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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 The Summit Within

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Class 8 English The Summit Within Question Answers - FREE PDF Download

Class 8 English Chapter 5, The Summit Within is an intellectual chapter about the hurdles one faces within one’s own personality and mind. These can be anything from personality challenges, changing or altering beliefs, overcoming fears and uncertainties, and everything else in between. The protagonist, Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia compares and contrasts all this to his personal feat of climbing the peak of Mount Everest. He says that climbing and reaching the summit of one’s own mind is an even bigger challenge than climbing Mount Everest.

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You can find complete and comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5 The Summit Within which is updated as per the latest CBSE Class 8 English Syllabus along with other supporting materials for Class 8 English NCERT Solutions.

Access NCERT Solutions for English Class 8 Chapter 5 – The Summit Within

1. Standing on Everest, the writer was 

(i) overjoyed. 

(ii) very sad. 

(iii) jubilant and sad. 

Choose the right item. 

Ans: He was overjoyed because he had reached the highest point in the world, but he was sad because he had had to descend to reach the real world. 


2. The emotion that gripped him was one of 

(i) victory over hurdles. 

(ii) humility and a sense of smallness. 

(iii) greatness and self importance. 

(iv) joy of discovery. 

Choose the right item. 

Ans: Anyone can be overwhelmed by the enormity of nature's creation and feel insignificant in its presence.


3. “The summit of the mind” refers to 

(i) great intellectual achievements. 

(ii) the process of maturing mentally and spiritually. 

(iii) overcoming personal ambition for common welfare. 

(iv) living in the world of thought and imagination. 

(v) the triumph of mind over worldly pleasures for a noble cause. 

(vi) a fuller knowledge of oneself. 

Mark the item(s) not relevant. 

Ans: (i), (iii), (iv) and (v)


Working with Text 

1. Answer the following. 

(i) What are the three qualities that played a major role in the author’s climb? 

Ans: Endurance, persistence, and willpower are three attributes that aided the author's ascent. 


(ii) Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable? 

Ans: Adventure is dangerous, but it is also enjoyable. Despite the fact that it provides significant challenges, man enjoys overcoming such obstacles. Everest is the highest and mightiest mountain on the planet, and countless attempts have been made to climb it. When the author reaches the summit, he feels "exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a war fought and won." There is a sense of accomplishment and joy. The physical ascent of a mountain is simply one aspect of the accomplishment. It is followed by a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The experience is not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual in nature. 


(iii) What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible? 

Ans: Everest, one of the world's highest and mightiest mountains, lured him in with its beauty, aloofness, harshness, and the hardships encountered along the journey. Climbing it would need every ounce of one's energy due to the harsh struggle with rock and ice. Even if one's life is at stake, it cannot be abandoned halfway. The journey back is just as arduous as the journey forward. However, once the summit is reached, there is a sensation of exhilaration, the joy of having accomplished something, the sense of a war fought and won, a sense of victory and happiness. All of these factors contributed to his inability to reject it.


(iv) One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really? 

Ans: Climbing a mountain requires endurance, tenacity, and willpower. For a climber, demonstrating these physical abilities is exhilarating. The experience is not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual. It undoubtedly creates significant challenges. Man, on the other hand, enjoys conquering barriers. As a result, one does not climb a mountain solely for the sake of glory. It is truly for the satisfaction of having accomplished something, the sense of a struggle fought and won, a sense of victory and contentment. There is a sense of accomplishment, the fulfillment of a profound desire to climb above one's surroundings, the perennial love of adventure in man. 


(v) “He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe.” This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion? 

Ans: This awareness describes the emotion of humility. 


(vi) What were the “symbols of reverence” left by members of the team on Everest? 

Ans: The author left a picture of Guru Nanak on Everest; Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga; and Phu Dorji left a relic of the Buddha. Aside from these "symbols of reverence," there was also the cross buried by Edmund Hillary.


(vii) What, according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him? 

Ans: According to the author, his experience as an Everest climber inspired him to face life's challenges head on. It showed him that conquering the internal summit is just as important as climbing the mountain. He also believed that the interior summits could be higher than Everest.


