CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 33 Essays And Articles
1) Points to Remember :
- A good essay must have a good introduction and a good conclusion.
- It should be divided into various paragraphs of reasonable length. Each paragraph must deal with one idea which is connected with the main idea.
- The body of the essay must have at least 3 paragraphs dealing with 3 different ideas.
2) Steps needed to compose an essay :
- From the topics given to you, choose the one you have enough subject matter to write.
- Collect material which is relevant to the subject.
- Organise your ideas.
- Ideas must be arranged in logical order. There should be flow and sequence in your paragraphs.
- Use the right words and expressions to make your essay interesting and readable. There should be no repetition. Try to enrich your vocabulary.
- Try to write a first draft on your notebook. Edit it to make a selfcheck for spelling, punctuations and grammatical errors.
- Then write the final draft.
3)
1. Picture Compositions
The object of picture composition is to learn the art of writing essays with the help of a picture. You can write a story based on the picture, an account or a factual description. But your essay has to be connected with the picture given.
Example:
Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what the picture suggests to you. There has to be a clear connection between the picture and the composition.
Oh, how happy we are when Diwali comes! The bazaars are full of so many things to please everyone. There are sweet shops loaded with all kinds of mouth-watering sweets. Women crowd around clothes and jewellery shops. The pious buy new images of Gods and Goddesses. But the shops that are visited by maximum number of children are the shops that sell crackers.
The happiest person is the shopkeeper who sells firecrackers. He boasts of atom bombs, rockets and ‘Anars’ which are bigger and more powerful than last years. He assures his customers that his crackers would make the biggest noise and are the longest lasting ones.
No one cares for the the problems these crackers create. Every year there is news of children burnt by them. Many suffer serious injuries. Fire crackers burst without consideration of those around us, cause fire and many shops are gutted on Diwali. People suffer a great loss. And what of pollution? Already the big cities are full of noise pollution and air pollution. Diwali adds to their woes. Why can’t we use the hard earned money for a better cause than just burning it?
Exercised-1
Study carefully the following pictures and write a description or an account or a story of what the pictures suggest to you. There should be a clear connection between the pictures and your composition.
Question 1.
Answer:
The picture shows a lively scene from the Annual Sports Day 2008 at a school. A group of students is seen participating in a race while an enthusiastic crowd, including teachers, parents, and special guests, watches from the stands. In the foreground, four young children in sports uniforms stand beside a teacher who is guiding them, possibly preparing them for their event. A table is neatly arranged with shiny trophies and a flower vase, ready for the winners. A podium marked 1, 2, and 3 stands nearby, waiting for the champions. The event is filled with excitement, discipline, and a strong sense of sportsmanship. However, there is a spelling mistake in the banner—the word “ANUAL” should be corrected to “ANNUAL”.
Question 2.
Answer:
The picture shows a tragic road accident involving a truck and two motorcyclists. A large truck loaded with heavy sacks is speeding around a corner, and it has hit two people on a scooter. The riders have fallen to the ground, and their vehicle is crushed under the truck’s front wheels. The truck driver looks shocked and alarmed. The accident seems to have taken place in a city area, as buildings and pedestrians can be seen in the background. This picture highlights the dangers of careless driving and the importance of following traffic rules to prevent such terrible incidents.
Question 3.
Answer:
The picture shows a joyful scene from Annual Prize Day 2008 at a school. Children are receiving trophies on stage from a teacher or chief guest while two staff members sit at a table in the background, possibly announcing the winners. A young girl is being handed a prize on stage while other students wait for their turn. Several children in the audience are clapping and smiling, and some prize-winners are already off the stage, proudly holding their trophies. The atmosphere is festive and filled with pride, celebrating the students’ hard work and achievements.
Question 4.
Answer:
The picture shows a happy and proud moment during the Annual Prize Day 2008 celebration at a school. On the stage, a teacher or chief guest is presenting a trophy to a young girl for her achievement, while two other teachers are seated behind a table, managing the event. Other students who have already received their prizes are seen smiling and holding their trophies as they walk off the stage. In the audience, children are clapping and cheering for their friends, creating a joyful and encouraging atmosphere. The scene reflects the excitement and recognition that come with celebrating students’ hard work and success.
