Class 8 English - GUJARAT
Prose: Feathered Friend
The chapter 'Feathered Friend' from the Class 8 English textbook for Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) is an engaging prose piece about life in a space station. It highlights a unique pet canary named Pete who becomes an unexpected hero by detecting dangerous carbon dioxide gas leaks in the spaceship. This story blends science fiction with a touch of humor and teaches students about the importance of animals, the realities of zero-gravity life, and quick thinking in emergencies. For board exams, questions usually test comprehension, character traits, and vocabulary from the text.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting of the Story
The story takes place in a futuristic space station orbiting Earth, showcasing the challenges of living and working in zero gravity.
Pete the Canary
Pete is a smuggled pet canary brought on board by the crew, who serves as an early warning system for toxic gas due to his sensitivity to air quality.
The Crisis (CO2 Leak)
A sudden malfunction causes carbon dioxide levels to rise dangerously, which goes unnoticed by the crew until Pete faints and alerts them.
Theme of Human-Animal Bond
The chapter illustrates how animals can be companions and lifesavers, even in extreme environments like outer space.
Zero-Gravity Adaptations
The text describes how everyday tasks and movements change in a weightless environment, adding a realistic and fun scientific touch.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Gujarat (GSEB) Class 8 English board exams, this chapter usually carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the plot, character sketches, vocabulary exercises, and reference-to-context questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Pete the canary brought onto the space station?
Pete was secretly brought on board by the crew as a pet and companion to lift their spirits, but he also served a vital purpose as an alarm for bad air.
How did Pete save the crew?
When a carbon dioxide scrubber failed, the invisible gas built up in the spaceship. Pete fainted from the toxic air, which alerted the crew to check the air supply and fix the leak just in time.
Is 'Feathered Friend' a real incident?
The story is a work of science fiction written by Arthur C. Clarke, though it draws inspiration from the real historical practice of using canaries in coal mines.
Learn Prose: Feathered Friend with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards