NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 1 - The Wit that Won Hearts

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 1 – The Wit that Won Hearts help students understand the lesson simply and clearly. This chapter is based on a story of Tenali Rama, who uses his intelligence and wit to solve a misunderstanding between the king and the queen.

The solutions include answers to all textbook questions, explanations of difficult words, and activities that improve reading, writing, and thinking skills. By practising these solutions, students can easily prepare for exams and develop better language skills along with moral understanding. 

Chapter 1 - The Wit that Won Hearts NCERT Solutions

Below are the Wit that Won Hearts Question Answers, designed to help students understand the chapter easily and prepare effectively for exams. These answers cover all important questions from the lesson, including short and long answers, along with clear explanations in simple language. 

By going through these solutions, students can improve their comprehension, enhance their writing skills, and gain a better understanding of the wit and intelligence shown by Tenali Rama in solving the problem. 

The Wit that Won Hearts Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 1)

I. Select qualities of a person who uses wit from the box given below:

Now, discuss reasons for your choice of qualities.
Answer:
A person who uses wit usually has qualities like being wise and clever, which help them think quickly and solve problems. They are often humorous, so they can make others laugh and handle situations in a light-hearted way. Being observant allows them to notice small details that others may miss. 

Such a person is also charming and confident, which helps them communicate their ideas effectively. Creativity is another important quality, as it helps them come up with smart and unique solutions in difficult situations.

Discussion: Reasons for your choice of qualities:
1. Wise-A witty person often has deep understanding and uses their knowledge wisely to solve problems.
2. Clever-Wit involves quick thinking and smart responses.

3. Humorous-Wit is closely related to humour; witty people can make others laugh or smile even in tense situations.

4. Observant-Witty people notice small details that others might miss, helping them respond cleverly.

5. Charming-Witty people’s words and humour can make them likable and win hearts.

6. Creative-Witty people think out-of- the-box and find unique solutions to problems.

7. Confident-It takes confidence to speak cleverly, especially in front of others.

II. Work in pairs and answer the riddles that are given below. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:
1. Words
2. Future
3. Time
4. Secret

The Wit that Won Hearts Class 8 Question Answer – Discuss in Pairs (Page 2)

Question 1.
Why are qualities like humour and wit important in a person?
Answer:
Humour and wit are important because they help a person handle tough situations in a relaxed and smart way. They make conversations more interesting and help in solving problems without creating conflict. These qualities also make a person friendly and easy to talk to, which helps in building good relationships with others.

Question 2.
Why do you think kings and queens preferred to have witty people among their courtiers?
Answer:
Kings and queens liked to have witty people in their court because they could handle difficult situations in a smart and calm way. They were able to give clever advice and find quick solutions to problems. Their humour also helped create a pleasant atmosphere and reduce tension in the court. This made them valuable and trusted members of the royal court.

Question 3.
If you were asked to solve a disagreement between two people, what approach would you take?
Answer:
If I had to solve a disagreement, I would first listen carefully to both people without taking sides. Then, I would try to understand their points of view and help them see each other’s perspective. I would encourage calm discussion and, if possible, use simple examples or a little humour to reduce tension and find a peaceful solution.

Question 4.
Have you ever been in a situation where a small misunderstanding led to a big problem? How was it resolved?
Answer:
Yes, I once faced a situation where a small misunderstanding turned into a bigger issue. I thought my friend was upset with me because of a message, so I stopped talking. Later, we cleared it up by having an honest conversation and realized it was just confusion. By talking openly and understanding each other, we solved the problem.

Class 8 English The Wit that Won Hearts Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 7)

I. Rectify the following false statements from the text.

Question 1.
The queen insulted the king by speaking against the quality of his poem.
Answer:
The queen did not mean to insult the king. She yawned because she was feeling tired, not because she disliked his poem.

Question 2.
Tenali Rama immediately went to the king and convinced him to talk to the queen.
Answer:
Tenali Rama did not go to the king right away. He first thought carefully and came up with a smart plan before taking any action.

