For effective revision, students can use BSE Odisha Class 8 English Solutions Chapter 5 Somebody’s Mother Question Answer to practice textbook exercises.
Class 8 English Somebody’s Mother Question Answer
Class 8 English Chapter 5 Question Answer Odia Medium
Let us do these activities before we read.
(ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପଢ଼ିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ କରିବା ।
I. Recall a time you helped someone. Write two words describing :
(ସ୍ମରଣ କର ଗୋଟିଏ ସମୟ, ତୁମେ କାହାରିକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲ । ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରି ଦୁଇଟି ଶବ୍ଦ ଲେଖ ।)
Answer:
Once I helped an old woman carry her heavy bag.
Question 1.
What were your feeling after you did so?
(ତୁମେ ସେହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କଲାପରେ ତୁମର ଅନୁଭୂତି କ’ଣ ହୋଇଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
After I had helped her I felt happy and proud.
Question 2.
What might have been the feelings of the person whom you helped?
(ତୁମେ ଯାହାକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କଲ ତାଙ୍କର ଅନୁଭୂତି କ’ଣ ହୋଇଥାଇପାରେ ?)
Answer:
The feelings of the person whom I helped might have been relieved and grateful.
II. Work in pairs. Read the words given below. Circle the words you would associate with an elderly person and underline the words you would associate with a school student. Share the reasons for your choices with your classmates and teacher.
(ଦୁଇଜଣିଆ ଦଳରେ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କର । ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପଢ଼ । ଯେଉଁ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ତୁମେ ବୟସ୍କ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧିତ କରିବ ତା’ ତାରିପଟେ ଗୋଲ ବୁଲାଅ ଏବଂ ସ୍କୁଲ ପିଲା ସହିତ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧିତ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ରେଖାଙ୍କିତ କର । ତୁମ ପସନ୍ଦର କାରଣ ତୁମ ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
(Questions with Answer)
III. Read the lines (ଧାଡ଼ିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପଢ଼)
The woman was old and ragged and grey
And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
Select the suitable meaning of ‘ragged’ as used in these lines. There are other four meanings given below. Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
(ଏହି ଧାଡ଼ିରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ‘ragged’ ର ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ଅର୍ଥ ବାଛ । ନିମ୍ନରେ ଅନ୍ୟ ଚାରୋଟି ଅର୍ଥ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ତୁମର ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହିତ ଆଲୋଚନା କର ।)
1. (of clothes) old and torn; synonym: shabby
- a ragged jacket
2. Having an outline, an edge, or a surface that is not straight or even
- a ragged coastline
3. Not smooth or regular; not showing control or careful preparation.
- I could hear the sound of his ragged breathing.
- Their performance was still very ragged.
4. (Informal) very tired, especially after physical effort.
- The elderly man was ragged after climbing the stairs.
Answer:
The suitable meaning of ‘ragged’ as used in the lines is
1. (of clothes) old and torn; synonym: shabby
- a ragged jacket
Let us discuss (ଆସ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିବା)
I. Arrange the events of the poem in the correct order of sequence. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
(କବିତାରେ ଘଟଣା ପ୍ରବାହକୁ କ୍ରମ ଅନୁସାରେ ସଜାଅ । ତୁମ ଉତ୍ତରକୁ ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
1. The boy returned to his friends, feeling proud of what he had done.
2. The old woman stood alone at the crossing, hesitant to move.
3. A group of schoolboys passed by, playing, and laughing.
4. The boy offered to help the old woman cross the street.
5. The woman prayed for the boy who helped her.
6. The children hurried past the old woman without offering help.
7. The woman placed her hand on the boy’s arm, and he guided her safely across the street.
8. The boy thought about his own mother and hoped someone would help her one day.
Answer:
Correct Order:
2. The old woman stood alone at the crossing, hesitant to move.
3. A group of schoolboys passed by, playing, and laughing.
6. The children hurried past the old woman without offering help.
4. The boy offered to help the old woman cross the street.
7. The woman placed her hand on the boy’s arm, and he guided her safely across the street.
1. The boy returned to his friends, feeling proud of what he had done.
8. The boy thought about his own mother and hoped someone would help her one day.
5. The woman prayed for the boy who helped her.
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the options given in the brackets.
(ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ଯରେ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ବିକଳ୍ପଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ସଠିକ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ବାଛି ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
1. The central theme of the poem is …………. (kindness and empathy/ adventure and courage)
Answer: kindness and empathy
2. The tone of the poem is …………. (humorous and playful/sympathetic and hopeful)
Answer: sympathetic and hopeful
3. The poem is written in couplets with lines in each stanza …………. (four/two)
Answer: sympathetic and hopeful
4. The structure of the poem gives a rhythmic flow that reflects both the …………. (narrative and emotions/story’s pace and message)
Answer: narrative and emotions
5. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of …………. (AABB/ABAB)
Answer: AABB
III. Pick examples from the poem for the following poetic devices.
(ନିମ୍ନରେ ଥିବା poetic devices ପାଇଁ କବିତାରୁ ଉଦାହରଣ ବାଛ ।)
1. Simile – Came the boys like a flock of sheep.
2. Alliteration – Her aged hand on his strong young arm.
3. Repetition – So week, so tired.
IV. Complete the following sentences appropriately explaining the imagery
(Imanary କୁ ବ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟା କରି ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ଭାବେ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
Question 1.
The poem uses imagery to describe scenes of a bustling steet. We know this by the phrase …………..
Answer:
‘Amid the throng of human beings who passed her by’
Question 2.
The line “The street was wet with a recent snow’ suggests a cold and _______ weather, emphasising the woman’s helplessness.
Answer:
slippery
V. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
(ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କାରଣ ସହିତ ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
The poet repeats the phrase Somebody’s mother because it………….
Answer:
emphasises the idea that every mother deserves care, kindness and respect.
VI. Complete the analogy:
The old woman: vulnerable and neglected:: The young boy: ……………
Answer:
strong and compassionate
Let us think and reflect (ଆସ ଚିନ୍ତାକରିବା ଓ ବିଚାର କରିବା)
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
(ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଉଦ୍ଧୃତାଂଶଟିକୁ ପଢ଼ ଓ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
1. The woman was old and ragged and grey
And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman’s feet were aged and slow.
What does the phrase ‘ragged and grey’ refer to?
(‘ragged and grey’ ର ବାକ୍ୟାଶଟି କ’ଣ ସୂଚାଉଛି ?)
A. The woman’s emotional state that day.
B. The woman’s old and worn-out appearance.
C. The weather conditions of the particular day.
D. The colour of the street and the surroundings.
Answer:
B. The woman’s old and worn-out appearance.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason:
(ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କାରଣ ସହ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଟିକୁ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
The woman was ‘bent’ with the chill of the Winter’s day because she was
Answer:
weak due to old age and the cold weather.
(iii) Identify the fact and opinion from the following sentences:
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖୂତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକରୁ fact ଏବଂ opinion ଚିହ୍ନଟ କର ।)
A. The street was wet with recent snow……………
Answer: Fact
B. The woman was too weak to cross the street on her own.
Answer: opinion
(iv) Why do you think the woman’s feet were described as ‘aged and slow’ ?
(ତୁମେ କାହିଁକି ଭାବୁଛ ଯେ ମହିଳା ଜଣଙ୍କର ପାଦକୁ ‘aged and slow’ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି ?)
Answer:
The woman’s feet were described as ‘aged and slow’ because she was old and physically weak. It was difficult for her to walk quickly in the cold wealth and in the slippery snow covered street.
2. He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
(i) What does the contrast between the ‘trembling feet’ of the old woman and the ‘firm and strong’ feet of the boy emphasise ?
(ବାଳକଟିର ଦୃଢ଼ ଏବଂ ବଳିଷ୍ଠ ପାଦର ପାର୍ଥକ୍ୟରେ କି ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵ ରହିଛି ?)
Answer:
The contrast between the ‘trembling feet of the old woman and the firm and strong feet of the boy emphasises the differences between the weakness of old age and the strength of the youth.
(ii) Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.
(ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଠିକ୍ ବିକଳ୍ପ ବାଛି ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
The poem tells us that the boy was ‘proud’ that his feet were strong.
This tells us that the boy was…………..
(arrogant about being strong/grateful for his ability to help)
Answer:
grateful for his ability to help
(iii) What is the boy most likely to tell his friends on getting back?
(ବାଳକଟି ଫେରିଗଲା ପରେ ତା’ର ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କୁ କ’ଣ କହିଛି ?)
A. I’m so glad I could help her.
C. I’m surprised she forgot to thank me.
Answer:
A. I’m so glad I could help her.
(iv) Rectify the false sentence given below.
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଭୁଲ୍ ବାକ୍ୟକୁ ଠିକ୍ କର ।)
B. I’m worried about her safety.
D. I’m thankful for all your support.
The young boy’s actions were driven by a logical decision.
Answer:
The young boy’s actions were driven by empathy and kindness.
II. Answer the following questions.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
Question 1.
What might be the old woman’s fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀ ଲୋକଟିର କ’ଣ ଆଶଙ୍କା ହୋଇଥିଲା ଯେ ସେ ରାସ୍ତା ପାରିହେବା ପାଇଁ ଛକ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଦୀର୍ଘ ସମୟ ଧରି ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
The old woman waited for a long time at the crossing because she might be afraid of falling on the slippery road or getting hit by carriages or horses feet.
Question 2.
How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
(କବି ବୁଢ଼ୀ ଲୋକଟିର ଅସହାୟତାକୁ କିପରି ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି ? ତୁମର ଉତ୍ତର ସମର୍ଥନରେ କବିତାର ପ୍ରମାଣ ଦିଅ ।)
Answer:
The poet shows the helplessness of the old woman by describing her as old and, aged, grey and bent with the chill of the winter day and the words timid, meek
Question 3.
and afraid to stir standing and uncared for reflect her fear and loneliness. Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What does this tell us about him ?
(ବାଳକଟି ବୁଢ଼ୀ ଲୋକଟିକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବାକୁ ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି ନେଲା କାହିଁକି ? ଏହା ତା’ ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ କହୁଛି ?)
Answer:
The boy decides to help the old woman because he is strong, kind-hearted and empathetic and judicious. It shows that he values others needs and acts accordingly.
Question 4.
How was the boy’s approach towards the old woman different from that of the other boys in the group ?
(ବାଳକଟିର ବୁଢ଼ୀଲୋକଟି ପ୍ରତି ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଭଙ୍ଗୀ ଅନ୍ୟ ବାଳକମାନଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଭିନ୍ନ କିପରି ?)
Answer:
The boy’s approach towards the old woman was different from that of the other boys in the group because the other boys ignored the presence of the old woman. They were indiffferent and careless to offer help. The boy noticed her difficulty and offered to help her cross the street. This action of the boy show that he was considerate and compassionate.
Question 5.
Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
Answer:
The title of the poem ‘Somebody’s Mother’ suggests that, every elderly woman is the mother of someone like ours. It reminds the readers that every woman is loved and valued by someone. It also highlights the fact that every mother deserves our respect and care.
Question 6.
What does the poem suggest about the role of empathy and humanity in society ?
(କବିତାଟି ସମାଜରେ ସହାନୁଭୂତି ଓ ମାନବିକତା ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ ପରାମର୍ଶ ଦେଇଛି ?)
Answer:
The poem suggests that empathy and humanity are essential qualities of a human being. A small act of kindness reflects the best of human nature and can have a deep and lasting impact.
Let us Learn:
I. The grid given below has the antonyms of the words from the text. Locate these words in the grid horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. One example has been done for you. You may refer to a dictionary.
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଗ୍ରିଡ୍ରେ ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରେ କେତେକ ଶବ୍ଦର ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ ଅଛି । ଏହି ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଗ୍ରୀଡ଼ରେ ଧାଡ଼ିରେ, ସ୍ତମ୍ଭରେ, କୌଣିକ ଭାବେ ଦର୍ଶାଅ । ଗୋଟିଏ ତୁମ ପାଇଁ କରି ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ତୁମେ ଏକ ଶବ୍ଦକୋଷ ଅନୁସରଣ କରିପାର ।) (Questions with Answer)
Answer:
II. Match the words from the text given in Column 1 with the underlined phrases in Column 2.
(ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୧’ ରେ ଥିବା ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟର ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୨’ ରେ ଥିବା ରେଖାଙ୍କିତ ବାକ୍ୟାଶ ସହ ମିଳାଅ ।)
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | |
| 1. | hastened | (iii) The students worked quickly to complete the project and submit it on time. |
| 2. | heeded | (vi) The stranded people were brought to safety because they paid attention to our advice. |
| 3. | stir | (i) The mother heard the baby move slightly in the cradle at night. |
| 4. | lend | (ii) It is our duty to give support to the poor. |
| 5. | piled | (iv) All the boxes were kept in a heap in one place. |
| 6. | offered | (v) They came forward to help us when we were in need. |
III. In the poem, the poet uses the idiom ‘lend a hand’ which means ‘help somebody’. Some more idioms using ‘hand’ are given in Column 1. Match these idioms with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.
(କବିତାରେ କବି ହାତ ବଢ଼ାଇବା (lend a hand) ରୂଢ଼ି ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିଛନ୍ତି ଯାହାର ଅର୍ଥ ଜଣକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବା (help somebody । କେତେକ ରୂଢ଼ି ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୧’ ରେ ‘hand’ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ଦିଆଯାଇଛି । ଏହି ରୂଢ଼ିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୨’ରେ ଥିବା ତା’ର ଅର୍ଥ ସହ ମିଳାଅ ।)
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. get out of hand | (iv) become difficult to control |
| 2. try your hand at something or | (i) do something new |
| 3. give somebody a free hand | (vi) allow somebody to do something with full freedom |
| 4. give somebody a big hand | (ii) applaud somebody |
| 5. work hand in hand | (iii) work together |
| 6. have your hands full | (v) be very busy |
IV. Complete the following analogy by filling in the blanks with the correct words from the poem.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ତୁଳନାକୁ କବିତାରୁ ଠିକ୍ ଶବ୍ଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ତୁଳନା କର ।)
1. ______: winter :: heat : summer
2. hurt: ______ :: old: aged
3. whispered: shouted:: humble: ______
4. eyes : ______ :: legs : walk
5. having a lot money: wealthy:: densely packed people:______
Answer:
1. chill
2. harm
3. proud
4. glance
5. throng
Let us listen (ଆସ ଶୁଣିବା) :
You will listen to a woman read the special broadcast of the news. As you listen, arrange the pictures in the correct sequence of the events that took place.
