DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL DUBAI

SA2 ENGLISH SAMPLE PAPER

2024-25

GRADE -VIII
MAXIMUM MARKS :70

DURATION: 3 HOURS

SECTION-A READING (18 marks)

I Read the passages and answer the following questions: ( 1 x 6 = 6 marks)

Time is one of the most valuable resources, but it is often underappreciated. We are given 24 hours
each day, and how we use them can determine our success or failure in achieving goals. Time, once lost,
can never be regained. As students, balancing schoolwork, exams, social events, and family obligations
can often feel overwhelming. Proper time management can make the difference between feeling in
control and scrambling to meet deadlines.
In today’s world, distractions such as social media, TV shows, and constant notifications make it
difficult to stay focused. Without proper time management, we end up rushing to complete
assignments or studying at the last minute. This can lead to unnecessary stress and poorer quality
work.
To manage time effectively, setting clear and specific goals is essential. Having a roadmap for your
tasks helps you break them into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you have an essay due
in two weeks, you can set goals for each stage, such as researching, outlining, and drafting the
introduction. This approach reduces procrastination and ensures steady progress.
Another critical aspect of time management is prioritizing tasks. Not all tasks are equally important
or urgent. By identifying your most important tasks, you can focus on them first, ensuring deadlines
are met. You can use tools like to-do lists or time-blocking techniques, where you allocate specific
periods for each task, to stay organized and efficient.
Good time management also teaches you discipline and responsibility, helping you create balance
in your life. It allows you to make time for not only school-related activities but also for self-care,
hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. Learning to manage your time well is a skill
that will benefit you long after school, as it applies to both your career and personal life.
Overall, mastering time management reduces stress, enhances productivity, and helps you lead a
more balanced and fulfilling life. By making time management a habit, you set yourself up for
success now and in the future.

1. What is the main purpose of time management, according to the passage?

A. To finish tasks as quickly as possible

B. To organize and prioritize tasks to reduce stress
C. To avoid schoolwork and focus on hobbies
D. To procrastinate less frequently
2. How does time management help students reduce stress?

A. By allowing them to work without breaks

B. By making them focus only on schoolwork
C. By helping them avoid last-minute rushes and forgotten deadlines
D. By giving them more homework to do

3. What is one way to manage time effectively mentioned in the passage?

A. Watching TV during study sessions

B. Setting clear goals and breaking tasks into smaller steps
C. Doing everything at once without planning
D. Avoiding studying altogether

[Link] does the passage recommend as a way to overcome procrastination?

A. Focus only on difficult tasks.

B. Break tasks into smaller pieces and start with the easiest one.
C. Ignore all distractions.
D. Work for long hours without taking breaks.

5. Why is it important to set clear goals and prioritize tasks when managing time?
6. What is one long-term benefit of practicing good time management mentioned in the passage?

II. Read the following poem and answer the following questions. (1 x 6 =6 marks)

The Power of Persistence

Success doesn’t always come quickly, and the journey to achieving our goals can often be long and
difficult. There are times when we face setbacks that feel impossible to overcome. It’s easy to
become discouraged when things don’t go as planned, and some of us might feel tempted to give up
when faced with failure. However, it’s important to remember that success rarely comes without
struggle. The path to achievement is often filled with obstacles, but those who keep going despite
these challenges are the ones who ultimately succeed. One of the key qualities that lead to success
is persistence—the ability to continue, even when faced with difficulties.

Take Thomas Edison, for example. Edison, famous for inventing the light bulb, didn’t succeed
overnight. He faced countless failures before creating the invention that would change the world.
Many people doubted him and said his ideas would never work. But Edison didn’t let these
criticisms stop him. He believed in his vision and kept experimenting. His persistence paid off when
he finally succeeded in inventing the light bulb. When asked about his many failures, Edison
famously said, "I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work."
Persistence means not giving up after one failure. It’s about learning from mistakes, adjusting your
approach, and continuing to move forward, even when things seem tough. Each failure brings you
one step closer to finding what works. The most challenging part can be staying motivated during
difficult times. However, those who persist often find that their hard work eventually leads to
success.
 In life, we all face challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal goals. What matters is how we
respond. If we give up, we miss the chance to learn and grow. But if we keep trying, even when it
feels impossible, we increase our chances of success. Every setback builds resilience and
strengthens our skills.
Success is rarely a straight line. There will be ups and downs, but those who keep going, even when
others quit, are the ones who achieve great things. The next time you face a challenge, remember
that persistence is not just about refusing to quit—it’s about having the courage to continue, even
when the road is tough.

