NCERT Solutions for The Fight Class 8 It So Happened English
Book Solutions1
In what way is the forest pool different from the one
which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?
Answer
The forest pool which Ranji knew about was different from
the one in the Rajputana desert in the following ways:
(i) The forest pool was clean and fresh water whereas the
pool in Rajputana desert was muddy and dirty.
(ii) The pools of Rajputana desert were used as clothes
washing spot by women. People used to bath their buffaloes as well. But the
forest pool was clean, cold and inviting. So, Ranaji wanted to swim in that
pool.
2
The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain' himself.
(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?
(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this
question?
Answer
(i) The other boy, Suraj, expected Ranji to say 'sorry' and
leave the pool immediately.
(ii) In my opinion, Suraj was wrong because the pool was not
his personal property that he prevented Ranji from entering the pool. The
forest belonged to everybody and therefore, the pool was common property.
3
Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a
quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
The other boy, Suraj, is the one who picks up the fights
with Ranji. Ranji was very polite and calm in his behaviour, whereas, the other
boy Suraj spoke in very unfriendly and ill manner. He asked Ranji to run away
from the pool and threatens to beat him otherwise.
4
"Then we will have to continue the fight," said
the other.
(i) What made him say that?
(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?
Answer
(i) Suraj spoke the words, "Then we will have to
continue the fight," to the other boy, Ranji. Because he did not like
Ranji's attitude who refused to accept defeat. So, Suraj deferred the fight for
the next day.
(ii) No, the fight didn't continue the next day. Though a
day before both of them decided to fight none of them took up the issue the
next day. Both Suraj and Ranji needed each other's help, so they compromised.
5
What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?
Answer
Ranji found it difficult to explain the several cuts and
bruises he had on his face and arms. From his bruises, it was sure that he had
involved in a fight.
6
Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.
(i) What does he wish to do?
(ii) What does he actually do, and why?
Answer
(i) When Ranji saw his advisory in the bazaar, at first
Ranji felt like turning away and look the other way. His second thought was to
hit him with the lemonade bottle.
(ii) He actually stands his ground and only scowls at Suraj.
Earlier he thought of hitting him with the lemonade bottle, but then he didn't
so to avoid a fight in the bazaar.
7
Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he
go back to the pool, then?
Answer
Though Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight, the
next day he goes to the pool unwillingly. Because he could not refuse the
challenge and gain his self-respect.
8
Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?
Answer
Ranji was the better swimmer. Because, when the other boy,
Suraj mocked and made fun of him for not knowing swimming, Suraj dived straight
into the water and flashed the water all over the surface. This amazed Suraj
and then he asked Ranji to teach him too.
9
What surprises the warrior?
Answer
The warrior is surprised by Ranji's diving skills. He was
amazed how he dived underwater.
10
Now that they are at the pool, why don't they continue
the fight?
Answer
At the pool, the two contestants, Suraj and Ranji forgot to
continue the fight because of their interest shifts to swimming and diving.
11
Ranji's superiority over the other boy is obvious in the
following:
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter,
sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to
help.
Underline the relevant phrases.
Answer
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense
of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness
to help.
12
What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn
into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.
Answer
Ranji and Suraj, two adversaries, turned into good friends
in a few minutes due to the following reasons:
Both were tired of fighting. Both needed each other's help,
guidance, and support. Suraj wanted to learn diving from Ranji. While Ranji
liked the idea of becoming a strong wrestler with the help of Suraj.
1
Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of
opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?
Answer
Fighting is not the only way to resolve a dispute. The best
way to sort things out is to discuss the issues calmly. Everybody has different
opinions and they have the right to put their point forward. So, instead of
getting frustrated and heated, one must always try to discuss things out.