CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened: Chapter 6 "The Fight" NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This section offers comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Chapter 6, 'The Fight,' from the CBSE Class 8 English textbook 'It So Happened.' The solutions focus on Ranji's experiences at the forest pool, exploring the contrasts with the desert pools he knew. Students will analyze the interaction and conflict between Ranji and Suraj, understanding the roots of their quarrel, their individual expectations, and how their dispute was resolved. These explanations aim to deepen students' understanding of the story's subtleties, character motivations, and the theme of resolving disagreements, thereby supporting their exam preparation.

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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 6

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, 'The Fight', of the CBSE Class 8 English 'It So Happened' textbook focuses on a confrontation at a forest pool. The NCERT Solutions provided here address the comprehension check questions, clarifying the contrast between the forest pool and desert pools, the reasons for the conflict between Ranji and another boy, and the eventual outcome. These solutions help students understand character interactions and the narrative's progression.

Learning outcomes

Understand the contrast between different types of water bodies as described in the story.
Analyze the reasons and motivations behind a conflict between characters.
Evaluate the fairness of a character's actions and demands.
Identify the initiator of a quarrel and justify the reasoning.
Explain the resolution or postponement of a conflict.
Interpret character behavior and dialogue in a narrative context.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Ranji and Suraj
Understanding conflict and quarrel
Analysis of dialogue and character interaction
Comparison of environments (forest pool vs. desert pool)
Themes of ownership and common property
Narrative comprehension
Story interpretation

Important topics

Analyzing the initiation and escalation of conflict
Understanding character motivations
Interpreting dialogue to gauge character attitudes
Evaluating fairness and property rights in the story
Comparing and contrasting settings

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?

Solution: The forest pool presented a stark contrast to the pools Ranji was familiar with in the Rajputana desert. Firstly, the forest pool was described as having clean, fresh, and inviting water, making it an appealing place for a swim. In contrast, the pools in the Rajputana desert were often muddy and dirty. Secondly, the desert pools served practical, communal purposes, such as being used by women for washing clothes and by people to bathe their buffaloes. The forest pool, however, was perceived as a pristine spot solely for enjoyment and recreation, which is why Ranji was eager to swim there.

Question 2

The other boy asked Ranji to 'explain' himself.

What did he expect Ranji to say?
Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?

Solution:

The other boy, who is later identified as Suraj, expected Ranji to offer an apology, perhaps by saying 'sorry', and to immediately leave the pool. He seemed to believe that Ranji had no right to be there and should vacate the space upon being challenged.
In my opinion, Suraj was wrong to ask this question and demand Ranji's explanation or departure. The forest pool was not Suraj's private property. Since the forest belonged to everyone, the pool within it should be considered common property. Suraj had no exclusive right to prevent Ranji from using or enjoying the pool.

Question 3

Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.

Solution: The other boy, Suraj, is the one actively trying to start a quarrel. This is evident from his behavior and the way he addresses Ranji. Ranji, on the other hand, is portrayed as polite and calm. Suraj speaks in an unfriendly and aggressive manner, demanding that Ranji leave the pool and threatening him with physical violence if he refuses. This confrontational approach clearly indicates that Suraj is the aggressor seeking a fight, not Ranji.

Question 4

"Then we will have to continue the fight," said the other.

What made him say that?
Did the fight continue? If not, why not?

Solution:

Suraj, the other boy, said, "Then we will have to continue the fight," because Ranji did not back down or accept defeat. Ranji's refusal to be intimidated and his quiet resilience likely frustrated Suraj, who perhaps expected Ranji to yield. Since an immediate resolution wasn't possible or desired by Suraj at that moment, he proposed postponing the fight.
No, the fight did not continue at that immediate moment. Suraj deferred the fight to the next day. This suggests that while the conflict was not resolved, it was postponed rather than immediately acted upon, likely because Suraj wanted to ensure he could fight Ranji under conditions he deemed more favorable or simply to assert his dominance by setting a future confrontation.

Common mistakes

Confusing the characteristics of the forest pool with the desert pools.
Misinterpreting the intentions of the characters involved in the conflict.
Failing to identify who is instigating the quarrel.
Not providing sufficient reasoning for opinions on character actions.

Revision tips

Read the chapter 'The Fight' carefully to understand the context of the questions.
Pay close attention to the descriptions of the forest pool and the desert pools.
Analyze the dialogue between Ranji and the other boy to understand their perspectives.
Use the solutions to check your understanding of character motivations and conflict resolution.
Practice explaining your reasoning for character judgments, similar to the provided answers.

Practice MCQs

Q1. How was the forest pool different from the pools Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?

Q2. What did the other boy, Suraj, expect Ranji to do when asked to 'explain' himself?

Q3. Was Suraj right to ask Ranji to leave the pool?

Q4. Who initiated the quarrel between Ranji and the other boy?

Q5. Why did Suraj say, "Then we will have to continue the fight"?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 8 English 'It So Happened' about?

Chapter 6, 'The Fight', narrates an encounter between a boy named Ranji and another boy at a forest pool, exploring themes of conflict, territoriality, and character interaction.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand 'The Fight'?

These solutions provide detailed answers to the comprehension questions, explaining the differences between the pools, the reasons for the quarrel, and the characters' perspectives, thereby aiding in a deeper understanding of the story.

Who are the main characters involved in the conflict in Chapter 6?

The main characters involved in the conflict are Ranji, who discovers the forest pool, and the other boy, Suraj, who claims ownership of the swimming spot.

What is the significance of the comparison between the forest pool and the desert pool?

The comparison highlights Ranji's background and his appreciation for the clean, inviting nature of the forest pool, contrasting it with the more utilitarian and less pristine pools of his native desert region.

How are the solutions structured for easy understanding?

Each question is presented clearly, followed by a rewritten, detailed solution that breaks down the answer with explanations and reasoning, making it easier for students to grasp the concepts.

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