2. Descriptive And Narrative Essays
A Visit to a Zoo
The first animal I saw was a lion. As he stood with his head held up, with his long mane flowing along his neck, and his tail swinging to and fro, he looked very grand and royal—really the King of Beasts. I also saw tigers, leopards, and panthers. Their sharp teeth and flashing eyes sent a shiver through my body.
The monkeys were very funny. They played with one another and jumped from one branch of a tree to another. They took cakes and fruit from our hands. But one monkey was very bad-tempered. Putting his hands out through the bars, he snatched the cap off the head of a poor villager, and tore it to pieces with his teeth.
Then I saw a large pond with alligators, crocodiles and tortoises in it. I also saw red, green, blue, and yellow fishes darting to and fro in the water.
I was greatly delighted to see the birds. Some were big, others were small; they had various colours. Their bright feathers charmed the eye. Their sweet notes pleased the ear. Sparrows chirped; the other birds seemed to have a chorus; they filled the air with their merry notes.
I was about to leave the zoo when I saw three peacocks dancing merrily in the garden nearby. With their long graceful necks, coloured crests and gorgeous plumes spread out in the shape of a fan, they were so pretty to look at. In the evening, I returned home, having spent a pleasant day at the zoo.
A Picnic You Enjoyed
Last Wednesday our Headmaster gave us a holiday because our school had shown brilliant results in the High School Examination. The day was cloudy and a pleasant breeze was blowing. Peter, Tom and I were thinking of visiting the zoo in the afternoon, when Ashok suggested that we should have a picnic by the river. All of us welcomed the idea. We went to the bazaar and bought some fruit, cakes and sweetmeats as well as some milk for tea.
We set off on our bicycles in high spirits, each carrying a basket. We took the main road. The green fields of wheat and other crops, waving in the breeze, stretched far away on either side. Some farmers were seen cutting crops and binding them into sheaves. How delightful it was to get away from the noisy streets and the smoky town!
At last we reached the river. The water flowed quietly. We came upon a grassy spot under a large banyan tree. We placed out baskets and kettles there; but we had hardly placed them there when one of the baskets rolled down the slope into the river. So we had to go without our sandwiches. We were now hungry. Peter and I went to gather some dry sticks. Peter lit a fire and placed the kettle on it. But one of the bricks slipped. However, he soon lit the fire again and prepared tea for all of us. Rashid opened the baskets. O, what a delicious feast it was! I have never tasted one like that since. We had a hearty lunch of sweetmeats, pastry, cakes, tea, apples, bananas and oranges. We made merry for hours. We sang, danced, and narrated jokes.
In the afternoon we hired a boat and started rowing downstream. Ashok and I took the oars. Tom was in a jolly mood. He began to sing songs and rock the boat about. All of a sudden, he fell into the water rolling over the side of the boat. The next minute we were all in the water, struggling for our very lives. Ashok and I could swim. But Tom was nowhere to be seen! We all wondered where he was. But just then, we saw his head rise above the surface of the water. We swam up to him, caught hold of his clothes before he went down again, and pulled him out safe to the shore.
So it all ended well. Though frightened, we were hungry. We ate all the sweets and fruit that were left over. We returned home late in the evening. We were all thankful to God that the picnic had ended happily after all.
Your Favourite Hero in History: Ashoka
My favourite hero in history is Ashoka the Great. Many kings have lived and died; nobody remembers them at all but Ashoka’s name will live forever.
Ashoka was a kind ruler. All his life was spent in thinking about the welfare of his subjects. He himself attended to even the minutest details of his administration. His only desire was to make his subjects happy. His subjects could meet him at any time, and in any place; even his private place was open to them at all times. He had trees planted on either side of the roads; he had wells dug by the roadside; he had rest houses and hospitals built for both men and women as well as animals. He, therefore came to be known as Ashoka the Great. He was a wise and righteous ruler, and was truly the Father of his people.
Ashoka waged only one war, and that too, early in his reign. He saw the horror of it; he vowed never to go to war again. He said, “I have seen the horror of victory; I shall not draw the sword again except to defend my country against an invasion. My old dreams are broken and dead, but today I begin a new dream. Instead of the fear of wars I will give my people safety; instead of war, I will give them peace.” And he kept his promise. His reign was a reign of peace. He gave his people lasting peace, and made such laws for them as were just, wise and fair.
