CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 8: A Short Monsoon Diary NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 8, 'A Short Monsoon Diary', offers a vivid account of the monsoon's arrival and impact in Mussoorie. These NCERT Solutions guide students through the author's keen observations, detailing the dramatic shifts in landscape and sound brought by the mist and rain. The solutions explore how plants and animals react to the changing weather and the practical measures people take to adapt. We'll trace the monsoon's journey from its initial stages in June, through its peak in August, and even touch upon the transition towards winter in March, emphasizing the cyclical patterns of nature. This chapter, through its detailed solutions, aims to deepen students' comprehension of the text, ensuring they grasp the nuances of the diary entries and are well-prepared for their assessments by clarifying the events and descriptive elements.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 8- A Short Monsoon Diary

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English, 'A Short Monsoon Diary', focus on detailed comprehension of the author's personal account of the monsoon. The solutions address questions about the onset, progression, and effects of the monsoon, including the impact of mist, rain, and the changing landscape. They cover observations on wildlife, human reactions, and the seasonal shifts from June to March, offering clear explanations for each diary entry.

Learning outcomes

Understand the author's personal experiences and observations during the monsoon.
Identify the geographical location described in the diary.
Describe the effects of mist and rain on the natural environment.
Explain the behavior of animals and plants during the monsoon season.
Analyze the changes in weather patterns from June to March as depicted in the diary.
Articulate the preparations made by people to face the monsoon.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Monsoon season
Weather phenomena (mist, rain, hailstorm)
Nature observation
Wildlife during monsoon
Seasonal changes
Hill stations
Diary writing
Descriptive writing

Important topics

Effects of mist and rain
Animal and plant behavior
Seasonal progression (June-March)
Author's personal observations
Description of Mussoorie

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Question 1

Why is the author not able to see Bijju?

Solution: The author is unable to see Bijju because a thick mist has descended upon the hills. This mist acts like a veil, completely concealing the landscape and anything within it, including Bijju, even though his voice can still be heard.

Comprehension Check - Question 2

What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes up?

Solution: When the mist rises and covers the hills, two significant changes occur. Firstly, all the birds that were previously perched on the hills fall silent, creating an eerie quiet. Secondly, the mist blankets the hills, not only obscuring them from view but also enveloping them in a profound silence.

Comprehension Check - Question 3

When does the monsoon season begin and when does it end? How do you prepare to face the monsoon?

Solution: The monsoon season typically enters India from the east and south around the middle of May, reaching the northern parts of the country by the second week of June. It usually concludes around September. To prepare for the monsoon, people commonly get out their raincoats and umbrellas, and ensure their homes are ready for the heavy rains.

Comprehension Check - Question 4

Which hill-station does the author describe in this diary entry?

Solution: In this particular diary entry, the author is describing the beautiful and lovely hill station named Mussoorie.

Comprehension Check - Question 5

For how many days does it rain without stopping? What does the author do on these days?

Solution: It rained continuously and without stopping for a period of eight or nine days. During this prolonged spell of rain, the author had nowhere to go. Consequently, he spent his time pacing back and forth within his room and observing the few bobbing umbrellas visible outside his window.

Comprehension Check - Question 6

Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter? Why?

Solution: During the heavy monsoon rains, snakes and rodents seek shelter in places like roofs, attics, and godowns. They do this to protect themselves from the rising rainwater and the general wet conditions outside.

Comprehension Check - Question 7

What did the author receive in the mail?

Solution: The author received a cheque in the mail.

Working with Text - Question 1

Look carefully at the diary entries for June 24-25, August 2 and March 23. Now write down the changes that happen as the rains progress from June to March.

Solution: The diary entries reveal a progression of changes as the monsoon season unfolds and transitions towards winter:

June 24: This marks the initial arrival of the monsoon mist, which conceals the hills and blankets them in silence.
June 25: The first real monsoon shower arrives, and nature seems to welcome it. The cobra lily is observed rearing its head from the ferns, indicating the start of lush growth.
August 2: By this date, people have grown weary of the continuous monsoon. The weather is characterized by steady tropical downpours without storms or thunder. People tend to stay indoors, enjoying the sound of the rain. Wildlife like snakes and rodents seek refuge in sheltered places such as roofs and attics.
March 23: This date heralds the end of winter. Following a hailstorm, the sky begins to clear, and a beautiful rainbow forms, signaling the return of pleasant weather and showcasing nature's beauty after the harsh season.

Common mistakes

Confusing the onset and end dates of the monsoon.
Misinterpreting the author's descriptions of the mist's effects.
Failing to connect the diary entries to the specific location (Mussoorie).
Overlooking the details about animal and plant behavior during heavy rainfall.

Revision tips

Read the diary entries carefully before referring to the solutions.
Pay close attention to the dates mentioned and the events associated with them.
Visualize the descriptions of mist, rain, and the changing landscape.
Summarize the author's feelings and observations for each entry.
Use the solutions to clarify any doubts about the impact of the monsoon on nature and people.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why could the author not see Bijju despite hearing his voice?

Q2. What natural phenomenon causes the birds on the hills to fall silent?

Q3. Which hill station is described in the diary entries?

Q4. How long did it rain continuously according to the diary?

Q5. Where do snakes and rodents seek shelter during heavy rains?

Q6. What event marks the end of winter in the diary entry for March 23?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'A Short Monsoon Diary'?

The main theme is the author's personal observations and experiences of the monsoon season in the hill station of Mussoorie, detailing its impact on nature and daily life.

Which hill station does the author describe?

The author describes the hill station of Mussoorie in this diary entry.

How does the author describe the onset of the monsoon?

The author describes the monsoon's arrival with mist that conceals the hills and silences the birds, followed by heavy, continuous rainfall.

What are some effects of the monsoon mentioned in the diary?

Effects include mist covering hills, birds falling silent, continuous rain, snakes and rodents seeking shelter, and people staying indoors.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the text, grasp the author's observations, and prepare effectively for exams.

What is the significance of the March 23 entry?

The March 23 entry signifies the end of winter, marked by a hailstorm and the subsequent appearance of a rainbow, indicating the transition to clearer weather.

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