Wisdom Paves the Way

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NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3 Wisdom Paves the Way Class 8 English

Book Solutions

1

I: Why do we seek the advice of the elderly in our family?

Answer

We seek advice from the elderly in our family because they have more experience and wisdom, which helps us make good decisions.
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2

II: Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgment.
Work in pairs. Read the following situations and classify each one as either ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’. One example has been done for you.    
1. Riya’s understanding of plant care helped her grow a healthy vegetable garden in her backyard.     
2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.     
3. Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.    
4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.     
5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.     
6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.

Answer

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3

III: Observe the picture. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer

Example Response:
In the picture, it seems that a strong earthquake or storm has recently affected the village. The house shown is badly damaged, with big cracks on the walls and a broken roof. Pieces of the roof are lying on the ground. A monkey is sitting on the roof and a cat is sitting on a tree, which shows that even animals are disturbed and scared. Four people are standing outside the house, talking to each other, probably discussing what has happened and what to do next. The scene shows worry and confusion among the villagers. It clearly looks like a natural disaster has caused the damage.
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4

I: Complete the following sentences with suitable reasons. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Shiv Datt said, “I believe it has been over a week, perhaps even longer,” because it had been a long time since they left the village.     
2. Dev Datt said, “Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is whywe press on towards Ujjain,” because ___________________________. 
3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. Thetracks are fresh,” because ___________________________. 
4. Shiv Datt said, “It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble,” because ___________________________.   
5. The merchant said, “How could you possibly know that? The poorcreature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!” because ___________________________.     
6. Dev Datt said, “You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desiresour presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder,” because ___________________________.

Answer

1. it had been a long time since they left the village.
2. he believed they should stay hopeful together to find work with the King.
3. he saw fresh camel tracks on the road, showing a camel had recently passed.   
4. the merchant was rushing towards them, looking worried, as if something was wrong.  
5. The young men described the camel’s exact condition, making him think they had special knowledge.
6. he was confident they had done nothing wrong and were willing to face the King.
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5

I: Arrange the following events in order of their occurrence from Scene II of the play. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.     
1. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills. (8)
2. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.     
3. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.     
4. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation.     
5. Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye, as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.     
6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement.     
7. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel had a short tail.
8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.

Answer

(3) The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.
(8) The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.
(2) Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.
(5) Shiv Datt reveals that the camel is blind in its right eye as it had only chewed on the leaves on the left side of the road.
(7) Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.
(6) Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement.
(4) The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation.
(1) The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.
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6

I: Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. DEV DATT : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us.
RAM DATT : If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service.
SHIV DATT: I share your belief.
DEV DATT : Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on toward Ujjain.
HAR DATT : (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.

(i) Identify the false statement and rectify it.
A. Dev Datt believes that finding employment is an easy task
B. Ram Datt is confident that the King would recognise their talents

(ii) What does Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tell us about him?

(iii) Complete the sentence given below with the correct option from those given. In the line, ‘That’s why we press on towards Ujjain’, the phrase ‘press on’ refers to __________.
A. walking with heavy steps
B. moving forward with determination
C. Slowing down frequently for rest
D. stopping briefly to save time
(iv) Har Datt says, “We need to devise a strategy.” What can be inferred about Har Datt’s character from his statement?
A. He is doubtful of their abilities and wants to give up.
B. He is eager to rush into the palace without preparation.
C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
D. He relies on others to make decisions for the group.

