NCERT solutions for इंग्लिश पूर्वी कक्षा ८ chapter * - The Magic Brush of Dreams [Latest edition]

Work in pairs. Discuss the following question. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.

Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.

Work in pairs. Discuss the following question. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.

What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?

Work in pairs. Discuss the following question. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.

Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Work in pairs and guess the meanings of the words given below and draw pictures depicting their meanings. Share with your classmates and teacher.

Now, arrange these words intodifferent categories as given below.

Things: ........................

Actions: ........................

Emotions: ........................

Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below.

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. ______ as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. ______. In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. ______ as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from within the bracket.

The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, ______, which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from within the bracket.

This poem belongs to the ______ poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)

Give an example from the poem for the following explanation.

The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, ______.

What is the effect of repetition in the line—‘On you, and you and you!’?

Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.

Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.

The man is whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his ______ (careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.

(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?

(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.

The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he ______.

(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.

1. The Magic Brush’s Secret
2. Gopi’s Special Gift

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.

(i) Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.

The news of Gopi’s magic brush spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its ______.

(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?

(iii) Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.

1. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.
2. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

(iv) What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?

Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.

Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?

What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?

Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.

What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?

Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem “The magic brush of dreams”.

If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?

The verb ‘draw’ has different meanings in different contexts. Match the sentences in Column 1 with their appropriate meanings in Column 2.

Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem.

Match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2.

Now, create sentences using any five expressions from Column 1.

You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1–7 with speakers (i)–(v). There are two statements you do not need.

Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone.

• Come here! ↘
• Seize this magic brush... ↘
• Paint my fortress tall! ↘
• Go and fetch some rice. ↘

Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations.

Formal Requests

Informal Requests

You may use the following phrases when you make the request.

Imaginative essay is a type of creative writing where the writers use their imagination. An imaginative essay can be based on real-life events, observation, or experiences. It is usually a descriptive piece or a personal reflection.

Read the sample of an imaginative essay.

Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Title — A relevant title
2. Introduction
   
   • Captivating opening sentence to catch the reader’s attention
   • Clear statement of the setting, situation, or main idea
   • Establishes the tone (e.g., playful, serious, and adventurous)
   • Introduces the narrator briefly (if applicable)
3. Setting and Context
   • Description of the setting to create a mental picture
   • Clear time frame (past, present, or future)
   • Brief explanation of any unique or imaginative elements (e.g., powers, fantasy world)
4. Characters
   • Main character introduced with unique traits
   • Supporting characters briefly described (if relevant)
5. Central Idea
   • Clear focus on a single powerful idea or narrative
   • Logical flow of events, even if the story involves imagination or fantasy
6. Language and Style
   • Use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) to enhance the narrative
   • Creative metaphors or similes to enrich descriptions
7. Resolution
   • Key turning point or moment of realisation
   • Resolution of the main idea
   • Clear takeaway message
8. Conclusion
   • Ends on a reflective or thought-provoking note
   • Summarises the main message or leaves the reader with a strong final impression

Write an imaginative essay on the following.

Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also write about what you thought was the most valuable experience.

Write an imaginative essay on the following.

Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different time period. Describe your experience and an important learning.

Have you heard of India’s famous magician, P. C. Sorcar Sr.? He is known as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Magician’ and performed live magic shows in front of audiences and on television, internationally.

He was awarded Padma Shri on 26 January 1964 for his contribution to the world of magic.

Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and find what they refer to.

1. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. I’m often heard, but never seen. What am I?
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
3. I have cities but no houses, I have forests but no trees. What am I?
4. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old, in a dark room, my story is told.

You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.