The City School

PAF Chapter

Comprehensive Worksheet
December 2019

English
Class – 8

Index Number: _____________________________________________Section: _____________

Branch/Campus: ________________________________ Date:________________________
Maximum Marks: 100 Time Allowed:2 hours

INSTRUCTIONS:
 Write your index number, section, school /campus and date clearly in the space provided.
 Read and follow the instructions of the questions given.
 Answer all the questions in the space provided.
 Check your answers before you hand it in.
 Marks for each section are shown below.
 This paper consists of 12printed pages including the cover page.

_________________________For Examiner’s use only_________________________

Sections Section A Section B Total
P1: Directed P2: Creative P1: Unseen P2: Seen Passage
Marks Writing Writing Passage (Literature) 100
20 30 25 25
Marks
Obtained

Percentage
Grade

______________ ______________ ________________

INVIGILATED BY MARKED BY MARKS TALLIED BY
 SECTION A WRITING: PART 1 (DIRECTED WRITING) TOTAL MARKS 20

Question No. 1: Write on ONE of the following topics.

 Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper in which you explain why there should
be entertainment facilities provided for young people of your age group in your local
area, and asking for support from other people in your campaign for suitable facilities.
OR
 Social media, though originally meant to bring people closer, has now become a social
nuisance, and its unmonitored usage has become the norm nowadays. Your
headmistress has asked you to publish a paper on this issue in the school
magazine.Word Limit: 120 – 150 words

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 2 of 12
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 3 of 12
 SECTION A WRITING: PART 2 (CREATIVE WRITING) TOTAL MARKS 30

Question No. 1: Write on ONE of the following topics.

a) Describe someone you know personally who is a mixture of attractive qualities
andoddbehavior.
OR
b) People are too interested in their appearance nowadays. Do you agree?
OR
c) Write a story beginning with, “It was just an ordinary weekday morning”.
Word Limit: 180 – 200 words

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 4 of 12
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 5 of 12
 SECTION B Reading: PART 1 (Unseen Passage) Total Marks: 25

Read the following passage and answer the questions.

Railways
The oldest form of railway, credited to Periander of Greece around 2,500 years ago, was an
invention whereby carriages were pulled by slaves along grooves in limestone which provided the
tracks. In the thirteenth century, railways started appearing in Europe; carriages then ran on
wooden rails and were hauled by hempen ropes attached to men or animals. Through time,
trains which ran on narrow wooden tracks became invaluable in mining, for the transportation of
coal and other minerals to their final destination. In Britain, for example, this type of transport
was used to move coal from mines to canals for further distribution. The use of railways
increased when iron was placed on top of the wooden rails, which increased their lifespan. In
their early stages, railways were limited in that trips could be made only by following the straight
lines of inflexible track. But the invention of moveable points in the track – mechanical devices
fitted into the tracks which enable the train to be guided from one track to another – permitted a
greater variety of journeys.
In the early days of railways many widths, or gauges, of track were used, which meant that
travelling long distances was not possible without several train changes; for example, in the
1850s, the relatively short trip from Philadelphia to Charleston in the USA involved eight gauges
and seven changes. The introduction of an international standard gauge was a major
development and was soon used by more than half of the world’s railways; within twenty years,
Britain had more than 7,000 miles of track, a stunning technological achievement.
Rail transport blossomed further with the invention of the steam engine – which was driven by
steam produced by burning coal and wood – because these engines could pull several carriages
behind them. This resulted in the construction of mainline railways, and the transportation of
goods became cheaper than via other methods. However, steam trains required large pools of
labour to clean, load and maintain them, and became increasingly costly. By the middle of the
twentieth century, steam trains were being replaced by diesel trains, popular because of their
substantially lower operating and maintenance costs. A development in modern times has been
the electric train, powered by overhead wires, an attraction of which is its relatively cheap
running costs. Everyone loves the puffing sound of an old-style steam train and, in countries
where they are no longer in use, many older people remember them with great nostalgia.
However, electric trains are less noisy and create fewer pollutants, which is very much in their
favour and has contributed to their increased use.
Nowadays, trains continue to be a popular form of transport. Although a plane from one part of
a country to another may be quicker, train stations, unlike airports, tend to be conveniently
situated near town or city centres. There are no tedious security checks in train stations, as in
airports, and so precious time is saved and passengers do not become flustered and stressed.
Most airlines operate a baggage allowance policy, thereby limiting what passengers are
permitted to take on their journey. This is not the case with train travel. Moreover, passengers
take their luggage on board the train with them, where they can keep an eye on it, knowing they
will not lose it in transit or have to spend half an hour or more waiting for it to be unloaded from
the train when they reach their destination.
Innovations in modern trains – for example the ‘bullet’ train in Japan, or the Eurostar linking

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 6 of 12
Britain to Europe – mean ` fast; in fact, France’s high speed train has recorded speeds of 357
miles per hour. Many modern trains, unlike planes, offer flexibility in seating arrangements, with
single or double seats available, or groups of four seats for families, making the journey an
enjoyable and relaxing experience. Passengers’ sense of well-being is further enhanced by the
possibility of moving around the train, perhaps to have coffee or a meal in a restaurant carriage
on a long journey. Many train journeys can be made overnight, which frees up time for business
people who might otherwise have to pay for a hotel if they travel the day before to attend a
meeting, or get up very early in the morning of the meeting to catch a flight. The provision of
electrical power points on trains for charging phones or laptops can turn them into mobile
offices, a further benefit for business people.

