NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 2 Chapter 2
NCERT solutions for Class 8 English Chapter A Tale of Valour – complete answers & explanations
Class 8 English Chapter A Tale of Valour from Unit 2 Values and Dispositions presents powerful lessons about courage, empathy, dedication, and service to others. Through the inspiring story of Major Somnath Sharma and a meaningful poem about kindness, students learn the importance of standing up for what is right and helping those in need. This chapter not only builds language skills but also strengthens moral values that are essential in everyday life. These NCERT solutions help students understand the correct approach to answering questions and improve their overall performance in exams. Students can download the worksheet and practice alongside solutions for better clarity. To further support learning and build confidence, book a free trial now to get expert guidance.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
1. The inspiring story of Major
Somnath Sharma and his bravery in protecting the nation.
2. Important values such as courage, discipline, dedication, empathy, and patriotism.
3. Understanding poetry through themes, structure, and interpretation.
4. Vocabulary development including antonyms, idioms, expressions, and word usage.
5. Grammar concepts such as sentence completion, correct word usage, and analogies.
6. Listening and speaking activities that enhance communication skills.
7. Writing tasks that encourage reflection and expression of personal experiences.
8. Activities that promote kindness, gratitude, and responsibility towards others.
9. Development of reading comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
10. Real-life application of values like helping others and showing respect.
How to use these NCERT solutions?
1. Begin by reading the chapter
carefully to understand the theme and key ideas.
2. Attempt all the questions in the worksheet independently.
3. Use the solutions to check your answers and identify mistakes.
4. Compare your responses to learn the correct structure and presentation.
5. Follow the exact order of the worksheet while practising.
6. Revise answers regularly to improve retention and exam readiness.
7. Parents and teachers can guide students through discussions and explanations.
8. Focus on understanding rather than memorising answers.
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Read each question carefully and understand what is being asked.
2. Write answers in clear and simple sentences.
3. Focus on key values such as courage, empathy, and responsibility.
4. Revise vocabulary and grammar exercises thoroughly.
5. Practice writing and speaking tasks regularly.
6. Avoid spelling and grammatical errors by revising your answers.
7. Use examples from the lesson wherever required.
8. Manage your time effectively during exams.
9. Stay consistent with practice to improve confidence.
NCERT solutions – complete answer key
LET US DO THESE ACTIVITIES BEFORE WE READ
Work in pairs. share their thoughts with classmates and teacher.
Students share their thoughts about the Republic Day Parade.
Students identify highlights such as marching contingents, tableaux, cultural performances, and military displays.
Bravery awards such as the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, and other gallantry awards are discussed, along with the brave soldiers who receive them.
Work in groups of four and discuss
Qualities such as courage, discipline, loyalty, dedication, and patriotism.
Students express gratitude, respect, and encouragement to soldiers for protecting the nation.
LET US DISCUSS
Arrange the following events in chronological order.
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
2. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
3. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
4. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.
6. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.
7. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
LET US THINK AND REFLECT
I (Read the extract and answer the questions).
Because he was determined to protect Srinagar and inspire his soldiers to continue fighting bravely.
resolute
False
He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence.
picturesque
Answer the following questions.
The repetition emphasises that Major Somnath Sharma’s courage and dedication will always be remembered and continue to inspire future generations.
His leadership was critical because he motivated his soldiers, organised the defence, and made strategic decisions even when they were heavily outnumbered.
His last words were:
“I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
They reflect his strong sense of duty, courage, and determination to defend the nation.
The enemy might have captured Srinagar and its airport, which could have caused serious consequences for India during the war.
His story inspires people because it shows extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the nation.
These values can be applied in daily life by being responsible, helping others, standing up for what is right, and showing courage in difficult situations.
LET US LEARN
Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with the most suitable situations given in Column 2.
1 – ii
2 – iv
3 – i
4 – iii
Now, complete the following sentences using the expressions from Column 1.
A. foil the plan
B. deliver a blow
C. hold their ground
D. fight to the last man
Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.
1 – ii
2 – iii
3 – iv
4 – i
Now, fill in the blanks suitably with words from Column 1 in the table.
A. regiment
B. fleet
C. battalion
D. squadron
1. overthrow
2. overrun
3. overwhelm
(i) advice
(ii) advise
(i) practice
(ii) practise
(i) device
(ii) devise
(i) council
(ii) counsel
1. is
2. were
3. has
4. shows
5. was
6. has
7. is
8. is
9. have delivered
10. is
Each soldier salutes with pride while the commander and his assistants inspect the parade.
The sound of marching feet echoes through the air as a group of cadets prepares for their drill.
Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles passes by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.
