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. It serves as a powerful reminder of how deeply the lives and livelihoods of millions are tied to the vagaries of nature.
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 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.
I Complete the table given below. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
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.
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.
I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Answer: It shows that Velu is a practical and rational person. He does not believe in superstitions or relying on astrologers.
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
Answer:
The absence of rain despite favourable conditions, shows .
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...”
that tell us about her?
Answer: It shows that she is wise, gentle, and calm. She speaks kindly, with care and understanding.
The old woman’s advice Velu, at that moment.
Answer: It shows that the old woman was affectionate, motherly, and caring in her attitude toward Velu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)