(Transcript for teacher on page 99) (ତୁମେ ଜଣେ ସ୍ତ୍ରୀଲୋକ ସ୍ଵତନ୍ତ୍ର ସମ୍ବାଦ ପଢ଼ୁଥିବାର ଶୁଣ । ଶୁଣିବା ସମୟରେ ଛବିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଘଟଣା ଘଟିଥିବା କ୍ରମ ଅନୁସାରେ ସଜାଅ । (ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ Transcript ପୃଷ୍ଠା ୯୯ ରେ ଅଛି ।)
Answer:
Arrangement of pictures:
The correct sequence of low events in the pictures are:
3→6 → 1→5 → 2 → 4
II. You will once again listen to the special broadcast of the news. As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words.
(ତୁମେ ଆଉଥରେ ସମ୍ବାଦ ପ୍ରଚାର ଶୁଣ । ଶୁଣିବାବେଳେ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଗୋଟିଏରୁ ତିନୋଟି ଅବିକଳ ଶବ୍ଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ପୂରଣ କର ।)
1. The woman was having a difficult time staying a float due to the ……..
Answer: strong currents
2. Rohan leapt into the river to save the woman without any ……..
Answer: hesitation
3. Rohan’s act of bravery was witnessed by ……..
Answer: onlookers
4. Rohan was honoured at the Vigyan Bhawan for his incredible courage and ……..
Answer: selfless act
5. Rohan proved that when it comes to saving lives, age is ……..
Answer: no barrier
Let us speak (ଆସ କହିବା):
Read aloud the list of words from the poem that end in ‘-ed’. As you read, focus on the final sound of each word and place them in the appropriate columns. One example has been done for you.
(କବିତାରୁ ‘–ed’ ରେ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଥିବା ତାଲିକାଭୁକ୍ତ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଉଚ୍ଚ ସ୍ୱରରେ ପଢ଼ । ପଢ଼ିବା ସମୟରେ ପଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଶେଷ ଉଚ୍ଚାରଣରେ ଧ୍ୟାନକେନ୍ଦ୍ରିତ କର ଏବଂ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଉକଯୁକ୍ତ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭରେ ସ୍ଥାନିତ କର । ତୁମ ପାଇଁ ଗୋଟିଏ ଉଦାହରଣ କରି ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ।)
Note: Adjectives that come before a noun and end with ‘-ed’ have /id/as the final sound.
Answer:
II. Work in pairs. Narrate an incident where you helped someone in the past. Take turns to speak and use the cue cards given below.
(ଦୁଇଜଣିଆ ଦଳରେ କାମ କର । ଏକ ଘଟଣା ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କର, ଯେଉଁଥରେ ତୁମେ ଅତୀତରେ କାହାକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲେ । ପାଳି ଅନୁସାରେ କୁହ ଏବଂ ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ସୂଚନାକୁ ବ୍ୟବହାର କର ।)
At school: One day my best friend was confused about a poem during the lunch break. He looked worried because he had to appear test. I knew the poem very well. I wanted to help him. I sat with him and explained the poem, At that moment I understood teaching could make my knowledge stronger.
Incident: Helping an elderly person carrying bags I went to the Krushak Bazzar last Sunday. The day began like any other, but I still remember seeing an oldman struggling to carry two heavy bags full of vegetables and at that time I realised that he needed help. Soon I requested him to carry one of the bags for him. He smiled and thanked me, The next I was deligated to see that such a small act brought comfort to him, A wave of relief washed over me as he said.” “May god bless you!” In the end I realized (uns îm) that helping a person makes the world a pleasant place. This memory reminds me to be kind and helpful to others.
Let us write (ଚାଲ ଲେଖୁବା)
I. Write a diary entry of a day you helped someone in need.
(ତୁମେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ କରୁଥିବା ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିବା ଦିନର ଦିନଲିପି ଲେଖ ।)
Remember to include the following points while writing it.
(ଏହି ଲେଖୁବା ସମୟରେ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବିନ୍ଦୁଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଅନ୍ତର୍ଭୁକ୍ତ କରିବାକୁ ମନେରଖ)
✓ Start with a sentence describing the day.
