Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Extra Questions and Answers English Chapter 5

In this page you can find Class 8 English Extra Questions and Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 5 Somebody’s Mother Extra Questions and Answers will make your practice complete.

Somebody’s Mother Extra Question Answer

Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Extra Question Answer

Somebody’s Mother Very Short Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Why did the other boys not notice the old woman at the crossing?
Answer:
The other boys did not notice the old woman at the crossing because they were excited after school and too busy playing in the snow to notice her.

Question 2.
What does the comparison of boys to ‘a flock of sheep’ suggest?
Answer:
It shows they were moving together playfully and without much thought.

Question 3.
How do we know that the old woman was afraid to cross the road?
Answer:
She stood still and waited for a long time, showing she was too scared to move.

Question 4.
What quality of the boy is shown when he whispers low to the old woman?
Answer:
It shows he is gentle and kind in his behaviour.

Question 5.
Why was the old woman’s prayer at the end of the poem special?
Answer:
She thanked God for the boy and wished him well for his kindness.

Question 6.
What lesson did the boy want his friends to learn from his actions?
Answer:
He wanted them to understand that helping others is important.

Question 7.
How does the poem show that small acts can have a big impact?
Answer:
The boy’s small act made the old woman feel seen, safe and thankful.

Question 8.
Why does the boy think about his own mother while helping the woman?
Answer:
He hopes someone would help his mother too if she were ever alone and in need.

Somebody’s Mother Short Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Why do you think the poet describes the children as a ‘flock of sheep’? What does this comparison suggest about their behaviour?
Answer:
The poet uses the simile to show that the children followed each other without thinking for themselves. Like sheep, they were playful and unaware of the old woman’s need, showing how easily people can ignore what doesn’t directly concern them.

Question 2.
How does the poet create a contrast between the old woman and the children in the poem?
Answer:
The poet contrasts the old woman’s weakness, loneliness and fear with the children’s energy, freedom and carelessness. This highlights how the vulnerable are often unnoticed in the rush of life.

Question 3.
Why do you think the boy whispered his offer to help instead of saying it loudly?
Answer:
The boy whispered to show his gentle and respectful approach. He didn’t want to embarrass the woman or draw attention, showing his quiet maturity and sensitivity.

Question 4.
How does the setting of the poem contribute to the mood? Refer to the imagery used.
Answer:
The cold, snowy street and the busy crowd create a bleak and lonely atmosphere. Words like ‘wet’, ‘slippery’ and ‘bent with chill’ evoke hardship and make the old woman’s struggle more touching.

Question 5.
In what way does the poem suggest a lesson for society as a whole?
Answer:
The poem encourages empathy, reminding us to care for the elderly and those in need. It uses the boy’s action as a model for how small acts of kindness can have a deep emotional impact.

Question 6.
Why is the boy described as ‘the gayest laddle of all the group’? How does this add to the message of the poem?
Answer:
Describing him as the happiest and liveliest shows that even someone carefree can be thoughtful and kind. It breaks the idea that only serious people do good deeds, emphasising that goodness can come from anyone.

Question 7.
How does the poem show that kindness can be returned in unexpected ways?
Answer:
Though the boy helps without expecting anything, the woman blesses him with a heartfelt prayer. This suggests that kindness often returns not in material form but through blessings and goodwill.

Question 8.
What does the line ‘For all she’s aged and poor and slow’ reveal about the boy’s thinking?
Answer:
It shows that he looks beyond appearances. He respects the woman as someone’s mother, understanding that her age or condition doesn’t reduce her worth or right to be cared for.

Somebody’s Mother Long Questions and Answers

Question 1.
The poem ends with the woman offering a prayer for the boy. Discuss how this ending adds emotional depth to the poem and what it tells us about the power of unseen gratitude.
Answer:
The ending of the poem, where the old woman prays for the boy, adds emotional depth and warmth. Though the boy walks away without expecting anything, his kind act stays in the woman’s heart. Her silent prayer shows that true gratitude doesn’t always come in words-it can be quiet but powerful.

