Class 8 English - ODISHA

Prose: The Cherry Tree

The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond is a heartwarming prose piece prescribed for Class 8 students under the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha. It narrates the journey of a young boy named Rakesh who plants a cherry seed in his garden and nurtures it through neglect, harsh weather, and grazing animals until it finally grows into a magnificent tree. This chapter highlights themes of perseverance, patience, the bond between humans and nature, and the joy of creation. For the BSE Odisha board exams, questions from this chapter frequently test comprehension, character appreciation, and thematic understanding.

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Key Concepts

Planting the Seed

Rakesh eats a cherry and presses the seed into the soil, starting a journey of patience and curiosity.

Overcoming Obstacles

The young plant survives harsh weather, a hungry goat eating its leaves, and being cut in two by a grasscutter.

The Bond with Nature

Rakesh watches the tree grow alongside him, developing a deep, caring connection with the natural world.

Fulfillment and Reward

After several years, the tree bears pink blossoms and sweet cherries, bringing immense joy and visiting birds to Rakesh.

Resilience

The cherry tree symbolizes strength and the will to survive against all odds, much like human determination.

Important Formulas

Definition: Perseverance - Continuing to try even when things are difficult.
Definition: Resilience - The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Definition: Nurture - To care for and encourage the growth of someone or something.

Board Exam Info

Under the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions about the plot, and long-answer questions focusing on the central theme of perseverance and man-nature relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the author of 'The Cherry Tree'?

Ruskin Bond, a renowned Indian author known for his children's stories set in the Himalayas.

What happened to the cherry plant when it was young?

It faced many dangers, including a goat eating its leaves and a grasscutter's scythe splitting it in two, but it still managed to survive and grow.

What is the main message of the chapter?

The chapter teaches us the value of patience, hard work, and the importance of nurturing nature and living things.

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