NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter A Tale of Valour

This worksheet provides NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter A Tale of Valour from Unit 2: Values and Dispositions in the Poorvi textbook. This chapter highlights themes of courage, dedication, empathy, and responsibility through inspiring stories, poems, and activities. It introduces students to real-life bravery, moral values, and the importance of kindness and service to others.

This worksheet helps students understand the story of Major Somnath Sharma and his bravery in protecting the nation. It also includes activities and reflections that encourage students to think about compassion, courage, and helping others in everyday life. The worksheet provides complete and accurate NCERT Solutions aligned with the chapter activities so that students can clearly understand each concept and question.

Chapter summary: stories, poems & themes

This chapter focuses on values such as courage, empathy, patriotism, and responsibility. Students learn about the bravery of Major Somnath Sharma and the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the country.

The chapter also includes a poem about kindness and compassion toward others, especially elderly people who may need help. Through reading, discussion, and reflection activities, students explore how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

The worksheet includes listening activities, discussions, vocabulary tasks, grammar exercises, speaking practice, and writing activities. Many sections involve discussion and reflection, encouraging students to think about real-life situations and moral values.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

• Understanding bravery and patriotism through real-life examples 
• Developing empathy, kindness, and respect for others 
• Reading comprehension and critical thinking 
• Vocabulary development and grammar practice 
• Listening and speaking skills through classroom activities 
• Writing practice such as diary entries and letters 
• Observation and reflection through activity-based learning 

How to use these NCERT solutions?

Students should first attempt to answer the questions in this worksheet independently. After completing the exercises, they can compare their responses with the NCERT Solutions provided here.

Parents and teachers can also use these solutions to guide students during revision and homework practice. The answers follow the exact sequence and structure of the NCERT exercises, making it easier to track learning progress and understand the expected format of answers.

Using these solutions regularly helps students strengthen comprehension, improve writing skills, and prepare confidently for assessments.

Student tips & learning tricks

• Read the passage or poem carefully before answering questions. 
• Pay attention to values such as courage, kindness, and responsibility highlighted in the chapter. 
• While answering reflection questions, focus on the main ideas from the text. 
• When learning new vocabulary, try using the words in your own sentences. 
• Practice writing tasks like diary entries and letters clearly and logically. 

Why NCERT solutions are important?

NCERT Solutions play an important role in helping students understand textbook concepts clearly. Since school exams and assessments are based on NCERT content, practicing with accurate solutions helps students prepare effectively.

These solutions strengthen foundational learning, improve comprehension skills, and help students build confidence while answering exam questions. They also help students learn the correct format and approach expected in NCERT-based assessments.

Complete answer key – NCERT solutions

Let us do these activities before we read

1. Students share their thoughts about the Republic Day Parade.

2. Students identify highlights such as marching contingents, tableaux, cultural performances, and military displays.

3. Bravery awards such as the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, and other gallantry awards are discussed, along with the brave soldiers who receive them.

4. Qualities such as courage, discipline, loyalty, dedication, and patriotism.

5. Students express gratitude, respect, and encouragement to soldiers for protecting the nation.

6. Work in pairs. Share thoughts with classmates and teacher. (student-generated activity)

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

1. Because he was determined to protect Srinagar and inspire his soldiers to continue fighting bravely. 
2. resolute 
3. False 
4. He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence. 
5. picturesque 

Answer the following questions.

1. The repetition emphasises that Major Somnath Sharma’s courage and dedication will always be remembered and continue to inspire future generations. 

2. His leadership was critical because he motivated his soldiers, organised the defence, and made strategic decisions even when they were heavily outnumbered. 

3. 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. 

4. The enemy might have captured Srinagar and its airport, which could have caused serious consequences for India during the war. 

5. His story inspires people because it shows extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the nation. 

6. 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 

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 

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) device 
(ii) devise 

(i) practice 
(ii) practise 

(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 

Let us listen

Fill in the blanks.

1. brave 
2. enemy 
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad 
4. Vedic rishi 
5. 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” 

Let us think and reflect

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 

1. feeling cold and weak due to the winter weather 

Fact or Opinion.

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.

1. The old woman might have feared slipping on the wet street, being hit by vehicles, or being unable to cross the road safely.

2. The poet shows her helplessness by describing her as old, ragged, bent with cold, and standing alone while people pass by without helping her.

3. 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.

4. The other boys ignored the old woman and hurried past her, while the boy stopped, spoke kindly, and helped her cross the street safely.

5. The title is appropriate because the poem reminds us that every elderly person is someone’s mother and deserves care and respect.

6. 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 

Speaking activities (student-generated responses)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 

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. (student-generated activity)

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. (student-generated activity)

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. 

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