English Questions and Answers - Class 8 Mid Term Exams Term 1 2023 Set 1

COMPOSITION  

The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words making it as interesting as possible.

I knew I could do anything I put my mind to. last holidays I decided to ................................

QUESTIONS

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 1 to 15. For each blank space, choose the best answer from the choice.

It was as ___1___ as usual at the bank. ___2___had John finished his transaction than he heard a commotion coming from the other side of the room. Suddenly, a man dressed___3___ all black with a mask on, ___4___ into the bank brandishing a gun. He ___5___ everyone to get down on the floor and ___6___their valuables.

The bank customers were in a state of ___7___, some were crying and others were trying to hide___8___ the desks. John's heart was pounding as he9 on the floor.

The robber then jumped___10___ the counter, and commanded the cashiers to surrender ___11___ the money they had. ___12___ disobeyed. The robber put all the cash into a bag he had brought with him. As the robber was about to___13___ his escape, a security guard who was on duty entered the bank. The robber tried to point his gun at the guard but it was___14___late. He managed to disarm him and hold him ___15___ the police arrived.

In questions 16 to 18, choose the word that means the same as the underlined words.

16. The new teacher doesn't put up with poor performance.
    1. understand
    2. tolerate
    3. condemn
    4. encourage
17. The villagers managed to extinguish the fire.
    1. put down
    2. put off
    3. put away
    4. put out
18. The twins obviously take after their mother.
    1. admire
    2. follow
    3. resemble
    4. imitate

In questions 19 and 20, choose the best alternative to complete the sentences.    

19. It was _________________ hot to stand in the sun.
    1. so
    2. rather
    3. too
    4. very
20. He prefers chicken stew
    
    1. to beef stew.
    2. than beef stew.
    3. for beef stew.
    4. but beef stew.

In questions 21 and 22, select the correct arrangement to make sensible paragraphs.

21.  
    1. Moreover, a strict routine and discipline to practice is mandatory. 
    2. One must be willing to be pushed beyond their limits.
    3. To succeed in sports is a dream for many but a reality for few. 
    4. In the end, the mind and the body get into the right shape for success.
       1. (iii), (ii), (i), (iv) 
       2. (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
       3. (iii), (i), (iv), (ii)
       4. (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
22.  
    1. Maria and I have been great friends.
    2. We met last week for the first time in four years and it was like we never separated.
    3. It wasn't difficult to connect due to our shared interest in music.
    4. As fate would have it, we separated in the fourth Grade.
       1. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
       2. (i), (iv), (iii), (ii)
       3. (i), (iii), (iv), (ii)
       4. (i), (ii), (iv), (iii)

In questions 23 to 25. select the best alternative to fill the blank spaces.

23. We bought _____________________ dolls
    
    1. two other new small plastic 
    2. two other small new plastic
    3. two small new plastic other
    4. other two new small plastic
24. The _________________ pit was dug for rubbish disposal.
    
    1. feet-ten
    2. ten-feet
    3. ten-foot
    4. foot-ten
25. Mbugua was exempted _________________________ doing the work because he was ill.
    1. off
    2. from
    3. at
    4. with

Read the passage below and answer questions 26 to 38.

Whatever it was that prompted me to go to Singapore is very trivial. In fact it was an afterthought that I didn't really plan for. The most important thing was that I learnt the meaning of loneliness and the fear of getting into the unknown. I should say that it did me a world of good.

On the twenty-fifth of February this year, I was crossing into another foreign country to "seek my fortune". With the passport in my hand, I glanced over the number of stamps on the page. Suddenly, a feeling of fear overcame me. How in the world am I going to find my way in Singapore? I knew I could not retreat because I had taken up the job of a home-teacher! And all my life, my interest had never been in teaching!

