Enterprise, My English Reader, Class VIII, DAV Board, The Best Solutions – Introduction

Introduction

1. Summary

🟩 English Summary:

The story “Risking” is about two seeds lying side by side in fertile soil. One seed decides to grow bravely by pushing its roots into the earth and sprouting toward the sunlight. It welcomes the challenges and wants to feel the warmth of the sun and the blessings of spring. The other seed, however, is full of fear. It avoids taking risks, worried about the darkness below, possible damage to its sprouts, or being eaten by snails or pulled out by children. So, it decides to wait. In the end, a hen comes and eats the waiting seed. The story teaches us that those who avoid risk and do not try to grow often get lost or “swallowed” by life.

Hindi Summary (हिंदी में सारांश):

‘रिस्किंग’ कहानी दो बीजों की है जो उपजाऊ मिट्टी में साथ-साथ पड़े थे। पहला बीज साहसी था, उसने अपनी जड़ें नीचे फैलानी और अंकुर ऊपर निकालने का निश्चय किया। वह सूरज की गर्मी और ओस की ठंडक महसूस करना चाहता था। दूसरा बीज डरपोक था। वह अँधेरे, नुकसान और खतरों से डरता था, इसलिए उसने कुछ न करने और इंतज़ार करने का निर्णय लिया। अंत में, एक मुर्गी आई और उस डरे हुए बीज को खा गई। कहानी से यह शिक्षा मिलती है कि जो लोग जोखिम लेने और आगे बढ़ने से डरते हैं, जीवन में पीछे छूट जाते हैं।

Word Meanings Table

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. What does the first seed want to do?
   A. Wait for the right time
   B. Stay hidden underground
   C. Grow and face the challenges
   D. Be eaten by a hen
   Answer: C. Grow and face the challenges
2. Why does the second seed not grow?
   A. It is waiting for rain
   B. It is scared of the dangers
   C. It is sleeping
   D. It is waiting for summer
   Answer: B. It is scared of the dangers
3. What happens to the second seed?
   A. It grows into a big plant
   B. It is eaten by a hen
   C. It flies away
   D. It turns into a tree
   Answer: B. It is eaten by a hen
4. What is the moral of the story?
   A. Be patient and wait
   B. Avoid risks to stay safe
   C. Growth requires taking risks
   D. Always stay hidden
   Answer: C. Growth requires taking risks

Short Questions and Answers

1. What did the first seed want to do?
   Ans: The first seed wanted to grow, send roots deep into the soil, sprout upward, and feel the warmth of the sun and the morning dew.
2. Why did the second seed refuse to grow?
   Ans: The second seed was afraid of dangers such as the dark soil, damage to its sprouts, snails, or being pulled out by a child.
3. What happened to the second seed in the end?
   Ans: A yard hen came and ate the second seed while it was still waiting in the soil.
4. What is the message conveyed by the story?
   Ans: The story teaches that avoiding risks and refusing to grow leads to failure or being left behind in life.
5. Who are the authors of the story “Risking”?
   Ans: The authors are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.

II. Use the adjectives given below to identify the qualities of the two seeds.

First Seed

• Bold
• Determined
• Courageous
• Enterprising
• Hopeful
• Adventurous
• Positive
• Ambitious

Second Seed

• Timid
• Apprehensive
• Weak
• Fearful
• Hesitant
• Doubtful
• Pessimistic
• Insecure

Add a few more to the list:

• First Seed: Confident, optimistic, forward-thinking
• Second Seed: Anxious, indecisive, cautious

III. You are the first seed, which is now a plant. What advice would you give to another baby seed so as not to meet the second seed’s fate?

I think you should always believe in yourself and take the chance to grow.
Don’t let fear stop you from becoming what you’re meant to be.
The world outside may seem scary, but it’s also full of light, air, and love.
Even if the journey is tough, the reward of blooming is worth the risk.
Trust in your inner strength and start growing — life begins only when you try.