment.
In simple words: They wanted to reach the King because they hoped he would see how skilled they were and give them jobs.

Exam Tip: Context from the dialogue shows their motivation clearly - identify what the character wants and why they want it for the best answer.

Question. Har Datt said, "Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh", because _______.
Answer: he observed clear camel tracks on the road that appeared recently made.
In simple words: He saw camel footprints on the ground that looked new and fresh.

Exam Tip: This answer shows observation skills - mention what evidence was seen and why it proved something was true.

Question. Shiv Datt said, "It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble," because _______.
Answer: the man was running hurriedly with a distressed expression suggesting he lost something valuable.
In simple words: The man was running fast and looked upset, like he had lost something important.

Exam Tip: Link observable details (running fast, upset face) to logical conclusions (something is wrong) - this demonstrates reasoning ability.

Question. The merchant said, "How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!" because _______.
Answer: the four men accurately described his camel's ailments without having seen it.
In simple words: The men told him about his camel's sickness even though they had never looked at the animal.

Exam Tip: The merchant's shock shows the four men had revealed knowledge they shouldn't have had - this is the turning point where suspicion arises.

Question. Dev Datt said, "You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder", because _______.
Answer: they were confident in their innocence and willing to face the King's judgment.
In simple words: They knew they had done nothing wrong and were ready to meet the King to prove it.

Exam Tip: Notice how their calm response and willingness to face judgment shows strong character - this confidence is what eventually wins the King's trust.

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Question. Arrange the following events in order of their occurrence from Scene II of the play.
(i) The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.
(ii) Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
(iii) The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
(iv) The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant's accusation.
(v) Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
(vi) Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel's pain and careful movement.
(vii) Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
(viii) The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
Answer:
(iii) The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
(viii) The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
(ii) Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
(v) Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
(vii) Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
(vi) Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel's pain and careful movement.
(iv) The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant's accusation.
(i) The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.
In simple words: The merchant makes an accusation, then each of the four men gives evidence about the camel one by one. Finally, the King believes them and makes them his advisers.

Exam Tip: For sequencing questions, identify the starting point (the accusation) and follow the logical flow of explanations that lead to the final decision by the King.

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Question. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. DEV DATT: Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us. RAM DATT: If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service. SHIV DATT: I share your belief. DEV DATT: Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain. HAR DATT: (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy. (i) Identify the false statement from the two given below and rectify it.
Answer: (A) Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task. (False)

Rectification: Dev Datt actually believes finding employment may take time ("many more roads to wander") and is not easy.
In simple words: Dev Datt thinks finding jobs will be hard and take a long time, not be easy.

Exam Tip: When identifying false statements, look carefully at what the character actually says - Dev Datt's words show he expects difficulty, not an easy path.

Question. (ii) What does Ram Datt's confidence in gaining the King's recognition tell us about him?
Answer: Ram Datt's confidence shows that he has faith in their combined talents and abilities. It reveals his positive, hopeful nature and his belief in a fair system where people of real worth get recognized for their merit. He seems self-assured and has strong hope about what they can achieve.
In simple words: Ram Datt believes in himself and his friends. He thinks good people who work hard will be rewarded fairly.

Exam Tip: Character analysis questions require you to connect what someone says with what it reveals about their personality, values, and outlook on life.

Question. (iii) Complete the sentence given below with the correct option from those given. In the line, "That's why we press on towards Ujjain", the phrase "press on" refers to __________.
(a) Walking with heavy steps
(b) Moving forward with determination
(c) Slowing down frequently for rest
(d) Stopping briefly to save time
Answer: (b) Moving forward with determination
In simple words: "Press on" means to keep going forward with strength and purpose, not to stop or slow down.

Exam Tip: Vocabulary questions require understanding the idiomatic meaning - "press on" is an expression meaning to continue with effort and resolve.

Question. (iv) Har Datt says, "We need to devise a strategy". What can be inferred about Har Datt's character from his statement?
(a) He is doubtful of their abilities and wants to give up.
(b) He is eager to rush into the palace without preparation.
(c) He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
(d) He relies on others to make decisions for the group.
Answer: (c) He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
In simple words: Har Datt likes to think things through and make a plan before doing something, rather than jumping in without thinking.

