Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 13 Feathered Friend – NCERT Solutions & Answers

Feathered Friend Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 205)

I. Work in pairs and discuss the questions given below. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.   

1. Who can a ‘feathered’ friend be?

Answer: A “feathered friend” refers to a bird.

2. Which ‘feathered’ friend do you like? Why?

Answer: I like the parrot as my feathered friend. It is very intelligent and can even imitate human voices.

3. If you had a choice between a feathered’ and a ‘furry’ friend, who would you choose? Why?

Answer: I would prefer a feathered friend because birds are light, easy to care for, and less expensive. Furry friends, like cats, have fur and sometimes may bite without any reason.

4. Do you think a ‘feathered’ or a furry’ friend can accompany astronauts to space? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: No, I don’t think a furry friend can accompany astronauts to space. Such animals may cause disturbances and create problems inside the spacecraft because of their playful and unpredictable behaviour.

II. Complete the words given below by inserting vowels. Refer to their meanings given alongside. Share your answers with your classmates and teachers.

1. official rule that controls how something is done: R_G_L_T N

2. to not allow something: F _ R B _ D

3. join or blend to form a single entity: F _ S _

4. suddenly: _BR_PTLY

5. admit one’s mistake: C _ N F _ S S

6. a person who advises what to eat to keep healthy: D T _ T N

Answer: 1. REGULATION

2. FORBID

3. FUSE

4. ABRUPTLY

5. CONFESS

6. DIETITIAN

Feathered Friend Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 209)

I. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Why did the narrator think Sven had sneaked a bird aboard? What was Sven’s scientific reason?

Answer:

The narrator had reasons to feel this way. The bird behaved strangely, flying easily inside the space station and showing no worry about the lack of gravity. Sven, however, had a scientific purpose for bringing the bird on board. He wanted to study how a bird would behave in a weightless environment and observe how it moves and navigates without the pull of gravity.

2. How did Claribel adjust to the new surroundings?

Answer: Claribel adapted to the new environment by learning to move without using her wings or putting in much effort. She could stay suspended in the air with her wings folded, completely still. This adjustment helped her live comfortably and even gain weight in the unusual conditions of the space station.

3. What made the narrator mistake the musical whistle for a sound from the intercom?

Answer: The narrator heard a whistle close to his ear and expected it to be followed by an announcement, as usually happens with an intercom. But instead of a human voice, he heard only the tune of the whistle. This made him realise that it wasn’t the intercom at all.

4. Do you think the presence of the canaiy would lead the spacers into trouble? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: On long space missions, having canaries on board could create challenges for the astronauts. Although they can serve as early warning signals for harmful gases, they also have specific needs and are quite delicate, making it hard to care for them in the limited and controlled environment of a spacecraft.

Class 8 English Feathered Friend Question Answer – Let us discuss (Page 211)

I. Identify whether the following statements from parts I and II are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teachers.

1. The alarm at the space station failed to work properly because they were not connected.

Answer:
False

2. Claribel was brought to the space station for an official experiment on animal behaviour in space.

Answer:
False

3. The canary’s suffering helped the crew discover a problem with the air purifier.

Answer:
True

4. The air purifier froze because there was a rare eclipse.

Answer:
True

5. Claribel could fly gracefully in the space station, performing loops in the air.

Answer:
True

6. The space station crew was uninterested in Claribel and hardly noticed her presence after she was discovered.

Answer:
False

7. Claribel had fainted and had to be revived with oxygen supply.

Answer:
True

Feathered Friend Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us think and reflect (Pages 212-213)

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. Sven was one of our best construction men, and excelled at the tricky and specialised work of collecting assorted girders as they floated around in free fall, making them do the slow-motion, three-dimensional ballet that would get them into their right positions, and fusing the pieces together when they were precisely dovetailed into the intended pattern: it was a skilled and difficult job, for a space suit is not the most convenient of garbs in which to work.

(i) What can be inferred about Sven’s abilities from his job description?

