NCERT Solutions for Chapter 14 Magnifying Glass Class 8 English
Book Solutions1
Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What is common in all these pictures?
2. Select the pictures you are familiar with.
3. Why do you think the people in the pictures need to use a magnifying glass?
4. What other instruments magnify objects?
Answer
1. All the pictures show people using a magnifying glass to observe small or tiny objects in detail.2. (Answers may vary) Do it yourself.
3. The people use a magnifying glass to see small details more clearly, such as the structure of insects, leaves, or patterns that are not visible to the naked eye.
4. Other instruments that magnify objects include microscopes, telescopes, binoculars, hand-held magnifiers, and magnifying spectacles.
2
Answer
If I had a magnifying glass, I would use it to observe leaves, insects, and tiny patterns on stones or shells. It would help me see things in nature more clearly and understand how beautiful and complex even the smallest things can be.3
The poem describes the magic of seeing the world through a 1. __________. It reveals how tiny things like 2. __________ and 3. __________ can appear vast and complex. Even a 4. __________ of water can seem like a hive of 5. __________. The poet is impressed at how the spider spins its 6. __________ from its 7. __________. The poem ends with the idea that, through lenses, the 8. __________ could seem within reach.
Answer
1. magnifying glass2. moss
3. chalk
4. drop
5. bees
6. web
7. spinnerets
8. moon
4
1. The main idea of the poem is the transformative power of __________ (wonders in nature/close observation) through the magnifying glass.
2. The tone of the poem is __________ . (wonder and curiosity/peaceful and emotional)
3. The poem has __________ stanzas with __________ lines in each stanza. Hence, it is a quatrain. (four; six/six; four)
4. The rhyme scheme of the poem is __________. (ABCD; ABCB)
Answer
1. close observation2. wonder and curiosity
3. six /four
4. ABCB
5
1. Simile
2. Alliteration
3. Metaphor
Answer
1. Simile:
- A drop of water/Like hive of bees
- Yes, and with lenses like it
2 Alliteration:
Shells show, forest-flowers, wait and watch, woven web-silk, make more marvellous
3. Metaphor:
- âMagic talkâ (the magnifying glass is not literally talking)
- The whole poem is metaphorical in how it compares ordinary things to magical wonders.
6
1. In the line, âA myriad shells show in a scrap of chalkâ, the magnifying glass reveals ______________________.
2. In the line, âA forestâflowers and treesâ the poet uses the imagery of nature to emphasise ______________________.
Answer
1. the hidden patterns or fossil-like structures in something as simple as chalk.2. how a tiny patch of moss can look like an entire forest under magnification.
7
1. The poet uses exclamation marks in lines, âThe tigerish claws he has!â, âWith all those eyes!â and âIn an afternoon!â because it ______________________.
2. In the phrase, âMagic talkâ the poet uses personification to describe the magnifying glass because it ______________________.
3. Each stanza follows a repetitive pattern of introducing a small or ordinary object and then describing the extraordinary details revealed through magnification. This is because it supports the theme of __________ as the speaker reveals ____________.
4. In the final stanza the poet shifts from small, everyday objects being magnified to a celestial body like moon because __________.
Answer
1. expresses his sense of amazement and excitement at what he sees through the magnifying glass.2. seems to reveal secrets or tell stories that are otherwise hidden from the naked eye.
3. curiosity and discovery; how much beauty and wonder exists in small things.
4. it shows how far human curiosity and observation can go, even reaching space through lenses like telescopes.
8
1. With this round glass
I can make Magic talkâ
A myriad shells show
In a scrap of chalk;
Of but an inch of moss
A forestâflowers and trees;
(i) Identify whether the following statement is true or false:
The poet uses his magical powers to make the round glass powerful.
(ii) Select the line from the extract that expresses the presence of intricate patterns in ordinary objects.
(iii) What does the comparison of âan inch of mossâ to a fo rest âsuggest about the speakerâs view of the world through the magnifying glass?
(iv) How does the poet feel about the ability of the magnifying glass to reveal hidden wonders?
A. Satisfied
B. Fascinated
C. Grateful
D. Determined
Answer
(i) FalseThe poet does not have magical powers; the magnifying glass itself reveals the magic of small objects when observed closely.
(ii)Â âA myriad shells show / In a scrap of chalkâ
This line shows how even a simple piece of chalk can contain complex patterns visible through a magnifying glass.
(iii)Â It suggests that the speaker sees immense beauty and complexity in even the tiniest parts of nature. Through the magnifying glass, the ordinary becomes grand and magical.
(iv) (B)Â Fascinated
The poet expresses awe and wonder at how the magnifying glass reveals the unseen marvels of the natural world.
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1. What is the significance of the spider in the poem?