Ashoka became a Buddhist, and sent out bands of missionaries all over the country to preach Buddhism. He is famous for the pillars he set up in all parts of his kingdom, pillars inscribed with his edicts. His aim in life was to establish in the hearts of his people Dharma or Righteousness. The chief principles of this Dharma were—reverence to superiors, kindness to all including animals; and truthfulness in thought, in word, and in deed. He banned the killing of animals altogether, either for sport or meat-eating.
Ashoka was more of a saint than a ruler. He was saint because his main desire was to make his subjects virtuous, noble and wise. He cared for their souls as well as for their bodies. What greater tribute can free India pay to the memory of this great and good king than this, namely that the Indian National Flag bears upon it the Dharma Chakra of Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Samath and that the Government’s National Seal is also based on it!
The Rainy Season
In India, the rainy season begins in the month of June or July. From the middle of July to the end of September we have most of the rains. The monsoon winds blow from the south-west during July, August and September, and bring rains with them.
Before the monsoon breaks, it is very hot and dry. But when the rains start, cool breezes begin to blow. Dark clouds, heavy with rain, gather in the sky. The life-giving rain pours down. It thunders and it lightens. The winds blow stronger and stronger and the rains fall in torrents for hours together; the whole countryside looks like a lake.
Rivers and streams are sometimes flooded. Cattle are swept away, houses fall down, and standing crops are destroyed. But if the rainfall is normal, it is a blessing for the farmers. They then plough their fields and sow the seeds. Within a short time the fields are covered with rich crops.
It is the dullest part of the year so far as business goes. All business comes to a standstill when there is a heavy rainfall. The streets become muddy and the roads get slippery. All outdoor work is suspended. Houses and lanes are full of dirty smells. The roofs often begin to leak. Sometimes malaria breaks out and people are laid low with fever.
Yet the season is not without its advantages. The temperature comes down. The air gets cool and pure. Com, vegetables and other foodstuffs become cheap. The weather becomes pleasant and people work harder. The farmer expects a rich crop and is full of joy. The earth becomes wet and soft. The grass grows and the trees spread out their green branches. All are glad; for if the monsoon fails, famine follows.
A Cricket Match
The other day, I went to see a very fine cricket match between the Gymkhana Club and the North Zone. A large crowd had gathered to watch the match in the National Park. The captain of Gymkhana team won the toss; so the Gymkhana team went in first to bat and the North Zone team took the field.
The two batsmen who went in first to bat, we soon saw, were not good players. One of them was bowled out very soon.
The score then stood at only ten. The next player who went in to bat was very careful. He did not care much for runs. He simply ‘blocked’ most of the time. In this way he tired the bowlers out. The bowling was strong, but he played a steady game. He was not able to make even a single run for the first ten minutes. But the other player was a good bat. He hit the ball well and hard whenever he got it. But he soon paid for it. The bowler sent him a slow ball. He hit it hard and was caught out.
The next four men played out very quickly—two were bowled out, the other two were caught out. The score stood at fifty. We thought that the Gymkhana team would soon be all out. However, their captain made a stand. With the help of his steady partner, he was able to pull up the score to eighty. He played very cautiously, but before he could make more runs, he was run out. The other player went down one after another before the fast bowling. The whole team was out for 95 runs.
The North Zone team made rather a weak start. Their first wicket fell in about five minutes, when the score stood at only five. They lost courage when their second player followed at the next ball. However, their captain cheered them up. He played a steady game. He made runs and won the match.
A Village Fair
Madhopur was celebrating “Basant Panchmi,” the festival of spring. Villagers in hordes were turning up for the fair held in a great ‘maidan’ on the outkirts of the little village. They were walking, they were riding in bullockcarts, even on donkeys. Everyone seemed happy, women were singing and little children were dancing all the way.
You passed the small mud huts, fields of yellow golden mustard fields, you passed the small stream to reach the fair ground. Everywhere there was a golden glow—yellow being the colour of spring. Men, women and children were dressed in yellow—yellow ‘pugrees’ yellow ‘Lehangas’, yellow bangles and of course the yellow marigolds. Remember, the brightest colour in nature is not red but yellow!
