Click here to access the best NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 1 Learning Together Chapter 3 Wisdom Paves the Way Questions and Answers.
Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 Questions and Answers
Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 3 Wisdom Paves the Way Question Answer
Wisdom Paves the Way Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 27)
I. Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
We seek advice of the elderly in our family because they have life experience and wisdom that helps them make better decisions.
II. Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgement.
Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.
1. Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard.
2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
3. Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.
4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.

Answer:
| Situations | Knowledge/Wisdom |
| 1. Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard. | Knowledge |
| 2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth. | Wisdom |
| 3. Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app. | Knowledge |
| 4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically. | Wisdom |
| 5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding. | Wisdom |
| 6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival. | Knowledge |
III. Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:
I think the man has lost something, may be an animal, and he is not able to find his animal. He approaches a house and finds some women standing outside the house. The man enquires about his animal and wants to find out where his animal is. From the picture it appears that the three local women are not able to help the man. Because of the commotion caused, a cat and a monkey are watching the scene.
Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 32)
I. Complete the following sentences with suitable reasons. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Shiv Datt said, “I believe it has been over a week, perhaps even longer,” because it had been a long time since they left the village.
2. Dev Datt said, “Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain,” because ________.
3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh,” because ________.
4. Shiv Datt said, “It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble,” because ________.
5. The merchant said, “How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!” because ________.
6. Dev Datt said, “You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder,” because ________.
Answer:
2. they all hoped to get employed by the King.
3. he. had seen the fresh camel tracks on the road.
4. the merchant was running fast and seemed worried.
5. Dev Datt correctly guessed that the camel had stomach pain.
6. Dev Datt had nothing to fear and was ready to face the King.
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Class 8 English Wisdom Paves the Way Question Answer – Let us discuss. (Pages 36-37)
I. Arrange the following events in order of their occurrence from Scene II of the play. One example has been, done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills. (8)
2. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
3. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
4. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation.
5. Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement.
7. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
Answer:
1. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
2. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
3. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
4. Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
5. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement.
7. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation.
8. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.
Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us think and reflect (Pages 37-39)
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. Dev Datt: Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things.
We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us.
Ram Datt: If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain.
I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service.
Shiv Datt: I share your belief.
Dev Datt: Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain.
Har Datt: (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.
(i) Identify the false statement from the two given below and rectify it.
A. Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task.
B. Ram Datt is confident that the King would recognise their talents.
Answer:
False Statement – A.
Dev Datt believes that finding employment is a long journey.
(ii) What does Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tell us about him?
Answer:
Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tells us that he is confident and optimistic, showing self-belief.
(iii) Complete the sentence given below with the correct option from those given.
In the line, ‘That’s why we press on towards Ujjain’, the phrase ‘press on’ refers to ________
A. walking with heavy steps
B. moving forward with determi¬nation
C. slowing down frequently for rest
D. stopping briefly to save time
Answer:
B. moving forward with determination
(iv) Har Datt says, “We need to devise a strategy.” What can be inferred about Har Datt’s character from his statement?
A. He is doubtful of their abilities and wants to give up.
B. He is eager to rush into the palace without preparation.
C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
D. He relies on others to make decisions for the group.
Answer:
C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
2. King: (To the four men)
You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions, and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer?
Ram Datt: (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of.

