Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
How to Answer Comprehension Questions
| Question type | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Main idea | Look at the first and last sentences. Summarise in one sentence. |
| Factual recall | Find the exact part of the passage with the answer. |
| Vocabulary | Use context clues — what does the word do in the sentence? |
| Inference | What does the passage suggest but not directly say? |
| Title | Pick the topic that covers the whole passage, not just one paragraph. |
| Personal paragraph | Use the passage as a starting point; add your own examples. |
Passage 1 — Solar Energy
The sun is the most powerful source of energy available to us. Every hour, the sun sends enough energy to the Earth to meet global energy needs for an entire year. Yet, we use only a tiny fraction of this energy. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect. Once installed, they need very little maintenance and produce no air pollution. Countries like Germany, China, and India have invested heavily in solar energy. In Tamil Nadu, the Kamuthi Solar Power Project is one of the largest solar farms in the world. Solar energy is not only clean but also renewable — meaning it will never run out as long as the sun shines.
Questions: 1. What is the main idea of this passage? (1) 2. What is the photovoltaic effect? (2) 3. Name two advantages of solar panels mentioned in the passage. (2) 4. Which solar project in Tamil Nadu is mentioned? (1) 5. Find a word meaning "capable of being replaced naturally." (1) 6. Why does the author say solar energy "will never run out"? (2) 7. Suggest a title for this passage. (1) 8. Write 3–4 sentences on why India should use more solar energy. (3)
Passage 2 — Saving Water
Water covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, yet only 3% of it is freshwater, and most of that is frozen in glaciers. This means only a tiny amount of water is available for drinking, farming, and industry. Scientists warn that by 2050, half the world's population could face water scarcity. The main causes of water shortage are overuse, pollution, and climate change. Simple steps can help: turning off taps when not in use, harvesting rainwater, fixing leaking pipes, and using drip irrigation in farms. Every drop we save today is a gift to the next generation.
Questions: 1. What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater? (1) 2. Why is freshwater so rare even though water covers 71% of Earth? (2) 3. List two causes of water shortage mentioned. (2) 4. Name two ways to save water from the passage. (2) 5. Find a word from the passage meaning "not enough supply." (1) 6. What does the last sentence mean? Explain in your own words. (2) 7. Suggest a suitable title. (1) 8. Write a short paragraph on what your school does (or could do) to save water. (3)
Passage 3 — The Importance of Libraries
A library is more than a collection of books. It is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and discovery. Libraries have existed for thousands of years — from the ancient Library of Alexandria in Egypt to the digital libraries of today. Public libraries make books accessible to everyone regardless of income. For students, a good library can transform learning: instead of memorising facts, they explore ideas, debate theories, and develop critical thinking. In the digital age, many fear that libraries are becoming obsolete. However, surveys show that library visits are increasing in many countries. People value the quiet, focused environment that no screen can fully replace. A great civilisation, it is said, can be measured by the quality of its libraries.
Questions: 1. What is the author's main argument about libraries? (1) 2. Name one ancient library mentioned in the passage. (1) 3. How do libraries help students, according to the passage? (2) 4. What fear about libraries in the digital age is mentioned? (2) 5. Find a word from the passage meaning "out of date / no longer useful." (1) 6. What do surveys show about library visits? (1) 7. Suggest a title. (1) 8. Write 3–4 sentences: Should your school have a better library? Why? (3)
Passage 4 — Environmental Pollution
Pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems facing the world today. Air pollution from factories and vehicles causes respiratory diseases and contributes to global warming. Water pollution from industrial waste and plastic makes rivers and oceans dangerous for fish and humans alike. Soil pollution from excessive use of pesticides affects the food we grow and eat. Noise pollution from traffic and construction affects mental health and causes hearing loss. Governments, companies, and individuals all have a role to play. Switching to clean energy, recycling waste, using less plastic, and planting trees are some steps that can make a real difference. The Earth does not belong to us — we belong to the Earth.
Questions: 1. List four types of pollution mentioned in the passage. (2) 2. How does air pollution affect human health? (1) 3. What causes soil pollution according to the passage? (1) 4. Name two steps individuals can take to reduce pollution. (2) 5. Find a word meaning "relating to breathing." (1) 6. Explain the meaning of the final sentence in your own words. (2) 7. Suggest a title. (1) 8. Write a paragraph on what Class 8 students can do to reduce pollution in their school. (3)
Passage 5 — Role of Technology in Education
Technology has changed the way we learn. Twenty years ago, students relied entirely on textbooks and teachers. Today, a student in rural Tamil Nadu can watch a video lecture by a professor in Delhi, practise maths on an app, and read books from any library in the world — all on a mobile phone. Digital tools have made learning more interactive, personalised, and accessible. However, technology also brings challenges: screen addiction, distraction, reduced attention spans, and the spread of misinformation. Experts argue that technology is a tool — powerful but neutral. What matters is how students, teachers, and parents choose to use it. Used wisely, technology can be the greatest equaliser in education.
Questions: 1. What is the main point of this passage? (1) 2. Give two examples of how a student in rural Tamil Nadu can use technology to learn. (2) 3. Name two challenges of technology mentioned by the author. (2) 4. What do experts say about technology? (1) 5. Find a word from the passage meaning "something that creates equal opportunities." (1) 6. What does "personalised learning" mean in context? (2) 7. Suggest a title. (1) 8. Write 3–4 sentences: How do you personally use technology for studying? (3)