A. He is good at following instructions but lacks creativity.

B. He possesses a strong understanding of working in space.

C. He struggles with the complexities of construction in space.

D. He prefers working on simpler tasks rather than complex jobs.

Answer:

B. He possesses a strong understanding of working in space.

(ii) How can we conclude that Sven was working in zero gravity?

Answer: Sven was working in space, where his task was to gather different girders drifting freely in zero gravity. He had to guide them carefully into slow-motion movement so they would align correctly, and then fuse each piece together to form the required structure.

(iii) Select the option that is correct for both (Assertion) A and (Reason) R.
(A): Sven’s job required him to make girders perform a ‘three-dimensional ballet’ in space.
(R): Working in zero gravity allows objects to float, making precise positioning more challenging.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(iv) Replace the underlined word with a word similar in meaning from the extract.
During the festival, people wore colourful outfits that represented their culture.

Answer:
Garbs

2. “Jim!” There’s something wrong with the air! That’s why Claribel’spassed out. I’ve just remembered that miners used to carry canaries down to warn them of gas.”

“Nonsense!” said Jim. “The alarms would have gone off. We’ve got duplicate circuits, operating independently. ”

“Er—the second alarm circuit isn’t connected up yet, ” his assistant reminded him. That shook Jim; he left without a word, while we stood arguing and passing the oxygen bottle around like a pipe of peace.

(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The narrator references canaries and miners in order to __________.
(highlight the historical use of canaries as warning systems/explain the reason that caused Claribel to faint suddenly)

Answer:
highlight the historical use of canaries as warning system.

(ii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
Jim initially dismisses the warning about the air because __________.

Answer:
the alarms would have gone off.

(iii) What does the phrase ‘shook Jim’ mean in the context of the information in the extract?
Jim was _________.
A. physically pushed by someone
B. startled by unexpected information
C. cold and needed to warm up
D. trying to shake off sleepiness

Answer:
B. startled by unexpected information

(iv) What does the crew’s action of passing the oxygen bottle around ‘like a pipe of peace’ suggest about their response to the situation?

Answer: This phrase implies that the crew is dividing an important, life-saving resource fairly and calmly during a tough situation. It also shows that they are neither selfish nor greedy.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What was the purpose of the alarm? What had caused its failure?

Answer:

The alarm was meant to alert the crew when oxygen levels became low. However, it failed because an eclipse caused part of the air purifier to freeze. This freezing stopped the purifier from working correctly, which also prevented the alarm from going off.

2. How does the crew’s reaction to Claribel change over the course of the story?

Answer: The crew’s first reaction to Claribel is one of curiosity and slight amusement, as they are surprised to find a pet on the space station. But as the story continues, their attitude changes to genuine concern and eventually affection. This transformation happens mainly because Claribel unexpectedly warns them about a dangerous situation and ends up saving their lives.

3. What does the last part of the story tell us about the significance of unusual ways of problem solving?

Answer: The story highlights an unusual method of problem-solving centered around a canary named Claribel. She senses a problem with the air quality on the space station. When she collapses because of the poor air, the crew realises that the air purifier has malfunctioned. This shows how relying on a living creature as an early warning system can reveal dangers in a way that is not immediately obvious or typical in a space setting.

4. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the story.

Answer: The title Feathered Friend is very fitting because the story centers on friendship and the bond between humans and a bird. It immediately suggests the image of a bird as a companion and a source of happiness. This supports the narrator’s emphasis on the relationship between Sven and Claribel, the canary, making the title fully appropriate for the story.

5. ‘Without Claribel, we should soon have been slightly dead.’ What does this line suggest about uncertainty of life in space?

Answer: This quote emphasises Claribel’s vital role in warning the space station crew about a life-threatening situation caused by a faulty air purifier. Without her sharp sensitivity to changes in the air, the crew would have been exposed to the poisonous atmosphere.

