The Magic Brush of Dreams – NCERT Solutions Class 8 English (Poorvi)

The Magic Brush of Dreams – NCERT Solutions Class 8 English (Poorvi) includes all the questions with solutions given in the NCERT Class 8 English (Poorvi).

NCERT Solutions Class 8

English Poorvi Hindi Malhar Maths Ganita Prakash Science Curiosity Social Exploring Society

The Magic Brush of Dreams – NCERT Solutions

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Q.1: Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.
2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?
3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Solution:

1. I would like a magic pencil because it could write correct answers for my homework, helping me learn faster.
2. I would draw a flying bike to travel anywhere quickly and have fun exploring new places.
3. Yes, I would draw food and clothes for poor people to help them live better, like Gopi did in the poem.

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Q.2: Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Solution:

Example: My friend shared her lunch with a classmate who forgot theirs, showing kindness by helping someone in need.

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Q.3: Work in pairs and guess the meanings of the words given below and draw pictures depicting their meanings. Share with your classmates and teacher.
(paintbrush, joy, fortress, feast, fear, winding, twig, bows, drawing, cold)
Now, arrange these words into different categories as given below.

1. Things: ________
2. Actions: ________
3. Emotions: ________

Solution:

1. Things: paintbrush, twig, fortress, bows, drawing
2. Actions: winding, feast
3. Emotions: joy, fear, cold

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Q.4: Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers.
2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him.
3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand.
4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her.
5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison.
6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape.
7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers.
8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men.
9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor.
10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers.	10

Solution:

1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers.	3
2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him.	5
3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand.	1
4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her.	8
5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison.	6
6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape.	7
7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers.	4
8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men.	9
9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor.	2
10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers.	10

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Q.5: Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below.
(triumphant and celebratory, tension and suspense, playful and innocent)
The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. ________ as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. ________ . In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. ________ as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.

Solution:

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is playful and innocent as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of threatening and commanding. In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes triumphant and  celebratory as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.

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Q.6: Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets.

1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, ________, which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)
2. This poem belongs to the ________ poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)

Solution:

1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, which adds a rhythmic flow: ABCB (e.g., “hand/sand” and “Gopi/hush” rhyme in the first stanza).
2. This poem belongs to the poetry genre, which tells a story through verse: narrative or ballad.

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Q.7: Give examples from the poem for the following explanations.

1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, ________.
2. What is the effect of repetition in the line- ‘On you, and you and you!’?

Solution:

1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example: “She paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep” (vividly describes a wide, rushing river).
2. The effect of repetition in the line “On you, and you and you!” is: It emphasises Gopi’s threat to the Zamindar and his men, making it sound serious and directed at each person.

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Q.8: Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. The magic paintbrush	(i) greed and the desire for wealth
2. The grand fortress	(ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar’s anger
3. The river and the beast	(iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world

Solution:

Column 1	Column 2
1. The magic paintbrush	(iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world
2. The grand fortress	(i) greed and the desire for wealth
3. The river and the beast	(ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar’s anger

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Q.9: While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.

Options:
(1) True ✅
(2) False

Q.10: Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
But on a stone there sits a man, 
A brush is in his hand. He looks around. 
He calls to Gopi. “Come here!” he whispers.
“Hush! We mustn’t let the village know 
About this magic brush.” 
He slips the brush into her hand
And tells her to be sure,
“Paint not for the wealthy ones,
But only for the poor.”

1. Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. 
   The man is whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his ________ (careful and secretive/ magical and delightful) nature.
2. What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?
3. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he ________.
4. Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.
   1. The Magic Brush’s Secret
   2. Gopi’s Special Gift

Solution:

1. careful and secretive
2. It shows he trusts Gopi to use the magic brush responsibly for good purposes.
3. wants to help those who need it most, not those who are already rich.
4. A. The Magic Brush’s Secret 
   because it focuses on the secrecy and the brush’s magic.

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Q.11: Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
And soon the news spreads far and wide,
Through forests, fields, and plains,
Until the Zamindar himself 
Hears of these magic gains.
“I order you to paint for me,
A fortress tall and grand.
Paint treasures, jewels, and riches rare,
Enough to rule this land.”

1. Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.          
   The news of Gopi’s magic brush spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its ________.
2. Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?
3. Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.
   1. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.
   2. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
4. What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?

Solution:

1. amazing ability to create real objects from paintings
2. The poet refers to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as “magic gains” because they become real, useful items that benefit the villagers.
3. B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels. 
   Rectified: The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
4. The Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveals about his character that he is greedy and wants power and wealth.

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Q.12: Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.

Solution:

Gopi followed the man’s rule to help only the poor, not the greedy, showing her kindness and fairness.

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Q.13: Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently? 

Solution:

Her action was justified to protect herself and stop the chase. I might have painted a tall wall to block the Zamindar safely.

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Q.14: What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem ‘The Magic Brush of Dreams’?

Solution:

It shows her victory over the Zamindar and her joy in helping the villagers with a feast.

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Q.15: Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.

Solution:

Gopi painted useful things like food and clothes for the poor, while the Zamindar wanted riches and a fortress for himself.

