NCERT Book Q&A of ‘Wisdom Paves the Way’ | Class 8 English (Poorvi)

Find here “Wisdom Paves the Way” Question Answers for NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 1. It includes NCERT textbook questions and answers, including Intext questions, “Let Us Discuss,” “Let Us Think and Reflect,” grammar activities, writing and speaking tasks. Whether you’re looking for shorter or longer answers, detailed explanations, or quick revision help, this resource makes it easier to finish your NCERT homework, get ready for exams, and boost your understanding of the story. #SrjiSolutionsC8

Intext Questions and Exercises – Wisdom Paves the Way

These include the questions and exercises found before the lesson “Wisdom Paves the Way” in the section ‘Let us do these activities before we read,’ as well as those after the poem under ‘Let us discuss.’ They are different from the chapter-end questions and exercises that appear later, starting from the section ‘Let us think and reflect.’

Let us do these activities before we read.

I. Why do we seek advice of the elderly in our family? Share your thoughts with your classmates and teacher.

Answer: A Sample Response is given below.

We seek the advice of elderly family members because they have more experience and wisdom. They have faced many situations in life and can guide us with their knowledge and good judgement. Their advice helps us make better decisions, avoid mistakes, and deal with problems calmly. They also understand family values and traditions and can share valuable lessons from their experiences.

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.
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:

Knowledge	Wisdom
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.
6. Ms. Vaijayanthi delivered a lecture on Indian Classical music at the cultural festival.	5. Ramesh chose to forgive his friend for a misunderstanding.

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

Answers: Sample Responses are given here. We are suggesting two scenarios.

Scenario -1 (Damages by Animals)

It seems that a monkey has climbed onto the roof of the house and may have damaged it. The upper ventilator window is open and some parts of the roof and wall appear broken. The people in the picture seem to be discussing the damage. A cat is sitting on a tree, while the monkey is on the roof. The broken pots and damaged house suggest that something unusual may have happened in the village, possibly because of the monkey.

Scenario -2 (Earthquake)

If we observe more deeply then an earthquake seem to have has struck this village.

Nature reminds us of its immense power, and in this scene, several subtle details reveal what just took place:

• The Cracks and Destruction: The deep, jagged cracks running along the house walls, the shattered windowpanes, and the broken tiles on the ground show the violent shaking of the earth.
• The Instinct of Animals: Animals often sense tremor before humans do. The cat has scrambled high up into the tree branch, and the monkey has sought refuge on top of the roof, both fleeing from the trembling ground.
• The Gathering of People: The villagers have rushed outside into the open, away from dangerous falling debris or collapsing structures. They stand together in shock, assessing the damage and checking on one another.

When the earth beneath us shakes and the structures we build begin to crack, we are reminded of the impermanence of material things. Walls and glass can be rebuilt, but the true strength of a community lies in standing together in the open air, sharing safety, and supporting one another through the aftermath.

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Let us discuss

Scene I

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 _______________.
3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks 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 poor creature 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 desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder,” because _______________.

Answers:

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 they hoped to find work and believed that the King of Ujjain might recognise their talents and give them employment.
3. Har Datt said, “Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh,” because he noticed the fresh footprints of a camel on the road.
4. Shiv Datt said, “It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble,” because the man was running towards them in great distress and seemed worried about something.
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 the four young men had correctly described the camel’s condition without having seen it.
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 they were confident of their innocence and were ready to face the King if the merchant took them to the court.

Scene II

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. Wit and Wisdom
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 has a short tail.
8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.

Answer:

The correct order of events in Scene II is:
8 → 3 → 2 → 5 → 7 → 6 → 4 → 1

Event	Correct Order
8. The merchant accuses the four men of knowing a lot about his missing camel.	1
3. The King asks the merchant to clearly state his accusation.	2
2. Ram Datt explains how he infers from the tracks that the camel is lame.	3
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.	4
7. Har Datt clarifies how he knew that the camel has a short tail.	5
6. Dev Datt explains his observation about the camel’s pain and careful movement.	6
4. The King praises the young men for their observations and dismisses the merchant’s accusation.	7
1. The King makes the four young men his advisers, impressed by their skills.	8

NCERT Textbook Question Answers | Wisdom Paves the Way

These are the questions, exercises, and activities from the Class 8 NCERT English book ‘Poorvi’, found at the end of the chapter “Wisdom Paves the Way”. They start with the section “Let us think and reflect” and are meant to assess understanding of the entire chapter.

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. 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.
2. What does Ram Datt’s confidence in gaining the King’s recognition tell us about him?
3. 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
4. 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.