Exam Tip: When inferring character traits, look at actions and statements - Har Datt's call for a strategy shows he values careful planning and wisdom.

Question. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. KING: (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer? RAM DATT: (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of. (i) Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

The merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed because the King trusted the wisdom of the four young men and made them his advisers. This proved that their intelligence was greater than the merchant's accusation. The King's confidence in them showed the merchant how wrong he had been to suspect them.
In simple words: The merchant felt bad because the King believed the four men instead of him. This showed that the men were smart and honest, not thieves.

Exam Tip: For assertion-reason questions, check if both statements are true first, then check if the reason actually explains the assertion - the connection must be clear and logical.

Question. (ii) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option. The line, "See beyond the obvious" means that the men had the ability to __________.
(a) Challenge common beliefs with reasoning
(b) Interpret information in traditional ways
(c) Notice details that others might overlook
(d) Predict what is going to happen in the future
Answer: (c) Notice details that others might overlook.
In simple words: "See beyond the obvious" means to notice small clues and details that other people miss.

Exam Tip: Phrase interpretation relies on understanding context - the four men saw details about the camel that no one else noticed, which is what "seeing beyond the obvious" means.

Question. (iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. Ram Datt described the King's offer as "an honour we had not dared to dream of" because __________.
Answer: becoming royal advisers far exceeded their original hopes of finding simple employment and they felt unworthy of such high recognition.
In simple words: The job offer was much better than anything they had hoped for - it was bigger and more important than they expected.

Exam Tip: When completing reason sentences, show the gap between what they expected (regular jobs) and what they received (advisor positions) - the contrast is important.

Question. (iv) How does the King's offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?
Answer: The King's offer shows that he:
1. Values intelligence and wisdom more than social position or birth.
2. Rewards merit and careful observation skills.
3. Seeks trustworthy counsel to help run his kingdom well.
4. Recognizes and honors real talent wherever he finds it.
5. Believes in justice by dismissing false accusations and protecting the innocent.
6. Wants advisors who think carefully and can guide his choices wisely.
In simple words: The King cares about finding smart, honest people who can help him. He judges people by their abilities, not where they come from.

Exam Tip: Values-based questions need multiple supporting points from the text - show different ways the King demonstrates his character through his actions and choices.

Question. What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men's journey?
Answer: The dusty road indicates that their journey was lengthy and demanding. Traveling on such a road under the hot sun would have been exhausting and tiring. However, the challenging journey also gave the four young men good chances to watch the world around them carefully and use their thinking skills wisely.
In simple words: The dusty road shows the journey was long and hard. But this hardship also helped them practice their observation skills.

Exam Tip: When analyzing symbolic or descriptive details, show both the literal meaning (dusty road = difficult journey) and the deeper meaning (experience sharpens observation).

Question. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?
Answer: The merchant became suspicious because the men accurately described his camel's medical problems (lameness, blindness, short tail and stomach pain) without claiming to have examined it. This reveals that the merchant was quick to judge others and prone to jumping to bad conclusions about people. He tends to assume the worst about those around him rather than looking for good explanations.
In simple words: The merchant got angry because the men knew things about his camel they shouldn't have known. This shows he doesn't trust people easily and blames them without thinking.

Exam Tip: Character analysis through actions shows personality - the merchant's quick suspicion reveals his tendency to distrust and accuse rather than investigate the truth.

Question. How do the four young men's observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?
Answer: The men's sharp observations about the camel mark a turning point by:
- Showing their remarkable observation abilities and clear thinking.
- Proving their strong capacity for logical reasoning and analysis.
- Convincing the King that they possess genuine intelligence and wisdom.
- Changing them from accused travelers facing charges to valued advisors in the court.
- Ending the merchant's false accusation and establishing their innocence.
In simple words: Their smart observations about the camel showed how clever they were. This made the King trust them and offer them jobs as advisers instead of punishing them.