Answer

(i) A. False
Rectified: Dev Datt believes that finding employment is a challenging task that may take time.
B. True
(ii) Ram Datt’s confidence shows he is optimistic and believes strongly in his and his friends’ abilities.
(iii): In the line, “That’s why we press on towards Ujjain,” the phrase ‘press on’ refers to: B. moving forward with determination
(iv): C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
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7

2: King : (To the four men) You have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Such minds are rare and highly valued in my court. I extend to you the honour of becoming my advisers. Your counsel shall guide my decisions, and your wisdom shall be a beacon for my kingdom. What do you say to my offer ?
RAM DATT : (Stepping forward) Your Highness, it is an honour we had not dared to dream of.
(i) Select the option that is true for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): The Merchant left the court feeling humbled and ashamed.
(R): The King commanded that the four wise men join his court.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true

(ii) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct option. The line, ‘See beyond the obvious’ means that the men had the ability to ______.
A. Challenge common beliefs with reasoning
B. interpret information in traditional ways
C. Notice details that others might overlook
D. Predict what is going to happen in the future

(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Ram Datt described the King’s offer as ‘an honour we had notdared to dream of’ because ___________.

(iv) How does the King’s offer to the four men reflect his values asa ruler?

Answer

(i) B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(ii) C. Notice details that others might overlook
(iii): Ram Datt described the King’s offer as “an honour we had not dared to dream of” because it was a great and unexpected opportunity to serve as the King’s advisers.
(iv): The King’s offer shows he values wisdom, intelligence, and fairness, as he rewards the men for their clever observations and trusts them to guide his kingdom. 

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8

II: Answer the following questions
1. What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men’s journey?
2. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?
3. How do the four young men’s observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?
4. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?
5. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?
6. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel?

Answer

1. The dusty road shows the journey was long, tiring, and difficult, as they walked for ten days under the hot sun, facing physical hardship.
2. The merchant became suspicious because the men knew specific details about his camel without seeing it. This shows he is quick to judge and distrustful.
3.Their observations prove their intelligence to the King, turning the accusation against them into an opportunity to become his advisers.
4. The King believed the men because they explained their observations logically, showing wisdom, while the merchant’s accusations lacked proof.
5. Their ability to notice details, think logically, and explain their observations makes them suitable to give wise advice to the King.
6. The merchant feels ashamed because the King proved the men were innocent and wise, showing his accusations were wrong and unfair.
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9

I: Complete the sentences by filling in the noun form of the textual words given in the brackets.
1. Some word games need a lot of thought and _________________. (deduce)
2. We need to make close _________________of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)
3. A detailed _________________ of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)
4. You should not make any false ________________ against anyone. (accuse)
5. She was given an award in _________________of her contribution to literature. (recognise)

Answer

1. Deduction
2. Observations
3. scrutiny 
4. Accusations
5. recognition
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10

II: Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Answer


Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1
1. With all our hearts, we thanked the doctor for saving our brother’s life.
2. To be precise, the meeting starts at 10:15 a.m., not 10 o’clock.
3. She was finally able to gain an audience with the principal to discuss her concerns.
4. After running up the stairs, he stopped to catch his breath before speaking.
5. The crowd erupted in applause when the singer walked onto the stage.
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11

III: Match the different meanings of ‘face’ and ‘bear’ with the correct usage in the sentences given in the table below. (n. stands for the word noun and v. stands for the word verb.)

Answer

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12

IV: Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2.

Answer

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13

V: Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given belowby using the clues from the functions given within brackets. 

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, “How 1. _______ (ability) I become wise like you?” The old man smiled and said, “Wisdom 2._______ (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. _______ (suggestion) listen, more than you speak.” The boy thought for a while and replied, “It 4. _______ (weak possibility) take years, but I’ll try.” The old man nodded. “You 5._______(obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. _______ (possibility)come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it.” The boy knew he 7. _______ (ability) become wise if he followed the old man’s advice.

Answer

An old man, known for his wisdom, lived in a small village. One day, a young boy asked him, “How 1. Can (ability) I become wise like you?” The old man smiled and said, “Wisdom 2. must (necessity) be earned through patience. You 3. should (suggestion) listen, more than you speak.” The boy thought for a while and replied, “It 4. might (weak possibility) take years, but I’ll try.” The old man nodded. “You 5. ought to (obligation) learn from your mistakes too. Wisdom 6. may (possibility)come slowly, but it always arrives for those who seek it.” The boy knew he 7. could (ability) become wise if he followed the old man’s advice.
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14

VI: Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs. You may take clues from the highlighted words. 
1. It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.