✓ Mention whom you helped.
✓ Explain the situation in which the other person needed help.
✓ Add the place and time of the day when the situation arose.
✓ Describe how you helped the other person.
✓ Describe the reaction of the person you helped.
✓ Mention how you felt during and after helping the person.
✓ Conclude by mentioning why you would do something like this again.
You may begin like this:
26 April 2025, Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I feel was a special day…
Answer:
26 April 2025 8.00 p.m.
Saturday
Dear Diary,
Today I feel it was a special day for me. I helped an elderly man carry a heavy shopping bag. He seemed to be in need of some help. I approached him and assisted him. I felt happy and proud of myself. The man was very grateful and thanked me with big smile. I learned that helping others makes the world a better place to live in. I get a chance. Today reminded me that we must lend a helping hand when someone needs it.
Good night.
Let us explore (ଆସ ଅନ୍ଵେଷଣ କରିବା) :
I. Did you know that even Earth has been referred to as mother in the ancient scriptures of India? In section 12.1.12 of Prithvi-Sk kta (hymn-to the-earth) of Atharva Veda, Earth is referred to as mother and us as her children by stating:
(ତୁମେ ଜାଣକି ଭାରତର ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ଧର୍ମଗ୍ରନ୍ଥର ପୃଥିବୀକୁ ମାତା ରୂପେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି । ଅଥର୍ବ ବେଦର ପୃଥ୍ବୀ—ସୂକ୍ତ ୧୨.୧.୧୭ ରେ ପୃଥିବୀକୁ ମାତା ଆମକୁ ତାର ସନ୍ତାନ ରୂପେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି ।) माता भूमि: पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः
It can be transmitted as ‘Earth is my mother and I am her child.”
Answer:
The ‘Earth is my mother and I am her child’ the line reflects how deeply our ancestors worshipped nature and treated it as a mother. The verse tells us to respect and protect the nature just like a child could care for his/her mother.
II. Work in groups of four. Find out the names of countries that refer to their country as ‘motherland’ and a few others as ‘fatherland’. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.
(ଚାରିଜଣିଆ ଦଳରେ କାମ,କର । ସେହି ଦେଶଗୁଡ଼ିକର ନାମ ନିରୂପଣ କର ଯେଉଁ ଦେଶର ଅଧିବାସୀମାନେ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଦେଶକୁ ମାତୃଭୂମି କହନ୍ତି, ଆଉ କେତେକ ଦେଶରେ ପିତୃଭୂମି କହନ୍ତି । ତୁମ ଉତ୍ତରକୁ ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
Answer:
| Motherland | Fatherland |
| 1. India: often reffered to Bharatmata | 1. Germany: Vaterland |
| 2. Russia: call ‘Rodina mat’ | 2. Netherlands: Vaderland |
| 3. Philippines: call Inang Bayan | 3. Denmark: Fadreland |
| 4. Srilanka: call as Mother Lanka | 4. Poland – ojczyzna |
Some, nations think of the land as a mother as she nourishes her children. Others think of the country as a father because he offers strength, protection and authority.
III. Read the poem and enjoy.
(କବିତାଟିକୁ ପଢ଼ ଓ ଉପଭୋଗ କର ।)
A Nation’s Strength
Not gold, but only men can make
A people great and strong… Men who for truth and honour’s sake Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky. —- Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Note: Here, men refers to both men and women)
IV. Make a gratitude card for your mother/grandmother to thank her for at least five things that she does for you. Also write two things that you would do regularly to help them. Use recycled material to make and decorate the card.
(ତୁମ ମା/ଜେଜେ ମା ତୁମ ପାଇଁ କରିଥିବା ଅନ୍ୟୁନ ପାଞ୍ଚଟି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ପାଇଁ ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ ଜଣାଇ ଏକ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ ପତ୍ର ତିଆରି କର । ତୁମେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ନିୟମିତ ଭାବେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବା ପାଇଁ କରୁଥିବା ଦୁଇଟି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଲେଖ । ପତ୍ରଟିକୁ ତିଆରି କରିବା ଓ ସଜ୍ଜିତ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ପୁନଶ୍ଚକ୍ରଣ ପଦାର୍ଥ ବ୍ୟବହାର କର ।)
Write your own message (ତୁମ ନିଜ ବାର୍ତ୍ତା ଲେଖ ।)
Answer:
Thank you for
- Telling me stories.
- Cooking tasty food for me.
- Looking after me when I am ill
- Making our home a happy place
- Loving me unconditionally
- Helping me with my homework
I will
- Help you clean the room.
- Spend more time with you.
