Environment Class 8 English Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Unit 4, titled Environment, brings together three major works – “The Cherry Tree,” “Harvest Hymn,” and “Waiting for the Rain.” 

All three sections highlight the importance of nature in our lives, our responsibilities towards it, and how daily routines connect us with the world around us. 

These stories and poems help us understand the need for environmental awareness and adaptation to nature’s cycles. The chapter uses simple yet meaningful language to make students reflect upon their own experiences with nature.

The story “The Cherry Tree” revolves around a boy named Rakesh who, while returning from school, eats cherries and plants one of the seeds on his grandfather’s suggestion. 

Rakesh lives with his grandfather on the outskirts of Mussoorie, a place surrounded by stony soil with few fruit trees. The story shows how Rakesh forgets about the seed at first but is surprised to see a small cherry twig sprout after a year. 

Nature tests the cherry tree with harsh winters, a goat eating its leaves, and dry weather, but with encouragement from his grandfather and careful attention, the tree survives, showing resilience.

• Rakesh’s grandfather encourages him to actively plant the seed, emphasizing that luck comes from action.
• The vocabulary of the story introduces useful words like “stunted”, “outskirts”, and “plodded”, which relate to the landscape and daily life in the region.
• Rakesh encounters challenges such as goats eating the leaves and natural elements; through persistence, the sapling grows stronger.

The tale is an effective metaphor for nurturing and patience: despite distractions and difficulties, growth is possible with care. Through his bond with his grandfather, Rakesh learns life values and appreciates the small wonders of nature.

The chapter encourages young readers to think about their personal experiences with planting seeds or saplings, noting the care involved and the emotions felt when a plant grows. Discussion prompts and before-reading activities include:

• Reflecting on who helps care for plants at home.
• Thinking about the different trees people plant and why trees are essential, underscoring environmental benefits.
• Naming local fruit trees and discussing what conditions help them thrive.

These activities help students connect the story to their surroundings and consider the challenges and rewards of growing a plant.

Students are asked to arrange key story events in order, reinforcing comprehension of the story. These steps include Rakesh buying cherries, planting a seed, observing the cherry tree sprout, and protecting it from harm. 

The exercises make students realize the time and patience needed for things to grow. The story closes on the powerful note that, with determination and support, even a small seed can become a beautiful tree, just as small actions can lead to meaningful results.

The poem “Harvest Hymn” by Sarojini Naidu is presented in the form of a public prayer to natural forces and deities. The men and women of the village thank Surya (the Sun god), Varuna (the Rain god), Prithvi (Mother Earth), and Bramha (the Creator) for the harvest. 

They offer songs, garlands, and gifts from their fields, expressing gratitude for the “bounty” and “mercy” that have supported their grain and fruits.

• The poem uses collective voices (men, women, all) to show communal celebrations and a humble approach towards the elements that support farm life.
• Important words such as “radiance”, “tribute”, “cherished”, “counsel”, and “munificent” are explained to the students, enhancing vocabulary and understanding.
• A table activity matches archaic words like “thou”, “thee”, “thy”, “thine”, and “art” with their modern meanings, helping interpret the traditional language of the poem.

The poem immerses students in the spiritual and ecological bonds between humans and nature, and introduces the universal theme of gratitude for natural resources.

The “Let us do these activities before we read” section invites students to share about harvest festivals celebrated in their regions and how they show thankfulness for a successful crop. Through these prompts, students relate poetry to real rituals and practices in India.

“Waiting for the Rain” is a story about a farmer named Velu, who depends on the timely arrival of rain for his jowar and dhal crops. 

The story opens with Velu hoping for rain as he starts his daily chores, showing not just his routine but also his deep connection to the land and weather. The narrative depicts the anxiety and uncertainty faced by rural farmers whose lives and livelihoods are bound to the environment.

• Students are asked about their feelings when waiting for the rains and invited to discuss why farmers hope for rain and how it affects people emotionally and economically.
• The story makes it clear that rain is critical for agriculture and that, even when the weather is unpredictable, hope and hard work continue.
• Discussion topics urge students to think about the value of patience, perseverance, and the shared experience of waiting in daily life.

Throughout the unit, new words and their meanings are provided in yellow-highlighted vocab boxes, which helps strengthen students’ language skills. 

The chapter also introduces students to figures of speech (such as metaphors) and archaic forms used in poetry, giving appropriate explanations and examples.

A combination of group activities, comprehension questions, sequencing, vocabulary work, and writing tasks is provided for each story or poem. These activities encourage students to:

• Reflect on their real-world experiences with nature and farming.
• Make connections between texts and everyday life situations.
• Discuss in pairs or groups to share answers and develop teamwork skills.
• Expand their vocabulary and understanding of poetic language.

Overall, Unit 4 of Class 8 English helps students value and understand the role of nature, recognize the importance of persistence and patience, and appreciate the challenges faced by farmers and the significance of gratitude. 

By featuring relatable characters, real-life scenarios, and cultural practices, the chapter encourages thoughtful interaction with the environment and a caring attitude towards all living things.

Class 8 English Chapter 4 Notes – Environment (Cherry Tree, Harvest Hymn, Waiting for the Rain)

These Class 8 English Chapter 4 revision notes cover all key events and themes in “The Cherry Tree,” “Harvest Hymn,” and “Waiting for the Rain.” Students can easily review story points, vocabulary, and activities for quick understanding and effective exam preparation.

By using these Environment chapter notes, learners will understand essential ideas about nature, resilience, and gratitude. These notes help reinforce classroom discussion, making revision simple and saving time before exams.