Exam Tip: Turning points shift the direction of a story - identify what changes before and after (suspects to advisors) and list the key impacts of this moment.

Question. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?
Answer: The King believed the four young men because:
- They gave detailed, reasoned explanations for each thing they observed.
- Their conclusions about the camel displayed genuine wisdom and insight.
- Their responses showed sharp thinking and intelligence.
- The merchant had no evidence to support his claim of theft.
- Their calm behavior contrasted sharply with the merchant's angry accusations.
In simple words: The four men explained their findings with logic and proof. The merchant just yelled and accused them without any evidence. The King saw the difference.

Exam Tip: When answering "Why did character A believe person B," compare the credibility of both sides - logic and calm reasoning win over angry accusations.

Question. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?
Answer: The young men were observant, careful thinkers, and wise. They could examine small details closely and reach accurate conclusions from what they saw. Such sharp judgment and logical thinking are essential qualities that advisors in a ruler's court need to have. These abilities help them give good advice on difficult matters facing the kingdom.
In simple words: The men notice small things others miss and think carefully before deciding. These are exactly the skills a ruler needs in his advisers.

Exam Tip: Connect the characters' demonstrated abilities to the job requirements - show how observation, reasoning, and wisdom directly make them fit for advisory roles.

Question. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.
Answer: The merchant felt ashamed because he came to understand that he had blamed innocent people without cause. The King showed trust in the young men's wisdom and rewarded them, which made the merchant see how mistaken he had been. His false accusation caused them to face judgment, yet they turned out to be honorable and intelligent. This realization filled the merchant with shame and embarrassment about his hasty, unkind behavior.
In simple words: The merchant blamed innocent people for something they didn't do. When the King made them advisers, the merchant realized he was wrong. He felt bad for falsely accusing them.

Exam Tip: Emotional responses need explanation - show the cause (discovery of his error) and effect (shame) with clear connection between what he did and how he felt.

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Question. Complete the sentences by filling in the noun form of the textual words given in the brackets.
(i) Some word games need a lot of thought and __________ . (deduce)
(ii) We need to make close __________ of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)
(iii) A detailed __________ of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)
(iv) You should not make any false __________ against anyone. (accuse)
(v) She was given an award in __________ of her contribution to literature. (recognise)
Answer:
(i) deduction
(ii) observation
(iii) scrutiny
(iv) accusation
(v) recognition
In simple words: These are the noun forms of the action words, used to name things rather than describe actions.

Exam Tip: For word form conversions, remember that verbs become nouns by adding suffixes like -tion, -sion, or -ity - practice recognizing common patterns.

Question. Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

In simple words: These expressions are special phrases where the words together mean something different from their word-by-word meanings.

Exam Tip: Learning idiomatic expressions requires understanding their complete meaning - you cannot guess these by translating each word separately.

Question. Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1.
Answer:
1. With all our hearts: The soldiers pledged their loyalty to the nation with all their hearts.
2. To be precise: The scientist measured the chemical mixture to be precise, ensuring no errors.
3. Gain an audience with: The diplomat hoped to gain an audience with the President to discuss peace.
4. Erupts in applause: When the singer hit the high note, the crowd erupted in applause.
5. More than meets the eye: The detective suspected the case had more than meets the eye.
In simple words: Using these phrases in sentences shows you understand their real meanings and how to use them in context.

Exam Tip: When creating sentences with idioms, place them naturally within a situation that makes their meaning clear - this demonstrates genuine understanding.

Question. Match the different meanings of "face" and "bear" with the correct usage in the sentences given in the table below. (n. stands for the word noun and v. stands for the word verb.)

In simple words: Words can have different meanings depending on whether they are nouns or verbs, and different meanings in different situations.

Exam Tip: When matching word meanings, check both the part of speech (noun or verb) and the context of the sentence to find the correct meaning.

Question. Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2.

In simple words: Modal verbs like "will," "must," "should," "may," and "can" show different meanings - they express whether something is possible, necessary, or required.