- Care for you when you are sick
- Admire your wisdom and guidance
- Appreciate your efforts
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Summary
Let us read (ଆସ ପଢ଼ିବା) :
The woman was old and ragged and grey
And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman’s feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng
Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eyes.
Down the street, with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of “school let out,”
Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.
Past the woman so old and grey
Hastened the children on their way.
Nor offered a helping hand to her—
So meek, so timid, afraid to stir
Lest the carriage wheels or the horses’ fe
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.
At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest laddie of all the group;
He paused beside her and whispered low,
“I’ll help you cross, if you wish to go.”
Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,
He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
‘She’s somebody’s mother, boys, you know,
For all she’s aged and poor and slow”,
“And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand’,
“If ever she’s poor and old and grey,
When her own dear boy is far away.
” And “somebody’s mother” bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was “God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody’s son, and pride and joy !” — Mary Dow Brine
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅନୁବାଦ : ଏହି କବିତାଟି ଗୋଟିଏ ବୁଢ଼ୀର କାହାଣୀ ପାରି ହେବାପାଇଁ ସେ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କରୁଥିଲା । ବୁଢ଼ୀ କେଶ ଧଳା ହୋଇଯାଇଥିଲା । ଶୀତ ଦିନର ଅସହ୍ୟ ଯୋଗୁ ରାସ୍ତା ଓଦା ଥିଲା ଏବଂ ବୁଢ଼ୀର ବୟସାଧ୍ଵ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଠିଆ ହୋଇଥିଲେ । ଏକୁଟିଆ ବହୁ ସମୟଧରି ଜନଗହଳି ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଅସହାୟ ହୋଇ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲା । ଜନଗହଳି ଭିତରୁ କେହିହେଲେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ରାସ୍ତାପାରି କରାଇବାକୁ ଇଚ୍ଛା କରୁ ନଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ । ପାର୍ଶ୍ଵଦେଇ ଯାଉଥିବା ଲୋକମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାଙ୍କପ୍ରତି ଦୃଷ୍ଟି ଦେଉ ନଥିଲେ । ରାସ୍ତାର କିଛି ଦୂରରୁ ସ୍କୁଲ ଭିତରୁ ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତାର ଆନନ୍ଦରେ ପିଲାମାନେ ହସୁଥିଲେ ଓ ଚିତ୍କାର କରୁଥିଲେ । ମେଷପଲ ପରି ପିଲାମାନେ ସ୍କୁଲ ଭିତରୁ ବାହାରିଲେ ଓ ଜମା ହୋଇଥିବା ତୁଷାରକୁ ଦେଖ୍ ଖୁସି ମନରେ ତୁଷାରକୁ ଅଭିବାଦନ ଜଣାଇଲେ । ପିଲାମାନେ ବୁଢ଼ୀ ଲୋକଟିର ପାର୍ଶ୍ଵରାସ୍ତା ଦେଇ ସଅଳ ଚାଲିଗଲେ ।
କେହିହେଲେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟର ହାତ ବଢ଼ାଇଲେ ନାହିଁ । ଘୋଡ଼ାଗାଡ଼ିର ଚକ କିମ୍ବା ଘୋଡ଼ାର ଟାପୁରେ ଖସଡ଼ା ରାସ୍ଥାରେ ବୁଢ଼ୀଟି ପଡ଼ିଯିବାର ସମ୍ଭାବନା ଥିଲା । ଶେଷରେ ହସଖୁସିରେ ଆସର ଭିତରୁ ଜଣେ ବାହାରି ଆସିଲା । ସେହି ଦଳରେ ସେ ବହୁତ ଆନନ୍ଦିତ ଥିଲା । ସେ ବୁଢ଼ୀ ପାଖରେ ଅଟକିଗଲା ଓ କହିଲା, ‘‘ଆପଣ ଯଦି ଯିବାପାଇଁ ଇଚ୍ଛୁକ, ମୁଁ ଆପଣଙ୍କୁ ରାସ୍ତା ଅତିକ୍ରମ କରିବାକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବି ।’’ ବୁଢ଼ୀଟି ତାର ଦୁର୍ବଳ ହାତଟିକୁ ବାଳକର ବାହୁ ଉପରେ ରଖିଲା ଏବଂ କୌଣସି କଷ୍ଟ ହେଲାନାହିଁ । ଥରୁଥୁବା ଗୋଡ଼ରେ ବୁଢ଼ୀଟିକୁ ସେ ରାସ୍ତା ପାର କରାଇଦେଲା । ପିଲାଟି ନିଜର ଶକ୍ତ ଓ ଦୃଢ଼ . ଗୋଡ଼ପାଇଁ ଖୁବ୍ ଖୁସିହେଲା ।
