Click here to access the best NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poorvi Unit 3 Mystery and Magic Chapter 8 The Magic Brush of Dreams Questions and Answers.
The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Questions and Answers
The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Question Answer
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 8 The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer
The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer – Let us do these activities before we read (Page 122)
I. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.
Answer:
I would like to have a magical notebook that writes answers on its own. It would help me complete my homework quickly and learn better through smart suggestions.
2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?
Answer:
I would draw a big library full of books because I love reading and learning new things.
3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I would use it to help poor people by drawing food, clothes, and houses for them. Everyone deserves to live happily.
II. Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:
I once read about a boy who started a small food bank in his community to help hungry people. Another time, my friend gave his new shoes to a child in need. I also remember helping an injured bird and taking it to a vet. These acts of kindness make the world a better place.
Now, arrange these words into different categories as given below.
Things: _________________________
______________________________
Actions: _________________________
______________________________
Emotions: _________________________
______________________________
Answer:
Meaning of the words
1. Paintbrush – A tool with bristles used to apply paint to a surface, often used in art or painting walls.
2. Joy – A strong feeling of happiness and pleasure.
3. Fortress – A large, strong building or place that is built to protect against attacks; like a castle.
4. Feast – A large and special meal, often made for celebrations.
5. Fear – A feeling of being scared or afraid of something.
6. Winding – Something that goes in curves or twists, like a winding road or path.
7. Twig – A small, thin branch from a tree or bush.
8. Bows – Ribbons tied into loops (like hair bows), or a curved weapon for shooting arrows, depending on context.
9. Drawing – A picture made with a pen, pencil, or crayon, usually on paper.
10. Cold – A low temperature that makes you feel chilly, or the opposite of warm.
Arranged into categories:
Things: Paintbrush, Fortress, Twig,
Actions: Bows, Winding, Drawing
Emotions: Joy, Fear, Cold
Events: Feast
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The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Question Answer – Let us discuss (Pages 127-128)
Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
| 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. | |
| 2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. | |
| 3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. | |
| 4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. | |
| 5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. | |
| 6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. | |
| 7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. | |
| 8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. | |
| 9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. | |
| 10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. | 10 |
Answer:
| 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. | 9 |
| 2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. | 3 |
| 3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. | 1 |
| 4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. | 7 |
| 5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. | 2 |
| 6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. | 5 |
| 7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. | 6 |
| 8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. | 4 |
| 9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. | 8 |
| 10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. | 10 |
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below.

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflcting the diffrent moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. _________________ as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. _________________. In the fial part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. _________________ as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.
Answer:
1. playful and innocent
2. tension and suspense
3. triumphant and celebratory
III. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets.
1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, _________________, which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)
2. This poem belongs to the _________________ poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)
Answer:
1. ABCB
2. narrative or ballad
IV. Give examples from the poem for the following explanations.
1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, _________________.
2. What is the effect of repetition in the line—‘On you, and you and you!*?
Answer:
1. “Gopi paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep.”
This line creates a vivid picture of a wide and fast-flowing river.
2. It emphasizes the threat and creates suspense and fear, showing the seriousness of Gopi’s warning to the Zamindar and his men.
V. Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. The magic paintbrush | (i) greed and the desire for wealth |
| 2. The grand fortress | (ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar’s anger |
| 3. The river and the beast | (iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. The magic paintbrush | (iii) the power of art and imagination to change the world |
| 2. The grand fortress | (i) greed and the desire for wealth |
| 3. The river and the beast | (ii) barriers to protect Gopi from the Zamindar’s anger |
VI. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.
Answer:
True
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Class 8 English The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer – Let us think and reflect (Pages 128-130)
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. But on a stone there sits a man,
A brush is in his hand.
He looks around. He calls to Gopi.
“Come here!” he whispers. “Hush!
We mustn’t let the village know
About this magic brush. ”
He slips the brush into her hand
And tells her to be sure,
“Paint not for the wealthy ones,
But only for the poor.”

(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The man is whispering and telling
Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his _________________
(careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.
Answer:
careful and secretive.
(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?
Answer:
It shows that. he trusts Gopi and believes she will use the magic brush wisely and with kindness.
(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.
The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he _________________
Answer:
wants the brush to be used for helping those in need, not for greed or selfish gain.
(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.
A. The Magic Brush’s Secret
B. Gopi’s Special Gift
Answer:
A. The Magic Brush’s Secret
2. And soon the news spreads far and wide,
Through forests, fields, and plains,
Until the Zamindar himself
Hears of these magic gains.
“I order you to paint for me,
A fortress tall and grand.
Paint treasures, jewels, and riches rare,
Enough to rule this land. ”