6. Explain how has the writer presented science fiction with a touch of humour.

Answer: The narrator’s doubt about the canary’s ability to survive in space, along with his casual attitude toward breaking rules, creates a humorous contrast with the seriousness of their mission. The exaggerated descriptions of the space station’s equipment—such as the alarm that fails to work—and the crew’s reactions, especially the narrator’s initial laziness, add to the comic effect. Sven, who brings Claribel on board, is shown as slightly eccentric and unpredictable, which further enhances the story’s humorous tone. In addition, Claribel’s unexpected recovery and the later events, like the air purifier freezing, bring moments of light-hearted amusement throughout the narrative.

7. How would Sven reflect on his experience of almost losing Claribel and for saving the lives of the entire crew?

Answer: Sven would probably think deeply about Claribel’s tragic loss and recognise how she saved the lives of everyone on the crew. Her death would be felt as a personal and painful tragedy because of the affectionate bond she shared with them. At the same time, the story highlights the importance of her alertness, showing how her actions—though accidental—played a crucial role in their survival.

Feathered Friend Question Answer Class 8 – Let us learn (Pages 214-217)

I. Choose the appropriate adjectives from the box given below to match with the words 1-8 that follow.

Now, underline the sentences that use these adjectives in the text.

Answer:

1. narrow

2. nagging

3. inexplicable

4. sheepish

5. vague

6. sluggish

7. delighted

8. Hushed

The sentences that use the above adjectives in the text have been underlined below.

1. I had a nagging headache, and vague memories to fitful, disturbed dreams.
2. We all waited in hushed silence while he held Claribel against his ear in an attempt to detect any heartbeat.
3. My mind seemed to be very sluggish that morning, as if I was still unable to cast off the burden of sleep.
4. He came back ten minutes later with sheepish expression.
5. So now, if you visit any space station, don’t be surprised if you hear an inexplicable snatch of birdsong.

II. The word ‘intercom’ is used in the text.
It is called a merged word as it is made by combining the parts of two words— ‘internal’ and ‘communication’. Merged words are made by combining two words. Combine the words in Column 1 with the words in Column 2 to make merged words. Write the merged word and its meaning.

One example has been done for you.

Answer:

III. Read the following sentence from the text and fill in the blank.

It will mean that you’re being doubly safeguarded.

In the given sentence, ‘will’ denotes _________ (past/present/future) time.

Answer: 

IV. Fill in the blanks with the correct form (Simple Present, Present Progressive, ‘will’, or ‘going to’) to indicate future time.

1. Our flight __________ (leave) at 10.00 a.m. tomorrow.

2. They __________ (finish) the project by the end of this week.

3. The weather forecast says it __________ (rain) later today.

4. We __________ (move) into our new house next month.

5. I __________ (start) my new hobby class next Monday.

6. She __________ (go) to the mall this afternoon.

7. The team __________ (have) a meeting at 3.00 p.m. tomorrow.

8. I __________ (help) you with your homework after dinner

Answer:

1. leaves

2. will have finished

3. is going to rain

4. are moving

5. am starting

6. will go

7. is having

8. am going to help

V. Fill in the blanks with the suitable forms of verbs given in brackets to express future time reference.

By 2040, artificial intelligence 1. ________ (revolutionise) medical treatments. Researchers 2.________ (develop) AI-powered diagnostic tools that 3. ________ (transform) healthcare by the end of this decade. Next week, the International Science Congress 4. _______ (open) to showcase advancements in AI and robotics. In the coming years, robots 5. _______ (assist) surgeons in performing complex operations. Years ago, experts had predicted that AI would reshape our world, and now, as we approach the future, this 6. _______ (be) our new reality

Answer:

1. is going to revolutionise

2. are developing

3. will transform

4. opens

5. will assist

6. is going to be

Class 8 English Chapter 13 Question Answer – Let us listen (Pages 217-218)

I. You will listen to a conversation between Monika and Toby. Toby is a Martian and is stranded on Earth. He has become Monika’s friend. As you listen, put a tick mark (✓) against the correct statements and a cross against the wrong ones.

