CBSE Class 8 English Sample Paper Set S

CBSE Class 8 English Sample Paper Set S.Sample Papers are the very important for every student. The sample papers should be practiced to gain extra marks in examinations. The sample papers have been prepared based on summative assessment1 and summative assessment 2 pattern. The sample papers have been prepared based on pattern of last year examinations and as per latest changes in the syllabus. Students, teachers and parents can download all CBSE educational material and very well prepared worksheets from this website.  All CBSE educational material is developed by our panel of teachers, have also been submitted by CBSE teachers and students. 

Section A

(Reading)

A1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Qawwals, it is said, have the ethereal quality of touching the heart and soul of people across cultures, religions and race. However, these ambassadors of universal brotherhood and divine love are fighting their own personal battle against the crass exploitations of qawwali as an art form.

In a world of remixes and „filmi qawaalis‟, this spiritual singing form is dying its own slow death. One of the few remaining bastions where this art is flourishing is the tomb of the famous 14th century saint Nizamuddin Auliya. A place where this singing style originated has become the only refuge for the peddlers of this art form.

“It is not just an art form, it is a concept which played a big part in bringing the country‟s two major communities together. The genesis of qawwali took place by the intermingling of Hindu culture, local dialects and Islamic concepts,” says Ghulam Hussain Nizami, explaining the origin of qawwali.

“The word qawwali is actually derived from the word „qoul‟ or dictum. A qawwal is actually a person who sings the dictums of the prophet and the praises of the Lord. The compositions of qawwali are musical interpretations of religion and bring forth the deep spirituality of the people,” Nizami explains.

For most of these qawwals, the only source of income is the money gifted by people who visit the tomb of Nizamudin Auliya. In order to survive, many of these singers have turned their backs on practising this art in its true form.

“I have been singing from the age of five. Generations of my family have practiced this art. However, most of the qawwals that I have seen are living their lives in abject poverty. There is no government help nor does the waqf help us,” said Hamsar Hayat, who has now taken up singing bhajans in mandirs to supplement his income.

Even though the origins of qawwali are in India, Pakistani qawwals seem to have a headstart over their Indian counterparts. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Ali Khan, Sabri brothers have garnered considerable fame and fortune throughout the world.

A1.1 State whether the following statements are true or false:- (2)

(i) Nizamuddin Auliya is a famous 14th century qawwal.

(ii) Qawwali is an art form that synthesizes Hindu culture and Islamic concepts.

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