CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 1: The Best Christmas Present in the World NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, "The Best Christmas Present in the World," from CBSE Class 8 English, explores a heartwarming story found within an old roll-top desk. The NCERT Solutions delve into the discovery of a mysterious tin box containing a letter, which reveals the poignant Christmas truce of World War I. We'll examine the perspectives of soldiers like Jim Macpherson and Hans Wolf, who chose peace over conflict during the festive season. The solutions also trace the emotional journey of Mrs. Macpherson, the recipient of the letter, and her longing for her husband. These explanations aim to help students understand the story's deep themes of hope, reconciliation, and the enduring power of human connection amidst the harsh realities of war. By dissecting the narrative and character motivations, these solutions provide a clear path for students to grasp the chapter's essence and excel in their studies.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 1- The Best Christmas Present in the World

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on "The Best Christmas Present in the World." The solutions address key comprehension questions about the story's central elements: the antique roll-top desk, the discovery of Jim Macpherson's last letter, and the heartwarming Christmas Day truce during World War I. They also explore character backgrounds and the elderly Mrs. Macpherson's perception. These solutions aim to provide a clear understanding of the narrative's emotional depth and historical context.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the plot and key events in 'The Best Christmas Present in the World'.
  • Identify and describe the main characters and their roles.
  • Explain the significance of the Christmas truce during World War I as depicted in the story.
  • Analyze the author's discovery of the old desk and its contents.
  • Comprehend the emotional state and experiences of Mrs. Macpherson.
  • Infer character backgrounds and motivations from textual evidence.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The roll-top desk
  • Jim Macpherson's letter
  • Christmas Day truce
  • Character analysis (Jim, Connie, Hans Wolf)
  • Narrative perspective
  • Historical context of WWI
  • Themes of peace and reconciliation
  • The elderly Mrs. Macpherson

Important topics

  • The Christmas Truce of 1914
  • Jim Macpherson's letter and its significance
  • Character motivations and backgrounds
  • The narrator's discovery and connection to the past
  • Mrs. Macpherson's state and perception

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Page 10

1. What did the author find in a junk shop?
Solution: The author discovered a very old roll-top desk in a junk shop. This desk was made of oak and was in a considerably poor condition. It had several issues, including a broken roll-top, a clumsily repaired leg, and scorch marks on one side.

Comprehension Check - Page 10

2. What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?
Solution: Inside a secret drawer of the old roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. Taped to the top of this box was a piece of lined note paper with the inscription: "Jim's last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes." It is highly probable that this tin box was placed there by Mrs. Jim Macpherson, Jim's wife, as her name and address were found on the envelope inside the box.

Comprehension Check - Page 14

1. Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?
Solution: The letter was written by Jim Macpherson. He addressed it to his wife, Connie Macpherson, and the date of writing was December 26, 1914.

Comprehension Check - Page 14

2. Why was the letter written - what was the wonderful thing that had happened?
Solution: Jim wrote the letter to share a remarkable event that occurred on Christmas Day. Despite the ongoing war between the British and German troops, soldiers from both sides met in the area between their trenches, known as 'no man's land'. They engaged in friendly interactions, sharing food and celebrating Christmas together, which was an extraordinary occurrence in the midst of conflict.

Comprehension Check - Page 14

1. What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?
Solution: Before becoming soldiers, Hans Wolf, who hailed from Dusseldorf, Germany, worked as a cellist in an orchestra. Jim Macpherson, from Dorset, England, was a school teacher.

Comprehension Check - Page 14

2. Had Hans Wolf even been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?
Solution: No, Hans Wolf had never physically visited Dorset. He explained that he knew about England, and likely Dorset, through his education at school and by reading various books written in the English language.

Comprehension Check - Page 14

1. Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?
Solution: It is highly unlikely that Jim Macpherson returned from the war. The note found with the letter explicitly states, "Jim's last letter," and instructs for it to be buried with him. Furthermore, the narrative implies that Connie Macpherson never received any further letters from Jim after this one, strongly suggesting his demise during the conflict.

Comprehension Check - Page 15

1. Why did the author go to Bridport?
Solution: The author traveled to Bridport because it was the address listed for Mrs. Jim Macpherson: "Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset." His intention was to personally return the discovered letter to her.

Comprehension Check - Page 15

2. How old was Mrs. Macpherson now? Where was she?
Solution: Mrs. Macpherson was one hundred and one years old at the time of the author's visit. She was residing in a nursing home called Burlington House, located on the Dorchester road, on the opposite side of town.

Comprehension Check - Page 16

1. Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?
Solution: When the author visited her, Connie Macpherson, due to her advanced age and perhaps the context of the letter, believed that her visitor was her husband, Jim.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the author of the letter with the narrator.
  • Misinterpreting the condition of the roll-top desk.
  • Not fully grasping the historical context of the Christmas truce.
  • Assuming Jim Macpherson returned from the war without considering the letter's inscription.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story focusing on the descriptions of the desk and the letter.
  • Pay close attention to the dates and events mentioned in the letter.
  • Discuss the significance of the Christmas truce with classmates.
  • Consider the emotional impact of the story on Mrs. Macpherson and the narrator.
  • Summarize the main plot points in your own words before reviewing the solutions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was found in the secret drawer of the roll-top desk?

Q2. Who wrote the letter found in the tin box?

Q3. What remarkable event occurred on Christmas Day, as described in the letter?

Q4. What was Hans Wolf's profession before the war?

Q5. Why did the author visit Mrs. Macpherson?

Q6. How old was Mrs. Macpherson when the narrator visited her?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Best Christmas Present in the World'?

The main theme is the unexpected peace and humanity shown by soldiers during wartime, particularly the Christmas Truce of 1914, and the enduring power of love and memory.

Who is Jim Macpherson?

Jim Macpherson is a British soldier who fought in World War I. He wrote a letter to his wife, Connie, describing the Christmas truce and expressing his love for her.

What was special about the desk the author bought?

The desk was very old and in bad condition. It contained a secret drawer which held Jim Macpherson's last letter to his wife, making it a significant find for the narrator.

Why is the letter called 'Jim's last letter'?

The letter is referred to as 'Jim's last letter' because it was found with instructions to be buried with him, implying he did not survive the war.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 8 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to comprehension questions, helping students understand the story's details, characters, and historical context, aiding in exam preparation.

What does Mrs. Macpherson mistake the narrator for?

The elderly Mrs. Macpherson, who is 101 years old and in a nursing home, mistakes the narrator for her husband, Jim, likely due to her age and perhaps the narrator's resemblance to him or the presence of the letter.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.