Monika : Hi, Toby! Do you miss your planet?

Toby : Very much, Monika! I miss my people and home.

Monika : Oh! I wish I could do something about it! But I am happy to have you as my friend.

Toby : Thank you, Monika!

Monika : Er… could you tell me something more about yourself?

Toby : Why not! What do you want to know about me, Monika?

Monika : What do you eat for breakfast?

Toby : Well, we Martians don’t need to eat anything. We get our energy from the Sun.

Monika : Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice creams and chocolates? I can’t think of life without them!

Toby : No, Monika! We are made of different stuff.

Monika : Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see with only one eye? I see only one big eye in the centre of your face.

Toby : My friend, we Martians need only one eye to see clearly. In fact, I can see even with my eye closed. I can see beyond mountains and clouds, wood and even metals. I can see that you are carrying a toy in your pocket. It’s a blue aeroplane. Isn’t it? And yes! That apple you just had for breakfast is going round-and-round in your stomach right now!

Monika : (gasps in disbelief) Oh my goodness!

(Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 249 for transcript.)

1. Toby misses his school.

Answer:
False

2. Monika accepts Toby as her friend.

Answer:
True

3. Monika asks Toby about one of his facial features.

Answer:
False

4. Toby tells Monika that she had a banana for breakfast.

Answer:
False

5. Toby shares that he can see much clearer with a closed eye.

Answer:
True

II. Listen to the conversation again and fill in the blanks with the exact words you hear.

1. Toby: I miss my and home.

2. Toby: Well, we don’t need to eat anything. We get our from the Sun.

3. Monika: Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice-creams and !

4. Monika: Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see only with eye?

5. Toby: I can see beyond mountains and, woods and even

Answer:

1. people

2. Martians; energy

3. chocolates

4. one

5. clouds; even metals

NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 13 Question Answer – Let us speak (Page 218)

I. Read the following words from the text aloud and circle the letters that are not pronounced (silent letters).

ballet (ba-lay) [ba pronounced as in bat] whistle (wi-sl)
alarm (uh-laam) psychologist (sai-ko-luh-juhst)

Now, read some more words with silent letters. As you read, circle the letters that are not pronounced.

Answer:

Receipt – the letter ‘p’ is silent.

Debris – the letter ‘s’ is silent.

Pneumonia – the letter ‘p’ is silent.

Almond – the letter ‘1’ is silent.

Foreign – the letter ‘g’ is silent.

Island – the letter ‘s’ is silent.

Wreck – the letter “w’ is silent.

Campaign – the letter ‘g’ is silent.

Fasten – the letter ‘t’ is silent.

II. Work in pairs. Use the given situations to ask for and give suggestions.

• You need to make a model of the solar system for the Science Exhibition but don’t know what materials to use. Ask your friend for suggestions.

• You need to prepare for the inter-class quiz on the topic Chandrayaan-3. Ask your friend for advice on how to prepare. You may use the prompts given below.

Answer:

Student:
I need to make a model of the solar system for the Science Exhibition, but I’m not sure how to begin or what to do. I need your suggestions.

Friend’s Suggestions:
To create a solar system model, first decide whether you want to show the planets’ sizes, their distances from the Sun, or both. After that, choose a scale that will fit the space available. Then, collect materials such as craft items or things you can find at home. You should also plan how you will colour and decorate the planets—using paints, markers, or other creative materials. Finally, research each planet’s characteristics, like its size, colour, rings, and special features, so your model looks accurate. By following these steps, your solar system model will be ready for a great presentation at the Science Exhibition.

Class 8th English Chapter 13 Feathered Friend Question Answer – Let us write (Page 219)

I. Complete the social media web given below with the uses of the internet.

Answer:

Now, write an article titled The Importance of Internet’ with the help of the social media web.