Question 3.
The courtiers admired the king’s poem and praised his literary talent.
Answer:
The courtiers did not really praise the king’s poem. Instead, they tried to avoid him and gave excuses to stay away.

Question 4.
The ministers in the court were eager to hear Tenali Rama’s idea about paddy cultivation.
Answer:
The ministers were not interested in Tenali Rama’s idea. They doubted him and even made fun of his suggestion.

Question 5.
The king never realised his mistake and continued to stay angry with the queen.
Answer:
The king later understood that he was wrong. He realised his mistake and said sorry to the queen.

The Wit that Won Hearts Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us think and reflect (Pages 7-9)

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

1. “… The king thought I was disrespecting his poem and stormed off. Since then, he has not spoken to me. If I had known this would happen I would have chosen another day. Help me, please, Rama. Only you can help the king understand. ”
Rama nodded thoughtfully. “If you like, I will try my best to resolve this matter, Your Highness. But this needs a well-planned approach and I may need time to find the right strategy. ”

(i) Why does the queen believe that only Tenali Rama can help the king understand?
Answer:
The queen feels that only Tenali Rama can help because he is intelligent and knows how to handle situations wisely. He is also close to the king and understands his nature well, so he can explain things in a way that the king will listen and understand.

(ii) What does the queen’s statement, “If I had known this would happen, I would have chosen another day”, suggest about her feelings?
A. She is angry at the king for overreacting.
B. She regrets the unintended misunder-standing.
C. She believes the poem was not worth listening to.
D. She is worried that the king might punish her.
Answer:
B. She regrets the unintended misunderstanding.

(iii) How does Tenali Rama’s response reflect his wisdom and problem-solving skills?
Answer:
Tenali Rama’s reply shows that he is thoughtful and wise. Instead of rushing, he understands that the situation needs careful planning. His patience and ability to think before acting show his strong problem-solving skills.

(iv) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The king’s reaction shows that he is sensitive and ___________ (has a lot of faith/takes great pride) in his poetry.
Answer:
takes great pride

2. That evening, the king approached the queen with a softened expression. “Thirumalambal”, he began, his voice gentle, “I have been foolish. I see now that I overreacted. I let my pride blind me. I’m so sorry. ”
The queen, who had longed for this moment, smiled and replied, “If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us. I would very much like to listen to your poem. ”
(i) Complete the following with a suitable explanation.
When the king said, “I let my pride blind me”, he means that ___________
Answer:
When the king said, “I let my pride blind me,” he meant that his ego stopped him from understanding the situation properly and made him react without thinking clearly.

(ii) Why does the queen say, “If you like, we can leave this quarrel behind us”?
Answer:
The queen says this because she wants to end the argument and restore peace between them. She is ready to forgive and start fresh without holding on to the past misunderstanding.

(iii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The king acknowledges that his pride clouded his judgement, which shows ___________ (intelligence and courage/maturity and self-awareness)
Answer:
maturity and self-awareness

(iv) State any one characteristic that the queen’s response to the king’s apology shows about her. -y
Answer:
The queen’s response shows that she is kind and ready to forgive, as she accepts the king’s apology and wants to make things right again.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Why was the Vijayanagara Empire considered to be in its ‘Golden Era’ during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
Answer:
The Vijayanagara Empire was called its ‘Golden Era’ during Krishnadeva Raya’s rule because the kingdom saw great progress in art, literature, and architecture. It was a time of growth, prosperity, and cultural development.

Question 2.
How did Tenali Ramakrishna gain a special place in the king’s court?
Answer:
Tenali Ramakrishna earned a special position in the king’s court because of his intelligence, humour, and ability to solve problems in a smart way. His wit made him valuable and respected by the king.

Question 3.
How did the quarrel between the king and the queen affect the palace?
Answer:
The quarrel made the palace atmosphere sad and quiet because the king stopped meeting the queen, which affected the overall mood of the palace.