2. Write a sentence against each of the following statements. Your sentence should explain the statement. You can pick out sentences from the text and rewrite them. The first one has been done for you. 

(i) The experience changes you completely. One who has been to the mountains is never the same again. 

(ii) Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. _______________.

(iii) Mountains are nature at its best ___________.

(iv) The going was difficult but the after-effects were satisfying __________. 

(v) The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience ________.

Ans: 

(ii) Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. The display of perseverance, resilience, and willpower in the face of enormous adversity is delightful. 

(iii) Mountains are nature at its best. The mountains' grandeur and majesty present a huge challenge to climbers and serve as a method of communication with God. 

(iv) The going was difficult but the after-effects were satisfying. Climbing the mountains was arduous, but reaching the summit provides a sense of accomplishment and contentment. 

(v) The physical conquest of a mountain is really a spiritual experience. The physical act of ascending to the summit of a mountain is akin to the spiritual and immensely fulfilling experience of climbing the mountain within yourself, and any climb will undoubtedly transform you, giving you a sense of being in touch with God.


Working with Language

1. Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box.

at hand

at once

at all

at a low ebb

at first sight


(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the principal _______ and submit your explanation. Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first? 

(ii) Arun: Are you unwell? 

Ila: No, not ____ Why do you ask? 

Arun: If you were unwell, I would send you to my uncle. He is a doctor. 

(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love ______.

David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries? 

(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits ______ today? (Use such in the phrase) Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I have never heard before. 

(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close ________. 

Jyoti: How should I welcome it? 

Shieba: Get up and receive the trophy.

Ans: 

(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the principal at once and submit your explanation. Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first? 

(ii) Arun: Are you unwell? 

Ila: No, not at all. Why do you ask? 

Arun: If you were unwell, I would send you to my uncle. He is a doctor. 

(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love at first sight.

David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries? 

(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits at such a low ebb today? (Use such in the phrase) Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I have never heard before. 

(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close at hand. 

Jyoti: How should I welcome it? 

Shieba: Get up and receive the trophy.


2. Write the noun forms of the following words adding -ance or -ence to each. 

(i) endure ________ 

(ii) persist ________

(iii) signify ________

(iv) confide ________

(v) maintain ________

(vi) abhor ________

Ans: 

(i) endure: endurance 

(ii) persist: persistence 

(iii) signify: significance 

(iv) confide: confidence 

(v) maintain: maintenance 

(vi) abhor: abhorrence


3. (i) Match words under A with their meanings under B.

A

B

Remote

Difficult to overcome

Means

Most prominent

Dominant

Be overcome/overpowered

Formidable

Method/s

Overwhelmed 

Far away from


(ii) Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with appropriate words from under A. 

(a) There were ________ obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely. 

(b) We have no _______ of finding out what happened there. 

(c) Why he lives in a house from any town or village is more than I can tell.

(d) _______ by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice. 

(e) The old castle stands in a position above the sleepy town.

Ans: (i)

A

B

Remote

Far away from

Means

Method/s

Dominant

Most prominent

Formidable

Difficult to overcome

Overwhelmed 

Be overcome/overpowered


(ii) 

(a) formidable  

(b) Means

(c) Remote

(d) Overwhelmed

(e) Dominant


Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Ch 5 - The Summit Within

  • These solutions provides comprehensive explanations of Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia's experiences and the various emotions he encountered while climbing Mount Everest, helping students understand the depth of his journey.

  • Class 8 English Lesson 5 Question Answer offer insights into the deeper meanings behind Ahluwalia's reflections on the inner summit, encouraging students to analyse and interpret the significance of self-discovery and inner strength.

  • By studying The Summit Within Question Answers, students can improve their vocabulary with specific terms and phrases related to mountaineering and emotional introspection, enhancing their language skills.

  • It aligns with the exam format and include important questions and answers that are likely to appear in exams.

  • These Questions and Answers highlights the moral and philosophical lessons from the chapter, such as the importance of endurance, persistence, willpower, and companionship, helping students apply these values in their own lives.

  • Chapter 5 solutions present the content in a structured manner, breaking down complex ideas into manageable parts, making it easier for students to grasp and retain key concepts.

  • Class 8 English chapter 5 question answer serves as a supportive resource for teachers and parents to guide students through the chapter.

