ST.

THOMAS’ SCHOOL, GoyalaVihar, Near Sec-19, Dwarka Session 2021-22

PERIODIC TEST– 2
SUBJECT: ENGLISH
Name : ____________ Roll Number : _________
Class : VIII Max. Marks : 40
Date : 13/12/2021 Time : 1½ hrs
 Objective Type Questions: 20 Marks
 Subjective Type Questions: 20 Marks
__________________________________________________________________________
General Instructions-
● This paper has 8 questions in total.
● Marks are indicated against each question.
● All questions are compulsory.

SECTION A: OBJECTIVE
UNSEEN PASSAGE

1. Read the comprehension given below and answer the following questions:

1. It is fascinating to note how different creatures defend themselves when in danger. The chameleon is
a tree lizard, which can change its colour to camouflage itself by blending perfectly with its
background. The pangolin's back is covered with overlapping scales, and at the slightest danger it
tucks its head between its legs and rolls itself into a ball. The scorpion, which is closely related to the
spider family, has a long joined tail with a sting at the end. The scorpion's sting is said to be very
dangerous, particularly to humans. The porcupine fish's body is covered with prickly spikes. In
danger, it puffs itself up and the spikes stick out. Any sea animals would get a shock if it tried to eat
this ball of prickles.
2. If we begin to think of strange defence mechanisms, the octopus, that has eight sting rubbery and,
called tentacles, could be described as a real marvel of nature. Some octopi release a cloud of black
ink into the water and hide in it. Other octopi are cleverer. Instead of hiding inside the ink cloud, they
release it in one direction and scurry away in another direction, leaving the predator with nothing but
a mouthful of ink. In addition to confusing the predator's sense of sight, these ink clouds also confuse
their sense of smell. If an octopus cannot be seen or smelt, it obviously has a much higher chance of
escaping an attack.
3. There are two other devices the octopi use to defend themselves. Some varieties of octopi have the
ability to change their skin to the colour and texture of seaweed or coral allowing them to blend it
with their environment. And some octopi can shed a limb and regrow it late as a lizard can regrow its
tail. If a predator catches a tentacle, the octopus sheds it immediately, frees itself and swims away.
Of course, it grows another tentacle later to replace the lost one. Isn't that interesting?
Tick the correct option. (1x8=8)
1.1 Which of these is related to the spider family?
(a) octopus
(b) chameleon
(c) scorpion
1.2 How does a porcupine fish defend itself in danger?
(a) It throws pines at the predator.
(b) It emits a cloud of black ink and deceives the predator.
(c) It sticks out its spikes and protects itself.

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1.3 What is common to a chameleon and some octopi?
(a) Both of these creatures belong to the spider family.
(b) Both these creatures can change the colour of their skin to blend it with the surroundings.
(c) Both can regrow parts of their bodies once shed.

1.4 Some octopi release a cloud of black ink to _________________.

(a) hide in it and escape an attack.
(b) misdirect the predator and escape in another direction
(c) Both (a) and (b)

1.5 An octopus has a higher chance of survival when _____________.

(a) it can easily be seen by the predator
(b) it cannot be seen or smelt by the predator

1.6 Predators will be in shock if they eat a porcupine fish because ____________________________.
(a) the porcupine fish releases poisonous ink that can confuse the predators.
(b) it swells its body to stick out spikes that can prick the predators

1.7 Which word from paragraph 2 means 'to move hurriedly'?

(a) scurry
(b) marvel

1.8 A word from paragraph 2 which means the opposite of 'clarify' is _______.
(a) cleverer
(b) confuse

GRAMMAR

2. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option. (1x5=5)

(a) Keep the books _____the bag and place the bag _____ the table.
(i) on, over
(ii) in, on

(b) My son goes to school___________ bus and returns _____________ lunch.

(i) from, by
(ii) by, before

(c) My home is right ____________ the street, ______________ the park.

(i) behind, over
(ii) across, in front of

(d) I can write ____________ my left hand ______________ I was eight years old.
(i) with, since
(ii) by, from

(e) The two of them are fond ____________________ apples. Distribute the apples __________ them.
(i) off, among
(ii) of, between

3. Choose the correct option to convert the given sentence to passive voice. (1x5=5)
(a) Take it away.
(i) Let it be taken away.
(ii) Let it go to away.

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(b) She prepares impressive presentations.
(i) Impressive presentations are being prepared by her.
(ii) Impressive presentations are prepared by her.
(c) Are the children playing tennis?
(i) Is tennis played by the children?
(ii) Is tennis being played by the children?
(d) Rekha has completed the work.
(i) The work had been completed by Rekha.
(ii) The work has been completed by Rekha.
(e) People will soon forgive you.
(i) People will soon be forgiven by you.
(ii) You will soon be forgiven.

4. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option given. (1x2=2)
(a) Misha and Manya _________________________________ since morning.
(i) have been playing
(ii) have played
(b) By next March you _____________________________ online classes for two years.
(i) will attend
(ii) will have been attending

SECTION B: SUBJECTIVE
WRITING
5. You recently attended a session conducted by your school on the topic 'Appropriate Use of
Internet'. Write an email to your best friend sharing your learning with him/her. (6)

LITERATURE

6. Read the extract given below and answer the questions briefly.
'You tell Mother,' said Nick, looking at me for approval.
(a) Whom does 'You' refer to? (1)
(b) What did the speaker want the mother to know? (1)
(c) Did the brothers like to do things together? (1)
(d) Was the speaker considerate in choosing the gift for his mother? (1)

7. Answer the following questions briefly. (1x4=4)

(a) In the poem 'Mother to Son', what do the words 'landings' and 'stairs' stand for?
(b) Were the two brothers in the story ‘Half a Gift’ responsible? Give a reason for your answer.
(c) 'And places with no carpet on the floor.' Identify the figure of speech used in the given line. Briefly
explain.
(d) In the lesson ‘A Tiger in School’, why does the holy man feel that ‘they’ have no confidence in ‘him
or me’?

8. Answer the following in 40-50 words. (2x3=6)

(a) Why did Nick choose that moment to gift his mother the present he had bought for her?
(b) Why can violence not be everlasting? Answer with reference to the lesson ‘A Tiger in School’.
(c) In the poem ‘Mother to Son’, what is the mother’s advice for her son? Does the boy share her
enthusiasm? How can you say?

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