(i) Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed.
(R): The King commanded that the four wise men join his court.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
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(ii) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option.
The line, ‘See beyond the obvious’ means that the men had the ability to ________
A. challenge common beliefs with reasoning
B. interpret information in traditional ways
C. notice details that others might overlook
D. predict what is going to happen in the future
Answer:
C. notice details that others might overlook
(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Ram Datt described the King’s offer as ‘an honour we had not dared to dream of because ________
Answer:
he had never imagined such honour from the King.
(iv) How does the King’s offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?
Answer:
The King’s offer shows that he values observation, intelligence, and justice.
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men’s journey?
Answer:
The dusty road leading to Ujjain tells us that how difficult and long their journey has been.
Question 2.
Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?
Answer:
The merchant became suspicious because the men described his camel so accurately without seeing it. It tells us that the merchant was unable to judge the four men rightly.
Question 3.
How do the four young men’s observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?
Answer:
The four young men’s observations about the camel help them prove their intelligence and gain the King’s trust.
Question 4.
Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?
Answer:
The King believed the four men because their logic was clear and truthful.
Question 5.
How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?
Answer:
The four young men’s reasoning, attention to detail, and honesty make them good advisers.
Question 6.
Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.
Answer:
The merchant feels ashamed because he falsely accused the innocent, wise men.
Wisdom Paves the Way Question Answer Class 8 – Let us learn (Pages 39-42)
Complete the sentences by Ailing in the noun form of the textual words given in the brackets.
1. Some word games need a lot of thought and ________ (deduce)
2. We need to make close ________ of animals in order to understand their behaviour, (observe)
3. A detailed ________ of the documents shows a lot of errors, (scrutinise)
4. You should not make any false ________ against anyone, (accuse)
5. She was given an award in ________ of her contribution to literature, (recognise)
Answer:
1. deduction
2. observation
3. scrutiny
4. accusation
5. recognition
II. Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. with all our hearts | (i) surprised |
| 2. to be precise | (ii) starts cheering together |
| 3. gain an audience with | (iii) hidden information that is not obvious |
| 4. catch his breath | (iv) exact and accurate |
| 5. erupts in applause | (v) meeting or hearing someone |
| 6. grand scheme of things | (vi) complete sincerity |
| 7. taken aback | (vii) to pause or rest for some time |
| 8. more than meets the eye | (viii) overall plan of life in a larger context |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. with all our hearts | (vi) complete sincerity |
| 2. to be precise | (iv) exact and accurate |
| 3. gain an audience with | (v) meeting or hearing someone |
| 4. catch his breath | (vii) to pause or rest for some time |
| 5. erupts in applause | (ii) starts cheering together |
| 6. grand scheme of things | (viii) overall plan of life in a larger context |
| 7. taken aback | (i) surprised |
| 8. more than meets the eye | (iii) hidden information that is not obvious |
Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1.
Answer:
1. with all our hearts: We sang the national anthem with all our hearts.
2. to be precise: There were many students present in the assembly hall, 70 to be precise.
3. gain an audience with: The new online course aimed to gain an audience by offering practical, real-world applications.
4. catch his breath: After the race, he sat down to catch his breath.
5. erupts in applause: When the winner was announced, the crowd erupts in applause.
6. grand scheme of things: I was disappointed not to get the job, but it is not that important in the grand scheme of things.
7. taken aback: The audience was taken aback by the unexpected announcement.
8. more than meets the eye: That simple question was more than meets the eye; it was a carefully crafted trap.
III. Match the different meanings of‘face’ and ‘bear’ with the correct usage in the sentences given in the table below, (n. stands for the word noun and v. stands for the word verb.)
| Words | Meanings | Sentences |
| face | 1. (n.) the front part of a person’s head from the forehead to the chin | (i) Ravi turned to face his father, when he was called. |
| 2. (v..) to be positioned with the face or front towards | (ii) The face of the clock was painted red and blue. | |
| 3. (v.) to deal with a difficult task or situation | (iii) She has a round, smiling face. | |
| 4. (n.) the front or surface of a thing | (iv) We should be ready to face life’s challenges. | |
| bear | 1. (v.) tolerate | (i) The trees that I planted in my garden took a lone time to bear fruit. |
| 2. (v.) accept | (ii) I spotted a bear on a wildlife safari. | |
| 3. (n.) a large, heavy mammal | (iii) Riva aereed to bear the responsibilities with confidence. | |
| 4. (v.) produce; give birth to | (iv) I can’t bear the sound of vehicles honking. |
Answer:
Face: 1. (iii) 2. (i) 3. (iv) 4. (ii)
Bear: 1. (iv) 2. (iii) 3. (ii) 4. (i)
IV. Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. | (i) expression of disbelief |
| 2. You must have stolen it and sold it off. | (ii) imagined (hypothetical) possibility |
| 3. You shall come with me to face the King! | (iii) moral obligation or advice |
| 4. How could you possibly know that? | (iv) challenge |
| 5. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service. | (v) logical conclusion |
| 6. A camel with a long tail would have fended off these pests with ease. | (vi) wish or hope |
| 7. They may tell us more than meets the eye. | (vii) necessity |
| 8. May your wisdom shine upon Ujyain and guide us to prosperity. | (viii) prediction |
| 9. Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. | (ix) willingness |
| 10. We need to devise a strategy. | (x) command |
| 11. You speak of my camel as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim not to have seen it! | (xi) possibility |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. | (viii) prediction |
| 2. You must have stolen it and sold it off. | (vii) necessity |
| 3. You shall come with me to face the King! | (x) command |
| 4. How could you possibly know that? | (iv) challenge |
| 5. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service. | (v) logical conclusion |
| 6. A camel with a long tail would have fended off these pests with ease. | (ii) imagined (hypothetical) possibility |
| 7. They may tell us more than meets the eye. | (xi) possibility |
| 8. May your wisdom shine upon Ujyain and guide us to prosperity. | (vi) wish or hope |
| 9. Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. | (iii) moral obligation or advice |
| 10. We need to devise a strategy. | (ix) willingness |
| 11. You speak of my camel as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim not to have seen it! | (i) expression of disbelief |
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V. Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given below by using the clues from the functions given within brackets.