Read the Passage and answer all the questions below.

Identify and write down the points in the passage which describe the stages in the development
of railways and the benefits these developments brought, and the advantages of train travel
nowadays.

Stages in the development of railways and the benefits these developments brought [5]
 Carriages pulled by slaves along grooves in limestone (in Greece)
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The advantages of train travel nowadays

• Train stations conveniently situated near town / city centers
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 7 of 12
1. Summary [5]
Now use your notes to write a summary in which you describe the stages in the development of
railways and the benefits these developments brought, and the advantages of train travel
nowadays, as outlined in the passage.
Your summary, which must be in continuous writing (not note form), must be no longer than 160
words, including the 10 words given below.
Begin your summary as follows:
The oldest form of railway was an invention in which
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

2. In paragraph 2, Britain’s 7,000 miles of railway track is described as ‘a stunning technological

achievement’.
From your own knowledge or experience, give two examples of ‘stunning technological
achievement’. In your answer, do not refer to specific examples from the passage which is linked
to transport.
The first example is [1]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
The second example is [1]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Pick out and write down one opinion from paragraph 3. [1]
The opinion is
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

4.Read the above passage and list down 6 phrasal verbs. [3]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 8 of 12
5.Construct 3 meaningful sentences of the selected phrasal verbs. [3]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

6.Identify and list down 3 figures of speech from the passage and state their meanings. [3]

1.____________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________

7.Identify 3 noun clauses and 3 adverbial clauses from the passage. [3]

1.______________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________
4.______________________________________________________
5.______________________________________________________
6.______________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 9 of 12
 SECTION B Reading: PART 2 (Seen Passage/Literature) Total Marks: 25

Q.1 Read the following passage and answers the questions given below.

Now the days passed slowly and wearily. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and
ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spoke of the Arkenstone of Thrain, and bade them eagerly
to look for it in every corner. "For the Arkenstone of my father," he said, "is worth more than a
river of gold in itself, and to me it is beyond price. That stone of all the treasure I name unto
myself, and I will be avenged on anyone who finds it and withholds it." Bilbo heard these words
and he grew afraid, wondering what would happen, if the stone was found wrapped in an old
bundle of tattered oddments that he used as a pillow.

"You may see it!" said he. "It is this!" and he drew forth the Arkenstone, and threw away the
wrapping. The Elven king himself, whose eyes were used to things of wonder and beauty, stood
up in amaze-ment. Even Bard gazed marvelling at it in silence. It was as if a globe had been filled
with moonlight and hung before them in a net woven of the glint of frosty stars. "This is the
Arkenstone of Thrain," said Bilbo, "the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin.
He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining." Then Bilbo,
not without a shudder, not without a glance of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and
he held it in his hand, as though dazed.

The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder. "Bilbo Baggins!" he said. "You are more worthy
to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it. But I wonder if
ThorinOakenshield will see it so. I have more knowledge of dwarves in general than you have
perhaps. I advise you to remain with us, and here you shall be honoured and thrice welcome. As
they passed through the camp an old man, wrapped in a dark cloak, rose from a tent door where
he was sitting and came towards them. "Well done! Mr. Baggins!" he said, clapping Bilbo on the
back. "There is always more about you than anyone expects!" It was Gandalf.

So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of Five Armies, and it was
very terrible. Upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were
Elves and Men and Dwarves. This is how it fell out. Ever since the fall of the Great Goblin of the
Misty Mountains the hatred of their race for the dwarves had been rekindled to fury.

Bless me! What's going on?" he cried. There was great commotion, and people of all sorts,
respectable and unrespectable, were thick round the door, and many were going in and out—not
even wiping their feet on the mat, as Bilbo noticed with annoyance. If he was surprised, they
were more surprised still. He had arrived back in the middle of an auction.

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 10 of 12
1.Why does Bilbo give the Arkenstone to Bard? Explain Thorin’s reaction against Bilbo’s
decision. [4]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. Reference to the context: [6]

i)“The dragon is coming or I am a fool.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

ii)“If more of us valued food and cheer above hoarded gold, the world would be a better
place.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Identify the following characters: [5]

The sleeping guard---------------------------
Heir of Arkenstone---------------------------
Thorin’snephews--------------------------------
Returns in the end of the novel----------------------------
Cannot resist riddles----------------------------

4. Write a character sketch ofThorin. [5]

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 11 of 12
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

5.Explain the commotion that Bilbo discovers as he arrives at his home. [2]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Name the Five armies. Who turned the tide of the battle? [3]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The City School/ PAF Chapter/ Comprehensive Worksheet/ December 2019/ English / Class 8 Page 12 of 12