NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders Class 8 English Poorvi
- Chapter Name: Spectacular Wonders
- Unit: Mystery and Magic
- Textbook Name: Class 8 English Poorvi
- Related Stud material: Class 8 Poorvi NCERT Solutions
Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders NCERT Solutions Class 8 English
Page No. 137
Let us do these activities before we read
I. Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and man-made wonders.
Natural: ___, ___, ___, and ___
Man-made: ___, ___, ___, and ___
Answer
Natural: 1. Living Root Bridge, 3. Dzukou Valley, 7. Moon over the Himalayas and 8. Marble Rocks with Cable Car
Man-made Wonders: 2. Mysore Palace, 4. Ice Stupa in Ladakh by Sonam Wangchuk, 5. Bogibeel Bridge and 6. Fountain Garden
II. Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
Natural wonders are more appealing because they are created by nature without any human help. They show the beauty and power of the Earth. For example, the Living Root Bridge and the Himalayas are not only beautiful but also show how nature can create amazing things over time. These places feel peaceful and make us feel close to the environment.
III. Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
1. Rainbow: It forms when sunlight passes through raindrops, which splits the sunlight into seven colours by the process of refraction. This phenomenon creates a perfect arc in the sky. It generally forms after rainfall.
2. Spider Webs: Spiders spin silk which is stronger than steel. They weave perfect radial patterns to catch prey. Each web takes hours to build. The most amazing part is that spiders recreate it flawlessly without tools or measurements.
What makes them impressive? Both of these are wonders of nature and cannot be replicated by the human beings. It shows us how nature can be wonderful, mysterious and amazing.
IV. Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
Page No. 142
Let us discuss
I. Complete the information in the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
|
Amazing Natural Phenomena |
Location |
One Unique Feature |
|
1. The Valley of Flowers |
Chamoli district, Uttarakhand |
Around 600 species of exotic flowers |
|
2. The Living Root Bridges |
Meghalaya |
Built from interconnected roots |
|
3. Lonar Crater Lake |
Buldhana district, Maharashtra |
Formed due to impact of a meteorite |
|
4. Magnetic Hills |
Leh, Ladakh |
Vehicles seem to move uphill instead of down |
|
5. Glowing Waters |
Kumbalangi, Kerala |
Light effect caused by microorganisms like plankton which lights up neon blue when disturbed |
|
6. Sundarbans |
West Bengal |
Mangrove forests with Sundari Trees |
|
7. Chandipur Beach |
Balasore district, Odisha |
Sea disappears during tides. |
Page No. 142
Let us think and reflect
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. India is home to some of the most mystifying natural phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination.
(i) Replace the underlined phrase with one from the extract.
India is the birthplace of several rare species of flora and fauna
that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.
(ii) What does the phrase ‘nature’s unusual side’ suggest about the phenomena described?
(iii) Complete the similarity by choosing the correct option.
spark: imagination : : _____ : _____.
A. inspiration; creativity
B. wonder; amazement
C. effort; reward
D. knowledge; books
(iv) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
Some natural phenomena can surprise people.
Answer
(i) India is home of several rare species of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.
(ii) The phrase ‘nature’s unusual side’ suggest about the surprising and amazing natural events which generally do not happens regularly.
(iii) A. inspiration; creativity
(iv) True
2. Have you seen things disappearing in front of your eyes? Well, such things happen at times, when we keep things at some place, and just forget where we have kept them. But, what if there’s a sea that disappears?
This happens in Odisha. It is a beach in the Balasore district where one can witness the sea disappearing mysteriously—the Chandipur Beach which is known for its unique feature of playing hide-and-seek with its visitors.
(i) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The writer’s most likely purpose to introduce the information
about the Chandipur Beach phenomenon with a question is to
________.
(engage the reader’s curiosity and create a
sense of suspense/draw the reader to learn more about the unusual
phenomenon/set the tone for the surprising nature of the content
that follows)
(ii) Select the option that is correct for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
(A): Chandipur Beach in Odisha is known for its unique feature of the sea disappearing.
(R): The tides retreat drastically, exposing the Chandipur beach.
