NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi: Chapter 4 — The Cherry Tree
This chapter, "The Cherry Tree," from NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi, begins with introductory activities about growing plants from seeds or saplings and the importance of trees. The narrative then introduces Rakesh, a six-year-old boy living with his grandfather on the outskirts of Mussoorie. Rakesh buys cherries from the bazaar and shares them with his grandfather, saving a seed. The text describes the environment of Mussoorie, noting the scarcity of fruit trees due to stony soil and cold winds, contrasting it with the presence of oak and deodar forests. Rakesh's parents sent him to Mussoorie for schooling, as his village, located fifty miles away, lacked educational facilities. The chapter sets the scene for Rakesh's life and his connection to nature, hinting at the growth of the cherry seed.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Cherry Tree |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 407 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of planting trees and caring for plants.
- Identify environmental conditions affecting plant growth.
- Follow a narrative about a child's life and experiences.
- Learn new vocabulary related to nature and growth.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sapling | a young tree |
| stunted | stopped (from growing to the usual size) |
| outskirts | the areas that form the edge of a town or city |
| bazaar | a market |
| cherries | small, soft, round stone fruit that is typically bright or dark red |
| Kashmir Valley | A valley in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent |
| Himalayan foothills | The lower slopes of the Himalayas |
| stony | full of stones |
| cottage | a small, simple house |
| paise | a unit of currency in India, equal to one hundredth of a rupee |
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Practice questions
- What did Rakesh buy from the Mussoorie bazaar? Answer: Rakesh bought cherries from the Mussoorie bazaar.
- Where did Rakesh live? Answer: Rakesh lived with his grandfather on the outskirts of Mussoorie.
- Why did Rakesh's parents send him to Mussoorie? Answer: Rakesh's parents sent him to Mussoorie because there were no schools in their village.
- What kind of soil and winds affected plant growth in Rakesh's region? Answer: The soil was stony, and dry cold winds stunted the growth of most plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme introduced at the beginning of Chapter 1, 'The Cherry Tree'?
The chapter begins with activities related to growing plants from seeds or saplings and discussing the importance of planting trees.
Who is the main character introduced in the story?
The main character introduced is Rakesh, a six-year-old boy.
Where does Rakesh live?
Rakesh lives with his grandfather on the outskirts of Mussoorie.
What kind of fruit trees are scarce in Rakesh's region and why?
Fruit trees are scarce because the soil is stony and the dry cold winds stunt their growth.
Why was Rakesh sent to live with his grandfather?
Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie so he could attend school, as his village lacked educational facilities.
What did Rakesh do with the last cherry seed?
Rakesh kept the last cherry seed in his mouth for some time.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — Poorvi — Chapter 4 — The Cherry Tree. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.