Class 8 English Chapter 10 The Cherry Tree – Stepwise NCERT Solutions

The Cherry Tree Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 155)

I. Work in pairs and answer the questions that follow. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Have you ever used a seed or a sapling to grow a plant?

Answer:

Yes, I have planted a seed or sapling.

2. What kind of care did the plant need? Who helped you with it?

Answer: The plant needed water, sunlight, and proper care, and my parents helped me look after it.

3. How did you feel when you saw the plant grow?

Answer: I felt happy and proud as I watched it grow.

II. What kind of trees do people plant in their homes? Why is it important to plant trees?

Answer: People often plant aloe vera, money plant, and tulsi at home. Trees provide shade, oxygen, and add beauty to the surroundings.

III. Name some fruit trees that grow in your region. What type of conditions help these fruit trees to grow?

Answer:

Mango, guava, and coconut trees grow in my region. They need warm weather, sunlight, and good soil to thrive.

The Cherry Tree Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Pages 159-160)

I. Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

1. Rakesh discovered that the small, well- rooted twig, had grown into a cherry tree.

2. Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie.

3. Rakesh pressed the cherry seed into the soft soil with his thumb. (5)

4. The cherry tree grew quickly after the rains arrived early.

5. Rakesh bought a bunch of cherries and ate most of them.

6. A goat entered the garden and ate all the leaves of the young cherry tree. .

7. Rakesh’s parents grew maize, rice, and barley in a village. (1)

8. Rakesh sprinkled water on the cherry tree and surrounded it with pebbles.

9. Grandfather told Rakesh that cherry trees were tough.

10. Rakesh kept rolling the last cherry seed in his mouth.

Answer:

The correct order of the events is:

7. → 2. → 5. → 10. → 3. → 1. → 8. → 4. → 6. → 9. →

II. Do you think the cherry tree would survive? Why do you think so?

Answer: Yes, the cherry tree would survive because it has already faced many challenges and shown a strong will to live, just like a determined living being.

Class 8 English The Cherry Tree Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 164)

I Complete the table given below based on your understanding of Part II of the story. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

The Cherry Tree Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us think and reflect (Page 164)

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. “Have a cherry, Grandfather,” he said, as soon as he saw his grandfather in the garden.

Grandfather took one cherry and Rakesh promptly ate the other two. He kept the last seed in his mouth for some time, rolling it round and round on his tongue until all the tang had gone. Then he placed the seed on the palm of his hand and studied it.

“Are cherry seeds lucky?” asked Rakesh. “Of course. ”
“Then I’ll keep it. ”

“Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use. ”

(i) Substitute the underlined phrase with a correct word from the extract. The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy quickly and without delay when a new player came in from the opposing team.

Answer: Promptly

(ii) What does Rakesh’s action of rolling the cherry seed in his mouth most likely suggest about his mood at ________ that moment?
A. He is feeling impatient and restless.
B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.
C. He is bored and has nothing better to do.
D. He is thoughtful and feeling playful.

Answer:

B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.

(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to Rakesh and his grandfather.

Rakesh’s decision to plant the seed shows that ________
(he respects and values his grand¬father’s advice/he has a close bond with his grandfather and a willingness to learn from him)

Answer:he respects and values his grandfather’s advice.

(iv) How does the grandfather’s advice reflect his view about luck and effort?

Answer: Grandfather believes that luck matters only when it is supported by action and hard work.

2. Winter came early. The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow.
Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.

In February it was Rakesh’s birthday. He was nine—and the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.

(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage’ suggests that ________

Answer: It was extremely cold outside.

(ii) What can be inferred about the cherry tree’s toughness from the line, ‘The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow’?

A. The weight of the tree was more than the snow.

B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.

C. The tree was growing close to the ground.

D. The snow gave support to the tree.

Answer:

B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.

(iii) How did the early winter affect Grandfather’s mood and storytelling?

Answer: Grandfather became grumpy, and his stories started having sad endings because winter arrived early.

(iv) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.

The comparison of Rakesh’s age to the cherry tree’s age symbolises ________ (the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development/the tree standing as a dear one on Rakesh’s birthday)

Answer: The tree’s growth reflected Rakesh’s own growth.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Why did Rakesh’s parents send him to Mussoorie?

Answer:

Rakesh’s parents lived in a small village on the lower Himalayan slopes, where there were no schools. They wanted him to get a good education. Since his grandfather lived in Mussoorie, a place with proper schools, they decided to send Rakesh there. They hoped he would have better opportunities to study and progress. Therefore, Rakesh went to live with his grandfather so that he could attend school.

