Class 8 English Chapter 3 – Wisdom Paves the Way with easy NCERT Poorvi Notes and complete Book Solutions. Get simple explanations, chapter summary, important questions and answers, and revision material to understand the chapter and prepare effectively for tests and exams.
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Wit and Wisdom
Class 6 English – Poorvi
Chapter Notes, Text Questions and Easy Solutions
Chapter Notes, Text Questions and Easy Solutions
Let us do these activities before we read
Page No. 27
I. Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: We seek advice from elderly family members because they have more life experience and can guide us with their knowledge and wisdom.
II. Knowledge is about learning facts and information, while wisdom is about using that knowledge with good judgement.
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.
Answer: Knowledge
2. Mr. Kumar values time with family over chasing wealth.
Answer: Wisdom
3. Karuna’s expertise in computer programming helped her develop a successful app.
Answer: Knowledge
4. Rohan understood the value of time management and created a timetable to complete his assignments systematically.
Answer: Wisdom
5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.
Answer: Wisdom
6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.
Answer: Knowledge
| Knowledge | Wisdom |
|---|---|
| 1, 3, 6 | 2, 4, 5 |
III. Observe the picture carefully. What do you think might have happened? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Sample Answer: The four young men may have observed the tracks of a camel and may have discovered important details about it without actually seeing the camel.
Let us read
Pages No. 28–36
Story in brief: Four young men named Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt and Dev Datt travel to Ujjain in search of work. On the way, they carefully observe camel tracks and discover many facts about a missing camel. A merchant thinks they have stolen his camel. They are taken before the King. The young men explain how they made their observations. The King is impressed by their intelligence, reasoning and wisdom and appoints them as his advisers.
Important Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| adorned | beautified or decorated |
| resolute | determined |
| tapestries | heavy decorative fabrics with pictures or patterns |
| bustling | busy |
| eludes | difficult to obtain |
| devise | to think of or plan |
| deliberate | to think carefully |
| scrutinise | to look carefully at |
| in haste | in a hurry |
| pursued | chased |
| countenance | facial expression |
| distressed | worried |
| astray | away from the correct path |
| indignant | angry |
| yonder | over there |
| deduce | to determine by reasoning |
| discern | to see or notice something |
| foliage | green leaves and plants |
| fended off | guarded against |
| insight | a clear or deep understanding |
| sound | healthy |
| intimately | in a detailed way |
| flawless | perfect |
| chastened | felt sorry or ashamed |
| counsel | advice |
| beacon | guiding light |
Let us discuss
Page No. 32
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 why we press on towards Ujjain,” because ___________________________.
Answer: they all hoped to meet the King and find suitable employment.
3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh,” because ___________________________.
Answer: he noticed fresh camel tracks on the road.
4. Shiv Datt said, “It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble,” because ___________________________.
Answer: the man was running hurriedly and looked worried.
5. The merchant said, “How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer!” because ___________________________.
Answer: Dev Datt correctly guessed that the camel had stomach pain.
6. Dev Datt said, “You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder,” because ___________________________.
Answer: they were confident that they had done nothing wrong.
Scene II: The King’s Court
Pages No. 33–36
Key idea: The King listens carefully to both sides. The four young men explain their reasoning. Their observations prove that they are intelligent and wise. The King appreciates their abilities and appoints them as advisers.
How did the four men identify the camel?
| Young Man | Observation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Ram Datt | The camel was lame. | Only three feet left clear impressions; the fourth was faint. |
| Shiv Datt | The camel was blind in its right eye. | It ate leaves only on the left side of the road. |
| Har Datt | The camel had a short tail. | Mosquito bites suggested that it could not easily drive them away with a long tail. |
| Dev Datt | The camel had stomach pain. | Its footprints showed careful movement and discomfort. |
Let us discuss
Page No. 36
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)
Answer:
1. 8
2. 3
3. 1
4. 7
5. 4
6. 6
7. 5
8. 2
1. 8
2. 3
3. 1
4. 7
5. 4
6. 6
7. 5
8. 2
Let us think and reflect
Pages No. 37–38
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 towards 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 from the two given below 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.
B. Ram Datt is confident that the King would recognise their talents.
Answer: A is false. Correct statement: Dev Datt believes that finding employment may take more time and effort.
(ii) What does Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tell us about him?
Answer: It shows that Ram Datt is confident, hopeful and believes in his abilities.