  • By studying Major Ahluwalia's story in Class 8 English Ch 5, students can find inspiration and motivation to face their challenges, both academic and personal, with determination and resilience.


Conclusion

Class 8 English Chapter The Summit Within shows the sheer determination and willpower shown by Major Ahluwalia in climbing the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Ahluwalia however, tells us that the tallest and most difficult summit to conquer lies within our minds, and comes by facing challenges and difficulties in our lives. It is truly an eye-opening chapter and is set to ignite a fire within the minds of the readers. You can find complete comprehensive NCERT Solutions to The Summit Within Question Answers here on Vedantu, which are compiled by top master teachers so that you can be sure about their accuracy and storm into the exam hall with utmost confidence.


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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 The Summit Within

1. Where can students find reliable and correct NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 5, 'The Summit Within'?

Students can find comprehensive and step-by-step NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 5, 'The Summit Within,' on educational platforms like Vedantu. These solutions are prepared by subject matter experts and are aligned with the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, ensuring accuracy for all textbook questions.

2. What three essential qualities does the NCERT Solutions highlight as crucial for the author’s climb?

The NCERT Solutions for 'The Summit Within' specify that the three qualities which played a major role in the author's successful climb were:

  • Endurance: The physical and mental stamina to withstand hardship.
  • Persistence: The determination to continue despite difficulties.
  • Willpower: The firm resolve to achieve the goal.

3. According to the chapter, what were the 'symbols of reverence' left by the team members on Everest?

As explained in the NCERT Solutions, the members of the team left behind several symbols of reverence on the summit. The author left a picture of Guru Nanak, Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga, and Phu Dorji left a relic of the Buddha. Additionally, Edmund Hillary had previously buried a cross on the peak.

4. The chapter discusses two 'summits'. What is the 'summit of the mind' and why is it considered more formidable than climbing Everest?

The 'summit of the mind' refers to the process of overcoming personal and internal challenges, such as fears, doubts, and limitations. According to the author, this inner climb is more formidable than Everest because it is a continuous, lifelong journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and achieving a fuller knowledge of oneself, which is a far more complex and enduring task than a physical ascent.

5. How do the NCERT Solutions explain why a risky adventure like climbing a mountain is also pleasurable?

The solutions explain that adventure is pleasurable despite the risks because it provides a profound sense of accomplishment and joy from overcoming significant obstacles. The feeling of having fought a hard battle and won brings a sense of victory and fulfilment that is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.

6. How does the author's experience as an Everester teach a lesson for facing life's ordinary challenges?

The experience of climbing Everest taught the author that the same qualities required for mountaineering—endurance, persistence, and willpower—are essential for overcoming any challenge in life. It demonstrated that conquering one's internal summit (life's problems) is a vital and deeply rewarding act, making the physical climb a metaphor for navigating life itself.

7. How does reaching the summit of Everest lead to a feeling of humility?

Upon reaching the summit, the climber is overwhelmed by the sheer scale and majesty of the universe around them. This experience makes them conscious of their own smallness in the grand scheme of things. This profound awareness strips away any sense of pride and replaces it with a deep and lasting feeling of humility.

8. How should students solve the 'Working with Language' exercise on forming nouns from words like 'persist' and 'endure'?

To solve this exercise correctly as per the NCERT Solutions, students should add the appropriate suffix, either -ance or -ence, to the given verbs. For example:

  • persist becomes persistence
  • endure becomes endurance
  • signify becomes significance
  • confide becomes confidence

9. What is the correct method for answering the question 'Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles' using evidence from the text?

The correct method is to explain that the delight comes from the successful application of one's inner strengths. A good answer would state that the display of perseverance, resilience, and willpower in the face of immense difficulty is an exhilarating experience, providing a deep sense of satisfaction and victory, as described by the author.

10. Beyond the physical feat, what is the spiritual significance of climbing a mountain as explained in 'The Summit Within'?

The spiritual significance of the climb lies in its power to completely transform a person. The act of reaching the summit is described as a deeply emotional and spiritual experience that provides a sense of communion with a higher power. It changes one’s perspective on life, challenges, and one's place in the universe, making the physical conquest a journey toward inner enlightenment.