1. What is the main quality that leads to success, according to the passage?
A. Luck
B. Intelligence
C. Persistence
D. Creativity

2. How did Thomas Edison’s approach to failure contribute to his success?

A. He ignored failure completely
B. He kept trying and learning from his mistakes
C. He gave up after many attempts
D. He only succeeded because of good luck

3. What does the quote from Thomas Edison ("I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that
won't work.") teach us about failure?
A. Failure is the end of the road
B. Failure should be ignored
C. Failure is a learning experience, not a defeat
D. Failure should be feared and avoided

4. What is the main theme of the passage?

A. Success comes easily to everyone.
B. Success is only for the lucky few.
C. Persistence and learning from failure are key to success.
D. Failure should be avoided at all costs.

5. What does the passage suggest we should do when things don’t go as planned?

6. Why is persistence considered a key quality for success?

III Read the following poem and answer the following questions. (1 x 6 = 6marks)
The Land We Love
The land we love, with hills so green,
Where rivers flow, and fields are seen.
Beneath the sky, so vast and bright,
It whispers tales of day and night.
The trees stand tall, with branches wide,
They shelter all with quiet pride.
And in the breeze, a song is sung,
Of days gone by and those yet young.
But those who leave, without a glance,
And seek their fortune with no stance,

Shall find no joy, nor peace of mind,

For in their hearts, no roots they'll find.

1.‘The trees stand tall, with branches wide, They shelter all with quiet pride.’ Identify the poetic device
used in the above lines.
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Onomatopoeia

2. What does the poem suggest about individuals who leave their homeland without attachment?
A. They will become famous and wealthy
B. They will find happiness and peace
C. They will live an empty life with no roots
D. They will be honored by poets and historians

[Link] to the poem, what happens to a person who leaves their homeland without any connection to
it?
A. They are celebrated by others
B. They find peace and fulfillment
C. They will be forgotten, and their life will have no legacy
D. They achieve great fame and success

[Link] does the poet emphasize the importance of one's native land in the poem?
[Link] emotions does the poet try to evoke through the mood of the poem? Explain with examples from
the text.
6. What message does the poet convey about the relationship between individuals and their homelands?

Section B – Writing Skills (18 marks)

IV .Answer the following in about 50 words. (4 marks)

You are Aman/Ayesha Sharma of 10 Green Lane, Delhi, and you are starting a new
tutoring center to help students improve their academic skills in subjects like Math,
Science, and English. Write a classified advertisement (maximum 50 words) for the
local newspaper to attract qualified tutors. Include all necessary details.
V. Answer any one of the following questions. (7 marks)

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern that affects ecosystems and human health. What
are some practical ways individuals and communities can reduce plastic waste and prevent further
harm to the planet? Write an article in 120-150 words using the hints provided. Include a title.

Hints: Reducing single-use plastics - using reusable bags, bottles, and containers - supporting
plastic-free initiatives - recycling properly - avoiding plastic packaging - organizing clean-up drives
- promoting alternatives like paper or bamboo products - educating others on the impact of plastic
pollution - encouraging sustainable shopping habits.

OR

Bullying, whether in person or online, is a serious issue that affects many students. How can schools
create a safer environment for all students? What steps can you take as an individual to prevent
bullying in your school? Write a blog for your school community in about 130 words on the topic
‘Creating a Bully-Free School.’ Also, include one user comment in about 30 words.
Hints: The impact on mental health and self-esteem - anti-bullying policies -awareness programs -
peer support initiatives - Encourage kindness and respect- inclusion within the school community.