Question 2.

Why did Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the cherry tree?

Answer: Rakesh allowed the praying mantis to stay on the cherry tree because he felt it was harmless and even a welcome visitor. It was the first insect he had seen on the tree after it began to grow well. Since it wasn’t causing any harm, he didn’t try to remove it. His kind behaviour showed his increasing care for the tree and respect for the small ecosystem around it. He understood that the tree had now become a tiny part of nature.

Question 3.

How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?

Answer: Life in the Himalayan foothills is shown as beautiful yet difficult for plants. The soil was mostly rocky, and the dry, cold winds made it hard for fruit trees to survive. However, oak and deodar forests grew well in protected areas. The surroundings changed with the seasons—spring brought migrating birds, the monsoon brought rain and fresh greenery, and winter brought snow and quietness. Even with its challenges, the natural setting added beauty and rhythm to the story.

Question 4.

What might Rakesh mean when he says, “Is this what it feels to be God?” at the end of the story?

Answer: When Rakesh says, “Is this what it feels to be God?” he is expressing the joy and amazement of helping something grow from a tiny seed into a full tree. By planting the cherry seed and looking after it, he experienced the feeling of creating and nurturing life. Seeing the tree thrive filled him with pride and calmness. The sense of having added life and beauty to the world made him feel powerful in a gentle, godlike way. It was a moment when he felt deeply connected with nature.

Question 5.

How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?

Answer: The writer portrays the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather as warm, loving, and respectful. Grandfather is gentle, wise, and caring, guiding Rakesh through stories and advice. They enjoy peaceful evenings together by the fire and share happy moments in the garden. Through simple acts like planting a seed, Grandfather teaches Rakesh about nature and responsibility. As they nurture the cherry tree, their bond grows even stronger. Their relationship is one of affection, learning, and companionship.

Question 6.

What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?

Answer: The story highlights that the bond between humans and nature is emotional, nurturing, and truly meaningful. When Rakesh plants a seed, he unknowingly starts a journey of care, responsibility, and growth. Nature responds to his effort by flourishing and giving him peace, beauty, and joy. This connection teaches him patience, resilience, and respect for living things. It shows that humans find happiness and purpose in nurturing life, and that both nature and people flourish when they care for each other.

Question 7.

Imagine Rakesh reflects on his wonderful experience of watching a seed being transformed into a full-grown cherry tree. Write how he must have felt.

Answer: Rakesh must have felt deeply proud and joyful as he watched the tiny seed he had planted grow into a tall, flowering cherry tree. He would have remembered how small and unimportant it had once seemed, and how he had almost forgotten about it. Yet, through seasons of rain, snow, and sunshine, it grew into something beautiful. The tree became more than just a plant; it was a symbol of his patience, care, and affection. He must have felt humbled by the wonder of nature and amazed that such a simple act could create so much meaning. Resting under its shade, he would have felt peaceful and closely connected to the tree—a quiet happiness born from nurturing life.

The Cherry Tree Question Answer Class 8 – Let us learn (Pages 166-169)

I. Each word list has one word that does not match with the other words.

Identify the odd word. One example has been done for you.
1. chop, trim, slice, mince
(‘chop’, ‘slice’ and “mince’ are words used for cutting with a knife; whereas ‘trim’ is to cut a part with a pair of scissors)
2. plodded, galloped, scrambled, trudged
3. tender, delicate, soft, smooth
4. stared, peered, pecked, gazed
5. growing, blossoming, progressing, planting

Answer:
1. Trim – (Odd word)
‘Chop’, ‘slice’, and ‘mince’ are knife actions, while “trim’ is done with scissors.

2. Galloped – (Odd word)
‘Plodded’, ‘scrambled’, and ‘trudged’ refer to slow or difficult movements, while ‘galloped’ means fast running (especially of a horse).

3. Smooth – (Odd word)
Tender’, ‘delicate’, and ‘soft’ are similar in texture or sensitivity. ‘Smooth’ refers more to surface texture than gentleness.

4. Pecked – (Odd word)
‘Stared’, ‘peered’, and ‘gazed’ relate to looking; ‘pecked’ refers to hitting with the beak.

5. Planting – (Odd word)
‘Growing’, blossoming’, and ‘progressing’ are natural stages of development. ‘Planting’ is the beginning action, not part of the progression itself.