(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
B. moving forward with determination
C. slowing down frequently for rest
D. stopping briefly to save time
Answer: B. moving forward with determination
(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.
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: C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.
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.
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.
Answer: B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(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
B. interpret information in traditional ways
C. notice details that others might overlook
D. predict what is going to happen in the future
Answer: C. notice details that others might overlook
(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Ram Datt described the King’s offer as ‘an honour we had not dared to dream of’ because ___________.
Answer: they had only hoped to get work, but the King unexpectedly offered them important positions as advisers.
(iv) How does the King’s offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?
Answer: It shows that the King values intelligence, wisdom, careful observation and good judgement.
Let us think and reflect
Page No. 39
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?
Answer: It shows that their journey was long, tiring and difficult. They had travelled far from their village in search of work.
2. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?
Answer: He became suspicious because they knew many details about his camel without seeing it. It shows that he was quick to suspect others.
3. How do the four young men’s observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?
Answer: Their observations prove their intelligence and honesty. Instead of being treated as thieves, they are recognised as wise men and become the King’s advisers.
4. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?
Answer: The four men gave clear reasons for every observation. Their logical explanations convinced the King that they had not stolen the camel.
5. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?
Answer: They observe carefully, think logically, solve problems and make wise conclusions. These qualities are useful for advisers.
6. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.
Answer: He feels ashamed because the men were innocent and had only used their powers of observation. He wrongly accused them of theft.
Let us learn
Page No. 39
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)
Answer: deduction
2. We need to make close _________________of animals in order to understand their behaviour. (observe)
Answer: observation
3. A detailed _________________ of the documents shows a lot of errors. (scrutinise)
Answer: scrutiny
4. You should not make any false _________________against anyone. (accuse)
Answer: accusation
5. She was given an award in _________________of her contribution to literature. (recognise)
Answer: recognition
II. Match the expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. with all our hearts | (vi) complete sincerity |
| 2. to be precise | (iv) exact and accurate |
| 3. gain an audience with | (v) meeting or hearing someone |
| 4. catch his breath | (vii) to pause or rest for some time |
| 5. erupts in applause | (ii) starts cheering together |
| 6. grand scheme of things | (viii) overall plan of life in a larger context |
| 7. taken aback | (i) surprised |
| 8. more than meets the eye | (iii) hidden information that is not obvious |
Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1.
Answers:
- We thanked our teacher with all our hearts.
- To be precise, the school begins at eight o’clock.
- The student was happy to gain an audience with the Principal.
- The runner stopped to catch his breath.
- The children were excited when the hall erupted in applause.
III. Match the different meanings of ‘face’ and ‘bear’ with the correct usage in the sentences given in the table below.
| Word | Meaning No. | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| face | 1 | (iii) She has a round, smiling face. |
| 2 | (i) Ravi turned to face his father, when he was called. | |
| 3 | (iv) We should be ready to face life’s challenges. | |
| 4 | (ii) The face of the clock was painted red and blue. | |
| bear | 1 | (iv) I can’t bear the sound of vehicles honking. |
| 2 | (iii) Riya agreed to bear the responsibilities with confidence. | |
| 3 | (ii) I spotted a bear on a wildlife safari. | |
| 4 | (i) The trees that I planted in my garden took a long time to bear fruit. |
IV. Match the highlighted words in the sentences in Column 1 with the functions they express in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Answer | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1. I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. | (ix) | willingness |
| 2. You must have stolen it and sold it off. | (v) | logical conclusion |
| 3. You shall come with me to face the King! | (x) | command |
| 4. How could you possibly know that? | (i) | expression of disbelief |
| 5. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service. | (vi) | wish or hope |
| 6. A camel with a long tail would have fended off these pests with ease. | (ii) | imagined (hypothetical) possibility |
| 7. They may tell us more than meets the eye. | (xi) | possibility |
| 8. May your wisdom shine upon Ujjain and guide us to prosperity. | (viii) | prediction |
| 9. Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. | (iii) | moral obligation or advice |
| 10. We need to devise a strategy. | (vii) | necessity |
| 11. You speak of my camel as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim not to have seen it! | (iv) | challenge |
V. Complete the following story with modal verbs in the box given below by using the clues from the functions given within brackets.
may must should can might could need to
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:
- can
- must
- should
- might
- need to
- may
- could
VI. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs.
1. It is advisable for you to think before you speak.
You should think before you speak.