LET US LISTEN
Fill in the blanks.
brave
enemy
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Vedic rishi
lotus flowers
LET US DISCUSS
Arrange the events of the poem in the correct order.
1 – 2
2 – 3
3 – 6
4 – 4
5 – 5
6 – 7
7 – 1
8 – 8
Fill in the blanks.
1. kindness and empathy
2. sympathetic and hopeful
3. two
4. narrative and emotions
5. AABB
Pick examples for the poetic devices.
1. Simile – “Came the boys like a flock of sheep”
2. Alliteration – “firm and strong”
3. Repetition – “Somebody’s mother”
Complete the sentences.
1. amid the throng of human beings who passed her by
2. harsh
Complete the sentence.
emphasises that the old woman is someone’s mother and deserves kindness and respect.
Complete the analogy.
kind and compassionate
LET US THINK AND REFLECT
feeling cold and weak due to the winter weather
A. Fact
B. Opinion
Because she was old and physically weak, making it difficult for her to walk quickly.
It emphasises the difference between the weakness of old age and the strength of youth.
grateful for his ability to help
The young boy’s actions were driven by kindness and empathy.
Answer the following questions.
The old woman might have feared slipping on the wet street, being hit by vehicles, or being unable to cross the road safely.
The poet shows her helplessness by describing her as old, ragged, bent with cold, and standing alone while people pass by without helping her.
The boy decides to help her because he feels empathy and imagines his own mother in the same situation. This shows that he is kind and thoughtful.
The other boys ignored the old woman and hurried past her, while the boy stopped, spoke kindly, and helped her cross the street safely.
The title is appropriate because the poem reminds us that every elderly person is someone’s mother and deserves care and respect.
The poem suggests that empathy and humanity are essential in society because small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
LET US LEARN
Word Grid (Antonyms found)
firm – fragile
meek – bold
merry – sad
kind – cruel
anxious – calm
bent – straight
Match the words from the text with the underlined phrases.
1 – iii
2 – vi
3 – i
4 – ii
5 – iv
6 – v
Match the idioms with their meanings.
1 – iv
2 – i
3 – vi
4 – ii
5 – iii
6 – v
Complete the analogy.
1. chill : winter
2. harm
3. proud
4. see
5. throng
LET US LISTEN
1 – 3
2 – 1
3 – 5
4 – 2
5 – 4
6 – 6
1. strong currents
2. hesitation
3. onlookers
4. courage
5. no barrier
LET US SPEAK
/id/ sound
ragged
aged
waited
/d/ sound
heeded
offered
guided
/t/ sound
paused
whispered
I noticed my classmate was upset because she could not understand a lesson. I sat with her after class and explained the topic. She felt happy and confident afterwards.
In the neighbourhood cleanliness campaign, I helped collect plastic waste and put it into garbage bags. Together with other volunteers, we cleaned the streets and parks.
I saw an elderly man struggling to carry heavy grocery bags. I offered to help and carried the bags to his house. He appreciated my help.
A young child in the park fell while playing. I helped him stand up and took him to his parents. They thanked me for helping their child.
LET US WRITE
Write a diary entry about a day when you helped someone in need.
15 July 20XX
Dear Diary,
Today was a very special day for me. While returning from school, I saw an elderly woman standing at the side of the road. She looked worried because the traffic was heavy and she could not cross the road. I went to her and politely asked if she needed help. She smiled and nodded.
I carefully held her hand and helped her cross the road safely. She thanked me warmly and blessed me. Her words made me feel very happy and proud.
This small act of kindness made me realise that helping others brings great joy and satisfaction.
Good night!
LET US EXPLORE
Earth is referred to as ‘Mother Earth’ in the Atharva Veda. The idea behind this is that the Earth nurtures and supports all living beings just like a mother cares for her children.
Motherland – India, Russia, Germany
Fatherland – Germany, Netherlands
Read the poem and enjoy
Explanation:
Students collect examples of songs, poems, or speeches where the country is referred to as ‘motherland’. They may discuss how this idea creates feelings of respect, love, and responsibility towards the nation.
Make a gratitude card for your mother/grandmother to thank her for at least five things that she does for you. Also write two things that you would do regularly to help them. Use recycled material to make and decorate the card.
1. Thank you for taking care of me every day.
2. Thank you for cooking delicious food for our family.
3. Thank you for helping me with my studies.
4. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me.
5. Thank you for loving and protecting me.
Two things I will do to help you regularly:
1. I will help you with household work.
2. I will keep my room and belongings clean.
Why NCERT solutions help students?
NCERT solutions help students understand the expected answer format, improve concept clarity, and build confidence for exams. Regular practice helps students strengthen their understanding and perform better in assessments.
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