ତା’ ପରେ ସେ ନିଜ ସାଥୀମାନଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଫେରିଆସିଲା । ସେ ତା’ର ହୃଦୟରେ ଆନନ୍ଦ ଓ ସନ୍ତୁଷ୍ଟ ‘ଅନୁଭବ କଲା । ପିଲାଟି ତା’ର ସାଥୀମାନଙ୍କୁ କିହଲା, ‘ହେ ବାଳକମାନେ, ସେ କାହାରି ମାଆ । ସେ ବୃଦ୍ଧା, ଗରିବ ଓ ଧୀର ହୋଇଯାଇଛନ୍ତି । ମୁଁ ଆଶାକରୁଛି କେହି ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ନିଶ୍ଚୟ ମୋ ମାଆକୁ ଅଟେ । ସେ ଏକ ଥଣ୍ଡା ଦିନରେ ଏକ ବ୍ୟସ୍ତବହୁଳ ରାସ୍ତାକୁ ଲୋକଟି ପୁରୁଣା ବସ୍ତ୍ର ପରିଧାନ କରିଥିଲା ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କର ଥଣ୍ଡାରେ ସେ ଭାଙ୍ଗିପଡ଼ିଥିଲା । ସଦ୍ୟ ତୁଷାରପାତ ଯୋଗୁ ସେ ମନ୍ଥର ଥିଲା । ସେ ରାସ୍ତା ପାରିହେବା ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବ ଯଦି ସେ ବୁଢ଼ୀ, ଗରିବ ଓ ପାଚିଲା କେଶ ହୋଇଥବ । ଯେତେବେଳେ ତା’ର ପ୍ରିୟ ସନ୍ତାନ ଖୁବ୍ ଦୂରରେ ରହିଥିବ । ଏହାପରେ ବୁଢୀ ମାଆ ସେହିଦିନ ରାତିରେ ଘରେ ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା କଲାବେଳେ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନୁଆଁଇ ପ୍ରଣାମ କଲେ ଓ କହିଲେ, ‘ଭଗବାନ, ଏହି ମହାନ୍ ବାଳକର ମଙ୍ଗଳ କରନ୍ତୁ ।’’
Notes and Glossary :
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 MCQ
Question 1.
Answer the following questions, choosing the correct option from the ones given below each. How was the weather of the day?
(a) rainy and windy
(b) hot and sunny
(c) cold and snowy
(d) warm and pleasant
Answer:
(c) cold and snowy
Question 2.
Where did the woman wait?
(a) at the crossing
(b) at the gate
(c) beside the road
(d) in the middle of the road
Answer:
(a) at the crossing
Question 3.
What does ‘amid the throng’ refer to?
(a) vehicles
(b) horses
(c) soldiers
(d) human beings
Answer:
(d) human beings
Question 4.
What is described as ‘white and deep’?
(a) the road
(b) the snow
(c) the winter weather
(d) the street crossing
Answer:
(b) the snow
Question 5.
The old woman was afraid of being run over by …………. (Fill in the blank.)
(a) the carriage wheels
(b) the horses’ feet
(c) both of these
(d) neither of these
Answer:
(c) both of these
Question 6.
What was the boy proud of?
(a) his strong young arm
(b) his firm and strong feet
(c) his low whispering
(d) his gayest mood
Answer:
(b) his firm and strong feet
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Fill in the Blanks
1. The recent snow made the street ………….
Answer: wet
2. The ………… were aged and slow.
Answer: the old woman’s feet
3. The schoolboys came along the road with ………….
Answer: laughter and shout
4. The ………… was very meek and timid.
Answer: old woman
5. The group of schoolboys is described as a merry ………….
Answer: troop
6. After helping the old woman, the young boy’s heart was happy and ………….
Answer: well contented
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What was the old woman, like?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀଲୋକଟି କିପରି ଥୁଲା ?)
Answer:
The old woman was weak, ragged and grey.
Question 2.
Where was the old woman standing?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀଲୋକଟି କେଉଁଠାରେ ଛିଡ଼ା ହୋଇଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
The old woman was standing at the street crossing.
Question 3.
What made the old woman hesitant to cross the street?
(କେଉଁଥିପାଇଁ ବୁଢ଼ୀଲୋକଟି ଛକ ରାସ୍ତା ପାରି ହେବାପାଇଁ ବିଧାବୋଧ କରୁଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
Her slow steps, fear of carriages and horses and the slippery road made her hesitate to cross the street.
Question 4.
What was the condition of the street?
(ରାସ୍ତାର ଅବସ୍ଥା କିପରି ଥୁଲା?)
Answer:
The street was wet and slippery due to recent snowfall. The carriages and horses were seen moving about.
Question 5.
How did the people in the street behave the old woman?
(ରାସ୍ତାରେ ଲୋକମାନେ ବୁଢୀ ପ୍ରତି କିଭଳି ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିଥିଲେ ?)
