Grade 8 (Unit 17) From a Railway Carriage (Reading II)

 

Unit 17

Reading II (page 222)

From a Railway Carriage

A. Consult a dictionary and find the meanings of the following words.

a. hedge

b. ditch

c. troop

d. wink

e. glimpse

f. tramp

g. lump

h. bramble

Answer

a. hedge – a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs

b. ditch – a narrow channel dug at the side of a road or field, to hold or carry away water

c. troop – a group of soldiers

d. wink – a very short period of time

e. glimpse – a momentary or partial view

f. tramp – a homeless person who travels from place to place

g. lump – a compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape

h. bramble – a type of bush with thorny part

B. Complete the summary of the poem with the correct words/ phrases from the box.

[so quickly, describes, experiences, a child, faster, crosses, amazement, speedy, daisy flowers, glimpse, battlefield]

The poet presents his ……………… of travelling on a train. He ………………. the sights that he notices while travelling in the train. The train moves ………………. than fairies and witches. It runs like soldiers in the ………………. The ………………. train leaves behind bridges, houses, fences, and green fields.

The poet mentions that the train ……………… all the scenes as quickly as the drop of rain. In one scene the train passes railway stations that looks like a painted picture. The poet also sees …………… climbing steep ground and collecting berries. Further, he sees a homeless person who looks at the train with ………………... As the train moves forward, he sees some ladies in a village making garlands with …………….

The poet then sees a cart moving slowly on the highway. It is full of load and the cart driver is sitting on the top of the load. He also gets a ………………. of a mill and a river by its side. All these objects appear and disappear ………………...

Answer

The poet presents his experience of travelling on a train. He describes the sights that he notices while travelling in the train. The train moves faster than fairies and witches. It runs like soldiers in the battlefield. The speedy train leaves behind bridges, houses, fences, and green fields.

The poet mentions that the train crosses all the scenes as quickly as the drop of rain. In one scene the train passes railway stations that looks like a painted picture. The poet also sees a child climbing steep ground and collecting berries. Further, he sees a homeless person who looks at the train with amazement. As the train moves forward, he sees some ladies in a village making garlands with daisy flowers.

The poet then sees a cart moving slowly on the highway. It is full of load and the cart driver is sitting on the top of the load. He also gets a glimpse of a mill and a river by its side. All these objects appear and disappear so quickly.

C. Answers to the questions:

a. What is the movement of the train compared with?

b. What does the speaker see in the meadows?

c. What is the child trying to do while climbing the hill?

d. Why do you think the poor man looks at the train with amazement?

e. What is the theme of the poem?

Answer

a. The movement of the train is compared with the movement of soldiers in a battlefield.

b. The speaker sees horses and cattle in the meadows.

c. The child is trying to gather brambles while climbing the hill.

d. The poor man looks at the train with amazement because he is probably not used to seeing such a fast-moving vehicle.

e. The theme of the poem is the fleeting nature of life. The poet is trying to capture the fleeting moments of the journey in the train.         

Writing II

Imagine one of your friends has invited you to attend his/her success party. Write a reply letter to him or her.

Answer                            

Dear Anupam

I hope this letter finds you in great spirits! Firstly, let me express my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved success – what an incredible achievement! I am genuinely thrilled for you and can't wait to join in the celebration at your success party.

Receiving your invitation was a delightful surprise, and I am truly honored that you thought of me for this special occasion. I wouldn't miss it for the world! Your accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, dedication, and untiring commitment, and it's a pleasure to share in the joy of your success.

I am looking forward to an evening filled with laughter, good company, and perhaps a few stories about the journey that led to this remarkable milestone. It's not only a celebration of your achievements but also an opportunity for us to gather, reminisce, and create new memories together.

Please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to bring or contribute to the party. I want to make sure I add to the festivities in any way I can.

Once again, congratulations on this incredible accomplishment, and thank you for including me in the celebration. I am counting down the days until the party, and I am sure it will be an unforgettable evening.

 

Wishing you continued success and looking forward to raising a toast in your honor!

Warmest regards,

Sagar Sharma

 

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