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NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 20 The Comet – II
Also, you can read the NCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Book guidelines. CBSE Class 8 English Solutions are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 20 The Comet – II and After, NCERT Class 8 English Textbook of Honeydew and It So Happen. for All Chapters, You can practice these here.
The Comet – II
Chapter: 20
IT SO HAPPEN
Textbook Questions With Their Answers
COMPREHENSION CHECK – I
Q. 1. ‘For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.’ Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Ans. It was difficult for James to believe that the calamity of future on such a peaceful night. For a moment, James thought if he had done his sums right.
Q. 2. What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?
Ans. The scientists at the conference recognized that James’ sums were right and that there was no escape from the direct hit predicted by him.
Q.3. ‘Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided.’ Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
Ans. The defensive measures were like living in underground bunker. The offensive action was to marginally deflect it from its path by giving it a push.
Q. 4. “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15th.” What did Sir John mean by that?
Ans. Sir John meant that he was quite desperate and waiting for the results. He could only rejoice in Christmas if Comet Dutta didn’t collide with the earth.
COMPREHENSION CHECK – II
Q. 1. What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London ?
Ans. Duttada was expected to participate in the yajna ceremonies at their home when he returned from London. He was also into a special correspondence with John Macpherson.
Q. 2. What is his reaction to the proposal?
Ans. Knowing about rituals, Duttada blew up.He regarded it as a superstition which could be condoned in older times but not by a scientist in modern era.
Q. 3. (i) What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
Ans. ‘Project Light Brigade’ refers to the mission of deviating the path of Comet Duttada by giving it a push so as to avoid immirent collission with the Earth.
(ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
Ans. In his letter to Duttada, Sir John says that the charge of the Light Brigade had begun and they were hoping for the best.
Q. 4. Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Ans. Yes, Sir John bought his Christmas presents on December 15. Duttada got to know about it through an urgent telex message sent by John with a special messenger.
Q. 5. Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
Ans. According to Indrani Debi, the comet had not been disastrous as the yajna had been well-performed by the little boy which had sidelined all-tribulations. But according to me, it was timely thinking and research that saved the people.
Q. 6. Is Duttada’s general outlook:
(i) rational?
(ii) moral?
(iii) traditional ?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.
Ans. (i) rational.
EXERCISE
Discuss the following topics in small groups. Write your answer afterwards:
Q. 1. Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. A scientist’s finding should not be suppressed even if it seems disturbing because it is the truth of the upcoming modern world and the fateful future of the citizens themselves.
Q.2. Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things useless or useful?
Ans. Yes, ours is a traditional society where it is customary to perform rituals and superstitions at ceremonies and functions. The priests and the pandits officially let the couple tie the knot at a wedding Everything is bound in spirituality. The crossing over by a black cat and a black thread are bad and good omens respectively. But what names them so, what gives a particular animal the credit of bringing goodness and cheer while the scowl of another a negative approach. While we should believe in spirituality and a supreme power, believing in superstitions is only an ill thinking.
Q. 3. Give two or three examples to show science has been useful to us.
Ans. (i) refrigerator.
(ii) television.
(iii) computer.
(iv) in fields of medicine and research.
Q. 4. Give One example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.
Ans. Science discovered gun powder and hydrogen bombs, lethal gases and other weapons of mass destruction. Instead of generating power from atomic reactors, we try to produce a bomb. Such misuse of science carries enormous loss of life and property.
SOME OTHER QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
Q. 1. When Duttada is assured that Comet would not hit the Earth, what is his first reaction?
Ans. Duttada rushes to his favourite rasagoolla shop to buy sweets.
Q. 2. What were the varied reactions of people to the arrival of the Comet Dutta?
Ans. On December 15, Comet Dutta appeared the closest to Earth–at a distance of 80,000 kilometers from Earth. Millions saw and admired it. Only a handful knew how close they had come to annihilation.
Q. 3. What does the story mock upon?
Ans. The story mocks upon the contemporary human society which believes in superstitious rituals. It conflicts between the religious and logical instincts of people. Duttada does not understand the foundation of such superstitions and Yajnas.
Q. 4. Who performed the yajna instead of Duttada?
Ans. Khoka, Duttada’s grandson performed the rituals on his behalf.
Q. 5. What was Khoka supposed to do at ritual?
Ans. Khoka was to perform the yajnas ultering mantras dictated to him, which he did not understand pouring ghee at specified intervals into the fire, offering flowers.
Q. 6. “Duttada was aware of the gulf ________”. Complete the statement.
Ans. Duttada was aware of the gulf that separates the rich from the poor, the educated from the illiterate and the privileged from the unprivileged.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Tick (✓) the correct option
1. Who had Duttada become friends with?
(a) his wife.
(b) his brother.
(c) Defence advisor.
Ans. (c) Defence advisor.
2. October 10:__________ of the aircraft.
(a) Arrival.
(b) Despatch.
(c) Delay.
Ans. (b) Despatch.
3. Duttada toured the __________ for two weeks.
(a) Australia.
(b) America.
(c) London.
Ans. (c) London.
MAKE SENTENCES
Use the following words in sentences of your own:
(i) deputise.
(ii) probed.
(iii) eliminating.
(iv) developed.
Ans. (i) deputise: Since the cultural secretary was absent, I was asked to deputise for the upcoming event.
(ii) probed: 1 probed Rahul to act smartly on stage.
(iii) eliminating: The nature selects the fittest one where by eliminating the unfit one.
(iv) developed: Pescud developed quite affinity for his lady love.
