Nature, My English Reader, Class VIII, DAV Board, The Best Solutions – Section – B

Section – B

B.1. Nature influences our mind, body and soul. Recollect a morning walk in a nearby park. Pick out various objects of nature that affect the following

Reflection: Nature has a unique ability to refresh us completely—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A simple morning walk can prepare us for the whole day ahead.

B.2. Think of your favourite teacher. Discuss with your friend the qualities you admire in her/him and what you have learnt from her/him.

My Favourite Teacher – Discussion

Sample Answer:

Teacher’s Name: Avinash Ranjan Gupta
Subject: Hindi

Qualities I admire:

• Patient and kind
• Clear explanations with real-life examples
• Encourages creativity and independent thinking
• Listens to every student
• Makes the classroom a happy place

What I learnt:

• Confidence in speaking and writing
• The value of honesty and hard work
• To never be afraid of making mistakes
• How to appreciate literature and poetry

Discussion Idea with a Friend:
“I really like how Mr. Avinash Ranjan Gupta treats everyone equally. I remember he once stayed back after school just to help a student catch up with reading. It showed me how much difference a caring teacher can make.”

B.3. Nature is a great teacher. It is a guide, friend, mentor and philosopher. Read the following passage to know about some lessons of life it teaches us.

Nature is more than just beautiful—it teaches valuable life lessons:

• Patience – Like a tree that grows slowly but steadily.
• Resilience – Like flowers that bloom even after storms.
• Change is natural – Seasons show us that nothing stays forever.
• Silence is powerful – The quiet of a forest teaches deep thinking.
• Balance – Nature keeps everything in harmony, teaching us to do the same in life.

Philosophy of Nature:
Nature is not just to be enjoyed—it guides, heals, inspires, and helps us grow into better people. Just like a good teacher, nature teaches without speaking.

Summary of the Lesson  In English: The Alchemy Of Nature

“The Alchemy of Nature” reflects how nature teaches us the most valuable life lessons through simple observations. The author speaks of how flowers bloom for a day, yet live joyfully; how soft water shapes hard rocks, showing persistence; how grass grows through concrete, symbolizing hope; and how a bare tree blooms again, inspiring resilience. Through ants, rainbows, caterpillars, and more, nature silently teaches teamwork, adaptability, strength, beauty, and transformation. The message is clear: if we learn from nature, we too can grow, shine, and become better human beings.

In Hindi:

“द अल्केमी ऑफ नेचर” पाठ में लेखिका ने बताया है कि प्रकृति हमें जीवन के महत्वपूर्ण सबक सिखाती है। एक दिन के लिए खिला फूल भी पूरी खुशी से जीता है, पानी चट्टानों को आकार देता है, घास कंक्रीट से बाहर निकलती है – ये सभी बातें धैर्य, उम्मीद और जिजीविषा का प्रतीक हैं। ठंड में सूखा पेड़ फिर से हरा हो जाता है, यह हमें सिखाता है कि बुरा समय भी गुजर जाएगा। चींटियों का परिश्रम, इंद्रधनुष की सुंदरता, तितली में बदलाव – सब हमें प्रेरित करते हैं। प्रकृति में परिवर्तन की शक्ति है, और हम भी उससे प्रेरणा लेकर ‘सोना’ बन सकते हैं।

Word Meanings Table

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. What does the hibiscus flower teach us?
   A. To live forever
   B. To live life fully even if short
   C. To remain quiet
   D. To bloom only in sunlight
   Answer: B
2. What do the rocks and ocean signify in the lesson?
   A. Strength of rocks
   B. Beauty of the ocean
   C. Power of soft persistence
   D. Water is stronger than rock
   Answer: C
3. What lesson do we learn from the tree in winter?
   A. Trees die in winter
   B. Nothing is permanent
   C. Life ends in winter
   D. Trees never change
   Answer: B
4. How do ants inspire us?
   A. By singing in a group
   B. By their teamwork and perseverance
   C. By being strong individually
   D. By fighting
   Answer: B
5. What is the meaning of “alchemy” in the lesson’s context?
   A. A kind of tree
   B. A scientific theory
   C. Magical transformation into something better
   D. Colour in nature
   Answer: C

Short Questions and Answers

Q1. What is the central idea of the lesson “The Alchemy of Nature”?
Ans: The lesson conveys how nature teaches us life lessons like resilience, joy, hope, teamwork, and transformation through simple natural occurrences.

Q2. What message does the hibiscus flower give us?
Ans: It teaches us to live life to the fullest even if it is short.

Q3. What does the author observe about water and rocks?
Ans: Though water is soft and rocks are hard, constant water flow shapes the rocks. This symbolizes the power of persistence.

Q4. What does grass growing through a pavement teach us?
Ans: It teaches us that there is always hope and a way out, even in difficult situations.

Q5. What happens to the tree in winter and what does it symbolize?
Ans: The tree loses its leaves in winter but blooms again in spring. It symbolizes that tough times are temporary and will pass.

Q6. What qualities do ants demonstrate?
Ans: Teamwork, determination, and perseverance.

Q7. How is water an example of humility and adaptability?
Ans: Water changes form based on the sun and wind, showing it adapts without ego.

B.4. Who teaches us the following?

(a) Humility
Answer – Water – It changes form without ego and flows humbly.

(b) Passion
Answer – Wind – It makes trees dance with uninhibited joy and energy.

(c) Combining strength with delicacy
Answer – Spider webs – Though delicate, they are incredibly strong.

B.5. HOTS

‘Nature is the supreme artistic creation of God’. Collect three examples from ‘The Alchemy of Nature’ in support of this statement and write them in the space provided below.

Three examples from The Alchemy of Nature that support this idea:

(a) The blooming hibiscus – Lives only a day but blooms in full glory, reflecting beauty and purpose.
(b) A rainbow colouring the sky – A natural marvel full of vivid colours, awe-inspiring and grand.
(c) The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly – A symbol of change and natural artistry.

B.6. Life Skills/Values

Which of the lessons suggested in the passage do you find the most valuable to you as a student and how it will help you to become a better student?

Discuss with your partner.

Most Valuable Lesson as a Student:
The lesson of persistence (from water shaping rocks) is most valuable to me. As a student, it reminds me that regular study and hard work will slowly but surely lead to success.

B.7. Find words from the text which have the same meaning as the following.

(a) Brilliance → Splendour
(b) Grand → Majestic
(c) Belief → Conviction
(d) Patience → Perseverance
(e) Continuous → Innumerable (or “Every day” for repeated action)

B.8. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic–Nature: A Great Teacher.

Nature: A Great Teacher
By: Sudha Arora
Class: VIII

Nature is the most patient and silent teacher we could ever have. Without speaking a single word, it gives us powerful lessons about life. Whether it is the blooming of a short-lived flower or the unstoppable flow of water that carves mountains, nature teaches us to live fully, be persistent, and remain humble.

The gentle wind shows us joy and freedom, while ants teach us about teamwork and dedication. Trees that stand strong in storms and bloom again after every fall show us resilience. From the calm of the oceans to the sparkle of stars in the night sky, nature constantly guides us to find beauty in simplicity and strength in silence.

As students, we can learn time management from the rising and setting sun, creativity from changing clouds, and adaptability from water. Nature tells us: every problem has a solution, every end is a new beginning.

In today’s fast-paced world, we must reconnect with nature to de-stress, reflect, and grow. Let us become good students of the greatest teacher – nature itself.