VI. Answer any one of the following questions. (7 marks)

. Is it important for schools to teach financial literacy? Write a debate in 150-175 words either for
or against the motion.
Hints: Hints:
For the topic: Equips with the necessary skills to manage finances - prepares for real-world
challenges like budgeting, investing, and understanding credit- Understanding financial concepts
early -lead to smarter financial decisions - can help reduce financial inequality -providing
knowledge to succeed.
Against the topic:Can better taught outside by parents or financial experts- a packed school
curriculum- might take away from other important subjects- might lead to confusion or stress –
students with no interest -no necessity to learn it when have no real life responsibility.
OR
The Impact of Healthy Eating on Academic Performance
Decode the relationship between healthy eating and academic performance for your audience.
Explain how what students eat can impact their focus, energy, and overall school performance. Why
is it important to make healthy food choices? Draft a speech in about 120 to 130 words.
Hints: impacts of nutrition on brain function, concentration, and energy level - focus on key nutrients
- their importance for cognitive function- unhealthy eating habits leading to fatigue, poor focus, and
low motivation- to make healthy food choices - and overall well-being- easy nutritious snacks
 Section C – Grammar (10 marks)
VII. Choose the appropriate option and fill in the blanks. (6 x0.5=3 marks)
[Link] friends, along with their parents, _______ going to the park.
A. is
B. are
C. was
D. were

[Link] said, “Do not touch the vase.” Change the voice to passive.
A. It was said by him that the vase should not be touched.
B. He told that the vase should not touch.
C. He said that the vase must not be touched.
D. It was ordered that the vase should not be touched.

[Link] said, "I am going to the market now." Choose the correct indirect speech.
A. She said that she is going to the market now.
B. She said that she was going to the market now.
C. She said that she would go to the market now.
D. She said that she was going to the market then.

[Link] the teacher nor the students ________ interested in the presentation.
A. is
B. are
C. were
D. have

[Link] cake was eaten by someone. Choose the correct sentence in active voice.
A. Who eats the cake?
B. Who ate the cake?
C. Who has eaten the cake?
D. Who was eating the cake?

[Link] sentence uses the modal verb correctly?

a) You must to finish your homework before playing.
b) You must finish your homework before playing.
c) You must finishes your homework before playing.
d) You must finishing your homework before playing.

VIII. There are errors in the given text. Identify the errors and rewrite the right option. (1x2=2 marks)

Error Correction
My little sister Lisa was practicing how to riding a bicycle yesterday. _________ __________
Suddenly I hear a loud crash and ran to see what had happened. _________ __________
I saw that she was lying in the ground. _________ __________
I quickly pulled her up and bought her home. _________ _________
She was crying out loud.
IX. Do as directed. (1x3=3 marks)
1. The teacher is strict, but she is very fair. (Change into complex sentence)
2. Although it was raining heavily, they decided to go for a walk.. (Change into simple sentence)
3. He loves playing soccer, and he also enjoys swimming. (Change into compound sentence)

X Choose the correct modal verb to fill the blanks. (1x2=2 marks)
1. You _______ wear a helmet while riding a bike. (should / can / must)
2. She _______ finish her homework before going out with friends. (might / should / can)

Section D – Literature (24 marks)

X Read the following extracts and answer ANY THREE in complete sentences. (3x3= 9 marks)

1.‘The biggest obstacle to the written word during the Middle Ages was the issue of literacy’
a. How was the issue of literacy the biggest obstacle to the written word?
b. How did the uneducated masses continue to share their stories?
c. Which sentence correctly uses the word ‘obstacle’?
i. She was an obstacle to everyone in the office.
ii. His creativity was an obstacle to his success.
iii. The team's strong defense became an obstacle for the opponent.
iv. There was an obstacle of excitement at the meeting.

2.“Spring’s honied cud of youthful thought he loves

To ruminate, and by such dreaming high
Is nearest unto heaven:”
a. Which stage of man’s life is symbolized in the given lines?
b. What does man ‘ruminate’ at this stage?
c. What is the antonym of the word "ruminate"?
i. Ponder
ii. Ignore
iii. Contemplate
iv. Reflect

[Link] looking eagerly around

He spied, far off upon the ground ‘
a. Who was looking eagerly around?
b. What did he spot in the ground?
c. Which word is similar in meaning to ‘eagerly’?
i. indifferently
ii. calmly
iii. enthusiastically
iv. hesitantly

[Link] are of no use to me. I have already recorded your accent.