Answers:

1. A. False.
   Rectification: Dev Datt believes that finding suitable employment may take more time and they may have to travel many more roads before finding it.
2. Ram Datt’s confidence shows that he is hopeful, self-confident, and optimistic. He believes in his and his friends’ abilities and feels that the King will recognise their talents.
3. B. moving forward with determination
4. C. He is cautious and thoughtful, preferring to plan ahead.

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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 _______.
4. How does the King’s offer to the four men reflect his values as a ruler?

Answers:

1. B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
   (The merchant felt humbled and ashamed because he had wrongly accused the four men. The King’s decision to appoint them as advisers does not explain the merchant’s shame.)
2. C. notice details that others might overlook
   (Ram Datt described the King’s offer as “an honour we had not dared to dream of” because they had travelled to Ujjain only hoping to find suitable employment, and they had never imagined that the King would recognise their abilities and appoint them as his advisers.)
3. The King values wisdom, intelligence, merit, and good judgement. He recognises the talents of the four men and rewards them for their abilities. His decision also shows that he is a fair and wise ruler who values talent rather than wealth or social position.

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? Explain in your own words.

Answers

1. What does the dusty road leading to Ujjain tell us about the challenges of the young men’s journey?

Short Answer:
The dusty road shows that the young men had a long, difficult, and tiring journey. They had travelled far from their village in search of work but had not yet found employment.

Long Answer:
The dusty road symbolises the difficulties faced by the four young men. They had travelled for ten days and were already tired, but they continued towards Ujjain with hope. Their journey was not easy because they had left their village and were searching for suitable work. However, they remained determined and did not give up. Their difficult journey also shows their patience, courage, and perseverance.

2. Why did the merchant become suspicious of the four men? What does this tell us about him?

Short Answer:
The merchant became suspicious because the four men described his camel accurately even though they claimed never to have seen it. This shows that he was worried, suspicious, and quick to judge.

Long Answer:
The merchant was surprised when the four men correctly described several features of his missing camel. They knew that it was lame, blind in the right eye, had a short tail, and suffered from stomach pain. Since they claimed that they had never seen the camel, the merchant thought they must have stolen it. His reaction shows that he was anxious and suspicious. He made a quick judgement without first trying to understand how the men had discovered these details.

3. How do the four young men’s observations about the camel serve as a turning point in the play?

Short Answer:
Their observations change the course of the story. What first makes the merchant suspect them later proves their intelligence and reasoning ability before the King.

Long Answer:
The observations about the camel are the turning point because they change the young men from suspected thieves into respected advisers. The four men had never seen the camel, but each had carefully studied different clues. Their reasoning impressed the King and proved that they were innocent. The incident also gives them the opportunity to show their intelligence and wisdom. As a result, the King offers them positions as his advisers, turning their difficult journey into a successful one.

4. Why did the King believe the four young men and not the merchant?

Short Answer:
The King believed the young men because they gave clear and logical explanations for every detail they had discovered. Their observations proved that they were not thieves.

Long Answer:
The King did not simply accept the merchant’s accusation. He questioned the four young men and asked them to explain how they had learned about the camel. Each man gave a logical explanation based on careful observation of the tracks, leaves, and other clues. Their answers were clear and convincing. The King realised that they had used intelligence and reasoning rather than actually seeing or stealing the camel. Therefore, he rejected the merchant’s accusation and declared the men innocent.

5. How does the capability of the four young men make them suitable to become advisors?

Short Answer:
The four young men are observant, intelligent, logical, and good at solving problems. These qualities help them understand situations carefully and give wise advice, making them suitable to become royal advisers.

Long Answer:
The four young men possess qualities that are important for good advisers. They observe small details, think logically, and draw correct conclusions from limited information. They remain calm even when the merchant accuses them of theft. They also work together and respect one another’s abilities. Such people can examine problems carefully before giving advice. The King therefore understands that their intelligence and wisdom can help him make better decisions and guide his kingdom wisely.

6. Why does the merchant feel ashamed for accusing the four young men of stealing his camel? Explain in your own words.

Short Answer:
The merchant feels ashamed because he realises that the four men were innocent and had discovered the camel’s details only through careful observation. He had wrongly accused them without any proof.

Long Answer:
The merchant feels ashamed when the King proves that the four young men are innocent. He realises that they had never seen or stolen his camel. They had simply used their sharp observation and reasoning to understand its condition. The merchant had allowed his worry and suspicion to make him accuse innocent people. When he understands his mistake, he feels embarrassed and sorry. His experience teaches him that one should not accuse or judge others without proper evidence.

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Let us learn

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. Some word games need a lot of thought and deduction.
2. We need to make close observation of animals in order to understand their behaviour.
3. A detailed scrutiny of the documents shows a lot of errors.
4. You should not make any false accusations against anyone.
5. She was given an award in recognition of her contribution to literature.

