Class 8 English - RAJASTHAN

Prose: Feathered Friend

Feathered Friend is an engaging chapter in Class 8 English prose prescribed by the Rajasthan Board, recounting an interesting incident set aboard a space station. The story revolves around a pet canary named Clarence taken into space, who acts as an early alarm system for the astronauts against dangerous odorless gases. This narrative beautifully highlights the companionship between humans and animals, the challenges of living in zero gravity, and the importance of ecological balance. For board exams, questions usually test reading comprehension, character understanding, and the central message of science and nature living together.

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Key Concepts

Setting of the Story

The story takes place inside a space station orbiting Earth, showcasing the unique challenges of zero-gravity life.

Clarence the Canary

A pet bird brought into space by a crew member, serving not just as a companion but as a vital safety detector for toxic gases.

Zero Gravity Impact

Explores how objects and living beings float in space, making simple tasks like catching a floating bird quite amusing and difficult.

The Crisis

A moment when Clarence falls unconscious, alerting the astronauts to a dangerous oxygen or gas leak in the spacecraft.

Moral and Theme

Teaches students about the interdependence of humans, animals, and technology in extreme environments.

Important Formulas

Definition: Space Station - A large artificial satellite used as a workplace for scientific research in space.
Definition: Zero Gravity (Weightlessness) - A state where the gravitational pull is practically negligible, causing objects to float.
Definition: Canary - A small, yellow songbird often used historically in mines to detect poisonous gases.
Definition: Memoir - A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge and special experiences.

Board Exam Info

In the Rajasthan Board Class 8 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include factual comprehension questions, vocabulary meanings, reference to context, and short descriptive answers about the role of the canary and the theme of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the astronauts bring a canary into the space station?

The canary was brought as a pet and as an early warning system to detect dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, just like miners used to do.

How did Clarence save the crew?

Clarence fainted due to a dangerous gas leak in the space station, which immediately alerted the astronauts to fix the problem before it harmed them.

What is the main message of the chapter Feathered Friend?

The chapter highlights how nature and animals can help humans even in the most advanced technological environments like outer space.

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