2. How might the speakerâs view of the natural world change if there was no use of a magnifying glass?
3. Why does the poem, end with the idea of the moon being within reach?
4. What is the speakerâs attitude towards nature and the act of observation?
5. Which is your favourite part of the poem? Why?
Answer
1. The spider represents skill, precision, and natural beauty. The poet admires how the spider spins its web using its spinnerets and how even its small, tiger-like claws become visible through magnification. It reflects the hidden intricacies of life that are revealed when observed closely.2. Without a magnifying glass, the speaker might miss the minute details and hidden beauty of small things. The natural world would seem ordinary rather than extraordinary and magical, and the sense of curiosity and wonder would be diminished.
3. The poem ends with the idea of the moon being within reach to show that scientific instruments like lenses and telescopes can expand our reach and imagination. It suggests that human curiosity and observation can take us beyond the Earth, even to celestial bodies like the moon.
4. The speaker has a deep sense of curiosity, fascination, and admiration for nature. He sees observation as a way to uncover hidden beauty and believes that even the smallest things hold wonder and mystery when seen up close.
5. My favourite part is âA drop of water/ Like hive of beesâ because it beautifully compares a simple drop of water to a busy beehive, showing how full of life and activity even the smallest things can be when seen through a magnifying glass. It reminds me to appreciate the hidden wonders all around me.
10
I: Fill in the blanks in the sentences with the words given in the box below.
With his 1. ____________ description, the author has written the story beautifully 2. ____________with fascinating details. When you read the story, you will surely enjoy the 3. ____________storytelling technique that attracts all kinds of readers. What makes the story interesting is the superb way of describing the 4. ____________emotions and feelings of the characters. The reader will 5. ____________upon the unexpected twists and turns that 6. ____________ all our understanding and make us wonder at the narrative power of the author
Answer
1. deft2. woven
3. marvellous
4. myriad
5. stumble
6. surpass
11
Answer
12
Answer
13
Answer
- girl â girlish
- boy â boyish
- silk â silkish
- moon â moonish
- book â bookish
14
I: You will listen to a conversation between a father and daughter about lesser- known Indian inventions. As you listen, mark the four true statements from (1)â(6) given below.
Daughter: Papa, everyone talks about how yoga and the concept of zero came from India, but I recently found out there are so many more inventions that people donât really know about!
Father:Â Oh really? Like what?
Daughter: Well, did you know that radio broadcasting has roots in India? We usually credit Marconi, but Jagadish Chandra Bose, a Bengali scientist, actually conducted an experiment using microwaves before Marconi.
Father:Â Wow, I didnât know that! Thatâs incredible. I can recollect something about fire optics.
Daughter: Yes! Youâre absolutely right Papa. Can you imagine life without fibre optics? No fast internet, no clear communication⊠And guess what? It was pioneered by Narinder Kapany, an Indian physicist from Punjab. Heâs called the âfather of fibre optics.â
Father: Thatâs something I use every day, but I just had an idea that the origins were in India. What about fun things? Any of those that youâve found out about?
Daughter:Â Yes indeed! Youâll love this oneâSnakes and Ladders! It was actually invented as a game to teach children values, with ladders representing virtues and snakes representing evil. It wasnât just a board game like we think today. It had a spiritual meaning in ancient times.
Father:Â So even that simple game had such deep roots. Let me tell you about one that I just remembered.
Daughter:Â Of course! Iâd love to know.
Father:Â Well, the USB port, something we rely on all the time to connect devices, was invented by Ajay
Bhatt. Heâs an Indian-born engineer who helped revolutionise the way we use technology.
Daughter:Â Thatâs amazing. USB is such a basic part of life now. Itâs hard to imagine a time without it.
Father: Thatâs incredible. And all this from India. I definitely learned a lot from this conversation.
Adapted fromâ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5rnsYs1QcPB7CsyjzvTcmjf/7-surprising-things-india-has-given-the-world
Answer
15
Note the difference between /v/ and /f/. When we pronounce words with /v/ sound, there is a vibration, whereas /f/ sound has no vibration. Both the sounds can occur in the beginning, middle, or at the end of words.
Read these words aloud with the help of your teacher.
Answer
Do it yourself.16
Answer
If I could travel to space, I would like to visit Mars because it is known as the Red Planet and scientists believe that it may have had water and life in the past. I would love to see its rocky surface and experience low gravity.
Preparations I would make:
- Train in a space program
- Learn how to live in zero gravity
- Understand how to use a space suit
- Carry necessary equipment
Five things I would take along:
1. Oxygen supply
2. Space food
3. A camera to record my journey
4. A communication device
5. A journal to write about my experiences
17
Answer
If I could invent something, I would invent a Pollution Cleaner Drone. It would fly around cities and absorb harmful gases and dust particles from the air to keep the environment clean. I would invent it because pollution is a big problem today, and clean air is necessary for a healthy life. This drone would help people breathe better and reduce diseases.It would use sensors to detect polluted areas and special filters to clean the air.