This reminds us that small acts of kindness can leave deep impressions and bring unseen blessings. The poet shows that one good deed can create emotional connections, even between strangers.

Question 2.
The poem presents a contrast between physical strength and emotional strength. Analyse how both are represented through the boy and the old woman.
Answer:
In the poem, the boy represents physical strength-he is young, strong and able to help. The old woman, in contrast, is weak, slow and unable to cross the street alone. Yet, her presence carries emotional strength. She stirs empathy in the boy and earns a heartfelt prayer in the end.

Question 3.
If you were among the group of children in the poem, what would you have done differently? Explain how your actions could influence others around you.
Answer:
If I were among the group of children in the poem, I would have stopped and offered help to the old woman. I would have encouraged my friends to do the same. Showing concern and helping someone in need is not only the right thing to do but it also sets an example for others. Our actions influence those around us. By being kind and respectful, we create a more caring environment. Like the boy in the poem, we should all remember that elders deserve dignity and support.

Question 4.
What does the poem teach us about respect for elders and the idea of seeing others as someone’s loved ones? Illustrate your answer with examples from the poem.
Answer:
The poem teaches us that we should see the elderly not just as strangers, but as someone’s loved ones. The boy in the poem treats the old woman kindly because he thinks of his own mother and hopes someone would help her someday. This thoughtful comparison inspires him to act out of compassion. The poet shows that respect for elders comes from understanding their struggles and seeing them with empathy. The boy’s gentle gesture is a reminder to care for others, especially those who are often ignored.

Question 5.
The poem uses simple events to convey a deep moral lesson. Explain how the poet uses imagery and action to deliver this message effectively.
Answer:
The poet uses simple scenes and vivid imagery to deliver a powerful moral lesson. The description of the woman-‘old and ragged and grey’-and the slippery, snowy street creates a strong visual. These images help us feel the danger and loneliness she faces. The boy’s action, quietly helping her across, is small but meaningful. The rhythm of the poem flows smoothly, making the message clear without being preachy. Through a simple act of kindness, the poet teaches us to be empathetic, respectful and thoughtful in daily life.

Somebody’s Mother Competency Based Questions

Question 1.
Imagine you are the boy in the poem. After helping the old woman, you reflect on your action. How might this experience change the way you look at other people in the future?
Answer:
If I were the boy, helping the old woman would make me more aware of the needs of others. I would realise that many people, especially the elderly, might be struggling silently. This experience would teach me to notice those who need help and to treat everyone with kindness, no matter how different they look.

It would also remind me to think of others as someone’s parent or loved one, just like the old woman was. I would feel proud and try to help more people in the future.

Question 2.
The poem shows how one small act of kindness can make a big difference. Can you think of a situation in your school or neighbourhood where such an act could help someone? What would you do?
Answer:
Yes, in my school, I saw a classmate who was sitting alone and looked upset during lunch. A small act of kindness could be sitting with them, talking to them or sharing my lunch. That would show them they are not alone. Just like the boy helped the old woman without being asked, I can offer help without waiting. Even a smile or kind word can change someone’s day. These actions may seem smalh, but they create a kinder and more caring environment around us.

Grammar and Writing

I. Directions: Read the sentences below. Each one contains an idiom. Write the meaning of the idiom in your own words.

Question 1.
After the long walk, I was ready to hit the sack. ………..
Answer:
Go to sleep/rest

Question 2.
I didn’t want to spill the beans, but she guessed the surprise party………….
Answer:
Reveal the secret

Question 3.
Don’t worry about the test. It was a piece of cake…………
Answer:
Very easy

Question 4.
She let the cat out of the bag and told him about the gift…………
Answer:
Revealed the secret

Question 5.
He has a heart of gold and always helps the poor………..
Answer:
He is very kind and generous

Question 6.
My sister cried over spilt milk when she lost her pencil………
Answer:
Got upset over something that can’t be changed

Question 7.
The manager hit the nail on the head with his comment………..
Answer:
Said something exactly right

Question 8.
My mom bent over backwards to make my birthday special…………
Answer:
Tried very hard to help

Question 9.
They are in hot water for skipping school…………
Answer:
In trouble.

