Wit and Wisdom Class 8 English Chapter 1 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Unit 1 of the Class 8 English textbook, titled "Wit and Wisdom," introduces students to the value of intelligence, humour, and practical knowledge through engaging stories, poems, and discussions. 

The main focus is on how wit and wisdom can solve real-life problems and bring harmony even in complex situations. The unit features content about legendary figures such as King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Ramakrishna, and thoughtful anecdotes to highlight these concepts.

Set in the Vijayanagara Empire under King Krishnadeva Raya (1509–29 CE), this story explores a conflict between the king and his queen, Thirumalambal. 

Known for intellectual brilliance and poetry, the king is disappointed when his queen appears to yawn during the recital of his poem, which he perceives as a sign of disrespect. The misunderstanding creates distance between them, making the palace dull and silent.

Tenali Ramakrishna, famous for his wit and wisdom, comes into the picture when the queen, unable to resolve the issue personally, turns to him for help. Using intelligent reasoning and humour, Tenali Rama orchestrates a scene in court to show that yawning is a natural act, not an insult. 

His creative approach helps the king realize his mistake, leading to the reconciliation of the royal couple. The episode highlights the role of clever thinking in solving misunderstandings and restoring harmony.

The chapter encourages the selection and discussion of qualities associated with wit. Some of these are:

• Cleverness
• Observation skills
• Humour
• Creativity
• Confidence

Students are prompted to choose and justify these traits, understanding why wit and humour are important in both daily life and leadership.

The unit provides discussion questions such as why wit was valued in royal courts and how misunderstandings can escalate if not managed well. It urges students to reflect on strategies to handle disagreements and share personal experiences of resolving conflicts. This reflective learning encourages empathy and critical thinking.

• King Krishnadeva Raya writes a poem and feels hurt by the queen’s yawning.
• The queen consults Tenali Rama for help in resolving the conflict.
• Tenali Rama sets up an example in court using paddy seeds and humor to demonstrate his point.
• His witty intervention makes the king realize his misunderstanding.
• The king apologizes to the queen, and peace returns to the palace.

These main points make it easier for students to remember the sequence of events and understand the lesson’s message.

This poem by Reginald Arkell humorously describes a neighbour, Mrs. Jones, who has a rock garden. The poem’s narrative explores the concept of finding beauty and uniqueness in simple things, like garden stones and tiny plants. It also plays with words – the word "concrete" referring both to the physical garden feature and the idea of something real and definite. 

The poem encourages observation of the ordinary, showing that sometimes, what we seek may be right underneath us.

Through this poem, students learn about imagery, wordplay, and the subtle wisdom in everyday situations. Riddles and garden-related vocabulary are part of pre-reading activities, promoting active imagination and vocabulary building.

Another major component of the unit is understanding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. 

The story or play in this section involves characters discussing how to approach and solve problems not just with information, but with practical judgement and sensitivity. Students are asked to categorize statements as knowledge or wisdom, enhancing analytical and decision-making skills.

It highlights that knowledge is about collecting facts, while wisdom is about using those facts appropriately. For example, knowing how to operate a tool is knowledge; deciding when and why to use it is wisdom. The lesson uses everyday scenarios, like seeking elders’ advice, to underline these points.

A variety of pre-reading questions, riddles, pair discussions, and activities are included to promote interaction, comprehension, and self-reflection. Some notable activities:

• Answering riddles related to wit and wisdom
• Expressing the kind of garden students like and exploring the multiple meanings of “concrete”
• Rectifying false statements from the story for better understanding
• Reflecting on personal experiences of misunderstandings and their resolutions

These encourage students to think, express themselves, and deepen their comprehension of the material.

At the end of the unit, students are encouraged to explore stories about wit and wisdom from Indian folklore, such as Vikramaditya and Betal, the Panchatantra, and the tales of Gopal the Jester. These tales reinforce the timeless value of clever, wise, and balanced thinking in addressing challenges.

By reading these stories, learners understand that wit and wisdom have been respected and celebrated in many societies, not only for entertainment but also for the lessons they teach about life and relationships.

The lesson concludes with motivational quotes from prominent thinkers like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Rabindranath Tagore, emphasizing that education is not just about knowledge, but about how one lives in harmony with others, and that true knowledge removes ignorance.

This unit blends literature with life lessons, making it both educational and relevant to real-life experiences. It prompts students not only to understand characters and themes, but also to apply wisdom and wit in their own lives.

CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 1 Notes – Wit and Wisdom: Important Points for Revision

These Class 8 English Chapter 1 revision notes cover all key aspects of “Wit and Wisdom” using easy explanations and well-organized pointers. Students can quickly recap the main characters, stories, and learning outcomes from the NCERT book. Following these CBSE Class 8 English notes helps boost memory and ensures strong conceptual understanding before exams.

Whether preparing for tests or doing quick revision, these NCERT Class 8 Chapter 1 English notes make comprehension easier. They provide a reliable summary of themes, vocabulary, and character insights, making last-minute revision stress-free for students.