As you closed in on the fair ground the noise was deafening—cries of sweetmeat sellers, the flower sellers, the merry-go-rounds with squealing children in it, the cries of people sitting in the giant wheels were ear shattering. If your mouth watered to see the multicoloured sweets—‘Barfis’, ‘Halwas’, and of course the yellow ‘Jalebis’, your eyes were captured by the multicoloured balloons, the Gulmohars and Marigolds. You were fascinated by the juggler performing incredible feats.
But the fair had another objective also, which was not so obvious. The villagers had come to sell and trade their products. In one comer you could see secret deals were being made for the sale of cattle. The entire transaction was being done under a sheet where parties bargained by holding fingers! Not a word was said aloud, only a nod or a jerk of the head. Village handicrafts were sold by women—bamboos woven into various shapes as baskets, little purses with mirrors, skirts woven at home, even bed covers with gay bold prints. For men there were ‘dhotis’, little mufflers, colourful kurtas. The most popular business was going at the bangle shops, full of ‘bindis’, tasseled strings to tie your hair (Parandas).
There were spices of all kinds, household tools, and Indian scents (‘Itars’). Every shop was crowded, people jostling each other in a good humoured manner. The happiest were the children allowed to have their fill of toys, sweets and other gifts. Indeed a village fair is an event one should attend. It gives such a vivid picture of village life—her simple joys and crafts.
Exercise-2
Question 1. Describe any match (hockey, football, cricket, table tennis) you have witnessed in your school.
Answer:
School Football Match
The inter-house final had our entire school gathered on the field. The score was 1-1 when Rohan from Blue House dribbled past three defenders. As he shot, time seemed to freeze – the ball hit the crossbar, then the goalkeeper’s back, and trickled over the line! Our deafening cheers startled birds from nearby trees. That last-minute goal became legendary, proving persistence beats perfection.
Question 2. You witnessed an accident near your house. Describe how it happened and who was hurt. Did anyone help the injured people? Did the police help? Who took the injured to the hospital? What did you do and how did you help?
Answer:
Road Accident Witness
Near my society gate, a speeding scooter hit a cyclist making a U-turn. The cyclist (Mr. Sharma, our math tutor) fractured his wrist, while the scooter boy scraped his knees. I called 100 while neighbors brought water and towels. Surprisingly, PCR vans arrived in 8 minutes – one officer redirected traffic while another called the ambulance. I helped collect Mr. Sharma’s scattered books, recognizing his daughter’s homework I’d failed last week.
Question 3. Narrate an incident which happened during a train journey and which was very humorous.
Answer:
Humorous Train Incident
On the Rajdhani Express, a confused American tourist kept bowing and saying “Arigato” to the TTE, convinced it meant “thank you” in Hindi. The TTE played along, replying “You’re welcome” in heavily accented Japanese. The whole compartment erupted when a Japanese passenger finally explained the mix-up, with the tourist turning tomato-red but laughing loudest of all.
Question 4. Which season do you like and why?
Answer:
Favorite Season – Winter
I adore Delhi’s winters (December-January) when the air smells of roasted peanuts and the sun feels like a warm hug. Layers of sweaters transform everyone into colorful marshmallows. Best part? No alarms – foggy mornings mean spontaneous school delays! Plus, winter weddings where dancing keeps you warmer than any heater.
Question 5. I hate watching Sas-bahu soaps on the T.V.
Answer:
TV Soap Rant
Sas-bahu dramas are emotional torture! Every episode features the same fake eyelashes, unnecessary background music, and overacting that could shatter glass. Yesterday’s plot? A mother-in-law hid her daughter-in-law’s passport… because the flight was at 3 pm and lunch wasn’t served. I’d rather watch paint dry – at least that’s honest about being boring.
Question 6. A weekly market.
Answer:
Weekly Market Scene
Our Tuesday bazaar is chaos perfected. Vendors hawk “100% pure” honey (beside plastic toys), while aunties haggle over onions like Wall Street traders. The real entertainment? The fortune-telling parrot that picks cards – last week it “predicted” three different futures for Mrs. Khanna depending on how many peanuts she offered.
Question 7. The colony I live in
Answer:
My Colony
Greenwood Society is a microcosm of India. Retired Colonel Singh walks his Labrador at 6 am sharp, while teenagers sneak cigarettes near the broken fence. The highlight? Our multicultural Diwali – Gujarati dhoklas, Punjabi jalebis, and Bengali lighting displays, all enjoyed under Tamil neighbors’ fairy lights.