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.
(iii) What does the term ‘unique’ suggest about the beach in Balasore?
A. very popular
B. one of its kind
C. ancient place
D. far from city
(iv) What does the writer want to convey with the use of the phrase ‘playing hide-and-seek with its visitors’?
Answer
(i) The writer’s most likely purpose to introduce the information about the Chandipur Beach phenomenon with a question is to engage the reader’s curiosity and create a sense of suspense.
(ii) A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(iii) B. one of its kind
(iv) The sea appears and disappears due to changing tides, creating a playful and mysterious effect for the visitors.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. How are the living root bridges a boon for the local people of Meghalaya?
2. Why is the Lonar Crater Lake considered a remarkable and rare site?
3. What might be the writer’s purpose of highlighting the awe-inspiring natural wonders of India?
4. The writer uses descriptive language and introductory questions for some of the natural phenomena. What impact does it have on the readers?
5. Which of these unusual phenomena did you find the most interesting and why?
Answer
1. The Living Root Bridges are a boon because they offer a sustainable, long-lasting solution to cross rivers and streams, especially during monsoons. They are made naturally using tree roots, are strong, and reflect the ingenuity and environmental knowledge of the indigenous people.
2. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by a meteorite impact and ranks as the third-largest crater in the world. Its perfect circular shape, unique saline lake, and blend of celestial and terrestrial features make it a rare geological wonder.
3. The writer aims to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature, highlight India’s diverse natural heritage, and encourage curiosity, environmental awareness, and exploration of these unique places.
4. It grabs the reader’s attention, creates curiosity, and makes the content more engaging. It also helps readers visualize the wonders and understand their uniqueness more vividly.
5. I found the Glowing Waters of Kerala most interesting because the idea of water glowing in the dark due to living organisms is magical and scientifically fascinating. It combines beauty with mystery.
Page No. 144
Let us learn
I. Fill in the blanks with the correct expressions from the text given in the box below.
1. I have read many stories ______.
2. Do you know when this little town ______?
3. His hard work has helped him ______.
4. There are no simple solutions to the ______ of traffic jams.
5. He opened the ancient wooden box and stared at the treasure ______.
6. The garden is ______ in spring with lots of beautiful flowers in bloom.
Answer
1. I have read many stories to name a few.
2. Do you know when this little town came into existence?
3. His hard work has helped him to no end.
4. There are no simple solutions to the age-old problem of traffic jams.
5. He opened the ancient wooden box and stared at the treasure in disbelief.
6. The garden is in full glory in spring with lots of beautiful flowers in bloom.
II. Select the correct synonyms from the box given below that match the list of words in 1–5. You may refer to a thesaurus.
1. mysterious, puzzling, baffling
2. mighty, gigantic, huge
3. breath-taking, stunning, awe-inspiring
4. peaceful, calm, tranquil
5. unusual, peculiar, foreign
Answer
1. mysterious, puzzling, baffling → enigmatic
2. mighty, gigantic, huge → colossal
3. breath-taking, stunning, awe-inspiring → spectacular
4. peaceful, calm, tranquil → serene
5. unusual, peculiar, foreign → exotic
III. The expressions ‘hide-and-seek’ and ‘flora and fauna’ are used in the text. These are called binomials—a pair of fixed words joined by ‘and’ or ‘or’. The binomials are mostly synonyms, antonyms, rhyming words, same sound words (alliterations), etc.
Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.
Use the binomials given in Column 1 in sentences of your own.
Answer
|
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
|
1. odds and ends |
(vii) small, unimportant things |
|
2. on and of |
(v) sometimes, occasionally |
|
3. mix and match |
(i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities |
|
4. all or nothing |
(viii) something to be done completely or not at all |
|
5. part and parcel |
(ii) complete part of or belong to |
|
6. pick and choose |
(iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.) |
|
7. sooner or later |
(iv) at some time in the future |
|
8. leaps and bounds |
(vi) increase or develop very quickly |
Sentences:
1. odds and ends: I found some odds and ends in my drawer like old newspapers.