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Q.16: What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?

Solution:

Gopi’s is brave, honest, and cares about helping others.

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Q.17: Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem “The Magic Brush of Dreams”.

Solution:

“The Magic Brush of Dreams” fits because the brush creates real objects from Gopi’s paintings, fulfilling the villagers’ dreams.

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Q.18: If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?

Solution:

I would paint food, homes and schools for people in need to make their lives better.

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Q.19: The verb ‘draw’ has different meanings in different contexts. Match the sentences in Column 1 with their appropriate meanings in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience.	(i) opened
2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places.	(ii) pulled out
3. Plants draw water from the soil.	(iii) got a reaction
4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station.	(iv) attract
5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in.	(v) moving
6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder.	(vi) absorb

Solution:

Column 1	Column 2
1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience.	(iii) got a reaction
2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places.	(iv) attract
3. Plants draw water from the soil.	(vi) absorb
4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station.	(v) moving
5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in.	(i) opened
6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder.	(ii) pulled out

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Q.20: Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem

Across	Down
2. the fastest pace of a horse	1. runs away from a place
4. happen fast	3. possessing a great deal of strength
7. speaks very softly	or power
10. take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place	5. a deep loud shout in pain or anger
11. having a lot of money; rich	8. moved in a continuous flow in a
and forcibly	9. a win after overcoming an enemy

Solution:

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Q.21: There are certain expressions that convey a sudden feeling or reaction. They can be used to express a variety of emotions and thoughts. Example: … he whispers. “Hush!”          
(‘Hush’ denotes the act of silencing someone) 
Now, match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. Phew!	(i) surprise
2. Eek!	(ii) pain
3. Ouch!	(iii) mistake
4. Yippee!	(iv) attract attention
5. Whoa!	(v) relief
6. Oops!	(vi) delight
7. Hey!	(vii) alarm

Now, create sentences using any five expressions from Column 1.

Solution:

Column 1	Column 2
1. Phew!	(v) relief
2. Eek!	(vii) alarm
3. Ouch!	(ii) pain
4. Yippee!	(vi) delight
5. Whoa!	(i) surprise
6. Oops!	(iii) mistake
7. Hey!	(iv) attract attention

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Q.22: You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1-7 with speakers (i)-(v). There are two statements you do not need.

Statements	Speaker No.
1. Power of healing ailments
2. Ability to end poverty in the world
3. Power to control the weather as per need
4. Ability to make wise business decisions
5. Power to predict one’s own future clearly
6. Ability to remember information quickly
7. Power to move around without using vehicles

Solution:

Statments	Speaker No.
1. Power of healing ailments	iv
2. Ability to end poverty in the world	i
3. Power to control the weather as per need	v
4. Ability to make wise business decisions	i
5. Power to predict one’s own future clearly	i
6. Ability to remember information quickly	ii
7. Power to move around without using vehicles	iii

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Q.23: Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch of tone while speaking.
The ‘falling’ tone is the fall in the pitch of the voice from a high level to a low level. It is marked [ {tex}\searrow{/tex} ]. The falling tone is generally used in imperative sentences. Such sentences are used in speech for different communicative purposes – to express a command or an instruction, to ask for a favour or to give a warning.

Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone.

• Come {tex}\overset\searrow{\mathrm{here!}}{/tex}
• Seize this magic {tex}\overset\searrow{\mathrm{brush…}}{/tex}
• Paint my fortress {tex}\overset\searrow{\mathrm{tall!}}{/tex}
• Go and fetch some {tex}\overset\searrow{\mathrm{rice}}{/tex}.

Solution:

Practice reading with a falling tone (voice goes from high to low):

• Come here!
• Seize this magic brush.
• Paint my fortress tall.
• Go and fetch some rice.

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Q.24: Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations.

Formal Requests 

Situation 1	Situation 2	Situation 3
You request your teacher to organise a class picnic.	You request your class teacher for an extra sports period, since you missed it last week.	You request your Activity incharge teacher to include you in the upcoming inter-school event.

Informal Requests

Situation 1	Situation 2	Situation 3
You request your sibling to help you with the completion of your project.	You request your mother to enroll you in a dance class.	You request your cousin to come over to spend the weekend with you.

You may use the following phrases when you make the request.

Formal	Informal
Would you mind if…	Can/Will you…
Do you think you could…	Do you mind if…
I would like to…	By any chance do you know…
Would it be possible…	I was wondering if…

Solution:

Formal Requests:

1. Would you mind if we had a class picnic, Ma’am?
2. Do you think you could add an extra sports period, since we missed it last week?
3. Would it be possible to include me in the inter-school event, Sir?

Informal Requests:

1. Can you help me with my project, please?
2. Mom, do you mind if I join a dance class?
3. Hey, can you come over this weekend?

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Q.25: Imaginative essay is a type of creative writing where the writers use their imagination. An imaginative essay can be based on real-life events, observation, or experiences. It is usually a descriptive piece or a personal reflection. Read the sample of an imaginative essay.

