NCERT Solution for Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World

Class 8 English Chapter 1 The Best Christmas Present in the World:-  Chapter 1 of Class 8 English introduces "The Best Christmas Present in the World," a heartwarming story that explores themes of generosity and the true spirit of Christmas. Through a poignant narrative, the chapter delves into a touching tale about a memorable Christmas gift that carries profound emotional significance. The story underscores the value of selflessness and the joy of giving, making it a compelling read for students. Check out Class 8 English Chapter 1 summary and solutions below. 

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Class 8 English Chapter 1 Question Answer

1. What did the author find in a junk shop?

• The author found an old 19th-century roll-top desk in a junk shop. Made of oak, it was in poor condition with a broken roll-top, a clumsily repaired leg, and scorch marks on one side.Read more: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 2

2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?

• In the secret drawer of the roll-top desk, the author discovered a small tin box. It had a note on top that read, “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” This was likely placed there by Mrs. Jim Macpherson, Jim's wife, as her name and address were found on the envelope inside the box.Read more: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 3

3. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?

• The letter was written by Jim Macpherson to his wife Connie Macpherson on December 26, 1914.

4. Why was the letter written—what was the wonderful thing that had happened?

• Jim wrote the letter to share a remarkable event that occurred on Christmas Day. Despite being in the midst of war, British and German soldiers met in no man's land, shared a peaceful Christmas, and played a football match together, making peace amidst the conflict.

5. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?

• Hans Wolf was a cellist in an orchestra from Dusseldorf. Jim Macpherson was a school teacher from Dorset.

6. Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?

• No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He mentioned knowing about it from his studies and reading English books.

7. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?

• It is unlikely that Jim Macpherson returned from the war. The note on the tin box referred to the letter as Jim’s “last letter,” suggesting it might have been the final communication Connie received. Additionally, the story mentions that the Germans won the football match, hinting that they might have also won the actual battle.

8. Why did the author go to Bridport?

• The author went to Bridport to return the letter to Mrs. Macpherson, who lived there.

9. How old was Mrs. Macpherson now? Where was she?

• Mrs. Macpherson was 101 years old and was residing in a nursing home at Burlington House.

10. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?

• Connie Macpherson thought her visitor was her husband, Jim.

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Working with Text

1. For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your answer.

• Connie likely kept Jim’s letter for a long time because she mentioned reading it daily to feel close to him.

2. Why do you think the desk had been sold, and when?

• The desk was probably sold after the house where Connie lived was damaged by fire. After being moved to a nursing home, all the burnt items, including the desk, were sold.

3. Why do Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?

• Jim and Hans believed that games and sports are good ways to resolve conflicts because they don’t result in death or suffering, unlike wars. They see sports as a peaceful alternative to violent disputes. I agree, as sports offer a way to settle differences without harm.

4. Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other? Find evidence from the story to support your answer.

• The soldiers of both armies were similar in many ways. They celebrated Christmas together, shared food, played a football match, and expressed a desire for peace. Their shared experiences and mutual respect highlight their common humanity despite being on opposite sides.

5. Mention the various ways in which the British and the German soldiers became friends and found things in common at Christmas.

• The British and German soldiers celebrated Christmas together, exchanged food, laughed, talked, drank, and played football. They shared personal stories and enjoyed each other's company, finding common ground in their shared humanity and the holiday spirit.

6. What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it “the best Christmas present in the world”?

• Connie’s Christmas present was the visit from the narrator, whom she mistook for Jim. It was the best Christmas present for her because it fulfilled her long-held hope that Jim would return, making her dream come true.

7. Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it? Can you think of any other title(s)?

• Yes, the title is suitable as it reflects the story’s theme of peace and the profound emotional impact of the Christmas present. Other possible titles could be "A Christmas Gift of Peace" or "The Last Letter of Love."

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Working with Language

1. (i) Read the passage below and underline the verbs in the past tense.

• A man got on the train and sat down. The compartment was empty except for one lady. She took her gloves off. A few hours later the police arrested the man. They held him for 24 hours and then freed him.

 

2. (ii) Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

• My little sister is very naughty. When she came (come) back from school yesterday, she had torn (tear) her dress. We asked (ask) her how it had happened (happen). She said (say) she had quarrelled (have, quarrel) with a boy. She had beaten (have, beat) him in a race and he had tried (have, try) to push her. She had told (have, tell) the teacher and so he had chased (have, chase) her, and she had fallen (have, fall) down and had torn (have, tear) her dress.

3. (iii) Underline the verbs and arrange them in two columns, Past and Earlier Past.

• (a) My friends set out to see the caves in the next town, but I stayed at home, because I had seen them already.

• (b) When they arrived at the station, their train had left. They came back home, but by that time I had gone out to see a movie!

• (c) So they sat outside and ate the lunch I had packed for them.

• (d) By the time I returned, they had fallen asleep!

4. 
   Find these phrasal verbs in the story.

• burn out: “House number 12 turned out to be nothing but a burned-out shell, the roof gaping, the windows boarded up.”

• light up: “That was the moment her eyes lit up with recognition and her face became suffused with a sudden glow of happiness.”

• look on: “Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered, clapping our hands and stamping our feet, to keep out the cold as much as anything.”

• run out: “The time came, and all too soon, when the game was finished, the schnapps and the rum and the sausage had long since run out, and we knew it was all over.”

• keep out: “Hans Wolf and I looked on and cheered, clapping our hands and stamping our feet, to keep out the cold as much as anything.”

5. The table below contains a list of nouns and some adjectives. Use as many adjectives as you can to describe each noun. You might come up with some funny descriptions!

• (For this task, you would need to create your own list of nouns and adjectives based on the provided example.)

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Class 8 English Chapter 1 Summary

In "The Best Christmas Present in the World," the story is told from the perspective of a narrator who finds a letter hidden in a roll-top desk bought from a junk shop. The letter is addressed to a soldier named Jim from his wife, Connie. Written during World War I, it expresses Connie's longing and hopes for a reunion with Jim.

As the narrator reads the letter, he learns about Jim's experiences and his deep love for Connie. The letter reveals that Jim, despite the war's hardships, cherished his memories with Connie and hoped to return to her. The narrator is deeply moved by the letter and feels a profound connection to the past.

At the end of the story, the narrator visits Connie's address, hoping to return the letter to her. He discovers that Connie has passed away, and the letter represents a touching piece of their love story. The chapter highlights the emotional impact of personal connections and the enduring power of love and remembrance.

Class 8 English Chapter 1 FAQs

Q1. What is the main theme of "The Best Christmas Present in the World"?

Ans. The main theme is the true spirit of Christmas, focusing on generosity, love, and the emotional impact of thoughtful gestures.

Q2. Who is the narrator of the story?

Ans. The narrator is a person who finds a letter in a roll-top desk purchased from a junk shop.

Q3. What does the letter found by the narrator reveal?

Ans. The letter reveals the deep love and longing of Connie, Jim’s wife, during World War I. It expresses her hopes for Jim’s safe return and their future together.

Q4. Why is the letter significant in the story?

Ans. The letter is significant because it provides a heartfelt glimpse into the personal lives of Connie and Jim, highlighting the emotional impact of their separation due to the war.

Q5. What does the narrator decide to do after reading the letter?

Ans. The narrator decides to find Connie and return the letter to her, hoping to reconnect her with a piece of her past.