Points to remember:

Heading/Title

Name of the writer

Paragraph 1: Give a general introduction to the topic.

Paragraph 2: Explain the uses of the internet and why it is important. Give examples to support your view.

Paragraph3: End with a comment and leave the reader with a thoughtful idea or quote.

Answer: The Importance of the Internet

Garima, Class 7

In recent years, people have become heavily dependent on the Internet because of the many benefits it provides. It reduces workload, improves communication, and makes everyday tasks easier. Looking at today’s world, it is impossible to overlook how essential the Internet has become in our daily lives. In fact, imagining a world without it now seems almost impossible.

The Internet can be thought of as a huge library filled with information—such as documents, images, websites, and knowledge on almost every topic. It also plays a major role in communication. Without the Internet, sharing ideas, messages, and information with people across the world would have remained only a dream.

Feathered Friend Class 8 NCERT Solutions – Let us explore (Pages 219-221)

‘A canary in the coal mine’ is a popular phrase to describe early signs of potential danger.

I. Coal miners in places like Arunachal Pradesh used canary birds to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Such gases are a potential risk to the life of the miners. These little birds are particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide and can prevent mining accidents.

II. Astronauts living in space stations have to do things differently. Read how they manage the routine tasks in the absence of gravity. You may find out more information about it from the internet.

1. Write: Astronauts use a special Space Pen which has a cartridge with ink combined with resin. The ink remains solid until friction with the ball at the point of the pen liquefies it. It works in all positions, in extreme heat and cold, and in atmospheres ranging from pure oxygen to vacuum.

2. Exercise: Astronauts use resistance exercise equipment. Weight training is done by applying a load using vacuum cylinders. Running on the treadmill is made possible with the bodies held down using rubber straps.

3. Eat:Astronauts eat preserved foods which is dried, canned, vacuum-packed, and frozen. These can be prepared by adding cold or hot water, and some can be heated in an oven. They also eat ready-to-eat items, such as nuts, breads, and fruits.

4. Sleep: Astronauts can sleep on a floor, wall, or ceiling as there’s no distinction between up and down but they may gradually float away while sleeping. Therefore, they need to restrain their bodies in small sleeping compartments or sleeping bags.

III. Did you know that animals can save humans from natural calamities?

Animals can sense natural calamities. Read the following examples and decide if this is true.

• In 2004, before a tsunami could hit the coastline of Indonesia, some animals made efforts to flee—elephants ran for higher ground,flamingos abandoned low-lying nesting areas, and dogs refused to go outdoors.
  
  

• Minutes before the Naples quake of 1805, oxen, sheep, dogs, and geese started making alarm calls in unison.
  
  

• Migratory birds crossing the Pacific are able to dodge storms and other hazards.

• In the Gulf of Mexico, sharks sense the drop in barometric pressure that precedes hurricanes and tend to swim to deeper waters as a result. Dolphins have also been observed swimming away from storm-prone areas.

Scientists have studied this behaviour and found that when severe stresses arise in deep rock before the earthquake, ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves are generated that animals can sense.

IV. Salim Ali, the ‘Birdman of India’, was an Indian ornithologist (a person who studies birds). He was the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several books on birds. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976.

V. We need to conserve our ‘feathered’ friends. Work in groups of four.

Look at the pictures and make a bird feeder with cardboard, chart paper, etc.

Answer:

Do it yourself.

Feathered Friend: NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 13 (2025-26)

Mastering Feathered Friend Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 13 is essential for a strong English foundation. Our explanations closely follow the latest NCERT Solutions (2025-26) to help you understand every detail and write perfect answers in your exams.

This chapter brings out the importance of observation skills and quick thinking. Study the story and discussion questions from Poorvi Chapter 13 to gain deeper insights and develop excellent comprehension abilities for English exams.

Consistent practice with NCERT exercise-based questions ensures you remember key facts and score top marks. Don’t forget to revise vocabulary and grammar—these small steps can make a big difference in your Class 8 results!