NCERT Class 8 English It So Happend: Chapter 2 — Children at work
This chapter, 'Children at Work,' from the NCERT Class 8 English book 'It So Happened,' introduces Velu, an eleven-year-old boy who runs away from his village to escape an unhappy home and find work. He travels to Chennai without a ticket, feeling tired, hungry, and overwhelmed by the city's chaos. Upon arrival, he encounters a girl his age who works at the station, highlighting the harsh realities faced by children forced into labor. The chapter sets the stage for Velu's journey into the world of child labor, emphasizing the loss of education and childhood. It explores the reasons behind child labor, such as family support or escaping difficult home environments, and the challenges these children face.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | It So Happend |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Children at work |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 432 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the reasons why children are forced to work.
- Recognize the challenges faced by children who cannot attend school due to work.
- Empathize with the situation of children in difficult circumstances.
- Identify key characters and settings introduced in the chapter.
- Learn new vocabulary related to travel and urban environments.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| livelihood | a means of securing the necessities of life |
| wanders | walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way |
| wobbly | tending to move unsteadily |
| luggage | bags and suitcases used to carry belongings when traveling |
| miserable | wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable |
| exhausted | very tired |
| jaggery | unrefined sugar made from the juice of sugar cane or palm sap |
| unreserved | not set aside for a particular person or purpose |
| stiff | rigid or firm; difficult to bend or move |
| stuffing | filling a space or container tightly with something |
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Practice questions
- Why did Velu run away from home? Answer: Velu ran away from home because he was unhappy and possibly to find work to support himself.
- Where did Velu go after leaving his village? Answer: Velu went to Chennai.
- How did Velu travel to Chennai? Answer: Velu traveled to Chennai on the Kanyakumari Express without a ticket.
- Describe Velu's condition when he arrived at Chennai Central station. Answer: Velu felt tired, hungry, and his legs were wobbly. He was also overwhelmed by the crowd and noise.
- Who did Velu meet at the station? Answer: Velu met a girl his own age who was wearing a long banian and carrying a large sack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Children at Work'?
The chapter highlights the harsh realities and struggles of children forced into labor, often sacrificing their education and childhood.
Who is the main character in Chapter 2 of 'It So Happened'?
The main character is Velu, an eleven-year-old boy who runs away from his village.
Why is Velu in Chennai?
Velu has come to Chennai without a ticket, seeking a better life or work, having run away from an unhappy home.
What challenges does Velu face upon arriving in Chennai?
Velu faces exhaustion, hunger, disorientation due to the city's chaos, and the immediate need to find a way to survive.
What does the chapter suggest about children who work?
It suggests that these children often come from difficult backgrounds and are unable to attend school or enjoy a normal childhood.
What is 'jaggery' mentioned in the chapter?
Jaggery is a type of unrefined sugar, which Velu had eaten for sustenance during his journey.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — It So Happend — Chapter 2 — Children at work. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.