CLASS - VIII

JEE (Main + Advanced) | NEET | MHT-CET | Boards

ENGLISH NOTES

Poem : A Concrete Example

1. The word 'concrete' can refer to __________ in Mrs. Jone's garden.

Ans: The word 'concrete' can refer to specific and tangible things in Mrs. Jone's garden.

2. The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or concrete example of
Mrs. Jones __________ gardening habits.

Q.2. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer given in the brackets.

1. The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her __________ .
(obsession with a stony garden/pride in gardening skills)

Ans: The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a
stony garden.

2. The poet uses Imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers __________ .
(understand Mrs. Jones' love for plants/visualize the garden's peculiar nature)

Ans: The poet uses Imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers visualize
the garden's peculiar nature.

Que 3. Answer the following questions.

1. How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden ? Support your answer with evidence from the
poem.

Ans: Mrs. Jones is obsessed with her stony garden. She has a fascination with unusual things.
She feels proud of her garden and is pleased with it. She thinks that her garden looks very
pleasant however it is overly decorated and eccentric.
The following line from the poem supports this answer:
'Which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice'.
2. Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be
planted with a pin ?
Ans: The speaker's description of the plants being so small that they could be planted with a
pin, is a humorous exaggeration that is to mock the overuse of stones and very less space for
plants to grow. The poet is poking fun at how insignificant these tiny plants are.
3. What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones-based on her gardening style and her interaction
with the speaker ?
Ans: We finds that Mrs. Jones is obsessed with her stony garden and she has a fascination for
unusual things. Her garden is full of stones, paths, rockeries and concrete with very little space
for real plants. This shows that she is proud, possibly eccentric person who values decorative

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control over natural beauty. She is content and even pleased with her unique taste regardless of
other's quiet amusement.
4. The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement.
Ans: The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light as she is portrayed for her practical
wisdom and assertiveness. She has a unique taste. She is a strong and capable woman. She is
confident and practical and she reshapes the environment according to her taste.
5. What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around
them ?
Ans: The poem tells us that different people have different opinions about the world around
them. Mrs. Jones thinks her garden to be very pleasant but the poet finds it strange. It is ok for
Mrs. Jones that her garden is filled with stones and there is very little space for plants but for the
poet it is not normal.

Lesson :
The Wit that Won Hearts

Q1. Why are qualities like humour and wit important in a person ?

Ans: Humour helps a person to cope with stressful situation and create a sense of ease in
communication. Wit plays an important role in communication, social interaction, increase
understanding.

Q2. Why do you think kings and queens preferred to have witty people among their courtiers ?

Ans: Kings and queens preferred to have witty people among their courtiers because a witty
person can become a good advisor and can help in difficult situations.

Q3. If you were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, what approach would you
take ?

Ans: If I were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, I would encourage calm
communication, listen to both sides carefully and working together to find a solution that satisfy
both people.

I. Rectify the following false statements from the text.

1. The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem.

Ans: The queen did not insult the king. She yawned because she was tired but she had no
intention to insult the king.

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2. Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen.

Ans: Tenali Rama did not immediately go to the king. He took his time, made a plan and made
the king realise that it was not queen's fault.

3. The courtiers admired the king's poem and praised his literary talent.

Ans: When the king tried to recite his poem to the courtiers, they avoided the king and made
excuses. They did not admire the king's poem and praised his literary talent.

4. The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama's idea about paddy cultivation.

Ans: The ministers in the court were not eager to hear Tenali Rama's idea about paddy
cultivation. They made fun of Tenali Rama's idea.

5. The king never realised his mistake and continued to stay angry with the queen.

Ans: The king realised his mistake and apologised to the queen.

Notice Writing

Structure of Notice Writing

Name of the Organisation

NOTICE

Date:

Heading / Subject of the Event

Body of the notice ................. include Date / time / duration / Place or Venue whenever its
necessary.

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Authorized signatory

(Name, Designation and signature)

Que. You are Science Club Head of your school, you are asked to draft a notice in not more
than 50 words to inform the members of the club to attend the meeting for finalising the theme
for the Science Exhibition to be held in your school.

Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhadrawati

NOTICE

Date: 22/08/2025

Discussion regarding Science Exhibition

This is to inform all the members of the Science Club that a meeting will be conducted by the
Department Head on 23 August 2025 to discuss about the theme for the upcoming Science
Exhibition. All the members are requested to gather in the meeting hall by 10 A.M. For Further
details, please contact the undersigned.

Amit/Amrita

Science Club Head

Que.2. You are Pratik/Trisha, the Cultural Secretary of Kendriya Vidyalaya , O.F. Chanda. Draft
a notice, in not more than 50 words, for the notice board informing the students about the
'Inter-College Song and Dance Competition" that your institution is going to organise.

Kendriya Vidyalaya , O.F. Chanda

NOTICE

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Date: 22/08/2025

Inter-College Song and Dance Competition

This is to inform all the students our school that the cultural club our school is going to organise
a interschool song and dance competition on 26 August, 2025. Time 9 AM, venue school
auditorium hall. Interested students are requested to contact cultural secretary along with
category by 24 August, 2025.

Pratik/Trisha

Cultural Secretary

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