Class 8 English Solution 2081 New Course | Unit 17 From a Railway Carriage - II

Unit 17

Reading II

From a Railway Carriage

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

a. hedge - a fence made of bushes or shrubs

b. ditch - a long, narrow hole in the ground that is filled with water

c. troop - a group of soldiers

d. wink - a very short period of time

e. glimpse - a brief look at something

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

g. lump - a large, heavy object

h. bramble - a type of thorny plant

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

The poet mentions that the train crosses all the scenes as quick 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 a 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 in 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?

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

b. What does the speaker see in the meadows?

The speaker sees horses and cattle in the meadows.

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

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

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

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

e. What is the theme of the poem?

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.

Dear Raju,

Thank you so much for inviting me to your success party! I am so happy for you and your accomplishments. I would be honored to attend your party and celebrate with you.

I know that you have been working hard for this, and I am so proud of everything you have achieved. You are an inspiration to me, and I am so lucky to have you as a friend.

I will be there with bells on!

Sincerely,

[Your name]