NCERT Class 8 English - Poorvi – All Chapters

1.1

Chapter 1.1 – The Wit that Won Hearts

Tenali Rama used his wit to resolve a quarrel between King Krishnadeva Raya and Queen Thirumalambal, teaching the king a valuable lesson about patience and understanding. Harmony was restored in the royal court.

1.2

Chapter 1.2 – A Concrete Example

Mrs. Jones has a garden filled with stones and tiny plants, arranged so delicately that they are hard to notice. Her attention to detail makes even small flowers a special delight.

1.3

Chapter 1.3 – Wisdom Paves the Way

Four young men used keen observation and reasoning to solve a merchant’s mystery, impressing the King of Ujjain. Recognizing their wisdom, the king appointed them as his advisers.

2.1

Chapter 2.1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, displayed extraordinary bravery in the 1947 Battle of Badgam, defending Srinagar airport against overwhelming odds and sacrificing his life for the nation. His courage and patriotism remain an enduring inspiration.

2.2

Chapter 2.2 – Somebody’s Mother

A kind-hearted boy helps an elderly woman cross a snowy street, showing compassion and respect for the aged. His thoughtful act inspires gratitude and reminds us to care for others.

2.3

Chapter 2.3 – Verghese Kurien—I Too Had A Dream

The author shares life lessons with his grandson, emphasizing integrity, service, and the importance of contributing to the common good. He inspires future generations to live purposefully and make meaningful contributions to society.

3.1

Chapter 3.1 – The Case of the Fifth Word

Encyclopedia Brown, a young boy detective, deciphers a secret code left by Tim Nolan to reveal the hidden stolen jewellery in his palm-tree nursery, helping his father solve the mystery.

3.2

Chapter 3.2 – The Magic Brush of Dreams

Gopi receives a magic brush that brings her paintings to life. She helps the poor with it, cleverly outwitting the greedy Zamindar, and spreads joy and prosperity in her village.

3.3

Chapter 3.3 – Spectacular Wonders

India is home to mesmerizing natural wonders— from the Valley of Flowers and living root bridges to glowing waters and disappearing seas—each showcasing nature’s beauty, mystery, and magic.

4.1

Chapter 4.1 – The Cherry Tree

Rakesh plants a cherry seed and nurtures it with love and patience. Over the years, the tree grows, blossoms, and bears fruit, becoming a special part of Rakesh and his grandfather’s life.

4.2

Chapter 4.2 – Harvest Hymn

“Harvest Hymn” is a tribute to nature and its bounties, praising the sun, rain, earth, and the divine for nurturing crops and sustaining life. It celebrates gratitude, abundance, and the cycle of harvest.

4.3

Chapter 4.3 – Waiting for the Rain

The story highlights a farmer, Velu, who worries about the drought and his land. An old woman teaches him that the earth also needs rest, and soon the rains return, bringing relief and hope.

5.1

Chapter 5.1 – Feathered Friend

The story follows Sven Olsen, a space worker who secretly brings his pet canary, Claribel, to the space station. Claribel helps alert the crew to a dangerous air shortage, saving everyone’s lives.

5.2

Chapter 5.2 – Magnifying Glass

The poem celebrates the wonders seen through a magnifying glass, revealing tiny details in nature and making the smallest things appear magical and extraordinary.

5.3

Chapter 5.3 – Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science

Bibha Chowdhuri, India’s first woman physicist, broke barriers in science, inspiring generations. Today, women scientists at ISRO and beyond carry forward her legacy, leading major space missions and advancing STEM in India.