CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened NCERT Solutions Chapter 4: The Treasure Within

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, 'The Treasure Within,' from CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened, delves into the life and experiences of Hafeez Contractor. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed answers to the comprehension questions, exploring his early academic struggles, the pivotal influence of his principal, and his eventual realization of the importance of hard work and focus. The solutions cover his nightmares about exams, the advice that changed his perspective, and his engagement in activities beyond academics. These solutions are designed to help students understand the narrative, analyze the character's development, and grasp the underlying themes of perseverance and self-discovery, making them an excellent resource for exam preparation and a deeper understanding of the chapter's message.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish It So Happened
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'The Treasure Within,' focuses on the life of Hafeez Contractor, detailing his early disinterest in studies and his eventual transformation. The NCERT Solutions address comprehension questions about his nightmares, the impactful advice from his principal, and his creation of distractions. These solutions highlight the importance of guidance and self-realization in shaping one's future, offering insights into the narrative's core themes.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand Hafeez Contractor's early academic challenges and fears.
  • Analyze the influence of the principal's advice on Hafeez Contractor's life.
  • Identify the meaning and context of 'The Treasure Within' in the chapter.
  • Explain the significance of hard work and focus in achieving goals.
  • Reflect on personal experiences related to distractions and studies.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Hafeez Contractor's nightmares
  • Principal's influence
  • Importance of studies
  • Hard work and focus
  • Distractions in student life
  • Self-realization
  • Character development
  • Life lessons from experiences

Important topics

  • The role of guidance in shaping a student's future
  • Understanding the meaning of 'The Treasure Within'
  • The impact of realizing one's potential
  • Balancing studies with other interests
  • The consequences of distractions

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What did Hafeez Contractor have nightmares about?
Solution:

Hafeez Contractor used to experience very frightening nightmares. In these dreams, he would find himself in the middle of a mathematics examination. The most distressing part was that he felt completely unprepared, knowing nothing about the subject, and was terrified of failing the test.

Question 2

What did the Principal say to him, which influenced him deeply?
Solution:

When Hafeez Contractor reached the Eleventh Standard, his Principal's words had a profound impact on him. The Principal helped him understand the value of the hard work his mother had put in to provide him with educational opportunities. He emphasized that while Hafeez had been playing games and engaging in pranks, it was crucial to focus on studies to develop his skills. The Principal made a persistent effort to make Hafeez realize the importance of learning as he was growing up and needed to become self-reliant.

Question 3

".....that year I did not step out into the field." What was he busy doing that year?
Solution:

The Principal's guidance was instrumental in helping Hafeez Contractor understand the significance of his studies. During that particular year, Hafeez dedicated his time almost exclusively to his studies. His routine involved only going for prayers, attending to his basic needs of eating periodically, and concentrating fully on his academic pursuits, rather than engaging in outdoor activities or sports.

Question 4 A

What 'distraction' did Hafeez Contractor create one day?
Solution:

Hafeez Contractor was known for his carefree attitude and was not particularly focused on his studies, preferring games and pranks. One day, to avoid studying, he decided to create a diversion. He initiated a game of 'chor-police' (thief-police), which occupied everyone's attention for an entire hour, serving as a significant distraction from academic tasks.

Question 4 B

Would you have liked to participate in the 'distraction' had you been with him?
Solution:

This question asks for a personal reflection. While participating in a fun game like 'chor-police' might seem appealing, it's important to consider the context. Hafeez created this distraction because he didn't want to study. If I were there, I might have been tempted to join the game for a short while, but I would also recognize that focusing on studies is important for long-term goals. Perhaps a balance could be found, or the game could be played during a designated break time instead of disrupting study hours.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the 'treasure within' as a literal object.
  • Underestimating the impact of guidance from elders or teachers.
  • Focusing only on the narrative events without understanding the underlying message.
  • Confusing Hafeez Contractor's early disinterest with a lack of potential.

Revision tips

  • Reread the chapter, paying close attention to the dialogue between Hafeez and his principal.
  • Summarize the key turning points in Hafeez Contractor's life as described in the solutions.
  • Discuss the meaning of 'The Treasure Within' with classmates.
  • Reflect on how the lessons learned by Hafeez can be applied to your own studies.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Hafeez Contractor's recurring nightmare about?

Q2. What did Hafeez Contractor's principal emphasize when he reached Eleventh Standard?

Q3. What did Hafeez Contractor do instead of stepping out into the field one year?

Q4. What 'distraction' did Hafeez Contractor create one day?

Q5. What does the phrase 'The Treasure Within' likely refer to in the context of Hafeez Contractor's story?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 4 of CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened about?

Chapter 4, 'The Treasure Within,' is about the life experiences of Hafeez Contractor, focusing on his early academic struggles, the significant advice he received from his principal, and his eventual realization of the importance of hard work and self-discovery.

What kind of nightmares did Hafeez Contractor have?

Hafeez Contractor had nightmares about appearing for a mathematics examination where he felt unprepared and feared failing.

Who influenced Hafeez Contractor deeply, and how?

Hafeez Contractor was deeply influenced by his Principal in Eleventh Standard, who made him understand the value of hard work, his mother's efforts, and the importance of studying for his future.

What does 'The Treasure Within' symbolize in the chapter?

The 'Treasure Within' symbolizes a person's inner potential, talents, and the realization of their importance, which can be unlocked through guidance, hard work, and self-awareness.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the narrative, analyze the character's journey, and grasp the key life lessons for better comprehension and exam preparation.

Important links

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