Answer:
The people in the street were indifferent to the presence of the old woman.
Question 6.
What were the school boys doing when they passed by the old woman?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀକୁ ଅତିକ୍ରମ କରି ଗଲାବେଳେ ସ୍କୁଲ ପିଲାମାନେ କ’ଣ କରୁଥିଲେ ?)
Answer:
The school boys were very happy after the school. They were shouting and playing with the snow. They ignored the presence of the old woman.
Question 7.
Who helped the old woman cross the street?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀକୁ ରାସ୍ତାପାର କରିବାରେ କିଏ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କଲା ?)
Answer:
A kind-hearted boy from the group helped the old woman. He is described on the gayest laddie (QI) of the group.
Question 8.
How did the boy speak to the old woman?
(ବାଳକଟି ବୁଢ଼ୀ ସହ କିପରି କଥାହେଲା ?)
Answer:
The boy spoke to the old woman in a low voice politely. He didn’t want the old woman to feel unsafe and frightened.
Question 9.
How did the old woman accept the offer?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀଟି ସାହାଯ୍ୟକୁ କିପରି ଗ୍ରହଣ କଲା ?)
Answer:
The old woman accepted the boy’s offer gladly. She placed her trembling hand on his strong arm of the boy.
Question 10.
What did the boy feel after helping the old woman?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କଲାପରେ ବାଳକଟି କିପରି ଅନୁଭବ କଲା ?)
Answer:
The boy felt proud and happy. His heart was filled with satisfaction for doing a good deed (ଉତ୍ତମ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ).
Question 11.
What did the boy tell his friends after helping the old woman?
(ବୁଢ଼ୀକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିସାରିବା ପରେ ବାଳକଟି ତା’ ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କୁ କ’ଣ କହିଲା ?)
Answer:
The boy told his friends that the old woman was somebody’s mother. He also told that if his mother would be ever in such a situation, someone should help her.
Somebody’s Mother Class 8 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What is the message of the poem “Somebody’s Mother”?
Answer:
The poem teaches us to be kind and helpful to the elderly. The poem emphasises that we should help the elderly in need. Helping old people with sympathy and kindness can connect people across the world.
Question 2.
What was the old woman’s prayer at the end of the poem ?
(କବିତାର ଶେଷରେ ବୁଢ଼ୀଟିର ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା କ’ଣ ଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
The old woman was filled with gratitude and emotion. Her words show that good deeds are always remembered and helping the elderly can bring blessings in return.
Question 3.
Why is the poem titled ‘Somebody’s Mother’ ?
(କବିତାର ଶୀର୍ଷକ ‘Somebody’s Mother ରଖାଯାଇଛି କାହିଁକି ?)
Answer:
The title reminds us that the elderly are not just strangers. The title effectively highlights the act of kindness that has a powerful impact on us. We shouldn’t ignore the elderly in need. It reminds that a small act today will return as blessings in the future.
Question 4.
How does the boy’s action show that – true kindness brings blessings in return?
(ପ୍ରକୃତ ଦୟାଶୀଳତା ପ୍ରତିବଦଳରେ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ ମିଳିଥାଏ ଏହା ବାଳକଟିର କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କିପରି ଏହା ଦର୍ଶାଉଛି ?)
Answer:
The old woman’s prayer at her home is filled with gratitude and emotion. Her words reflect that how deeply good deeds are remembered. The poet says that kindness often returns not in things but it returns through blessings.
Question 5.
Why did the boy whisper his offer to help the old woman?
(ବାଳକଟି ବୁଢ଼ୀଟିକୁ ନିମ୍ନ ସ୍ତରରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ଯାଚିଲା କାହିଁକି ?)
Answer:
The boy whispered his offer to help the old woman because he wanted to show his gentle and respectful approach. He didn’t want to embrass the woman. So he offered help in a low voice instead of saying loudly.
Question 6.
Why is the boy described as ‘the gayest laddie all of the group’?
(ବାଳକଟିକୁ କାହିଁକି ଦଳରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ଖୁସିଥୁବା ବାଳକଭାବେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି ?)
Answer:
The boy is described as ‘the gayest laddie of all the group’ because he is carefree, kind and thoughtful. It tells that goodness can come from happiness.
Question 7.
How do you know that the old woman was afraid to cross the street?
(ତୁମେ କିପରି ଜାଣୁଛ ଯେ ବୁଢ଼ୀଲୋକଟି ରାସ୍ତା ପାର ହେବାପାଇଁ ଭୟ କରୁଥିଲେ ?)
Answer:
The old woman was afraid of slipping on the snowy street. She also saw the carriage wheels, horses feet along the street. Her timid behaviour reflects her fear of crossing the street alone due to her old age and weakness.