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

Now, make sentences using any five of the expressions from Column 1.

Answers:

Column 1	Answer
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

Sentences using (all) expressions:

1. We should respect our elders with all our hearts.
2. To be precise, the journey took ten days.
3. The young men hoped to gain an audience with the King.
4. The tired travellers stopped to catch their breath.
5. The audience erupted in applause after the performance.
6. Ten days is a short time in the grand scheme of things.
7. The merchant was taken aback when the young men described his camel correctly.
8. The camel tracks had more than meets the eye; they helped the young men discover important facts.

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: Matching meanings with the correct usage.

Words	Meanings	Correct Usage
face	1. (n.) the front part of a person’s head from the forehead to the chin	(iii) She has a round, smiling face.
	2. (v.) to be positioned with the face or front towards	(i) Ravi turned to face his father, when he was called.
	3. (v.) to deal with a difficult task or situation	(iv) We should be ready to face life’s challenges.
	4. (n.) the front or surface of a thing	(ii) The face of the clock was painted red and blue.
bear	1. (v.) tolerate	(iv) I can’t bear the sound of vehicles honking.
	2. (v.) accept	(iii) Riya agreed to bear the responsibilities with confidence.
	3. (n.) a large heavy mammal	(ii) I spotted a bear on a wildlife safari.
	4. (v.) produce; give birth to	(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.

Answer: Matching columns:

Column 1	Correct Match
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.	(viii) prediction
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.	(vi) wish or hope
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.

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:

1. can — ability
2. needs to — necessity
3. should — suggestion
4. might — weak possibility
5. must — obligation
6. may — possibility
7. could — ability

Completed Story –

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

VI. Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs. You may take clues from the highlighted words. One example has been done for you.

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.
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. 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.
   → You need not worry about things beyond your control.
3. It is not possible for a person to gain experience without taking risks.
   → A person cannot gain experience without taking risks.
4. It is essential to treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
   → You must treat others with kindness, even when they disagree with you.
5. It is not allowed to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
   → You must not interrupt when someone else is speaking.

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Let us listen

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. (Transcript for teacher on page 48)

Answers:

Statement	Speaker No.
1. Witty characters prove that cleverness is as powerful as strength.	(ii)
2. Witty characters show us ways to make learning enjoyable.	Not required
3. Witty characters in a story keep the reader involved.	(iv)
4. Witty characters teach me that tricky situations can be managed calmly.	(iii)
5. Witty characters add excitement to a story by their extraordinary deeds.	Not required
6. Witty characters can deactivate tense situations with their cleverness.	(i)

Note: The textbook says that two statements are not needed, but from the given transcript, only Statement 5 has no clear matching speaker. Statements 2 and 3 both clearly match Speaker (iv) but we have kept the Statement 2 in ‘not required’ category just to align with the question. So there appears to be a mismatch in the printed exercise/instruction.

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Let us write

I. Write a letter of complaint to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation or the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat to look into the matter and take necessary action. (Refer to the book for the complete question)

Answer:

We’re sharing two sample letters—one addressed to the Commissioner and the other to the Sarpanch—to help guide and support students. These letters are signed as ‘Ajeet Sir’ (the author), but the name can easily be replaced with any other.

Sample Letter – 1 (To the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation)

24, Green Park Colony
New Delhi
10 August 2026

The Commissioner
Municipal Corporation
New Delhi

Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of the road in our colony

Sir/Madam,

I would like to bring to your attention the very poor condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony. The road has been badly damaged due to the recent heavy rains.

The road is full of deep potholes and stagnant water. These potholes are dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles and may cause accidents. The stagnant water has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As a result, the residents are facing great inconvenience and there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Firstly, I would like to suggest that the potholes be repaired and the road be levelled as soon as possible. Secondly, the stagnant water should be removed and proper drainage should be arranged. I request you to look into this matter and take swift necessary action. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Ajeet Sir

Sample Letter – 2 (To the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat)

15, Shanti Puram
Prayagraj
10 August 2026

The Sarpanch
Gram Panchayat
Shanti Vihar, Lucknow

Subject: Complaint about the damaged road in our locality

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention towards the bad condition of the kutcha road leading to our colony. The recent heavy rains have made the road difficult and unsafe to use.

The road has several large potholes filled with stagnant water. People, especially children and elderly persons, face difficulty while using the road. The potholes may also cause accidents. Moreover, stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and may lead to the spread of diseases. Consequently, the residents are facing serious inconvenience.

Firstly, I would like to suggest that the potholes be filled and the road be repaired at the earliest. Secondly, proper drainage should be provided so that rainwater does not collect on the road. I request you to look into this matter and take prompt action for the safety and well-being of the residents.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Ajeet Sir