II. Choose the most suitable taste words given in the box below and write against the food items that follow.

1. tamarind
2. jaggery
3. neem leaves
4. paneer (cottage cheese)
5. lemon
6. pickle
7. a dish of vegetables

Answer:
1. sour
2. sweet
3. bitter
4. bland
5. tangy
6. spicy
7. salty

Now, use any five taste words and make sentences of your own.

Answer:

1. Sweet

My grandmother makes the most delicious sweet laddoos.

2. Sour

The lemonade tasted very sour because it had no sugar.

3. Spicy

I enjoy eating spicy pickles along with parathas.

4. Bitter

The medicine tasted extremely bitter, but I swallowed it anyway.

5. Bland

The soup was bland, so I added some salt and pepper to improve the taste.

III. Choose the correct antonyms for the textual words given below from the box. There are two extra words that you will not need.

Answer:
1. hard
2. shaky
3. wide
4. coldness
5. fasting
6. cheerful
7. unprotected
8. ordinary

IV. Read the following lines from the text and underline all the verbs and identify the form of tense.

1. Rakesh was on his way home from school when he bought the cherries.

2. Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house.

3. Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it had performed a miracle.

The forms of tenses in the given statements are Simple Past Tense (1 and 3), Past Progressive Tense (2), and Past Perfect Tense (3).

Answer:

• Rakesh bought the cherries while he was returning home from school. → Simple Past Tense
  
  

• Rakesh was searching for Grandfather but couldn’t find him in any of his usual spots around the house. → Past Progressive Tense
  
  

• Rakesh and Grandfather looked at the tree as if it had worked a miracle. → Simple Past Tense + Past Perfect Tense

Now, fill in the blanks with the correct form of Simple Past, Past Progressive, or Past Perfect Tenses of the verbs given in brackets.
One example has been done for you.

(i) I was sitting (sit) with my grandparents in the garden, sharing the wonderful memories from my childhood. As we (ii) ________ (talk), I (iii) ________ (realise) how much wisdom they (iv) ________ (impart) to me over the years. While I (v) ________ (listen) to their stories for hours together, I (vi) ________ (remember) the times  we (vii) ________ (spend) together planting flowers and learning about life. By the time I left, the sun (viii) ________ (set), and I (ix) ________ (feel) a deep sense of gratitude for the bond we (x) ________ (nurture) through love, care, and countless memories.

Answer:
(i) was sitting
(ii) were talking
(iii) realised
(iv) had imparted
(n) was listening
(vi) remembered
(vii) had spent
(viii) had set
(ix) felt
(x) had nurtured

V. Study the punctuation marks in the following sentences from the text.

• “Hey, not there,” said Grandfather, “I’ve sown mustard in that bed. Plant it in that shady corner, where it won’t be disturbed.”

• When Grandfather saw what had happened, he went after the woman and scolded her; but the damage could not be repaired.

• She did not try to avoid the tree: one sweep, and the cherry tree was cut in two.

Punctuation refers to the symbols used in writing to clarify meaning and separate sentences and their components. Proper punctuation ensures the clarity and flw of a text, guiding readers through its structure.

Here are some of the most common punctuation marks:

Full stop (.)—ends a declarative sentence
For example: She went to the store.

Comma (,)—separates components in a list, clauses, or phrases within a sentence
For example: We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Question Mark (?)—ends a direct question
For example: Where are you going?

Exclamation Mark (!)—indicates strong emotion or emphasis
For example: Watch out!

Colon (:)—introduces a list, explanation or elaboration
For example: He had one goal: win the race.

Semicolon (;)—connects closely related independent clauses or separates complex list items
For example: She likes reading; he prefers writing.

Apostrophe ( ’)
In contractions—He’s (He is), they’ll (they will), I’m (I am)
To show possession—Jagan’s book, the girls’ toys
If the noun ends in -s, add only the apostrophe—Manas’ car

Quotation Marks (“ ”)—enclose direct speech or quotations
For example: She said, “I’m happy.”

Dash (– or —)—adds emphasis or separates related thoughts
For example: He was late—again.

Capitalisation Rules
Names of people and places—Priya, India
Days, months, festivals—Monday, December, Diwali
Titles with names—Dr. Sneha, Mr. Patel
Deities and holy books—God, the Quran, the Bhagawad Gita
First person pronoun—I
Adjectives from proper nouns—Indian, American

Geographical features, races, religions, languages—the Himalayas,
Hindu, French

Titles of books, poems, or plays—Malgudi Days, The Road Not Taken,

Good Heavens, etc.