Exam Tip: Identify the modal verb first, then think about what job it does in the sentence - is it showing command, possibility, obligation, or something else?

Question. Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given below by using the clues from the functions given within brackets. may must should can might could need to

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, "How 1. ______ (ability) I become wise like you?" The old man smiled and said, "Wisdom 2. ______ (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. ______ (suggestion) listen, more than you speak." The boy thought for a while and replied, "It 4. ______ (weak possibility) take years, but I'll try." The old man nodded. "You 5. ______ (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. ______ (possibility) come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it." The boy knew he 7. ______ (ability) become wise if he followed the old man's advice.
Answer:
An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, "How 1. can (ability) I become wise like you?" The old man smiled and said, "Wisdom 2. must (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. should (suggestion) listen, more than you speak." The boy thought for a while and replied, "It 4. might (weak possibility) take years, but I'll try." The old man nodded. "You 5. need to (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. may (possibility) come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it." The boy knew he 7. could (ability) become wise if he followed the old man's advice.
In simple words: Choose the right modal verb based on what meaning fits the bracket hint - each modal shows a different shade of meaning.

Exam Tip: Match the function in brackets to the correct modal verb by thinking about what job it must do in the sentence - ability, necessity, suggestion, possibility, obligation, or hope.

Question. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs. You may take clues from the highlighted words. One example has been done for you.
(i) It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
Answer: You should think before you speak.
In simple words: The word "advisable" means "should" - it suggests something is a good idea.

Exam Tip: Match the highlighted word's meaning to the right modal verb - "advisable" signals "should," "unnecessary" signals "needn't," and so on.

Question. (ii) It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
Answer: You needn't worry about things beyond your control.
In simple words: Unnecessary means you don't have to do it, so use "needn't" - the contraction of "need not."

Exam Tip: "Unnecessary" and "unnecessary" point to "needn't" - this shows something is not required, unlike "must not" which means it is forbidden.

Question. (iii) It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
Answer: One cannot gain experience without taking risks.
In simple words: "Not possible" means something is unable to happen, so use "cannot" - this shows something is impossible.

Exam Tip: "Not possible" and "impossible" both signal "cannot" - this modal shows that something is unable to happen, not that someone chooses not to do it.

Question. (iv) It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
Answer: You must treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
In simple words: "Essential" means absolutely necessary, so use "must" - this shows something is very important and required.

Exam Tip: "Essential" and "required" signal "must" - this is the strongest modal showing something is absolutely necessary and important.

Question. (v) It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Answer: You must not interrupt when someone else is speaking.
In simple words: "Not allowed" means you are forbidden to do something, so use "must not" - this shows something is prohibited.

Exam Tip: "Not allowed" and "forbidden" both signal "must not" - this is stronger than "needn't" because it shows something is specifically prohibited, not just optional.

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Question. You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match statements 1-6 given below to the speakers (i)-(iv). There are two statements you do not need.

In simple words: You match what each speaker says to the statements that describe their main idea - only four of the six statements match the speakers.

Exam Tip: For matching exercises, listen carefully for key words that match the statement wording - "manage calmly" and "deactivate tensions" are the clue words to listen for.

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Question. The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning. Read the following examples and work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing on the highlighted words. Share the meanings of the sentences with each other and teacher. I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

In simple words: When you stress or emphasize one word in a sentence, it changes what the sentence is really trying to say - the other words mean something different.

Exam Tip: Stress marks emphasis or contrast - stressing one word means the listener pays more attention to that word and thinks about what makes it different or special in the sentence.

Question. Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone. Listen to the teacher read these sentences aloud and repeat it with the correct intonation. Now, practise by saying the following sentences with the correct intonation. Good day, kind sirs.
Answer: Good day, kind sirs↘.

Explanation: This is a polite greeting. The falling tone at the end shows that the statement is complete and finished - it expresses politeness and respect for the people being greeted.
In simple words: Your voice goes down at the end of this sentence. The falling tone shows you are being polite and respectful.

Exam Tip: Statements and greetings drop the voice at the end (falling tone) - this is different from questions that go up (rising tone) at the end.