2. On and off: It rained on and off the whole day.
3. Mix and match: You can mix and match colours to make new one.
4. All or nothing: Students should believes in all or nothing and always give their best.
5. Part and parcel: Happiness and sad is a part and parcel of human life.
6. Pick and choose: You can pick and choose any character from the story.
7. Sooner or later: If you work hard, sooner or later you will achieve your goals.
8. Leaps and bounds: She is improving her painting skills by leaps and bounds
IV. Study the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
- The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful…
- …creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding rugged terrain.
In the given sentences, the highlighted words ‘living’, ‘striking’, and ‘rugged’ are examples of verbs used as adjectives. Such verbs are called participles.
Now, fill in the blanks using present participle or past participle form of the verbs in the box given below.
1. The ______ marble monument looks even more spectacular in the moonlight.
2. The ______ view of the Himalayas from Darjeeling attracts visitors from all over the world.
3. The Sun Temple in Konark features intricately ______ stone wheels and walls.
4. ______ at a height of 182 m, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. The ______ islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the cleanest beaches in India.
Answer
1. The glowing marble monument looks even more spectacular in the moonlight.
2. The amazing view of the Himalayas from Darjeeling attracts visitors from all over the world.
3. The Sun Temple in Konark features intricately carved stone wheels and walls.
4. Standing at a height of 182 m, the Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. The scattered islands of the Andaman and Nicobar offer some of the cleanest beaches in India.
V. Study the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text. Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult for people in the past, during monsoons.
In the given sentence, the highlighted word ‘crossing’, is one example of a verb used as a noun. Such a verb is called gerund.
Underline the gerunds and participles in the following sentences. Write ‘G’ for gerunds and ‘P’ for participles in the space provided. One example has been done for you.
1. Dancing is a great way to express emotions. G
2. Travelling can broaden your perspective.
3. The falling leaves signalled the arrival of autumn.
4. She enjoys cooking new recipes for her family.
5. Reading helps improve your vocabulary.
6. He watched the shimmering stars in the night sky.
7. Forgetting the keys inside, Kanchan locked the door.
Answer
1. Dancing is a great way to express emotions. G
2. Travelling can broaden your perspective. G
3. The falling leaves signalled the arrival of autumn. P
4. She enjoys cooking new recipes for her family. G
5. Reading helps improve your vocabulary.
6. He watched the shimmering stars in the night sky. P
7. Forgetting the keys inside, Kanchan locked the door. P
VI. Combine the following pairs of sentences using participles or gerunds. You may use the clues given in brackets. One example has been done for you.
1. Nitesh entered the room. He saw his friend sitting in the corner. (participle)
Entering the room, Nitesh saw his friend sitting in the corner.
2. Smitha walked carelessly. She slipped on the doormat. (participle)
3. Sleep for eight hours. It is good for health. (gerund)
4. Ranjith felt happy about the result. He called his parents. (participle)
5. Father encouraged Meena. Meena joined the course. (gerund)
Answer
1. Entering the room, Nitesh saw his friend sitting in the corner.
2. Walking carelessly, Smitha slipped on the doormat.
3. Sleeping for eight hours is good for health.
4. Feeling happy about the result, Ranjith called his parents.
5. Father encouraged Meena to join the course.
Page No. 148
Let us listen
I. You will listen to a brother and sister discuss a natural phenomenon. As you listen, mark the four true statements from 1–6 given below. (Transcript for teacher on page 153)
1. The brother was taken aback to see the posted pictures.
2. The brother admitted to not knowing about his sister’s favourite picture.
3. The sister stated that the rainbow mountain was like any other mountain.
4. The brother was aware of the reason for the formation of colours on the mountain.
5. The brother was surprised to learn about the mountain being covered with snow till recently.
6. The sister understood nature’s role in the beauty of the mountain.
Answer
True Statements are 2, 4 and 6.
Page No. 149
Let us speak
I. Work in groups of four. Make a presentation on a place of interest in and around your region that people like to visit. You may use the following guidelines to make your presentation.