Now, punctuate the following paragraph appropriately.

every sunday roshni would visit her grandparents house on their farm come sit grandpa would say patting the bench on their porch roshni loved these moments where the world slowed down and stories flowed like magic grandma would bring tea her eyes twinkling with joy im excited to hear about your younger days the adventures the lessons and the memories roshni said eagerly grandpa smiled softly his wrinkled hands resting on the cane ah the old days… when everything was simple and happiness was all we had roshni could feel the warmth of those memories he sat in silence bound not by words but by a timeless bond

Answer:

Every Sunday, Roshni visited her grandparents’ farm. “Come, sit,” Grandpa would say, gently tapping the bench on their porch.

Roshni cherished these peaceful moments when everything felt slow and magical. Grandma would arrive with tea, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “I can’t wait to hear about your childhood—the adventures, the lessons, and the memories,” Roshni said with excitement.

Grandpa smiled, his aged hands resting on his cane. “Ah, those old times… when life was simple, and joy was enough.” Roshni felt the warmth of his memories as she sat quietly beside him, connected by a bond that needed no words.

Class 8 English Chapter 10 Question Answer – Let us listen (Page 170)

I. You will listen to a conversation between a son and his mother. As you listen, select four true statements from 1-7 given below. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 201 for Transcript.)

Son: Amma, could you help me with this project?

Mother: Why not? What’s the project about?

Son: It’s about the Chipko Movement. I have to make a PowerPoint presentation and talk about it in class.

Mother: That’s good! Chipko Movement was all about hugging trees to prevent them from being cut, isn’t it? Such an inspiring movement it was!

Son: Yes, it was the fist time that common people came together for the noble cause of saving trees. It showed how people can also make a diffrence. Have you heard or read about something similar?

Mother: Yes, of course. The success of the Chipko Movement led to the Appiko Movement.

Son: Really? Doesn’t appiko mean ‘hugging’ in Kannada? So, did they also hug trees to protect them?

Mother: Yes they did. In this movement people not only hugged trees to protect them but also regenerated the forest areas in the Western Ghats.

Son: That’s great! This reminds me of what my teacher shared about Saalumarada Thimakka last week. She is a Padma Shri awardee.

Mother: What an amazing personality! I’ve heard about her and I’m interested to know what your teacher has shared with you.

Son: She is an Indian environmentalist who has been planting trees since 1948. She has planted over 8000 trees in the area around her village.

Mother: Wonderful!

Son: What I admire about her is the commitment she has towards conserving the environment.

Mother: Incredible! That is one superwoman! But do you know who the Forest Man of India is?

Son: Yes, I’ve read about him. It is Jadav Payeng, from Assam. He too is a Padma Shri awardee. Isn’t he the one who single-handedly turned a barren land of around a thousand acres into a lush green forest? He did so by planting nearly forty million trees.

Mother: Yes, you’re absolutely right. It was not something that happened overnight. It took him thirty years to achieve this. This forest has become a habitat for different kinds of animals including migratory birds.

Son: Fascinating, isn’t it? I’ve read a book and watched a documentary in school about him which has really inspired me.

Mother: I’m glad that you have begun to care about the environment too.

1. The mother encouraged her son to deliver a presentation on the Chipko Movement.

2. The son was surprised to know about the Appiko Movement.

3. The son agreed that the Chipko Movement was about people uniting to make an impact.

4. The mother expressed a desire to share more details about Saalumarada Thimakka.

5. The mother was curious to hear about Saalumarada Thimakka.

6. The mother and son were in disagreement about the work of Jadav Payeng.

7. The son found the information on Jadav Payeng wonderful.

Answer:
Four True statements:
2. → 3. → 5. → 7.

NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 10 Question Answer – Let us speak (Pages 170-171)

A syllable is a single, unbroken vowel sound in a word. Some words have only one syllable. Some have two and some more than two. For example, the word ‘tree’ has one syllable.

The word ‘cherry’ has two syllables—cherry. (Here the hyphen is used to mark the gap between the two syllables.)

I. Work in pairs. Read aloud the following words from the text. Write the number of syllables in each word. Check your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Now, read the words aloud again with the beats. Check if the number of syllables matches with the number of beats.

II. Speak about Van Mahotsav Diwas and its significance. Before you speak in the class or assembly, prepare yourself on the following points:

• When is it celebrated?

• Who celebrates it?

• Why is it celebrated?

• How is it celebrated?

• What is the message it conveys?