So with a brave heart, I ventured into the Lion City. I was first assigned a home in Tiong, a place I had never heard of before. I consoled myself that it was difficult to get lost here, especially with the efficient bus service. When I finally reached my destination, my expectations were ruined when I was confronted with the buildings that looked the same. The flats stood up like great giants looking down at me, perhaps laughing their heads off at my helplessness. As it was already seven o'clock in the evening, I walked aimlessly in the area. People, young and old, males and females came and went, but they seemed to be more in a hurry than I was. Where they were going, I had not the faintest idea. The careless attitude in them made me sick. There I stood, and I would stand there forever if I did not venture to take the initiative myself. I picked up my courage and walked slowly to the next block.

Rather unwillingly, I asked a passing boy about the whereabouts of the assigned home. He pointed to a block nearby. Feeling relieved, I walked towards the block and realized that it was really the correct one. I hurriedly walked towards the nearest lift. Before long, I was on my way to the seventh floor. At long last, I reached my destination. For me then, happiness was having found the place! I looked at my watch. It showed just a few minutes after eight. Now I realized the one-hour of fruitless search in the dark had seemed like eternity!

Now not only do I know what loneliness really is. Now I know what fear is like. Fear and loneliness only exist when you are in the unknown. When the unknown is opened to you, automatically, fear and loneliness vanish.

26. According to the first paragraph, the writer 
    1. had really wanted to go to Singapore.
    2. had a long desire to visit Singapore. 
    3. had elaborate plan for the visit to Singapore.
    4. did not put much thought into the visit to Singapore.
27. What does the phrase seek my fortune mean?
    
    1. Looking for a job.
    2. Finding a means of livelihood. 
    3. Trying to survive alone.
    4. Gaining more experience.
28. We can conclude that the writer felt fear because
    
    1. he did not know how to find his way in the new country.
    2. he did not have anything to do in Singapore.
    3. he was already feeling the loneliness. 
    4. it was the first time to travel outside his country.
29. The writer could not get back because he had
    
    1. nowhere else to go.
    2. already crossed the border.
    3. already taken up a teaching job.
    4. started home-teaching already.
30. From the passage, we can say that the writer 
    1. had been teaching in this country.
    2. had never been keen on teaching. 
    3. found teaching an interesting career.
    4. was looking forward to home-teaching.
31. Tiong was
    
    1. a place in Lion City.
    2. a city next to Lion City.
    3. familiar to the writer.
    4. a school where the writer worked.
32. The writer thought it was not easy to lose his way in Tiong because
    1. it was a small area.
    2. the area had a good bus service.
    3. the area had many buses.
    4. the writer had visited the area before.
33. What confronted the writer the moment he got to Tiong? The
    1. houses looked very big.
    2. houses had similar colours.
    3. houses appeared the same. 
    4. area was very new to him.
34. It is true to sat that the
    1. writer was in a hurry like everyone else.
    2. town people walked towards the same direction.
    3. town people did not care about the writer
    4. people in the town were just roaming the streets.
35. The word aimlessly as used in the passage implies that the writer was walking
    1. leisurely to pass the time.
    2. to no particular destination. 
    3. slowly and lazily.
    4. hurriedly to his destination.
36. What did the writer decide to do to find the assigned-home?
    1. He asked everyone at the nearby blocks. 
    2. He asked his way from a young boy.
    3. He looked around and saw it.
    4. One of his students pointed him the way.
37. We can conclude that when the writer reached his destination, he felt
    1. surprised.
    2. amazed
    3. relaxed.
    4. relieved.
38. Which of the following is the most suitable title for the passage?
    1. Facing the fear of the unknown.
    2. Travelling to Singapore.
    3. Lost in Tiong.
    4. Fear and loneliness.

Read the following passage and answer questions 39 to 50.   

Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of one's mental and emotional well-being. It is the belief and confidence one has in their own abilities and self-worth. A person with healthy self-esteem feels positive about themselves, their abilities and their future. They trust their own abilities and feel capable of handling the challenges that life throws their way. However, when self-esteem is low, it can lead to negative thoughts and feelings, such as self-doubt, self-criticism, and a lack of confidence. This can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Low self-esteem can manifest in various ways, such as constantly seeking validation from others, avoiding new experiences and opportunities or feeling inadequate in social situations. This can have a detrimental impact on one's relationships, career and overall life satisfaction. Building and maintaining a healthy self-esteem is essential for living a fulfilling life.

There are several ways to improve self-esteem. One of the most important is to practice self- compassion. Treating oneself with kindness and understanding is essential for building self-esteem. When working or studying, set realistic goals and celebrate small successes. This builds one's confidence and boosts self-esteem.

Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people can provide a sense of validation and encouragement, which can help to build self-esteem. Engaging in activities and hobbies that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment can also be beneficial for self-esteem. Additionally, changing negative thought patterns and learning to challenge limiting beliefs can help to improve self-esteem. Finally, practising mindfulness and self-reflection can help one to understand themselves better, which can lead to a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence.

It is important to remember that self-esteem is not a fixed trait and can fluctuate over time. It is an ongoing process of self-awareness, self-care and self-improvement. Seeking help from a therapist or counsellor can be beneficial in addressing and improving self-esteem. With effort and determination, anyone can improve their self-esteem and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

39. Self-esteem emphasizes on the belief and confidence in
    
    1. personal abilities and self-worth. 
    2. appearance end self-worth 
    3. intelligence and own abilities 
    4. one's happiness and self-worth.
40. A person with a healthy self-esteem should be
    
    1. pessimistic.
    2. uncertain
    3. doubtful.
    4. optimistic.
41. All the following statements are true about self-esteem. Which one is not?!t 
    1. helps one to deal with challenges 
    2. makes one be sure of one's abilities
    3. makes one proud of past success.
    4. makes one certain of one's future.
42. How can one know that people have low self-esteem? They
    
    1. doubt and criticize themselves.
    2. feel positive about themselves.
    3. have some confidence.
    4. do away with negative feelings.
43. Depression and anxiety are caused by 
    1. a healthy self-esteem.
    2. mental diseases.
    3. anger and stress.
    4. a low self-esteem.
44. The word constantly means that same as
    1. continually.
    2. sometimes
    3. rarely.
    4. occasionally.
45. A poor self-esteem can negatively impact all the following except one's
    
    1. fulfillment.
    2. concentration.
    3. occupation.
    4. relationships.
46. Self-compassion is treating oneself with
    1. understanding and criticism. 
    2. kindness and care.
    3. satisfaction and understanding.
    4. understanding and kindness.
47. ...realistic goals are goals that 
    1. are easy to achieve.
    2. one is able to achieve. 
    3. are difficult to achieve.
    4. everybody has set.
48. Friends can boost one's self-esteem by
    1. validating and encouraging us.
    2. setting realistic goals for us.
    3. celebrating small successes with us. 
    4. having confidence in their abilities.
49. Practising mindfulness and self-reflection helps one to
    
    1. change negative thoughts. 
    2. remove limiting beliefs.
    3. understand oneself better.
    4. have a sense of fulfillment.
50. It is the writer's opinion that
    1. everybody has a high self-esteem. 
    2. it is very difficult to develop self-esteem.
    3. one's self-esteem remains constant. 
    4. anybody can develop high self-esteem.

MARKING SCHEME

1. A
2. A
3. C
4. A
5. D
6. A
7. B
8. D
9. A
10. C
11. A
12. B
13. A
14. D
15. C
16. B
17. D
18. C
19. C
20. A
21. A
22. C
23. B
24. C
25. B
26. D
27. B
28. A
29. C
30. B
31. A
32. B
33. C
34. C
35. B
36. B
37. D
38. A
39. A
40. D
41. C
42. B
43. D
44. A
45. C
46. D
47. B
48. A
49. C
50. D