Question 4.
What strategy did Tenali Rama use to make the king realise his mistake?
Answer:
Tenali Rama used a clever and funny example related to sowing seeds and yawning to help the king think about his mistake and understand the situation better.

Question 5.
What was the reaction of the courtiers when Tenali Rama introduced ‘special’ paddy seeds?
Answer:
The courtiers did not take Tenali Rama seriously. They laughed at him and did not believe his idea about the ‘special’ paddy seeds.

Question 6.
How does the story conclude, and what lesson can be learnt from it?
Answer:
In the end, the king realised his mistake, said sorry to the queen, and everything became peaceful again. The story teaches us to be understanding, communicate properly, and use wisdom to solve problems.

The Wit that Won Hearts Question Answer Class 8 – Let us learn (Pages 9-12)

I. Fill in the blanks and complete the paragraph by choosing suitable expressions from the box given below.

My mother is quite witty, and her sense of humour always lightens stressful moments. Once, at a family dinner, an argument began over a minor issue, and 1. ______, making everyone feel uncomfortable. Just as things were getting serious, she made a clever remark and laughter 2. ______ the gathering, making everyone relaxed. The person who started the argument 3. ______. Everyone disapproved of the action and a 4. ______. My 5. ______ to how my mother had saved other situations like this. Without her, such moments would have 6. ______ over the gatherings. I hope that I grow up to be as witty as my mother.
Answer:
1. cast a shadow
2. rippled through
3. stormed off
4. hush fell over
5. mind raced back 6. cast a shadow

II. The writer uses words like ‘roared’, ‘murmur’ in the text to indicate the sound produced. Fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from the box given below. You may refer to a dictionary.

1. As the teacher began the riddle challenge, a ______ of excitement spread through the classroom.
2. Anaya ______ in relief—she loved riddles more than solving Mathematics problems.
3. Think carefully,’ the teacher began to ______, as she wrote a riddle on the board.
4. When the question was revealed, a few students ______, realising it wasn’t as easy as they had expected.
5. Some exchanged ______, wondering if anyone at all would be able to solve it.
6. Just then, Anaya tapped her book on the desk with a small ______, deep in thought.
7. ‘Ah, I see it now!’ she said stretching with a ______, as if it had taken her great effort.
8. A small breeze made the windows ______, adding to the suspense of the moment.
9. ‘So, what’s the answer?’ the students ______, their voices filled with playful enthusiasm.
10. Leaning forward with a smile, Anaya ______, “Sometimes, the trickiest questions have the simplest answers.”
Answer:
1. murmur
2. sighed
3. mumble
4. gasped
5. snickers
6. thud
7. groan
8. rattle
9. roared
10. whispered

III. As you have learnt, a compound word is formed when two or more words are combined to create a new word with a distinct meaning. These are of three types: closed compounds (sunlight, courtroom), hyphenated compounds (well-planned), and open compounds (paddy seeds).

Question 1.
Create new compound words by matching words in Column 1 with those in Column 2.

Answer:

(i) quick + witted = quick-witted

(ii) soft + tempered = soft-tempered

(iii) common + sense = common sense

(iv) house + hold = household

(v) book + store = bookstore

(vi) ill + spoken = ill-spoken

(vii) sky + blue = sky-blue

(viii) dance + hall = dance hal

Question 2.
Fill in the blanks with the words created in the previous question.
Ravi was (i) __________, always speaking calmly even in arguments. He grew up in a lively (ii) __________, where he learned to handle different personalities. His friend Arun, however, was (iii) __________ and often lost his patience. Despite this, Arun admired Ravi’s (iv) __________ thinking. One evening, as they passed a (v) __________, they saw some performers rushing out. Ravi noticed that one of them dropped a (vi) __________ book on the ground. “Is this yours?” he asked. “Oh thank you, young man!” the performer smiled. “It’s a recent purchase from the (vii) ________ round the corner.” True to his nature Arun promptly said to Ravi, “ It’s (viii) ________ that it’s not from a bakery but bookshop!” Ravi smiled and they walked on.
Answer:
(i) soft-tempered
(ii) house hold
(iii) ill-tempered
(iv) quick-witted
(v) dance hall
(vi) sky blue
(vii) book store
(viii) common sense

