NCERT Solutions Class 8 English (It So Happened)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 8 English (It So Happened) Chapter – 9 The Comet – I has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English (It So Happened)
- Chapter – 1 : How the Camel Got His Hump
- Chapter – 2 : Children at Work
- Chapter – 3 : The Selfish Giant
- Chapter – 4 : The Treasure Within
- Chapter – 5 : Princess September
- Chapter – 6 : The Fight
- Chapter – 7 : The Open Window
- Chapter – 8 : Jalebis
- Chapter – 10 : The Comet 2
- Chapter – 11 : Ancient Education System of India
Chapter – 9 (The Comet – I)
Comprehension Check
1. Why does Indrani Debi dislike Duttada’s “hobnobbing” with Dibya?
Answer – Indrani Debi disliked Duttada’s “hobnobbing” with Dibya because for her, that telescope was like a designing woman who had ensnared her husband.
2. She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling?
Answer – She was smiling at the forgetful nature of Duttada. He used to overlook the practical problems of living. His doctor had told him to take special precautions against the cold. However, he would not remember to put on a sweater even if it was lying on his bedside chair.
3. (i) What was Duttada’s secret ambition?
Answer – Duttada’s secret ambition was to discover a new comet one day.
(ii) What did he do to achieve it?
Answer – He waited for his retirement. After retirement he got sufficient funds. Then he bought a telescope and he started gazing at the stars without caring for his wife and life.
4. What is the difference between a planet and a comet, as given in the story?
Answer – Planets encircle the sun on circular paths hence are visible throughout the year. On the other hand, comets move on an eccentric path hence are visible once in several years and even once in a century.
5. Why was Duttada hopeful that he would discover a new comet soon?
Answer – Duttada was hopeful of discovering a new comet because he knew that professional astronomers did not consider them significant and ignored them.
6. Why does Duttada say — “I almost wish I had not discovered this comet.”?
Answer – The discovery of the new comet brought Duttada publicity which he did not like. He had to attend many receptions and functions. So he wished he hadn’t discovered that new comet.
7. Why is his wife unhappy about the discovery?
Answer – The discovery of the new comet made Duttada’s wife unhappy. She was superstitious. She thought that the discovery would bring calamities on the family as well as on the earth.
Comprehension Check
1. How did Sir John get hold of James’ original manuscript?
Answer – James’ original manuscript was to be published in ‘Nature’. Sir John got hold of it as the editor of ‘Nature’ was his friend.
2. What is the important point the paper makes?
Answer – The important point that the paper makes is that Comet Dutta is likely to collide with planet Earth soon.
3. Why does Sir John say that James’ paper should not be published?
Answer – Sir John said that the paper should not be published because if the news of the inevitable collision became known to the world, it would result in panic.
4. What do the two men finally decide to do?
Answer – The two men finally decide to organize an important secret conference of international experts to chalk out a plan to avert this impending calamity.