Question 8. My first journey in a plane.
Answer:
First Flight Experience
My white-knuckle grip on the armrest alarmed the air hostess. When the plane accelerated, I screamed thinking we were crashing – only to realize it was normal takeoff! The elderly Bengali man beside me chuckled and said, “Better than Howrah local, no?” The aerial view of tea-stained clouds made the embarrassment worthwhile.
Question 9. Oh! What a horrible experience!
Answer:
Horrible Experience
The “5-star” hotel’s elevator got stuck between floors during my cousin’s wedding. Twelve of us – including the bride in full regalia – were trapped for 90 minutes with a flickering light and a nervous salesman humming “Stairway to Heaven”. The firemen’s ladder rescue gave guests an unexpected show of the groom’s underwear as he climbed out
Question 10. The country you would like to visit.
Answer:
Dream Destination – Japan
I dream of visiting Japan to experience its beautiful contradictions – neon cities beside zen gardens, bullet trains passing ancient temples. The appeal? Vending machine hot meals that taste homemade, polite crows that bow, and Studio Ghibli magic brought to life. Most of all, I want to try authentic ramen where the broth has been perfected over generations.
3. Argumentative Essays
In argumentative essays you argue either for or against a subject. You may support or oppose an idea or ideas strongly.
Example: Computers will Replace Books
Against
One, I cannot believe all the big claims made on behalf of the computers. A computer can never and will never replace a book. A computer cannot give the same joy, which reading a book ourselves can give us. We will form our own opinions about a book and not be influenced by computers.
A computer cannot open new schools and colleges to educate more and more people. If everyone could study from computers there would not be a mad rush to admit children in schools. A computer can never replace a teacher or your book. You have to read to know more. A computer can tell us only that much which is fed into it. It cannot answer all our questions, clear all our doubts.
A book is your own. There is a simple joy in owning it. You can look at the pictures again and again and read your favourite stories again and again. You do not have to depend on electricity, help of your family members and permission to use it! Books will remain forever.
Exercise-3
Write either for or against the following topics :
Question 1. Television is a hazard to children’s health and growth.
Answer:
Television is a hazard to children’s health and growth.
While television can be educational in moderation, excessive screen time poses serious risks to children. Prolonged viewing contributes to obesity due to sedentary behavior, disrupts sleep patterns, and may impair cognitive development. Many shows also expose children to inappropriate content or unrealistic stereotypes. Parents should enforce strict limits and encourage outdoor play, reading, and family interactions instead.
Question 2. India is a better country to live than any other country in the world.
Answer:
India is a better country to live in than any other country in the world.
India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and strong family values make it uniquely vibrant. From snowy Himalayas to tropical beaches, it offers unparalleled geographic variety. While challenges like pollution exist, India’s warmth, affordable living, and spiritual depth create a fulfilling life. However, “better” is subjective—every country has strengths tailored to different lifestyles.
Question 3. Is it better to live in a colony or an independent house?
Answer:
Is it better to live in a colony or an independent house?
Colonies offer security, community, and shared amenities (parks, maintenance), ideal for families and social individuals. Independent houses provide privacy, customization freedom, and no society rules—perfect for those valuing solitude. The choice depends on priorities: convenience (colony) vs. autonomy (house).
Question 4. Cinema entertains and educates.
Answer:
Cinema entertains and educates.
Films like 3 Idiots critique education systems, while Pad Man raises health awareness. Historical dramas (Bhagat Singh) inspire patriotism, and documentaries highlight social issues. However, mindless entertainment dominates—the key is curating meaningful content that balances fun with learning.
Question 5. Admission in school should be compulsory for all.
Answer:
Admission in school should be compulsory for all.
Education is a fundamental right and vital for national progress. Compulsory schooling reduces child labor, empowers marginalized groups, and fosters critical thinking. However, infrastructure gaps in rural areas must be addressed first to ensure quality education for every child.
Question 6. Girls should not be allowed to take up jobs in the army.
Answer:
Girls should not be allowed to take up jobs in the army.
