NCERT Class 8 English It So Happend: Chapter 4 — The treasure within
This chapter, 'The Treasure Within,' from the NCERT Class 8 English book 'It So Happend,' introduces the concept that every child is a potential achiever with unique learning styles and interests. It features an interview with Hafeez Contractor, a renowned architect, who shares his school experiences. Contractor reveals he was an unhappy student who disliked rote learning and struggled with mathematics, experiencing nightmares about exams. His principal's motivational words in eleventh standard profoundly impacted him, leading him to abandon sports and focus on studies. Despite achieving only a second class in SSC, his principal encouraged him, highlighting the importance of effort over mere marks. Contractor also mentions his unique memory style, needing to visualize things photographically to remember them, emphasizing that true potential lies within each individual.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | It So Happend |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The treasure within |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 606 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that potential and achievement vary among individuals.
- Recognize the impact of motivational words on a student's life.
- Appreciate the importance of effort and self-belief in overcoming academic challenges.
- Learn about different learning and memory styles.
- Gain insights into the life and experiences of a successful professional.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| potential | having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future |
| achiever | a person who achieves a great deal |
| detested | disliked intensely |
| mechanical learning | learning by rote without understanding or interest |
| nightmare | a frightening or unpleasant dream |
| psyche | the human mind or soul |
| pranks | a mischievous trick or practical joke |
| visualize | form a mental image of; imagine |
| distinction | a mark of honor or excellence |
| occasion | an opportune time for doing something |
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Practice questions
- What did Hafeez Contractor dislike about his school days? Answer: He disliked mechanical learning and mathematics, and he used to copy in exams.
- What was Hafeez Contractor's recurring nightmare? Answer: His nightmare was about appearing for a mathematics examination where he knew nothing.
- What did the Principal say to Hafeez Contractor in his eleventh standard? Answer: The Principal told him that he had been taken care of until then, and now he needed to study himself, reminding him of his mother's hard work.
- How did Hafeez Contractor's approach to studies change in his eleventh standard? Answer: He stopped playing sports and focused entirely on eating and studying.
- What was Hafeez Contractor's score in his SSC exam? Answer: He got a second class, 50 percent.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Hafeez Contractor?
Hafeez Contractor is one of India's leading architects, interviewed in this chapter.
What is the main theme of 'The Treasure Within'?
The chapter emphasizes that every child has unique potential and that self-belief and effort are key to unlocking it.
Why did Hafeez Contractor have nightmares?
He had nightmares related to mathematics examinations because he disliked the subject and struggled with it.
How did the Principal influence Hafeez Contractor?
The Principal's motivational speech in his eleventh standard urged him to take responsibility for his studies, leading to a significant change in his life.
What does Hafeez Contractor say about his memory?
He mentions that he forgets things easily and needs to see things as a photograph to remember them.
What does the chapter suggest about learning?
It suggests that learning is most effective when it aligns with individual interests and learning styles, rather than being purely mechanical.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — It So Happend — Chapter 4 — The treasure within. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.