Class 8 English - UP

Prose: The Cherry Tree

The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond is a heartwarming prose piece prescribed for Class 8 UP Board students. It tells the story of a young boy named Rakesh and his grandfather, who plant a small cherry seed in their garden. The chapter chronicles the journey of the tiny plant as it survives harsh winters, grazing goats, and a dry spell, eventually growing into a magnificent, blossoming tree. This chapter matters significantly for UP Board exams as it tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and moral understanding. It teaches students important life lessons about patience, perseverance, the rewards of hard work, and the deep, beautiful bond between humans and nature.

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Key Concepts

Perseverance and Patience

The story highlights how the cherry plant survives numerous hardships like goats, grass cutters, and dry weather, teaching us that great things take time and effort to grow.

Human-Nature Relationship

Rakesh's dedication to planting and nurturing the seed shows the pure and mutually rewarding bond between mankind and the natural world.

Role of Grandfather

Grandfather acts as a mentor and guide to Rakesh, encouraging him to observe and appreciate the wonders of nature rather than just planting a seed blindly.

The Cycle of Life

The transformation of a tiny, forgotten seed into a blossoming cherry tree symbolizes growth, resilience, and the continuity of life.

Important Formulas

Definition: Perseverance - Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Definition: Sapling - A young tree, especially one with a slender trunk.
Definition: Miracle - An extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws.

Board Exam Info

In the UP Board Class 8 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the plot, reference to context (RTC), word meanings, and long answer questions focusing on the central theme and moral values of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the author of The Cherry Tree?

The story is written by the famous Indian-British author Ruskin Bond.

What challenges did the cherry tree face while growing up?

The cherry plant was trampled by a passing goat, cut in half by grass cutters, and it had to survive a dry summer without much water, but it still managed to grow back.

What is the main moral of the story The Cherry Tree?

The story teaches us the value of patience, hard work, and caring for nature, showing that persistent effort always bears sweet fruits.

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