Guidelines:
1. Slides 1–2: Choose any popular place of interest in your region.
2. Slides 3–4: Mention where it is located and how to reach there.
3. Slides 5–6: Describe the attractions of the place, why it is popular and explain its historical importance, if any.
4. Slides 7–8: List out weather conditions, local food, customs, and language.
5. Slides 9–10: Suggest the best time of the year to visit and why you recommend this place.
Answer
Slide 1-2: Place- Taj Mahal, Agra.
Slide 3-4: Location- On the bank of Yamuna River.
How to reach? You can reach by train by through Agra Cantt Railway Station. The nearest airport is Agra Airport and IGI, Delhi airport. It is also well connected by highways from Delhi and nearby cities.
Slide 5-6: Attractions- White marble monument with spectacular carvings. Beautiful Gardens and views during sunrise and sunset.
Slide 7-8: Details- Symbol of love. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Hot weather during March–June. Rainy during July–September. Cool and pleasant weather in the months of October–February.
Slide 9-10: Best Time- October to March for cool weather. Recommended for its historical beauty and architecture.
Page No. 149
Let us write
I. You just read vivid descriptions of the natural wonders of our country. Write a descriptive essay for your school magazine describing anything from nature that attracted your attention. It may be an object, a place, or an event experienced by you. Remember to give a title to your essay.
Use proper format and content organisation—begin with a title, include introduction (one paragraph), body (two to three paragraphs), and conclusion (one paragraph).
Answer
A Sparkling Night at Kumbalangi
Last summer, I visited Kumbalangi village in Kerala, and its glowing waters left me spellbound. As night fell, the backwaters twinkled like a sky full of stars, a magical sight I’ll never forget.
The village was quiet, with lush green trees rustling in the breeze. At dusk, we took a boat ride, and soon, the water began to glow with tiny blue-green sparkles. These were micro-planktons, tiny creatures creating bioluminescence. Each ripple in the water sent sparkles dancing, like fireflies in the sea. The air smelled fresh, and the sound of gentle waves was soothing. I dipped my hand in, and the water glowed around my fingers, making me feel like I was in a fairy tale.
The villagers explained that this natural wonder happens when micro-planktons are active, especially on warm nights. I also enjoyed their spicy fish curry and learned about their fishing traditions. The glowing waters felt like nature’s secret light show, teaching me how even tiny creatures can create something extraordinary.
This experience showed me the beauty of nature’s surprises. Kumbalangi’s glowing waters are a treasure, reminding us to explore and protect our environment.
Page No. 150
Let us explore
I. Man-made Wonders
1. Kallanai Dam (The Grand Anaicut) in Tamil Nadu is one of the world’s oldest dams and is still in use. The Kallanai Dam represents a significant achievement in ancient Indian hydraulic engineering. It was built by the Chola King Karikala around 150 CE.
2. Another spectacular legacy of ancient wisdom that we have is the world’s first residential university at Nalanda in Bihar. Nalanda was established much before any European university, providing higher education to thousands of students. It was declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1980.
You may visit the site given below to know more about this.
https://nalandauniv.edu.in/about-nalanda/history-and-revival/
3. Hampi, a town in Karnataka, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vittala Temple in Hampi was built in the 15th century. This temple has 56 special pillars known as the SaReGaMa pillars. When these pillars are tapped, they produce musical notes that can be heard clearly.
4. Some of the man-made wonders of modern India include the Bandra–Worli Sea Link in Mumbai; Statue of Unity in Gujarat; Bhupen Hazarika Setu (The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) in Assam; and many more.
Answer
Students must do this by themselves.
II. Some micro-planktons in the sea are bioluminescent. Have you seen any other life form that has this quality? Identify the insect given below and find out what it is called in your language. Look out for it when you visit a field or a place with a wetland.
Answer
- Insect Shown: Firefly
- Bioluminescence: Fireflies produce light from their abdomen due to a chemical reaction, similar to the micro-planktons.
Common Names in Indian Languages:
- Hindi: Jugnu
- Marathi: Jugas
- Bengali: Jonaki Poka
- Malayalam: Minnaminungu
- Tamil: Minnal Poochi
- Telugu: Deepa Purugu