IV. Read the sentences from the text and their explanation given in the table below.

In sentence 1 ‘if you like’ is the subordinate clause (if clause) and ‘I will try my best to resolve this matter’ is the main clause. Identify the subordinate and main clauses in sentences 2 and 3.
Answer:
Sentence 2:
Subordinate clause: If, by chance, something were to go wrong,
Main clause: our farmers would suffer. Sentence 3:
Subordinate clause: If I had known this would happen,
Main clause: I would have chosen another day.

Now, match the subordinate clauses (if clauses) in Column 1 with the appropriate main clauses in Column 2 to make complete sentences.

Answer:

(i) If I had a magic wand → C. I would give myself wings.
(ii) If it rains tomorrow → E. We will stay indoors and play board games.
(iii) If you had listened carefully → F. You would have solved the puzzle.
(iv) If you finish your homework → A. We will go to the theatre.
(v) If I were invisible → B. I would sneak into the secret room.
(vi) If the alarm had rung → D. The boys would have woken up on time.

V. Complete the following sentences appropriately with either the main clause or the subordinate clause (if clause).
1. Your teacher will be unhappy if ______.
2. They would have caught the train if ______.
3. ______ if you continue to stay up late every night.
4. If she knew the answer, ______
5. ______ if she had studied harder.
6. If I had a million rupees, ______.
Answer:
1.you don’t complete your homework.
2. they had left earlier.
3. You will feel tired
4. she would raise her hand.
5. She would have passed
6. I would travel the world.

VI. Complete the following sentences. One example has been done for you.
1. If I were a tree, I would play with the wind and talk to the birds.
2. If I were the Head Teacher of my school, ______
3. If I were a bird, ______
4. If I were a magician, ______
5. If I had studied harder, ______
Answer:
Imaginative completions:
2. I would reduce homework and increase playtime.
3. I would fly over mountains and oceAnswer:
4. I would make everyone happy.
5. I would have topped the class.

Class 8 English Chapter 1 Question Answer – Let us listen (Page 12-13)

I. You will listen to a woman narrating a story. As you listen, fill in the blanks in the following sentences by selecting the correct options. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page-46 for transcript.)
1. The rope tying the bundle of sticks was ______.
(i) loose
(ii) thick
(iii) short
Answer:
(i) loose

2. The scholar is finally referred to as ______
(i) irritable
(ii) mischievous
(iii) arrogant
Answer:
(iii) arrogant

II. You will once again listen to the story.
As you listen, number the events of the story in the correct order of occurrence.
1. The great scholar was ashamed because he did not know what to say.
2. Rama accepted the challenge thrown by the visitor.
3. Rama had a bundle tied in silk when he came to the palace.
4. The king laughed at the explanation given by Rama.
5. The visitor wanted to show his superiority over others in the palace.
6. Rama showed the work to be a bundle of sticks tied together by a rope.
7. The king wanted to know more about the work mentioned by Rama.
8. The court scholars were afraid of the king’s anger.
Answer:
Correct order:
5. → 2. → 3. → 7. → 6. → 4. → 1. → 8.

NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 1 Question Answer – Let us speak (Pages 13-14)

I. While asking questions, it is important to use the appropriate tone to convey the correct meaning.
1. Yes’ or ‘No’ questions have a rising tone at the end.
Are you coming home?

2. ‘-Wh’ questions have a falling tone at the end.
When will you come home?