It would be solar-powered to make it environment-friendly.
This invention would truly be a gift to the Earth!
18
I: In a conversation, we communicate through dialogues. While writing a conversation, we need to ensure that the dialogues are engaging and serve a purpose.
Points to remember:
- Mention where, when, and with whom the conversation is taking place.
- Identify the word choice and toneâformal or informal.
- Include key information, points of agreement and disagreement, etc.
- Use words in brackets to express emotions or actions, such as (joyfully) (sits down).
- You may use filler words like Uff, Er⊠, Ugh, etc.
Deepa and Asma, members of the Science Club have a conversation to take a decision about making a model for an upcoming Science Fair.
Create this conversation between Deepa and Asma.
You may begin the conversation like this.
Deepa: Hi Asma! Our Science teacher mentioned that you have a wonderful idea for the Science Fair project.
Asma: (hesitatingly) Yes, I do. But Iâm not sure if it is good enough.
Deepa: (encouragingly) Donât worryâŠ
Answer
Deepa: Hi Asma! Our Science teacher mentioned that you have a wonderful idea for the Science Fair project.Asma: (hesitatingly) Yes, I do. But Iâm not sure if it is good enough.
Deepa: (encouragingly) Donât worry, Asma!
Iâd love to hear it. Every idea has potential. Just tell me what youâre thinking.
Asma: Well⊠I am thinking we can make a working model of a water purification system using natural materials like sand, charcoal, and gravel. It can show how clean water can be produced using simple, eco-friendly methods. Deepa : That sounds amazing! Itâs a practical idea and also spreads an important message about clean water and sustainability.
Asma: You really think so? I was worried it might be too simple compared to some of the high-tech models others might present.
Deepa: Simple doesnât mean boring. If we present it well and explain the science clearly, it can actually
stand out. Itâs something everyone can relate to.
Asma: That makes sense. Maybe we can also show water samples before and after filtration to highlight the difference.
Deepa: Great idea! And we can add labels and posters explaining each layerâs function in the filtration process.
Asma: Yes! Maybe even a small interactive section where visitors can try pouring in some âdirtyâ water and see it come out clean.
Deepa: Perfect! Letâs start planning the materials well need and divide the work. Iâm excited already.
Asma: Me too, Deepa. Thanks for encouraging me. Iâm glad weâre doing this together.
Deepa: Anytime! Letâs make this Science Fair project awesome!
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Answer
Do it yourself.20
II: Did you know that telescopes also use lenses?
1. The largest telescope in India for studying celestial objects is located in the district of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Commissioned in 2016, it is maintained and operated by ARIES (Äryabhaáča Research Institute of Observational Sciences).
2. The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is a high-altitude astronomy station located in Hanle, Ladakh, India. It is situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft), and supports optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
3. The largest, most powerful, and most complex telescope ever launched into space is the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA launched it on, 25 December 2021. It orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. To learn more, visit the link below. https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/
4. The Mauna Kea Observatory, astronomical observatory in Hawaii, US, that has become one of the most important in the world because of its outstanding observational conditions. The Mauna Kea Observatory is operated by the University of Hawaii and lies at an elevation of 4,205 metres (13,796 feet) atop the peak of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on north-central Hawaii island. The summit hosts a worldrenowned collection of astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories, including the Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope, for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy.
The observatories are set up here because of Mauna Keaâs high elevation, dry environment, and stable airflow that make it a prime location for astronomical observation. The focus is scientific research across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Public Access: The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy provides visitor information and exhibits about the mountain and its observatories, and offers guided tours of the summit.
Find out more about them from the internet and discuss with your science teacher and classmates.Â
Answer
Do it yourself.21
III: Read about ancient Indian scholars.
1. One of the eminent astronomers of the ancient India was Äryabhaáča. His work Äryabhaáčiyam, laid the groundwork for various astronomers to develop in subsequent centuries and continues to be an important work even today. Äryabhaáča proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system centuries before Copernicus. He also gave a scientific explanation of lunar and solar eclipses.
2. VarÄmihira, the sixth-century CE astronomer, philosopher, and mathematician wrote the astronomical treatise PañchasiddhÄntika (Fine Treatises), a compendium of Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Indian astronomy.
3. The tenth-century CE mathematician-astronomer BhÄskarachÄrya II contributed significantly to the advancement of astronomical concepts. His works SiddhÄntaĆiromaáči and KaraáčakutĆ«hala, include compiled data on planetary positions, conjunctions, and eclipses. https://indianculture.gov.in/timeless-trends/unveiling-cosmos-journey-throughhistory-astronomy-india
Answer
Do it yourself.22
Answer
Do it yourself.