 a. Who said this to whom?
b. How did the speaker record the learner’s accent?
c. What is the meaning of the word "phonographer"?
i. A person who studies the structure of language
ii. A person who writes using shorthand
iii. A person who records sounds or speech
iv. A person who translates spoken language into written form

XI Answer any THREE of the following questions in about 50 words. (3x2= 6 marks)
1. How does Eliza's first encounter with Higgins shape his perception of her, and what does this reveal about
their contrasting characters?
2. In what ways did humanity's early encounters with storytelling lay the foundation for the development of
culture and communication?
3. What message is the poet conveying through the poem, ‘The Way through the Woods’? Illustrate the
message by drawing a parallel between man’s actions and nature’s reaction to them.
4. In what circumstances does a human's soul find peaceful coves, and what deeper significance does the
poet attribute to this metaphor?
5. Why does Mr. Framton leave in a hurry and how does Vera explain it ?
6. Why is ‘The Nightingale and the Glowworm’ a didactic poem ?

XIV. Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in about 130 to 140 words. (1X5=5)
Some kids are given to making up stories in order to add amusement to their lives. Is this a harmless
pastime or can have dangerous consequences? Present your opinion about such a tendency amongst
youngsters in three short paragraphs.

OR

Through ‘The Human Seasons’, Keats conveys respect towards life’s sequence and structure. Compare and
contrast the theme of the sonnet with William Shakespeare’s monologue ‘All the World’s a Stage’. Which
interpretation do you agree the most to? Give reasons.

XV. Answer any one of the following questions in about 80 words (Read Book) (1X4=4)
How is Feluda’s character portrayed in The Adventures of Feluda? Describe his personality, skills, and
traits, and explain how Satyajit Ray uses various narrative techniques to bring this character to life.
OR

Why do you think Satyajit Ray mentions human sacrifice by dacoit at Bal -Kali temple in the
story ‘Mystery of the Walking dead ’
 DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL DUBAI
SA2 ENGLISH SAMPLE PAPER
2024-25

GRADE -VIII
MAXIMUM MARKS :5
The Great Homework Heist

Raj had a simple plan: finish his math homework during lunch and hand it in before the final
bell. However, as with most of Raj’s plans, this one unraveled spectacularly.

First, he forgot his worksheet at home. No problem—his best friend, Aryan, had a copy. But
just as Raj reached for it, a sudden gust of wind, seemingly sent by the universe to ruin his
life, snatched the paper away. The worksheet soared into the air, did three dramatic flips, and
landed squarely in the middle of the school fountain.
Raj considered jumping in after it but realized that a soaked uniform wouldn’t help his case
with his math teacher. Instead, he rushed to the library to print a new sheet. Unfortunately,
the printer had other ideas. It groaned, shuddered, and spat out a page filled with mysterious
symbols that looked more like an ancient language than algebra.
With five minutes left, Raj dashed to his teacher, gasping, “Sir, my homework is—”

The teacher held up a hand. “Raj, if this is another one of your creative excuses, I’m afraid
you’re out of luck.”
Raj sighed. He had officially lost the battle, but as he walked away, he consoled himself with
one thought: At least he hadn’t fallen into the fountain.

Questions-
[Link] sentence best summarizes the entire passage?
A. Raj loses his homework because of his careless nature.
B. Unfortunate events defeat Raj's attempts to submit his homework.
C. Raj is a creative storyteller who often forgets his assignments.
D. Raj gets help from his friend to finish his homework on time.

[Link] does the phrase “the printer had other ideas” suggest?
A. The printer was printing the wrong document.
B. The printer was malfunctioning.
C. The printer refused to work because Raj pressed the wrong buttons.
D. The printer helped Raj complete his homework.

[Link] literary device is used in "a sudden gust of wind, seemingly sent by the universe to
ruin his life"?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Alliteration

[Link] is the tone of the passage?

A. Sarcastic and bitter
B. Humorous and exaggerated
C. Dark and suspenseful
D. Serious and dramatic

[Link] sentence from the passage uses personification?

A. "The worksheet soared into the air, did three dramatic flips, and landed squarely in the
middle of the school fountain."
B. "The printer groaned, shuddered, and spat out a page filled with mysterious symbols."
C. "Raj sighed. He had officially lost the battle."
D. "His teacher held up a hand."