This rise and fall in tone is called intonation.
Now, work in pairs and mark the intonation in the questions given below.
Take turns to practise by saying them aloud with the correct intonation.
(i) Is this your cat?
(ii) What is the name of your cat?
(iii) Will you be going to your village?
(iv) Why are you going to your village?
(v) Is this where you live?
(vi) Where do you live?
(vii) Can I meet your parents?
(viii) How are your parents?
(ix) Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
(x) What are you going to do tomorrow?
Answer:
Marking tones –
Rising intonation (↗︎) for Yes/No questions Falling intonation (↘︎) for Wh- questions
(i) Is this your cat? ↗︎
(if) What is the name of your cat?↘︎
(iff) Will you be going to your village? ↗︎
(iv) Why are you going to your village?↘︎
(y) Is this where you live? ↗︎
(vi) Where do you live? ↘︎
(vii) Can I meet your parents? ↗︎
(viii) How are your parents? ↘︎
(ix) Do you have any plans for tomorrow? ↗︎
(x) What are you going to do tomorrow? ↘︎

II. ‘What’, ‘Why’, ‘When’, ‘How’, ‘Where’, and ‘Who’ are the words used to ask questions. These words are called question words. Let us use these words and make some questions.
While making questions, remember the correct word order.

• Who is the cleverest character in the story? (Correct)

• Who the cleverest character is in the story? (Incorrect)

Work in pairs and take turns to ask and answer questions about a trip that you are planning. Remember to use the correct intonation while asking these questions.
Here are some prompts for you.

• The destination (Where…)

• Purpose (Why…)

• Mode of transport (How…)

• Duration (When…)

• Travel companions (Who…)

• Activities (What…)

Answer:
(Sample prompts for practice in pairs – answers will vary.)
About a trip:

• Where are you going?

• Why are you going there?

• How will you go there?

• When will you leave?

• Who is going with you?

• What will you do there?

Now, work in pairs and take turns to ask and answer the questions about witty characters in folktales or stories you have read. Use the correct intonation while asking questions.
For example: Your favourite character in the folktale (Who…?)
Who is your favourite character in the folktale?
1. The name of the witty character (Who…?)
2. The reason for her/his wit being important in the story (Why…?)
3. The most famous trick or clever idea she/he used (What…?)
4. The time.period or setting of the folktale/ story (When…?)
5. The way she/he used her/his intelligence to solve a problem (How…?)
6. The location where the stoiy takes place (Where…?)
Answer:
Who is the witty character in the story?

1. Why is the character’s wit important in the story?

2. What is the most famous clever idea used by the character?

3. When does the story take place?

4. How does the character use intelligence to solve the problem?

5. Where does the story take place?

These questions help in understanding the role of wit and intelligence in the story and encourage proper use of question words with correct sentence structure.

Class 8th English Chapter 1 The Wit that Won Hearts Question Answer – Let us write (Pages 15-16)

A narrative essay is written on a personal experience or an imagined experience.

I. Read the narrative essay given below.
A Lesson in Responsibility
One bright Monday morning, I woke up to the sounds of birds chirping loudly. For once, I wasn’t late for school. My uniform was neatly laid out, and my homework was already packed in my bag. I felt proud of myself for being so organised. But little did I know, the day would still teach me an important lesson.

During the morning assembly, our teacher, Mrs. Rao, announced a surprise Science quiz. My heart skipped a beat. I had studied the chapter a week ago, but I had forgotten to revise it over the weekend. As I sat at my desk with the question paper in front of me, I froze. The questions looked familiar, yet I couldn’t recall the answers clearly. I tried my best to focus, but it wasn’t enough. Later, when the results were announced, I scored much lower than I expected. Disappointed, I spoke to Mrs. Rao after the class. She smiled and said, “It’s not about how much you know but how consistently you prepare. Small efforts add up every day.”

Her words stayed with me. From that day on, I made it a habit to revise my lessons regularly, even if there wasn’t an immediate test. Responsibility isn’t just about being on time or finishing tasks—it’s about being ready for what’s unexpected.

