NCERT Solutions Class 8 English (It So Happened)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 8 English (It So Happened) Chapter – 10 The Comet – II 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 – 9 : The Comet 1
- Chapter – 11 : Ancient Education System of India
Chapter – 10 (The Comet – II)
Comprehension Check
1. “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Answer – James was doubtful about his sums and calculations when he looked up from his window and saw a star-studded night sky. He knew that somewhere amongst those stars was Comet Dutta, which was heading for a collision with the earth. It was hard for him to believe the calamity of the future on such a peaceful night.
2. What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?
Answer – The scientists attending the conference came to the conclusion that James Forsyth’s calculations were correct. The new comet would collide with the earth.
3. Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
Answer – The approaching comet needed immediate action. The scientists had two options. The defensive measure was that the people should live in bunkers. The offensive action was to do something to deflect the comet from its path. This could be done by exploding a nuclear payload near the comet.
4. “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15.” What did Sir John mean by that?
Answer – Sir John was not quite sure about the safety of the earth. So he deferred the buying of Christmas presents till December 15. By that time the situation was sure to become clear.
Comprehension Check
1. What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?
Answer – Duttada on the return was expected to take part in a Shanti yajna to pacify evil spirit behind the comet.
2. What is his reaction to the proposal?
Answer – Duttada was very angry. He called it just a silly superstition to think that comets have ill-effects.
3. (i) What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
Answer – “Project Light Brigade’ refers to the plan to divert the comet from its path. The plan was to launch a spacecraft and explode the nuclear device near the comet.
(ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
Answer – Sir John wrote to Dutta that the charge of the Light Brigade had begun. This meant that the spacecraft had been launched on time and they were now to hope for the best.
4. Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Answer – Yes, Sir John bought Christmas present on Dec. 15 Dutta da knew it from a letter which Sir John sent to him.
5. Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
Answer – As per Indrani Devi the comet had not beeen disastrous due to the yajna at her house No, I don’t agree with her.
6. Is Duttada’s general outlook
(i) rational?
(ii) moral?
(iii) traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.
Answer – (i) rational. He accepts anything logically. He doesnt believes in traditional way of life.
Exercise
Discuss the following topics in small groups. Write your answers afterwards.
1. Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.
Answer – No, a scientist’s findings should not be suppressed even if they seem, disturbing. It is because, suppression can lead to frustration of the scientist. Promotion to such findings can give birth to many new discoveries.
2. Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things useless or useful?
Answer – Yes, ours is a traditional society. We follow many religious and traditional belief. Some common beliefs are not to go out, if some one sneezes not to move on if a cat cuts the way, etc. I find these things interesting. Sometimes they are very funny.
3. Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.
Answer – Science has done a lot of useful things for us. The discovery of bulb has made our life easy. The invention of rail has revolutionaries our progress.
4. Give one example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.
Answer – 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 involves enormous loss of life and property.