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, “How 1. _______ (ability) I become wise like you?” The old man smiled and said, “Wisdom 2._______ (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. _______ (suggestion) listen, more than you speak.” The boy thought for a while and replied, “It 4. _______ (weak possibility) take years, but I’ll try.” The old man nodded. “You 5._______ (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. _______ (possibility)
come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it.” The boy knew he 7. _______ (ability) become wise if he followed the old man’s advice.
Answer:
1. can
2. must
3. should
4. might
5. need to
6. may
7. could
VI. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs.
You may take clues from the highlighted words. One example has been done for you.
1. It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
You should think before you speak.
2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Answer:
2. You need not worry about things beyond your control.
3. You cannot gain experience without taking risks.
4. You must treat others with kindness.
5. You must not interrupt someone else.
Class 8 English Chapter 3 Question Answer – Let us listen (Page 42)
I. You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match statements 1–6 given below to the speakers (i)–(iv). There are two statements you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 48)
Speaker (i): I love witty characters because they make serious situations funny! Even when things seem tense, they always have a clever response. Such characters never panic, think fast, and solve problems in the smartest way. I wish I could think that quickly!
Speaker (ii): Witty characters are the best because they make stories exciting. I especially like how they turn ordinary moments into something memorable. It makes me feel like intelligence and humour are just as powerful as strength.
Speaker (iii): I enjoy witty characters because they always have an answer for everything! They use humour instead of fighting, and that’s really wonderful. Even in folktales, they prove that smart thinking can win over force. It makes me laugh but also teaches me to stay calm in tricky situations.
Speaker (iv): Witty characters add charm to a story. Their intelligence keeps the reader engaged, and their humour makes learning fun. Whether it’s a folktale or a modern one, a clever character always stands out. I often feel that wit and wisdom go hand-in-hand!
| Statements | Speaker
No. |
| 1. Witty characters prove that cleverness is as powerful as strength. | |
| 2. Witty characters show us ways to make learning enjoyable. | |
| 3. Witty characters in a story keep the reader involved. | |
| 4. Witty characters teach me that tricky situations can be managed calmly. | |
| 5. Witty characters add excitement to a story by their extraordinary deeds. | |
| 6. Witty characters can deactivate tense situations with their cleverness. |
Answer:
1. (ii)
2. (iv)
3. (iv)
4. (iii)
5. (ii)
6. (i)
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 3 Question Answer – Let us speak (Page 43)
I. The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning.
Read the following examples.

Now, work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing on the highlighted words. Share the meanings of the sentences with each other and teacher.
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Answer:
Emphasizes that you, not someone else, take the dog for a walk.
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Answer:
Emphasizes the action of taking (not feeding, not playing, etc.).
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Answer:
Emphasizes that it’s your dog, not someone else’s.
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Answer:
Emphasizes the type of activity—a walk, not a run or drive.
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Answer:
Emphasizes the time of the walk—not morning or afternoon.
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II. Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone. Listen to the teacher read these sentences aloud and repeat it with the correct intonation.

Answer:
Falling tone at the end: calm and assured.
Yes, yes, it is!
Answer:
Falling tone on “is!” to show strong confirmation or excitement.
Now, practise by saying the following sentences with the correct intonation.
Good day, kind Sirs.
Answer:
Falling tone to indicate politeness in greeting.
We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is.
Answer:
Falling tone to convey finality and seriousness.
You describe it perfectly!
Answer:
Falling tone to express strong appreciation or surprise.
You shall come with me to face the King!
Answer:
Falling tone to command with authority.
Class 8th English Chapter 3 Wisdom Paves the Way Question Answer – Let Us Write (Page 44)
I. You have observed that the kutcha road leading to your colony is in a very bad condition due to heavy rains. The potholes f are dangerous for people and can lead to
accidents. They also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes as there is stagnant water all around.
Write a letter of complaint to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation or the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat to look into the matter and take necessary action.
Follow the format of a formal letter and draft the letter with the help of cues given below.
| Body of the Letter | Useful Phrases |
| Paragraph 1: state the purpose of writing, and the issue |
|
| Paragraph 2: give details and consequences of the problem |
|
| Paragraph 3: give suggestions and request for swift action |
|
Answer:
M-52, Mohan Garden
Uttam Nagar
New Delhi
17 May 20XX .
The Commissioner
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
New Delhi
Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of the kutcha road in our colony
Respected Sir/Madam
I am writing to draw your attention towards the extremely poor condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony. Due to the recent heavy rains, the road has developed large potholes, and stagnant water has collected in many places, making it dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
The potholes are not only causing damage to vehicles but also increasing the risk of accidents, especially for children and the elderly. The stagnant water is serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the chances of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. As a result, the residents are facing a lot of inconvenience and health concerns.
I kindly request you to take immediate action. Firstly, the road should be repaired and converted into a pucca road if possible. Secondly, proper drainage facilities should be ensured to prevent waterlogging. We hope you will look into this matter seriously and provide a prompt resolution. I look forward to your positive and swift response.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Abhay Gupta
Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 NCERT Solutions – Let us explore (Pages 44-45)
Read the steps to enact a play, from : [NCERT Textbook Pages 44-45.]
I. Staging a play requires creativity, organisation, and teamwork.
Answer:
Perform the play before the audience yourselves with correct intonation and expression.
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II. Stories related to wit and wisdom have always fascinated the readers. Go to the library and read the stories associated with the following.
Vikramaditya and Betal — Tenali Rama
Gopal the Jester — Panchatantra Tales
“Let knowledge be the beacon that ; dispels the darkness of ignorance”. Savitribai Phule
“The highest education is that which : does not merely give us information but | that makes our life in harmony with all ; existence”. Rabindranath Tagore
Answer:
Do it yourself.