NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew: Chapter 2 — The Tsunami
This chapter, 'The Tsunami,' from NCERT's Class 8 English Honeydew book, introduces the devastating natural disaster of a tsunami, explaining its cause as undersea earthquakes. It uses the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a case study, referencing the 2004 tsunami that affected parts of India. The chapter includes a 'Before You Read' section with map-based questions about the islands and vocabulary like 'archipelago,' 'tremor,' and 'chaos.' It then presents a harrowing personal account from Ignesious, a survivor from Katchall, detailing the earthquake, the rising sea, and the tragic loss of his wife and two children amidst the chaos. The narrative highlights the immense power of the tsunami and the courage and survival of those affected, prompting reflection on animal behavior before such events. This chapter aims to educate students about natural disasters and foster empathy.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Honeydew |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — The Tsunami |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 308 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and cause of a tsunami.
- Identify the geographical location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Analyze survivor accounts of the 2004 tsunami.
- Learn new vocabulary related to earthquakes and disasters.
- Appreciate stories of courage and survival.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| archipelago | a group of many islands and the surrounding sea |
| tremor | a slight shake |
| Earth tremors | the earth's shakes during an earthquake |
| chaos | complete disorder or confusion |
| tsunami | a very large and powerful wave caused by earthquakes under the sea |
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Practice questions
- What causes a tsunami? Answer: A tsunami is caused by earthquakes under the sea.
- Which Indian regions were affected by the 2004 tsunami? Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Tamil Nadu coast were affected.
- What is an archipelago? Answer: An archipelago is a group of many islands and the surrounding sea.
- What did Ignesious's wife feel that woke him up? Answer: His wife woke him up because she felt an earthquake.
- What happened to Ignesious's children during the tsunami? Answer: Two of his children were swept away and never seen again.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a very large and powerful wave caused by earthquakes under the sea.
When did the 2004 tsunami occur?
The 2004 tsunami hit on 26 December 2004.
Which islands are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Katchall and Nancowry.
What does 'archipelago' mean?
An archipelago is a group of many islands and the surrounding sea.
What happened to Ignesious's family during the tsunami?
Ignesious's wife and two children were swept away. He and his three other children survived.
What is a 'tremor'?
A tremor is a slight shake, often referring to the earth shaking during an earthquake.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — Honeydew — Chapter 2 — The Tsunami. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.