CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened NCERT Solutions: Chapter 10 - The Comet – II

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, 'The Comet – II', from CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened, delves into the critical moments following the discovery of a potentially Earth-threatening comet. The NCERT Solutions provide a detailed breakdown of the comprehension checks, focusing on the scientific community's reaction, the calculations involved, and the proposed actions. Students will explore James's initial doubts, the validation of his calculations by scientists, and the stark contrast between the peaceful night sky and the impending danger. The solutions also explain the 'defensive' and 'offensive' strategies discussed to mitigate the threat, offering clarity on complex scientific and strategic decisions. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the narrative's tension and the scientific reasoning presented, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear, concise answers to all chapter-related questions.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	English It So Happened
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 10

Chapter summary

Chapter 10, 'The Comet – II', of the CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened textbook focuses on the aftermath of a comet's discovery and its potential impact on Earth. The NCERT Solutions cover comprehension questions related to the scientific community's response, the accuracy of astronomical calculations, and the proposed measures to avert disaster. It clarifies the difference between defensive and offensive actions considered by scientists, providing a deeper understanding of the story's critical junctures.

Learning outcomes

Understand the initial doubts and calculations related to the comet's discovery.
Explain the scientific community's reaction and validation of James's findings.
Differentiate between defensive and offensive actions proposed to counter the comet threat.
Analyze the significance of Sir John's statement regarding Christmas presents.
Grasp the narrative tension and scientific implications presented in the chapter.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Comet discovery and calculations
Scientific community's response
Potential Earth impact
Defensive actions (underground bunkers)
Offensive actions (deflecting comet)
Nuclear payload
Narrative tension
Character statements and implications

Important topics

Validation of scientific calculations
Defensive vs. Offensive strategies
Implications of the comet threat
Sir John's statement analysis

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1: "For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right." Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Solution: James felt a moment of doubt about the accuracy of his calculations because of the stark contrast between his findings and the reality he observed. He had reached his hotel at 1 p.m. and looked at the star-studded sky. The night appeared incredibly peaceful and serene, making it hard for him to believe that a potentially catastrophic event, like a comet collision, could be imminent. This peaceful scene made him question if his mathematical and astronomical computations were correct.

Question 2: What did the scientists at the conference say about James's 'sums'?

Solution: The scientists who gathered at the conference thoroughly reviewed James Forsyth's calculations. They reached a significant conclusion: his sums and computations were indeed correct. This validation confirmed that a new comet was on a trajectory that posed a serious threat, with the potential to collide with Earth. They further noted that even if it only entered the Earth's atmosphere, it would cause immense destruction.

Question 3: Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of 'defensive' and 'offensive' action mentioned in the text.

Solution: The scientists recognized the urgency of the situation and discussed two primary types of actions to address the approaching comet threat:

Defensive Action: This involved measures to protect the population from the potential impact. One example given is that people should live in underground bunkers, providing a safe haven from the comet's effects.

Offensive Action: This type of action aimed to actively prevent the collision. The proposed offensive measure was to attempt to deflect the comet from its path. This could be achieved by detonating a nuclear payload in close proximity to the comet, thereby altering its course and reducing the chances of it hitting Earth. The text clarifies that a payload is a component of an aircraft or spacecraft.

Question 4: "I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15". What did Sir John mean by that?

Solution: Sir John's statement, "I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15," was a veiled expression of his deep uncertainty and concern about the Earth's fate. He was not entirely confident that the operation to deal with the comet would be successful, nor was he sure if humanity would even survive the predicted date of collision, which was December 15th. By deferring the purchase of Christmas presents, he was implicitly acknowledging the possibility that the comet might impact the Earth, rendering such preparations meaningless.

Common mistakes

Confusing the 'defensive' and 'offensive' actions proposed by scientists.
Misinterpreting the reason behind Sir John's statement about Christmas presents.
Failing to connect James's initial doubts with the peaceful appearance of the night sky.

Revision tips

Review the definitions and examples of 'defensive' and 'offensive' actions.
Pay close attention to the dialogue and statements made by key characters like James and Sir John.
Summarize the sequence of events from the discovery of the comet to the proposed actions.
Discuss the scientific and strategic challenges presented in the chapter with a study partner.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why was James initially doubtful about his calculations regarding the comet?

Q2. What was the conclusion of the scientists at the conference regarding James's calculations?

Q3. Which of the following was suggested as a 'defensive' action against the comet?

Q4. What did the 'offensive' action involve, according to the text?

Q5. What was the implied meaning behind Sir John's statement about not buying Christmas presents until December 15th?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 10, 'The Comet – II'?

The main theme revolves around the discovery of a comet threatening Earth, the scientific community's reaction, the validation of calculations, and the discussion of potential defensive and offensive actions to avert disaster.

Why did James initially doubt his calculations?

James doubted his calculations because the night sky appeared exceptionally peaceful, making it difficult for him to reconcile his findings with the apparent tranquility.

What were the two types of actions scientists considered against the comet?

Scientists considered 'defensive' actions, like living in underground bunkers, and 'offensive' actions, such as attempting to deflect the comet from its path.

What did Sir John mean by delaying his Christmas present purchases?

Sir John's statement implied uncertainty about whether humanity would survive the potential comet impact, which was predicted around December 15th.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all comprehension questions, helping students understand the chapter's key concepts, scientific reasoning, and narrative elements, which are crucial for exam revision.

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