Class 8 English Sample Paper Set 1 — Free PDF
This sample paper is designed to help students practice and evaluate their understanding of Class 8 English curriculum. It covers reading comprehension, gr
TL;DR: This sample paper is designed to help students practice and evaluate their understanding of Class 8 English curriculum. It covers reading comprehensio…
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This sample paper is designed to help students practice and evaluate their understanding of Class 8 English curriculum. It covers reading comprehension, grammar, writing skills and literature as per CBSE guidelines.
Board: CBSE · Class: Class 8 · Subject: English · Total: 80 marks · Time: 3 hours
Section A: Reading Comprehension — 20 marks
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Environmental conservation is often described as a task for governments, but it begins far closer to home. It depends on individual and collective effort together — the household that separates its waste, the street that plants and waters trees, the school that stops buying plastic bottles. No law can do this work alone; laws set the direction, and people supply the effort.
Technological advances have provided us with tools to monitor and reduce pollution, making the problem far easier to act on than it was a generation ago. Cheap air-quality sensors now report readings street by street, so a city can see exactly where its worst air sits. Apps map collection routes for recyclers. Sewage treatment that once demanded vast plants can now be done at the scale of a single housing colony.
Communities matter most in waste management. A resident welfare association that organises a recycling programme, runs monthly clean-up drives and educates households about segregation achieves in a year what a municipal notice cannot achieve in ten.
It is fair to ask whether one person changes anything. The evidence says yes. A schoolgirl in Bengaluru whose petition ended single-use plastic in her school district; a colony in Pune that cut landfill waste by sixty per cent through composting; a fisherman in Kerala who has pulled tonnes of plastic from the sea in his nets. Individual initiatives grow into community projects, and community projects are what the statistics eventually record.
Q1. What does the passage primarily discuss about environmental conservation? (5 marks)
Answer: The passage discusses the importance of environmental conservation through individual and collective efforts, highlighting how small actions can lead to significant environmental changes.
Q2. Explain the role of communities in waste management based on the passage. (5 marks)
Answer: Communities play a crucial role by organizing recycling programs, participating in clean-up drives, and educating people about reducing waste at the source.
Q3. What is the main idea of the second paragraph? (5 marks)
Answer: The main idea is that technological advances have provided us with tools to monitor and reduce pollution, making environmental protection more achievable than ever before.
Q4. How does the author support the claim that individuals can make a difference? (5 marks)
Answer: The author provides examples of successful individual initiatives, community projects, and statistics showing measurable environmental improvements from grassroots efforts.
Section B: Grammar and Vocabulary — 20 marks
Complete the following grammar and vocabulary exercises.
Q1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles: The ___ Taj Mahal is one of ___ most famous monuments in India. (5 marks)
Answer: The; the
Q2. Identify and correct the error: She dont like playing cricket. (5 marks)
Answer: She doesnt like playing cricket. (dont should be doesnt with the third person singular)
Q3. Use the word immense in a sentence that shows its meaning clearly. (5 marks)
Answer: The immense size of the ocean filled the young explorer with wonder and awe.
Q4. Change the voice: The teacher explained the concept to the students. (5 marks)
Answer: The concept was explained to the students by the teacher.
Section C: Writing Skills — 20 marks
Write either an essay or a letter as instructed.
Q1. Write a letter to the Principal requesting a library extension during examination season (in about 120 words). (10 marks)
Answer: Dear Principal Sir/Madam, I am writing to request an extension of library timings during the examination season. Currently, many students face difficulty accessing study materials after school hours. An extended closing time would greatly benefit students preparing for their exams. I kindly request the library to remain open until 7 PM on weekdays. This would help many students utilize resources for better preparation. Thank you for considering this request. Yours respectfully, [Name]
Q2. Write an essay on Digital Literacy in the Modern World (150-200 words). (10 marks)
Answer: Digital Literacy in the Modern World has become as essential as traditional literacy. In todays technology-driven society, understanding digital tools is crucial for academic and professional success. Digital literacy enables individuals to access information, communicate effectively, and participate in online learning. Students must learn to navigate digital platforms, evaluate online sources, and practice digital safety. Schools are incorporating coding, digital art, and online research into their curriculum. However, digital literacy also demands awareness about cybersecurity and responsible internet use. Parents and educators must guide students in developing healthy digital habits. The ability to adapt to technological changes is now fundamental to thriving in the 21st century. Therefore, comprehensive digital literacy programs should be implemented across all educational institutions.
Section D: Literature — 20 marks
Answer questions based on the prescribed texts and literary concepts. Answer with reference to ANY ONE text you have studied in your NCERT textbook this year. There is no single correct answer — the model answer below shows the structure and depth an examiner looks for, not the only acceptable content.
Q1. Discuss the character of the protagonist and his/her journey of transformation. (5 marks)
Answer: The protagonist undergoes significant character development from a timid and uncertain individual to a confident and determined person through various challenges and learning experiences throughout the narrative.
Q2. Explain the significance of the title of a novel you have studied. (5 marks)
Answer: The title symbolizes the central theme of the story, representing the protagonists quest for self-discovery and the breaking down of societal barriers that limit personal growth.
Q3. Identify and explain the use of symbolism in a key scene. (5 marks)
Answer: The use of light and darkness serves as powerful symbolism representing hope and despair, with key scenes using these elements to emphasize the emotional and moral journey of characters.
Q4. How does the author use dialogue to reveal character traits? (5 marks)
Answer: The author employs distinct speech patterns, vocabulary choices, and conversational styles for each character, allowing readers to understand their personalities, backgrounds, and emotional states without explicit descriptions.
FAQs
What is the time limit for this exam?
The time limit for this Class 8 English Sample Paper is 3 hours.
How many marks is this paper out of?
This sample paper is out of 80 marks, divided equally among four sections.
Are calculators allowed in this exam?
Since this is an English paper, calculators are not required. All answers are based on language skills, comprehension, and writing abilities.
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