Chapter 12, "Waiting for the Rain", is a poignant and realistic story in the NCERT Class 8 English textbook (Poorvi) that highlights the critical relationship between the Indian monsoon and rural life. The narrative captures the anxiety, hope, and eventual relief of a farming community as they face a delayed monsoon. This chapter introduces students to the concept of ecological interdependence. It teaches Class 8 students about the harsh realities of drought, the resilience of the human spirit, and the sheer joy that the first rains bring to a parched land. The story encourages empathy for those who depend directly on the earth for their survival.
We provide comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 8 to help students analyse the atmospheric descriptions, understand the emotional journey of the characters, and master the vocabulary related to weather and agriculture. These solutions are perfectly aligned with the latest NCERT syllabus, ensuring students are well-prepared for their examinations.
In Class 8 English - Chapter 12, "Waiting for the Rain," students learn about the importance of the monsoon in India. Our NCERT Solutions for Class 8 offer detailed summaries and solved exercises to help you excel. Download the free PDF below.
The story depicts a village during a particularly harsh summer. The wells are drying up, the cattle are growing thin, and the cracked earth seems to be crying out for moisture. The protagonist and the villagers spend their days looking at the horizon, searching for a single gray cloud. The narrative beautifully captures the "scent of rain" (petrichor) and the changing behavior of birds and animals as the atmospheric pressure shifts.
The climax describes the arrival of the rain—the sudden darkening of the sky, the first heavy drops hitting the dust, and the transformation of the landscape from a dull brown to a vibrant green. The story concludes with the celebration of the life-giving water, symbolizing a fresh start for the farmers and their crops.
1. Complete the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
2. Do you think the old woman would help Velu? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, the old woman helps Velu—not by giving him rain, but by offering him a new way of thinking. She explains that just like people, the land also needs rest, which comforts and enlightens Velu during a time of hopelessness.
3. Will Velu’s wait continue or will it rain?
Answer: Velu’s wait will not continue for long. By the end of the story, clouds begin to gather, and raindrops fall, indicating that rain has finally arrived, bringing relief and joy to Velu.
I Complete the following statements given below with suitable reasons.
Answer:
I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Extract: “...I can’t see how talking to astrologers will bring rain.” He decided to go to the weather office in the city and talk to someone. But the people at the weather office said they couldn’t really tell him when the sky would gather clouds and bring rain. “We are at a loss ourselves!” they exclaimed. “So many favourable conditions but still no rain. Very odd!”
1. What does the first line of the extract tell us about Velu’s beliefs?
Answer: It shows that Velu is a practical and rational person. He does not believe in superstitions or relying on astrologers.
2. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason. - Velu is determined to seek information about the rain because . (he was at a loss of words/he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm)
Answer: he wants to find a practical solution to the drought affecting his farm
3. Complete the table with reference to Velu’s weather office visit.
Answer:
4. Complete the following sentence with a suitable option.
The absence of rain despite favourable conditions, shows ...... .
A. lack of astrological knowledge
B. ineffectiveness of farmers like Velu
C. delay in understanding the weather
D. unpredictability of nature
Answer: D. unpredictability of nature
Extract: “The soil, the land, the earth... shouldn’t someone let the land rest a bit?” the old woman said, softly, smiling. “Rest? Let the land rest? I don’t understand,” Velu looked at her, a little puzzled. “Yes, my son, that is the difficulty. You don’t realise that the earth is old...”
1. The old woman’s advice was accompanied with a soft tone and a smile. What does that tell us about her?
Answer: It shows that she is wise, gentle, and calm. She speaks kindly, with care and understanding.
2. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given below.
Q. The old woman’s advice ...... Velu, at that moment.
A. failed to impress
B. confused
C. scared
D. made sense to
Answer: B. confused
3. State one thing about the old woman when she referred to Velu as ‘my son’, while offering advice.
Answer: It shows that the old woman was affectionate, motherly, and caring in her attitude toward Velu.
4. Complete the following sentence with a suitable explanation - The ‘difficulty’ that the old woman mentions is due to the fact that .......
Answer: people like Velu fail to understand that even the earth needs rest after constant use.
II Answer the following questions.
1. How does the old woman convey Nature’s wisdom to Velu?
Answer: The old woman explains that just as people need rest, the land also needs time to recover. She personifies the earth, showing that it has worked for centuries and must be allowed to breathe and rejuvenate.
2. The writer says, ‘The fields lay untended…’ Why couldn’t the farmers tend to their fields in the absence of rain?
Answer: Without rain, the soil became dry, cracked, and hard. It was impossible to plough, sow seeds, or grow any crops. Hence, the farmers could not tend to their fields.
3. Support the old woman’s perspective that the land needs rest just like people do.
Answer: Just as continuous work tires human beings, the earth too becomes exhausted after constant cultivation. Leaving it fallow helps it restore nutrients and moisture. This rest helps in better crop growth later.
4. What can be inferred about Velu’s character based on his reaction to the drought?
Answer: Velu is hardworking, sincere, and deeply connected to his land. He feels helpless and anxious when he cannot work. His actions show that he is responsible and practical, though initially impatient.
5. What does the story suggest about the life of farmers and their relationship with nature?
Answer: The story shows that farmers are closely tied to the rhythms of nature. Their lives depend on natural events like rainfall. It also suggests that farmers must learn to respect nature’s cycles, including times of rest.
6. How might the rest and care of land contribute to a balanced and sustainable ecosystem?
Answer: Resting the land prevents soil exhaustion, preserves moisture, and helps maintain its fertility. This practice supports healthy crop cycles and ensures long-term productivity, contributing to a sustainable farming ecosystem.
(Session 2026 - 27)