NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 5 Chapter 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 5 Chapter 1
Last Updated At: 27 Feb 2026
5 min read

NCERT solutions for Class 8 English Unit 5 Chapter 1 Feathered Friend – complete answers & explanations

Introduction  

  This NCERT solutions blog for Class 8 English Unit 5 Chapter 1 Feathered Friend is designed to help students understand the chapter in a clear and structured manner. The chapter is part of the Poorvi English textbook under Unit 5 – Science & Curiosity. It presents an interesting science-fiction story set in space, where a small bird plays a crucial role in saving astronauts. The chapter highlights themes such as curiosity, scientific thinking, responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of small but meaningful actions. The solutions shared here are complete NCERT solutions strictly based on the given worksheet and follow the exact order of exercises without adding or removing any content.

What this NCERT chapter covers 

  1. A science-fiction narrative set in a space station  2. The concept of zero gravity and life in space  3. The importance of scientific curiosity  4. How small observations can prevent major disasters  5. Extract-based comprehension questions  6. True/False and short answer questions  7. Vocabulary development through word formation  8. Grammar practice based on future tense forms  9. Listening and comprehension activities

How to use these NCERT solutions 

  1. Read the chapter carefully before checking the answers.  2. Attempt all questions from the worksheet on your own first.  3. Use the solutions only to verify your answers.  4. Follow the exact sequence of exercises as given in the book.  5. Revise grammar and vocabulary sections properly for exams.
Important tips & tricks for students        1. Focus on understanding the storyline rather than memorising answers.  2. Pay attention to character reactions and events in space.  3. Revise new vocabulary words and their meanings.  4. Practise grammar exercises related to future tense forms.  5. Read extract-based questions carefully before answering.

Section        Before You Read
Answers        1. A feathered friend can be a bird kept as a pet.  2. I like a parrot because it is intelligent and can imitate human speech.  3. I would choose a feathered friend because birds are cheerful and easy companions.  4. Yes, a feathered friend could accompany astronauts as animals can detect danger and provide companionship.
Section        Let Us Discuss – I
Answers        1. The narrator suspected Sven had brought a bird when he heard a musical whistle and saw the canary. Sven said he brought it out of scientific curiosity to see how a bird would behave in zero gravity.  2. Claribel adapted quickly. She floated freely and moved skillfully in the absence of gravity.  3. The narrator heard a musical whistle near his ear and assumed it came from the intercom system.  4. No, the canary actually helped the crew by warning them about the dangerous air condition.
Section        Let Us Discuss – II (True/False)
Answers        1. True  2. False  3. True  4. True  5. True  6. False  7. True
Section        Let Us Think and Reflect (Extract Based)
Answers        (i) B  (ii) Objects floated in free fall and Sven positioned girders while they were floating.  (iii) A  (iv) Garbs
Section        Extract Questions (Canary & Alarm)
Answers        (i) To show that canaries were historically used as warning systems.  (ii) He trusted the alarm system to detect danger.  (iii) B  (iv) It suggests cooperation and calm behaviour during danger.
Section        Long Answer Questions
Answers        1. The alarm failed because the second circuit was not connected and the air purifier froze during an eclipse.  2. At first the crew was curious about Claribel. Later they were alarmed when she fainted. Finally, they realised she had saved their lives.  3. The story shows that unusual ideas can solve serious problems. The canary detected danger before machines did.  4. The title is appropriate because the bird becomes a true friend by saving the crew.  5. It shows that life in space is uncertain and small technical failures can become dangerous.  6. The writer combines scientific ideas with humour, especially in hiding a bird in a space station.  7. Sven would feel proud and relieved because his curiosity saved everyone.
Section        Let Us Learn – Adjectives
Answers        1. narrow path  2. nagging worry  3. vague plan  4. sheepish look  5. inexplicable reason  6. sluggish traffic  7. hushed voices  8. delighted expression
Section        Vocabulary – Word Substitution
Answers        1. pioneers  2. physicist  3. peers  4. luminaries  5. persistence  6. barriers
Section        Suffix Formation
Answers        1. membership  2. government  3. partnership  4. childhood  5. citizenship  6. entertainment  7. brotherhood  8. agreement
Section        Grammar – Future Time (Fill in the blanks)
Answers        1. leaves  2. will finish  3. will rain  4. are going to move  5. am starting  6. is going  7. is having  8. will help
Section        Future Reference (Paragraph)
Answers        1. will revolutionise  2. will develop  3. will transform  4. will open  5. will assist  6. will be
Section        Listening (Tick/Cross)
Answers        1. ✗  2. ✓  3. ✓  4. ✗  5. ✓
Section        Listening – Fill in the blanks
Answers        1. people  2. Martians; energy  3. chocolates  4. one  5. clouds; metals
Conclusion        NCERT solutions help students understand chapter concepts clearly, practise exam-oriented questions, and improve grammar and vocabulary skills. These solutions strictly follow the NCERT pattern and worksheet structure, making revision simple, organised, and effective. Help your child strengthen English comprehension and grammar skills with structured academic support. 

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