Answer:

Good morning, respected teacher and dear friends,

Today, I would like to talk about Van Mahotsav Diwas, a special festival that highlights the value of trees in our lives. It is celebrated every year during the first week of July across India by schools, colleges, and environmental organisations. Van Mahotsav, meaning “Tree Festival,” was started in 1950 to promote tree planting and create awareness about protecting forests. It reminds us that trees are essential—they give us oxygen, food, shade, and help maintain the balance of nature.

During this week, people plant saplings and participate in activities like rallies, poster-making, skits, and awareness campaigns. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm to encourage everyone to care for the environment and grow more trees.

Van Mahotsav carries an important message: “Plant more trees to save our environment.” Let us all take a pledge to plant and care for trees and make our planet greener and healthier for future generations.

Thank you!

Class 8th English Chapter 10 The Cherry Tree Question Answer – Let us Write (Pages 171-172)

An article is a piece of writing on a specific topic. It showcases independent opinions expressed by a writer. Articles are published in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, and online portals.

Let us understand how to draft an article for a school magazine.

Remember to

• write the heading or title at the top,

• write the name of the writer below it as a byline, and

• follow the correct layout.
  
  

Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction of the topic or issue.

Focus on the main idea of the paragraph.

Paragraph 2: Elaborate by giving facts and advantages.

Paragraph 3: Include consequences and disadvantages.

Paragraph 4: Provide suggestions. End with a word of hope, a word of caution or a call for action.”

Now, complete the article for a magazine on ‘Trees–Our Lifeline’. Use the words and phrases given in the box below.

Complete the article for a magazine on ‘Trees- Our Lifeline?. Use the words and phrases given in the box below.

(i) ________________ -by ________________ (write your name and class) Trees are essential for life on Earth. Without them, life as we know (ii) ________________. This is the reason why trees are our lifeline. Trees provide us with food, shelter, and even medicine. Trees (iii) ________________ and release oxygen, helping us breathe. This process also (iv) ________________ and keeps the environment clean. (v) ________________, trees give us fruits, nuts, and other foods. Trees also help in (vi) ________________ and prevention of soil erosion. (vii) ________________, the air would be polluted, and we would struggle to breathe. (viii) ________________ would be barren, lacking food, shelter, and life-giving greenery. (ix) ________________, trees are true friends. Protecting and planting trees (x) ________________ foreveryone on Earth. Therefore, we must act now to protect and plant more trees, preserving Earth’s green lifeline for future generations.

Answer: (i) Trees – Our Lifeline

by Anisha, Class VIII-A

(ii) would stop existing

(iii) absorb carbon dioxide

(iv) reduces pollution

(y) Additionally,

(vi) climate control

(vii) If trees were not there

(viii) Moreover, our planet

(ix) To conclude

(x) ensures a better future

The Cherry Tree Class 8 NCERT Solutions – Let us explore (Page 172)

I. Did you know that the banyan tree is the National Tree of India?

Our country has age-old banyan trees. Some of them are:
1. The Great Banyan, located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata.
2. Dodda Aalada Mara, located in Kethohalli village, near Bengaluru.
3. Thimmamma Marrimanu, in Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. It was recorded as the largest tree specimen in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.

II. Kailash Sankhala, ‘The Tiger Man of India’, was an Indian biologist and conservationist. He carried out a census of the tigers in India in 1971. Later, because of his studies, he was appointed the fist director of Project Tiger—an initiative to prevent the extinction of the Indian Tiger. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992.

Now, find more information about such Indian environmentalists and share with your classmates.

Find more information about such Indian environmentalists and share with your classmates.

Answer:

Sundarlal Bahuguna

Sundarlal Bahuguna was a well-known Indian environmentalist who played a key role in the Chipko Movement during the 1970s. In this movement, villagers protected trees by hugging them to prevent commercial loggers from cutting them down. He dedicated his life to saving the Himalayan forests and spreading awareness about the need for sustainable development. His efforts helped shape India’s forest conservation policies. He firmly believed that humans and nature must live together in harmony. In recognition of his remarkable contribution to the environment, he received the Padma Vibhushan in 2009.

Chapter Summary and Key Takeaways – The Cherry Tree

When studying NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 10 The Cherry Tree (2025-26), students learn about the value of patience, care, and perseverance. The story highlights how consistent effort and hope lead to wonderful results, inspiring students to stay motivated.

Practicing exercise-based answers for The Cherry Tree Class 8 solutions helps students enhance their writing skills and develop a deeper understanding of the chapter. Focus on key events and the main message to prepare effectively for exams and assignments.

For exam success, regularly revise important questions and review the main themes. Good preparation with NCERT solutions will build your confidence and enable you to answer questions accurately in English Class 8 exams.