CBSE English VIII Half Yearly Exam 2024-25 PDF

ENGLISH Half Yearly Examination, 2024-25 GRADE: VIII Maximum Marks: 80 Please check that this question paper contains 7 printed pages...

ENGLISH Half Yearly Examination, 2024-25 GRADE: VIII Maximum Marks: 80 Please check that this question paper contains 7 printed pages. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. Reading time: 15 minutes Writing time: 3 hours General Instructions: The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. SECTION A – READING SKILLS 1. Read the passage given below. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, success is not solely determined by one's cognitive abilities or technical skills. Increasingly, emotional intelligence (EI) is being recognized as a crucial factor that influences an individual's ability to navigate the complexities of personal and professional relationships. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify, understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively in oneself and others. Research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle stress, resolve conflicts, and build strong, positive relationships. They are also more likely to exhibit empathy, self-awareness, and social skills, which are essential in both leadership and teamwork. In contrast, those with low emotional intelligence may struggle with interpersonal interactions, often leading to misunderstandings and strained relationships. The components of emotional intelligence can be divided into four main categories: self- awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Self- awareness involves recognizing one's own emotions and their impact on behaviour, while self-management refers to the ability to control one's emotions and adapt to changing circumstances. Social awareness is the capacity to understand the emotions of others, and relationship management is the ability to maintain and nurture healthy, productive relationships. In the workplace, emotional intelligence is increasingly valued as employers recognize that technical skills alone are not enough to guarantee success. Employees who can effectively manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others are better able CBSE 1  to work collaboratively, lead teams, and foster a positive work environment. This has led to a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence training programs designed to help individuals develop these critical skills. Ultimately, the significance of emotional intelligence extends beyond the workplace. In personal relationships, a high level of EI can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious interactions, while in broader social contexts, it can contribute to greater understanding and cooperation among diverse groups of people. As society becomes more aware of the importance of emotional intelligence, it is likely that its role in shaping human interactions will continue to grow. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 10 i. What is the primary focus of emotional intelligence (EI)? a. Technical b. Cognitive c. Physical d. Understanding skills abilities strength and managing emotions ii. Which of the following is NOT a component of emotional intelligence? a. Financial b. Self- c. Self- d. Social management management awareness awareness iii. Why is emotional intelligence important in the workplace? a. It helps in b. It ensures c. It enables d. It guarantees managing technical better job promotions personal proficiency teamwork and finances leadership iv. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? a. Emotional b. Emotional c. Low d. High emotional intelligence intelligence emotional intelligence is more only applies intelligence makes technical important to personal can lead to skills than relationships strained unnecessary technical relationships skills v. Explain in one or two sentences why individuals with high emotional intelligence are better at handling stress. vi. Which four main categories make up the components of emotional intelligence according to the passage? vii. According to the passage, how does emotional intelligence contribute to successful leadership? viii. In what ways can emotional intelligence impact personal relationships? 2. The Rise of Renewable Energy In the 21st century, renewable energy has become a focal point in the global effort to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, renewable energy sources CBSE 2  generate power without emitting significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making them crucial in the fight against global warming. One of the key advantages of renewable energy is its sustainability. Solar and wind power, for example, harness natural processes that are virtually inexhaustible. As long as the sun shines and the wind blows, these resources can be tapped to produce energy. This contrasts sharply with fossil fuels, which are finite and will eventually run out. Renewable energy also offers economic benefits. The renewable energy sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, leading to the creation of millions of jobs worldwide. As countries invest in renewable energy infrastructure, they not only reduce their carbon footprints but also stimulate economic development. Furthermore, renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers. However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. One of the main issues is the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources. Solar power, for instance, can only be generated when the sun is shining, and wind power depends on wind conditions. To address this, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as batteries, are essential to ensure a steady and reliable energy supply. Another challenge is the initial cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure. While the long-term benefits are significant, the upfront investment can be a barrier for some countries, especially those with limited financial resources. International cooperation and investment are needed to help these countries transition to renewable energy. In conclusion, renewable energy represents a promising path toward a sustainable future. By overcoming the challenges associated with its implementation, we can ensure a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 10 i. What is a primary environmental benefit of renewable energy according to the passage? a. It increases b. It emits c. It generates d. It depletes fossil fuel significant power with natural consumption greenhouse minimal resources gases carbon quickly dioxide emissions ii. Why are solar and wind power considered sustainable energy sources? a. They require b. They are c. They harness d. They are a lot of fuel finite and will natural dependent on to operate. eventually processes that fossil fuels. run out. are inexhaustible. iii. What is a major challenge in the widespread adoption of renewable energy? a. The b. The high c. The inability d. The lack of intermittent levels of to create jobs. natural CBSE 3  nature of pollution they resources. some energy cause. sources like solar and wind. iv. How does the passage suggest addressing the issue of intermittent energy supply? a. By reducing b. By advancing c. By relying d. By building energy energy more on fossil more coal consumption. storage fuels. plants. technologies like batteries. v. What economic benefit does renewable energy provide according to the passage? vi. What does the passage identify as a barrier for some countries in adopting renewable energy? vii. Explain why renewable energy is important in the fight against climate change. viii. What role do advancements in energy storage technologies play in addressing the challenges of renewable energy, according to the passage? SECTION B – GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS GRAMMAR 3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10 i. Identify the highlighted words as finite or non-finite verb. They were excited to see the new movie. ii. Fill in the blank with gerund. _______________ (Be) a good student requires dedication and hard work. iii. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb. They _______________ (have) dinner right now. iv. Rewrite the following sentence in the tense indicated. Past Perfect: They eat dinner before the movie started. v. Rewrite the following sentence in the tense indicated. Future Perfect: By next week, they _____________________ (complete) the project. vi. Identify the participle as an adjective or a verb. She was excited to attend the concert. vii. Rewrite the sentence with the correct form of infinitive. They want going to the park tomorrow. viii. Move the underlined adverb to its correct position and rewrite the sentence. They will complete the project certainly on time. ix. Choose the correct form of the verb from the bracket to complete the sentence. Bread and butter (is/are) my favourite breakfast. x. Fill in the blank with the correct degree of comparison for the adjective provided CBSE 4  in the bracket. That was the _______________ (bad) experience I've ever had. xi. Rewrite the sentence in comparative degree. She is the smartest girl in the class. xii. Identify the noun clause. I believe that she is telling the truth. WRITING 10 Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 4.A Write a letter to your younger sibling offering advice on how to prepare for the exams. Include the following points: Study tips Time management strategies Encouragement and support Your own experience with exams OR 4.B Write a diary entry about your aspirations for the future. Include the following points: What goals you have for your education or career Why these goals are important to you Any concerns or fears you have How you plan to achieve these aspirations Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below in 120 words. 5.A Write a report on a recent school event such as: a science fair, sports day, or cultural festival. OR 5.B Write a persuasive essay on an environmental issue and counterargument for reducing plastic waste or supporting renewable energy. SECTION C – LITERATURE 6. Read the extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two. 5 A. In 2006, another New Zealander named Mark Inglis performed an absolutely incredible feat. He became the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mt Everest. After 40 tough days of climbing in April-May 2006, the 47-year-old Inglis made his final push for the Camp 4 – 450 metres from the summit – in perfect weather on 15 May. An astounding deed indeed! He was standing on his artificial legs on top of the world, literally. There stood the legless mountaineer, happy, beyond words, enjoying his triumph, gazing on all below him, thereby sending out an inspiring message to others with disabilities that their ambitions should never be limited. i. How old was Inglis when he made his final push to the summit? a. 45-year-old b. 48-year-old c. 47-year-old d. 40-year-old ii. Express the feeling of the mountaineer in this extract. CBSE 5  iii. Something that you want to achieve very much is called your ______________. vi. How many days did it take Inglis to climb the Mt Everest? v. What is the inspiring message that Mark Inglish gave by his astounding feat? OR B. I couldn’t believe it. Was this really Meena? I pinched myself hard to be sure it wasn’t a dream. But Meena was really standing there, right in front of me, squeezing my hand, smiling, and yes, she did look happy. In the three years she had been in Bangalore, I had never once seen her smiling like that. A few strands of grey in her hair reminded me that years had passed. There were a few wrinkles in her face, but the truth was that she looked more attractive than ever before. Finally, I managed to say, ‘No Meena, I can’t stay with you tonight. I have to attend a dinner. Give me your card and I’ll keep in touch with you, I promise.’ i. What emotion does the narrator feel upon seeing Meena again? a. Sadness b. Anger c. Surprise d. Indifference ii. Why does the narrator pinch herself in the passage? iii. A few strands of grey in her hair reminded me that ________ had passed. vi. How does Meena appear differently from the last time the narrator saw her? v. What does the narrator suggest doing before parting ways with Meena? 7. Read the extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two. 5 A. What do you call, O ye pedlars? Chessmen and ivory dice. What do you make, O ye goldsmiths? Wristlet and anklet and ring, Bells for the feet of blue pigeons, Frail as a dragon fly’s wing Girdles of gold for the dancers, Scabbards of gold for the king. i. ‘In the Bazaars of Hyderabad’ poem is written by _____________. a. Mary Jane b. Rabindranath c. Tijan M d. Sarojini Naidu Oliver Tagore Sallah ii. “Frail as a dragon fly’s wing”(Identify the figure of speech) iii. A word from the extract which means ‘delicate’ is ___________. vi. What are the pedlars selling? v. What do the goldsmiths make for the dancers and the king? OR B. The sun does arise, And make happy the skies, The merry bells ring To welcome the spring; The skylark and the thrush, The birds of the bush, Sing louder around CBSE 6  To the bells’ cheerful sound, While our sports shall be seen On the echoing green. i. The merry bells welcome _______. a. the sun b. the spring c. the autumn d. the summer ii. Who tried to sing louder than the sound of bells? iii. The sports shall be seen on ____________. vi. What does the expression ‘the echoing green’ suggests in the extract? v. Identify the figure of speech in the following line: ‘The sun does rise and make happy the skies’ 8. Answer ANY SIX of the following in 50-60 words each. (Each is for 3m) 18 i. Illustrate the last stanza of the poem ‘The Sun”. ii. At the end of the story, the narrator says that ‘The old woman’s temper changed into love’. What do you think the narrator wishes to convey through these words. iii. What role do the vendors, pedlars and maidens play in Sarojini Naidu’s poem ‘In the Bazaars of Hyderabad’? iv. How did the king lose his finger? v. Why did the beggar regret his actions at the end of the day? vi. Explain in detail how Mark Inglis had prepared himself for the summit of Mt Everest and why. vii. Describe the scene that Meena saw through the window. viii. What does the speaker mean by ‘the darkening green’? 9. Answer ANY TWO of the following in 80-90 words each. (Each is for 6m) 12 i. What was the belief that Pratap Singh had? When did the king believe that Pratap Singh was right? ii. Discuss the theme of determination and perseverance in the Prose – On Top of the World. How do Mark Inglis' actions exemplify these qualities? iii. How did Meena’s life transform? CBSE 7