My Life as EcoFlash

Imagine an ordinary 13-year-old student who is also a secret superhero protecting the environment. That’s my life as EcoFlash! By day, I’m Meenu, an ordinary Grade 8 student. By evening, I use my powers to keep my neighbourhood green and clean.
As EcoFlash, I have the ability to grow plants, purify water, and clean polluted air with a wave of my hand. I wear a green suit with a glowing leaf symbol and carry a small seed pouch that holds magic seeds to restore damaged areas. My mission is to fight pollution, save trees, and educate people about taking care of our planet. My friends wonder why I’m always carrying a plant in my bag or why my shoes are muddy, but I can never tell them the truth.
Once, my little brother saw me turning a garbage dump into a beautiful garden and almost spilled my secret to our parents. I had to convince him it was a magic trick!
Being EcoFlash is not just about powers but also responsibility. Every time I see clean streets, blooming flowers, and children playing in green parks, I feel proud. I know that even small changes can make a big difference, and that’s what keeps me going.

Solution:

Read it yourself.

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Q.26: Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Title- A relevant title
2. Introduction
   • Captivating opening sentence to catch the reader’s attention
   • Clear statement of the setting, situatiion, or main idea
   • Establishes the tone (e.g., playful, serious, and adventurous)
   • Introduces the narrator briefly (if applicable)
3. 3. Setting and Context
   • Description of the setting to create a mental picture
   • Clear time frame (past, present, or future)
   • Brief explanation of any unique or imaginative elements (e.g., powers, fantasy world)
4. Characters
   • Main character introduced with unique traits
   • Supporting characters briefly described (if relevant)
5. Central Idea
   • Clear focus on a single powerful idea or narrative
   • Logical flow of events, even if the story involves imagination or fantasy
6. Language and Style
   • Use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) to enhance the narrative
   • Creative metaphors or similes to enrich descriptions
7. Resolution
   • Key turning point or moment of realisation
   • Resolution of the main idea
   • Clear takeaway message
8. Conclusion
   • Ends on a reflective or thought-provoking note
   • Summarises the main message or leaves the reader with a strong final impression

Solution:

1. Title – A relevant title: Yes, “My Life as EcoFlash” is catchy and relevant.
2. Introduction
   Captivating opening sentence: Yes, introduces Meenu as a superhero.
   Clear statement of the setting, situation, or main idea: Yes, describes Meenu’s dual life.
   Establishes the tone: Yes, playful and adventurous.
   Introduces the narrator briefly: Yes, Meenu as EcoFlash.
3. Setting and Context
   Description of the setting: Yes, neighborhood and school.
   Clear time frame: Yes, present day.
   Brief explanation of imaginative elements: Yes, plant-growing powers.
4. Characters
   Main character introduced with unique traits: Yes, Meenu as EcoFlash.
   Supporting characters briefly described: Yes, brother and friends.
5. Central Idea
   Clear focus on a single powerful idea: Yes, protecting the environment.
   Logical flow of events: Yes, describes daily life and a key event.
6. Language and Style
   Use of sensory details: Yes, mentions muddy shoes and blooming flowers.
   Creative metaphors or similes: Yes, compares powers to a wave of the hand.
7. Resolution
   Key turning point or moment of realisation: Yes, brother almost reveals secret.
   Resolution of the main idea: Yes, continues mission.
   Clear takeaway message: Yes, small changes make a difference.
8. Conclusion
   Ends on a reflective note: Yes, feels proud of clean streets.
   Summarises the main message: Yes, emphasises environmental care.

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Q.27: Write an imaginative essay on any one of the following.

1. Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also, write about what you thought was the most valuable experience.  
2. Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different period. Describe your experience and an important learning.

Solution:

A Magical Book’s Adventure
One rainy afternoon, I found a dusty book in the school library titled “Time’s Door.” Its cover glowed faintly, and when I opened it, a light pulled me in! Suddenly, I was in ancient India, surrounded by bustling markets and colourful clothes. I saw merchants selling spices and heard musicians playing sitars. It was like a dream, but real!
I met a kind boy named Arjun, who showed me his village. We explored a grand palace with tall pillars and ate sweet jalebis. But I noticed people were sad because a drought had dried their fields. Using the book’s magic, I wrote a new page about rain clouds. Soon, gentle rain fell, and the villagers cheered as crops grew again.
Suddenly, the book glowed, pulling me back to the library. I was back in 2025, but the adventure taught me something important. Helping others, even in small ways, can bring happiness. I’ll never forget my journey through time and the lesson that kindness matters.

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Q.28: Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and And what they refer to.

1. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. I’m often heard, but never seen. What am I?
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
3. I have cities but no houses, I have forests but no trees. What am I?
4. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old, in a dark room, my story is told.

Solution:

1. Sound
2. Footsteps
3. A map
4. A candle

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Q.29: You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.

Solution:

Object Name: Glow Sphere
Drawing Suggestion: A glowing crystal ball with stars and swirling mist inside.
Special Quality: It grants one wish a day- but only if the wish is kind and helps someone else. The GlowSphere glows brighter every time a good deed is done.

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