Now, work in pairs and check (✓) if the following features are present in the narrative essay.
1. Introduction

• The essay begins with a clear and engaging opening.

• The introduction sets the context for the narrative.

• The central idea or purpose is clear.

2. Body of the essay

• Events are narrated in a logical sequence.

• Descriptive details are used.

• Characters and settings are clearly described.

• The narrator’s emotions or thoughts are shared.

• The essay includes a challenge or a problem or a turning point.

3. Conclusion

• The essay ends with an outcome.

• A lesson or a message is clearly stated.

4. Writing Style

• The tone is personal and engaging.

• First person narration is used (for example, ‘my’).

5. Language

• The essay uses simple and clear language.

• Grammar, punctuation, and spellings are correctly used.

Note: A narrative essay focuses on sharing a personal experience to convey a specific lesson, a reflection, or an idea. It has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Answer:
All the mentioned features are present in the given narrative essay.

Now, write a narrative essay based on any one of the situations given below.

• The Day I Learnt the Value of Teamwork

• A Small Act of Kindness that Made a Difference

Answer:
Hints to write Narrative Essay
1. The Day I Learnt the Value of Teamwork
One day at school, our teacher asked us to make a model for a science project in groups. At first, I thought I could do everything on my own, so I didn’t pay much attention to my teammates’ ideas. As a result, our work was not going well, and we were running out of time.

Then, one of my teammates suggested that we divide the work according to everyone’s strengths. I realized my mistake and agreed. We started working together—one person handled the design, another collected materials, and I helped in assembling the model.

Slowly, everything started falling into place. Our project was completed on time, and it looked much better than we expected. When the teacher appreciated our work, I felt truly happy.

That day, I understood that teamwork is very important. When people work together and support each other, they can achieve much more than working alone.

2. A Small Act of Kindness that Made a Difference
Describe an incident where your kindness or someone else’s made someone feel better.
(Note: This is a writing task – let me know if you want sample essays for either prompt.)

Answer:
One afternoon, while returning from school, I saw an old man sitting alone on a bench. He looked tired and worried. I went closer and asked if he needed any help.

He told me that he was feeling weak and had not eaten anything for a long time. I quickly bought some food and water from a nearby shop and gave it to him. His face lit up with a smile, and he thanked me with kind words.

That small act made me feel very happy inside. I realized that even a little kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. It does not take much effort to help others, but it can bring a lot of joy to both the giver and the receiver.

From that day, I decided to always be kind and helpful whenever I can.

The Wit that Won Hearts Class 8 NCERT Solutions – Let us explore (Page 16)

I. Limericks are poems in five lines that have a twist in the last line. Read and enjoy the following limericks and create one on your own.
Raju flew his kite in the sky so wide,
It soared with grace, full of pride.
But a crow came along,
Singing its song,
And now it’s the crow on a joyride!
Answer:
There once was a boy full of cheer,
Who laughed loud for all to hear.
He slipped on the ground,
Spun quickly around,
And said, “I meant to fall here!”

II. Go to the library and read a story of your choice. Share its theme and the interesting parts of the story with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

III. You must have read stories of wit, humour, and wisdom in your own language or English. Make a list of these stories that you have read on a chart paper. Each student should read at least one new story from the list.
Answer:
You can make a chart including stories like:

• Tenali Rama stories

• Akbar and Birbal stories

• Mulla Nasruddin tales

• Panchatantra stories

• Aesop’s Fables

Each student can choose one story from the list and read it.

Benefits of Using NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Wit that Won Hearts

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 1 are very helpful for students to understand the lesson easily. They make learning simple and improve overall preparation for exams.

• Helps in understanding the chapter in a simple and clear way.

• Provides answers in easy language for better learning.

• Improves answer-writing and presentation skills.

• Saves time during revision with well-structured answers.

• Helps in quick practice of important questions.

• Builds confidence for exams.

• Enhances comprehension and vocabulary.

• Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Explains important values like wisdom, patience, and intelligence.