Question 10.
I have butterflies in my stomach before every performance………..
Answer:
Feeling nervous or anxious

II. Write a diary entry about a time when you stood up for what was right, even though it was difficult.

12th March, 20XX, Tuesday
9:30 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I learned that doing the right thing isn’t always easy – but it is always worth it.
During our lunch break at school, I saw a group of boys making fun of a new student because of the way he spoke. They were laughing and calling him names. Everyone around just watched and did nothing. I felt very nervous but I knew I had to say something.

I walked up to them and told them firmly that what they were doing was wrong and hurtful. One of the boys tried to joke about it but I didn’t laugh. Instead, I helped the new student pick up his lunch tray and sat with him.

He was quiet at first but then smiled at me and said, “Thank you’. That simple word meant a lot. Some of my classmates also came and joined us after a while and things felt normal again.

It was hard to speak up, especially when no one else did, but I felt proud of myself for doing it. I’ve learned that standing up for what is right might be uncomfortable at the moment but it can make a big difference in someone’s life.
I hope I always have the courage to do the right thing.
Goodnight Diary
[Your Name]

Somebody’s Mother Extra Questions for Practice

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
What does the poet subtly criticise through the description of the crowd ignoring the old woman?
(a) The weather
(b) The noise of the city
(c) The indifference of society
(d) The design of roads

Question 2.
What does the phrase “Glad in the freedom of ‘school let out” suggest about the children?
(a) They were happy to be outside after school
(b) They were protesting against school rules
(c) They were planning to help the old woman
(d) They were studying while walking

Question 3.
The line ‘His young heart happy and well content’ implies that
(a) he was rewarded with praise
(b) he was proud of his strength
(c) he felt inner joy from helping someone
(d) he had returned after a race

Question 4.
Why is the boy described as ‘the gayest laddie of all the group’?
(a) He was wearing bright clothes
(b) He was the happiest and most cheerful
(c) He was shouting the loudest
(d) He was the oldest

Question 5.
What does the poet achieve by repeating the word ‘somebody’s’?
(a) To make the poem rhyme
(b) To confuse the reader
(c) To emphasise the personal value of the woman
(d) To introduce a new character

Fill in the Blanks

Question 1.
The woman’s physical condition reflects both her age and the effects of the ……….

Question 2.
The poet creates a strong image of loneliness by describing her as standing ……….

Question 3.
The old woman’s fear of moving is heightened by the mention of ………….

Question 4.
The poem draws a silent comparison between the rushing children and the woman’s ………….

Question 5.
The act of the boy is remembered not because it was grand but because it was done with ………….

State True or False

Question 1.
The boys in the group were initially aware of the woman’s presence and chose to help her.

Question 2.
The poem highlights how a simple action can leave a deep emotional impact.

Question 3.
The boy expected praise from his friends after helping the woman.

Question 4.
The woman did not trust the boy and hesitated to accept his help.

Question 5.
The poem ends with the woman blessing the boy through a silent prayer.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How does the setting of a snowy winter’s day contribute to the woman’s struggle?

Question 2.
What contrast does the poet create between the boys and the old woman beyond just age?

Question 3.
Why do you think the poet avoided naming either the woman or the boy?

Question 4.
What emotion does the phrase ‘her anxious eyes’ suggest about her state of mind?

Question 5.
What human value is most strongly highlighted in the boy’s actions?

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How does the poet use the idea of movement (slow vs. fast) to show emotional themes in the poem?

Question 2.
Explain how the boy’s reasoning for helping the woman adds meaning to his act.

Question 3.
In what way does the poem remind us of the importance of empathy in everyday life?

Question 4.
How does the poet highlight the idea of ‘unseen prayers’ or ‘unspoken gratitude’?

Question 5.
Describe the social message conveyed through the indifference of the crowd.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Discuss how the poem presents an important moral lesson using ordinary characters and a simple situation.

Question 2.
How does the poet show that a small act of kindness can create lasting emotional effects? Use details from the poem.

Question 3.
Compare and contrast the behaviour of the group of boys with that of the boy who helped. What makes his actions stand out?