Answer

1. You should think before you speak.
2. You need not worry about things beyond your control.
3. A person cannot gain experience without taking risks.
4. You must treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
5. You must not interrupt when someone else is speaking.
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15

I: You will listen to four people sharing their thoughts on why they enjoy witty characters in stories. As you listen, match statements 1–6 given below to the speakers (i)–(iv). There are two statements you do not need.

Answer

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16

I: The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning. Read the following examples.

Now, work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing on the highlighted words. Share the meanings of the sentences with each other and teacher.

  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
  • I take mydog for a walk in the evening.
  • I take my dog for awalk in the evening.
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening.

Answer

This is a classroom activity. Practice saying the following sentences with stress on the highlighted words:

  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening. (I, not someone else)
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening. (Take, not another action)
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening. (My dog, not another’s)
  • I take my dog for a walk in the evening. (Dog, not another pet)
  • I take my dog for awalk in the evening. (Walk, not another activity)
  • I take my dog for a walk in theevening. (Evening, not another time)
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17

II: Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone. Listen to the teacher read these sentences aloud and repeat it with the correct intonation.

Now, practise by saying the following sentences with the correct intonation.

  • Good day, kind sirs.
  • We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is.
  • You describe it perfectly!
  • You shall come with me to face the King!

Answer

This is a classroom activity. Practice saying the following sentences with a falling tone:
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18

I: You have observed that the kutcha road leading to your colony is in a very bad condition due to heavy rains. The potholes are dangerous for people and can lead to accidents. They also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as there is stagnant water all around. Write a letter of complaint to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation or the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat to look into the matter and take necessary action. Follow the format of a formal letter and draft the letter with the help of the cues given below.

Answer

Example Response:

To
The Commissioner,
Municipal Corporation,
[City Name]

Date: 31 July 2025

Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony

Respected Sir/Madam,

I would like to bring to your attention the poor condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony. I am writing to draw your attention towards the serious inconvenience being caused to the residents due to the heavy rains.

The problems that we face are many. The road is full of potholes and is almost impossible to walk or drive on safely. It is causing inconvenience as people, especially school children and the elderly, are at risk of falling and getting injured. As a result, several minor accidents have already occurred. Consequently, the stagnant rainwater collected in the potholes has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria.

Firstly, I would like to suggest that the road be repaired and properly drained at the earliest. Secondly, proper levelling and paving must be ensured to avoid future damage. I request you to look into this matter urgently and take swift action for the safety and well-being of the residents.
I look forward to your prompt response.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,
Rahul Mehta
Rajiv Nagar Colony
Contact: **********

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19

I: Staging a play requires creativity, organisation, and teamwork. Steps involved in staging a play:

Answer

1. Choose a play that suits your requirement of theme, duration, number of actors, and available resources.
2. Choose a director, a stage manager, a light and sound in charge,a props manager, a costume designer, and a makeup artist.
3. Hold auditions and decide the roles.
4. Read the script and plan stage movements and positions for each scene.
5. Make a schedule for rehearsal.
6. Work on the set design (backdrop) and make or collect the required props.
7. Design or gather appropriate costumes.
8. Plan makeup and hairstyles to suit the play’s time period.
9. Check light and sound arrangements.
10. Hold a dress rehearsal including sound and light effects.
11. Promote the event through posters and pamphlets.
12. Organise the backstage with labelled props, costumes, and entrances or exits.
13. Present the play to the audience.
Now, present the enactment of the play ‘Wisdom Paves the Way’ with the help of the steps you have just read. Ensure you use the correct intonation and sentence stress.
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20

II: Stories related to wit and wisdom have always fascinated the readers. Go to the library and read the stories associated with the following.

Answer

Vikramaditya and Betal 
Tenali Rama
Gopal the Jester 
Panchatantra Tales
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