Question 1

For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your

Accepted Answer

Answer:Connie had kept Jim’s last letter till January 25, 1915. The letter was dated Dec. 26, 1914.

Source: This question is from The Best Christmas Present in the World, English &mdash; Class 8, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Best Christmas Present in the World: Long, Think, Connie, Kept, Jim, Letter. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 8 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Best Christmas Present in the WorldQ11: The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to...
Q12: In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your...
Q13: What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy...
Q14: Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how...
Q15: Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline. A young, newly...
Practice more questions from The Best Christmas Present in the World &mdash; English, Class 8 CBSE

Question 2

Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when?

Accepted Answer

The desk must have been sold when Connie’s house had burnt. The table had been damaged by fire as well as water.

Source: This question is from The Best Christmas Present in the World, English &mdash; Class 8, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Best Christmas Present in the World: Think, Desk, Sold, The Best Christmas Present in the World, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 8 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Best Christmas Present in the WorldQ11: The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to...
Q12: In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your...
Q13: What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy...
Q14: Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how...
Q15: Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline. A young, newly...
Practice more questions from The Best Christmas Present in the World &mdash; English, Class 8 CBSE

Question 3

Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?

Accepted Answer

Both Jim and Hans were soldiers. Both were warm hearted. They had seen the sufferings of war. So it was natural for them to hate war. They favoured a peaceful solution to settle disputes. Games or sports, they said, were good ways of resolving conflicts. I also quite agree with them.

Question 4

Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other? Find evidence from the story to support your

Accepted Answer

Answer:All human beings are alike in many ways. They love peace and hate war. They want to live together. Examples from the story: “Then they were calling out to us from a cross no man’s land. “Happy Christmas, Tommy! Happy Christmas! “When we had got

Question 5

Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers become friends and find things in common at Christmas.

Accepted Answer

The British and the German soldiers belonged to different camps. They were enemies in war time. But after all they were human beings and therefore they had similar feelings. They shared the festive spirit of the Christmas. They got over hatred and played games, feasted and drank like good friends. Both hated war. Both were anxious to go back to their families at the end of war.

Question 6

What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it the best Christmas present in the world?

Accepted Answer

Connie thought that Jim had come back home from war. She mistook the author for Jim. She had been waiting for her husband Jim. So the coming home of Jim was the best Christmas present in the world for her.

Question 7

Do you think the title of the story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)?

Accepted Answer

Decidedly the title of the story is most suitable. For the old Connie, no other present could have given her such joy as the coming home of Jim, her husband. Her presumption might be wrong, but she got the greatest happiness of her life. Since the story revolves around Christmas, the alternate title of the story could be War and Peace’ or ‘Christmas Gift’. But neither can be a match to the present title.

Question 8

Look at these sentences from the story.
I spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport… The man said it was made in the early nineteenth century… This one was in a bad condition…
The
italicised
verbs are in the past tense. They tell us what happened in the past, before now.
(i) Read the passage below and underline the verb in the past tense.
A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They he

Accepted Answer

A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.Now look at these sentences.The veneer had lifted almost everywhere. Both fire and water had taken their toll on this desk.Notice the verb forms had lifted, had taken (their toll).The author found and bought the desk in the past. The desk was damaged before the author found it and bought it. Fire and water had damaged the desk before the author found it and bought it.We use verb forms like had damaged for an event in the ‘earlier past’. If there are two events in the past, we used the ‘had ….’ form for the event that occurred first in the past.We also use the past perfect tense to show that something was wished for, or expected before a particular time in the past. For example, I had always wanted oneDiscuss with your partner the difference in meaning in the sentences below.When I reached the station, the train left.When I reached the station, the train had left.(ii) Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.My little sister is very naughty. When she———-(come)back from school yester­day, she had ———-(tear)her dress. We———————————————————(ask)her how it had——–(happen). She—–(say)she——-(have, quarrel)with a boy. She———–(have, beat)him in a race and he———(have, try)to push her. She———(have, tell)the teacher and so he——-(have, chase)her and she———-(have, fall)down and——–(have, tear)her dress.Answer:My little sister is very naughty. When shecameback from school yesterday, she hadtornher dress. Weaskedher how it hadhappened. Shesaidshehad quar­relledwith a boy. Shehad beatenhim in a race and hehad triedto push her. Shehad toldthe teacher and so he hadchasedher and shehad fallendown and hadtornher dress.(iii)Underline the verbs and arrange them in two columns, Past and Earlier(a)My friends set out to see the caves in the next town, but I stayed at home, because I had seen them already.(b)When they arrived at the station, their train had left. They came back home, but by that time I had gone out to see a movie!(c)So they sat outside and ate the lunch I had packed for them.(d)By the time I returned, they had fallen asleep!Answer:

Question 9

Dictionary Work
By the end of the journey, we had run out of drinking water.
Look at the verb run out of in this sentence. It is a phrasal verb: it has two parts, a verb and a preposition or an adverb. Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the meanings of their parts.
Find these phrasal verbs in the story.
Write down the sentences in which they occur. Consult a dictionary and write down the meaning that you think matches the meaning of the phrasal verb in the sentence.

Accepted Answer

“House number 12 turned out to be nothing but a burned-out shell ……………..(destroyed by fire).That was the moment her eyes lit up with recognition, and her face………………(brightened).Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered, clapping our hand……… :(considered somebody to be somebody)The time came, and all too soon when the game was finished, the schnapps and the run and the sausage had long since run out, and we knew it was all over,(become used up, finished)Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered clapping our hands and stamping our feet, to keep out the cold as much as anything,(to avoid)

Question 10

The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to describe each noun. You might come up with some funny descriptions!
Nouns
Adjectives
elephant
circular, striped, enormours,
multicoloured, round, cheerful,
wild,    blue, red, chubby,
large, medium-sized, cold
face
building
water

Accepted Answer

elephant—enormous, striped, wildface—cheerful, round, chubbybuilding—circular, large, multicolouredwater—blue, cold.

Source: This question is from The Best Christmas Present in the World, English &mdash; Class 8, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Best Christmas Present in the World: Table, Contains, Nouns, Adjectives, Use, Noun. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 8 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Best Christmas Present in the WorldQ12: In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your...
Q13: What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy...
Q14: Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how...
Q15: Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline. A young, newly...
Q16: How did the author find Jim’s letter? What did it contain?
Practice more questions from The Best Christmas Present in the World &mdash; English, Class 8 CBSE

Question 11

In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your arguments to the whole class.

Accepted Answer

War means bloodshed, hate and destruction. It shows the animalism in man. Even the animals fight for some sound reason. But nations go to war to settle some petty dispute or in the name of religion. War solves no problem. Understanding alone can end differences. All religions condemn greed and bloody quarrels. Let us learn this great lesson from history.

Question 12

What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy presents for others? Discuss with your partner. (For ex­ample, you might buy a book because it can be read and re-read over a period of time.)

Accepted Answer

Personally I am against the practice of exchanging expensive gifts. A rose or a token of affection suits every person and every pocket. This is why some guests offer bouquets or greeting cards alone. In case the gift is essential, it should satisfy some need and1have utility. When I go to buy a present, I first take into account the liking of my classmate, relative or girl/boy friend.

Question 13

Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how you feel about the changes you see and the events that occur in your town. You could begin like this
25 December,
1919 It’s Christmas today, but the town looks…..
OR
Suppose you are the visitor. You are in a dilemma. You don’t know whether to disclose your identity and disappoint the old lady or let her believe that her dear Jim has come back. Write a letter to a friend highlighting your anxiety, fea

Accepted Answer

25 December, 1919It’s Christmas today, but the town looks very much different from what I had imagined. It has been ravaged by war. Buildings are in ruins and there is graveyard silence. My own house burnt when it was hit by a bombardment. The events of war have taken a toll of civilians as well as soldiers. I hate the fighting instinct in us and curse the war makers (monger). Can’t we live in peace like brothers?ORAnswer:12-A, Block 4,DorsetAugust 10, 2009 Dear Smith,I am in a dilemma. It seems to be insolvable. I, therefore, seek your help in making a decision.You know I had purchased an old desk. Inside it I got a box containing an old letter. It was written by Jim, a British soldier, to his wife. I decided to deliver that letter to Mrs. Jim at Briport.I reached her house. She was 101 years old. When I gave her the letter, her eyes lit up. She thought I was her long lost husband Jim, who had come home to keep his promise. She was excited and she kissed me. She didn’t listen to what I tried to tell her about my identity.I don’t know whether or not I should tell who I am. I only walked away from her quickly.

Question 14

Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline.
A young, newly married doctor———- freedom fighter——– exited to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the British————– infamous cellular Jail———— prisoners tortured ——- revolt by inmates——— doctor hanged———- wife waits for his return —– becomes old——– continues to wait with hope and faith.

Accepted Answer

It was the year 1930. India was a British colony. But English education enlightened a section of people. They started fighting for freedom. A young, newly- married doctor was implicated in a conspiracy case. He was sent to Black Waters (Kalapani) It was a group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Many freedom fighters and revolutionaries were sent there for life. They were put in cellular Jail for a few years. They were subjected to torture. The doctor was hanged. But his wife kept waiting for the return of her husband. She grew old. However, her hope and faith did not fade.MORE QUESTIONS SOLVEDI. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Question 15

How did the author find Jim’s letter? What did it contain?

Accepted Answer

The author found Jim’s letter in the small black tin box, put in the drawer of an old table. Jim’s letter was addressed to his wife. He was a British soldier but he was glad to have celebrated Christmas together with the German soldiers. He put it down in the letter and promised to come back home on Christmas.

Question 16

Jim talks about an incident that had just happened at the front. What was it?

Accepted Answer

England and Germany were at war with each other. The British soldiers were waiting to shoot the German soldiers. But on Christmas, a strange development took place. The German soldiers came out of their hiding places and called out ‘Happy Christmas’. They were unarmed and they waved a white flag. The British soldiers led by captain Jim Macpherson agreed to celebrate the festival together.

Question 17

Who are Fritz and Tommy in the story?

Accepted Answer

Fritz and Tommy are the names given to the German and the British soldiers respectively.II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Source: This question is from The Best Christmas Present in the World, English &mdash; Class 8, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Best Christmas Present in the World: Fritz, Tommy, Story, The Best Christmas Present in the World, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 8 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from The Best Christmas Present in the WorldQ11: The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to...
Q12: In groups discuss whether wars are a good way to end conflicts between countries. Then present your...
Q13: What kind of presents do you like and why? What are the things you keep in mind when you buy...
Q14: Imagine that you are Jim. You have returned to your town after the war. In your diary record how...
Q15: Given below is the outline of a story. Construct the story using the outline. A young, newly...
Practice more questions from The Best Christmas Present in the World &mdash; English, Class 8 CBSE

Question 18

Describe in brief the author’s meeting with Connie.

Accepted Answer

Connie or Mrs Macpherson was 101 years old. When the author took Jim’s letter to her in a nursing home she became very excited. Her eyes lit up and she mistook the author for her husband. She kissed his cheek. She said that she had been reading his letter every day. But she wanted to hear his voice. She had made a Christmas cake also for him as he had promised to come home. She thought that he was back home. She called his presence at home as the best Christmas present for her in the world.

Question 19

What had happened to Mrs. Macpherson? Describe her condition.

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Macpherson lived alone after her husband (Jim Macpherson) went to join the British army during the First World War. One day her house caught fire. But she was saved by the firemen. From then she had been in a nursing home for treatment. She had grown extremely old and couldn’t walk on herself. And her life got confined to a wheelchair.SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveMore CBSE Class 8 Study MaterialNCERT Maths Solutions Class 8NCERT Class 8 Science SolutionsCBSE Class 8 Social Science SolutionsNCERT Class 8 English SolutionsNCERT Solutions for Class 8 English HoneydewNCERT Solutions for Class 8 English It So HappenedNCERT Hindi Class 8 SolutionsCBSE Class 8 Sanskrit SolutionsNCERT Solutions