2. It is unnecessary to worry about things beyond your control.
Answer: You need not worry about things beyond your control.
3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
Answer: A person cannot gain experience without taking risks.
4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
Answer: We must treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with us.
5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Answer: You must not interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Let us listen
Page No. 42
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.
Teacher/Listening Activity: The transcript for this activity is given on page 48. Since the transcript is not included in the supplied text, the speaker numbers cannot be determined accurately from the chapter pages provided here.
| Statements | Speaker No. |
|---|---|
| 1. Witty characters prove that cleverness is as powerful as strength. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
| 2. Witty characters show us ways to make learning enjoyable. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
| 3. Witty characters in a story keep the reader involved. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
| 4. Witty characters teach me that tricky situations can be managed calmly. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
| 5. Witty characters add excitement to a story by their extraordinary deeds. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
| 6. Witty characters can deactivate tense situations with their cleverness. | To be answered after listening to the transcript. |
Let us speak
Page No. 43
I. The way in which a word is stressed in a sentence can change its meaning. Read the following examples.
Sentence: Look there, friends.
Stress on Look means look rather than doing another action.
Stress on there means look at that place and not somewhere else.
Stress on friends means the speaker is addressing the friends.
Stress on Look means look rather than doing another action.
Stress on there means look at that place and not somewhere else.
Stress on friends means the speaker is addressing the friends.
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 my dog for a walk in the evening.
I take my dog for a walk in the evening.
Activity Answer: The meaning changes according to which word is stressed. Students should say each sentence aloud and notice the change in emphasis.
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.
Very well. We shall go to the king.
Yes, yes, it is!
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: Read each sentence with a clear falling tone at the end. Exclamatory sentences should be spoken with suitable expression.
Let us write
Page No. 44
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.
Sample Answer:
To
The Commissioner
Municipal Corporation
[City]
Subject: Complaint regarding the bad condition of the road
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to draw your attention towards the very bad condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony. The road has become full of potholes because of the heavy rains.
The potholes are dangerous for people and may cause accidents. Stagnant water around the potholes also provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes and creates health and safety problems for the residents.
I request you to kindly look into this matter and arrange for the repair of the road at the earliest. I hope that necessary action will be taken soon.
Yours faithfully,
A Resident
[Colony Name]
Let us explore
Pages No. 44–45
I. Staging a play requires creativity, organisation, and teamwork.
Steps involved in staging a play:
- Choose a play that suits your requirement of theme, duration, number of actors, and available resources.
- Choose a director, a stage manager, a light and sound incharge, a props manager, a costume designer, and a makeup artist.
- Hold auditions and decide the roles.
- Read the script and plan stage movements, and positions for each scene.
- Make a schedule for rehearsal.
- Work on the set design (backdrop) and make or collect the required props.
- Design or gather appropriate costumes.
- Plan makeup and hairstyles to suit the play’s time period.
- Check light and sound arrangements.
- Hold a dress rehearsal including sound and light effects.
- Promote the event through posters and pamphlets.
- Organise the backstage with labelled props, costumes, and actors’ entrances or exits.
- 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.
Activity Answer: Students should divide the roles among themselves, practise the dialogues, prepare the stage and props, and perform the play using suitable expressions, intonation and sentence stress.
II. Stories related to wit and wisdom have always fascinated the readers. Go to the library and read the stories associated with the following.
- Vikramaditya and Betal
- Tenali Rama
- Gopal the Jester
- Panchatantra Tales
Activity Answer: Read any of the given stories from the library and discuss the cleverness, wisdom and important lesson shown by the main character.
Chapter Summary
Wit and Wisdom teaches us the importance of careful observation, logical thinking, patience and good judgement. Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt and Dev Datt use small clues from a camel’s tracks to discover important facts about it. Their ability to think beyond what is obvious impresses the King. The story shows that true wisdom comes from using knowledge carefully and making sensible decisions.
Important Values from the Chapter
- Observe things carefully.
- Think before making a judgement.
- Use knowledge wisely.
- Do not accuse others without proof.
- Be patient and thoughtful.
- Believe in your abilities.
- Good reasoning can solve difficult problems.
- Wise people consider facts before making decisions.
Prepare this worksheet to practise important questions and revision exercises from Chapter 2 It will help you understand the chapter, revise key concepts, and prepare effectively for tests and exams.
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