This outdated view ignores women’s proven capabilities in combat and leadership. Officers like Captain Tania Shergill have shattered stereotypes. Physical standards are gender-neutral, and diverse perspectives strengthen forces. Equality in duty and opportunity benefits the entire nation.
4. Imaginative Essays
In imaginative essays the writer imagines the feelings events of someone else and describes it in his own words.
Sample 1
If I Met Aladdin’s Genie for a Day!
How lucky Aladdin was! He had a genie to fulfil all his dreams. With his help he became a fabulously rich man, married a princess and lived happily ever after! Suppose, just suppose, I also meet a genie! I can, so don’t laugh! Everything and anything is possible in this world. I would not ask the genie to make me rich or find a beautiful princess for me. I have better things to do in life.
The first thing I will ask the genie will be to make me a very, very intelligent boy, a better genius than Einstein. I would never feel small in class again, I will astonish all my teachers with my knowledge and ready answers.
My second wish will be that the genie takes me round the world. I would go through space— without space suits or shuttles. I’ll visit the Moon, Planet Mars and stun the world with new scientific information I will collect. The teachers who think I’m a dud in science, will be amazed, or thunderstruck with my knowledge.
My last wish will be to discover the secrets of all diseases. Why should we humans suffer so much! I will find one single cure for all diseases! I want everyone to lead a happy, adventurous healthy life. I don’t like to see sad faces around me. But please, will somebody find the genie for me!
Exercise-4
Write the following essays
Question 1. If I were an astronaut on Mars!
Answer:
If I Were an Astronaut on Mars!
As my boots crunched the rust-colored Martian soil, I’d plant the Indian flag beside Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano in the solar system. With Earth a pale blue dot in the sky, I’d conduct experiments to discover microbial life in the Valles Marineris canyon. At sunset (which appears blue here!), I’d send a holographic postcard home: “Wish you were here—the neighbors are really quiet!”
Question 2. If I could be Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a day
Answer:
If I Could Be MS Dhoni for a Day
Waking up as “Captain Cool,” I’d stroll into Wankhede Stadium to lead Chennai Super Kings. After hitting the winning six, I’d reveal the secret behind that helicopter shot to young fans. Best part? Press conferences where I’d answer every question with my signature enigmatic smile and a “Well, obviously…”
Question 3. If I were as good a singer as Lata Mangeshkar!
Answer:
If I Were as Good a Singer as Lata Mangeshkar!
I’d host a midnight concert at the Taj Mahal, where my rendition of Lag Jaa Gale would make the Yamuna River pause its flow. Bollywood composers would queue outside my home with blank checkbooks, while AI music apps would crash trying to replicate my taans.
Question 4. If I were crowned “Miss Universe”
Answer:
If I Were Crowned “Miss Universe”
During my acceptance speech, I’d swap the usual platitudes for a call to action: “This crown funds 10,000 girls’ STEM scholarships!” Backstage, I’d challenge stereotypes by arm-wrestling the host (and winning), then send the tiara to space to symbolize limitless aspirations.
Question 5. A day in your life as an actor
Answer:
A Day in My Life as an Actor
5 AM: Prosthetic makeup for my role as a 90-year-old scientist.
Noon: Forget lines during a romantic scene—co-star laughs so hard we need 15 retakes.
7 PM: Paparazzi chase me for “scandalous” photos… of me eating golgappas with extra spice.
Midnight: Oscars speech rehearsal in the shower (with a shampoo bottle as my trophy).
Question 6. If I could be a submarine and find out the secrets of the sea
Answer:
If I Could Be a Submarine
I’d dive to the Mariana Trench to interview anglerfish about their bioluminescent dating scene. After discovering Atlantis (it’s just a very elaborate coral prank), I’d blast Under the Sea from my sonar to annoy grumpy squids.
Question 7. If I were a toy maker
Answer:
If I Were a Toy Maker
My workshop would craft empathy dolls that whisper kindness affirmations, and puzzle boxes that teach quantum physics through origami. The star product? A teddy bear with GPS to ensure no child ever loses their friend again.
Question 8. If there were no serials on T.V.!
Answer:
If There Were No Serials on TV!
Families might actually talk to each other! News channels would invent dramatic headlines like Spoiled Milk Crisis: Nation Weeps Over Chai. Meanwhile, I’d pitch a show where actors silently read books—the ultimate plot twist.