(i) Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.
The news of Gopi’s magic 1 msh spreads ‘through forests, field , and plains’ because of its _________________
Answer:
miraculous ability to turn drawings into real things that help people.
(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?
Answer:
Because everything Gopi paints with the brush becomes real and brings joy or relief to others, especially the poor, making it seem magical and valuable.
(iii) Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.
A. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.
B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
Answer:
False Statement B: The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
Rectification: The Zamindar orders, not requests, Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.
(iv) What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?
Answer:
It reveals that the Zamindar is greedy, selfish, and power-hungry.
He only wants to use the magic brush for personal wealth and control.
II. Answer the following Questions.
Question 1.
Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.
Answer:
Gopi made the right decision because the Zamindar was greedy and wanted to misuse the brush for personal gain. Gopi remained loyal to her promise to use the brush only for the poor and needy.
Question 2.
Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?
Answer:
Gopi’s action was justified because she was protecting herself and stopping the Zamindar from misusing the brush. She used her cleverness to scare him away without hurting anyone.
If I were in her place, I might have done the same or tried to convince the villagers to stand up against the Zamindar together.
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Question 3.
What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?
Answer:
It shows that goodness and kindness win in the end. It also highlights Gopi’s love for her village and her selfless use of the brush to bring happiness to others.
Question 4.
Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.
Answer:
Gopi used the brush to help the poor and bring joy, while the Zamindar wanted to use it to get wealth and power for himself. Gopi’s use was generous and kind, but the Zamindar’s use would have been greedy and harmful.
Question 5.
What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?
Answer:
Gopi is brave, honest, kind, and determined. She values helping others over fear or pressure, and she stays true to her morals even when threatened.
Question 6.
Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
Answer:
The title “The Magic Brush of Dreams” is appropriate because the brush fulfills the dreams of poor people by turning helpful drawings into real things. It brings hope and change through kindness and imagination.
Question 7.
If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?
Answer:
I would use the brush to paint food for the hungry, homes for the homeless, medicines for the sick, and books for children without access to education. I would try to make the world a better place for those in need.
The Magic Brush of Dreams Class 8 Questions and Answers – Let us learn (Pages 130-132)
I. The verb ‘draw’ has different meanings in different contexts. Match the sentences in Column 1 with their appropriate meanings in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience. | (i) opened |
| 2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places. | (ii) pulled out |
| 3. Plants draw water from the soil. | (iii) got a reaction |
| 4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station. | (iv) attract |
| 5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in. | (v) moving |
| 6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder. | (vi) absorb |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. His speech drew loud applause from the audience. | (iii) got a reaction |
| 2. The event will draw huge crowds from all neighbouring places. | (iv) attract |
| 3. Plants draw water from the soil. | (vi) absorb |
| 4. I reached the station when the train was drawing into the station. | (v) moving |
| 5. The room was dark, so she drew the curtains to let the sunlight in. | (i) opened |
| 6. He drew a piece of paper from the folder. | (ii) pulled out |
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II. Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem.

| Across | Down |
| 2. the fastest pace of a horse | 1. runs away from a place |
| 4. happen fast | 3. possessing a great deal of strength or power |
| 7. speaks very softly | 5. a deep loud shout in pam or anger |
| 10. take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place | 6. to act according to rules |
| 11. having a lot of money; rich | 8. moved in a continuous flow in a specified direction |
| 12. take hold of something suddenly and forcibly | 9. a win after overcoming an enemy |
Answer:

III. There are certain expressions that convey a sudden feeling or reaction. They can be used to express a variety of emotions and thoughts.
Example: … he whispers. “Hush!”
(‘Hush’ denotes the act of silencing someone)
Now, match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. Phew! | (i) surprise |
| 2. Eek! | (ii) pain |
| 3. Ouch! | (iii) mistake |
| 4. Yippee! | (iv) attract attention |
| 5. Whoa! | (v) relief |
| 6. Oops! | (vi) delight |
| 7. Hey! | (vii) alarm |
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. Phew! | (v) relief |
| 2. Eek! | (vii) alarm |
| 3. Ouch! | (ii) pain |
| 4. Yippee! | (vi) delight |
| 5. Whoa! | (i) surprise |
| 6. Oops! | (iii) mistake |
| 7. Hey! | (iv) attract attention |
Now, create sentences using any five expressions:
1. Phew! I finished the exam just in time.
2. Eek! There’s a mouse under the table!
3. Ouch! I accidentally bit my tongue while eating.
4. Yippee! We’re going on a school picnic tomorrow!
5. Oops! I dropped the glass while washing dishes.
The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer Class 8 – Let us listen (Page 132)
I. You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1-7 with speakers (i)-(v). There are two statements you do not need. (Refer to the NCERT Textbook Page 152 for transcript.)
| Statements | Speaker No. |
| 1. Power of healing ailments | |
| 2. Ability to end poverty in the world | |
| 3. Power to control the weather as per need | |
| 4. Ability to make wise business decisions | |
| 5. Power to predict one’s own future clearly | |
| 6. Ability to remember information quickly | |
| 7. Power to move around without using vehicles |
Speaker (i) : If I could have any magical power, I’d choose the ability to predict the future. Imagine being able to see profis and losses before time. I could make better savings and secure my business. Plus, I’d use it to help others make wise fiancial decisions as well.
Speaker (ii) : I think having the power to learn instantly would be amazing! Exams would be easy, and I’d have more time for activities I enjoy, like playing cricket. If I could remember everything,itwouldmakelifesomucheasier!
Speaker (iii) : I would want the power of fling. Imagine being able to see the world from up above clearly. I would be able to go from one place to another quickly without using any means of transport. It would be a dream come true.
Speaker (iv) : At my age, I’d love to have the power of healing. There are so many aches and pains that come with growing old, but it’s not just for me. If I could heal others too, I’d help my family stay healthy and happy.
Speaker (v) : If I had a magical power, I’d want control over the weather. We depend so much on the rains. With this power, I could ensure that crops always get the right amount of rain and sunshine.
Answer:
| Statements | Speaker No. |
| 1. Power of healing ailments | (iv) |
| 2. Ability to end poverty in the world | (i) |
| 3. Power to control the weather as per need | (v) |
| 4. Ability to make wise business decisions | (i) |
| 5. Power to predict one’s own future clearly | (i) |
| 6. Ability to remember information quickly | (ii) |
| 7. Power to move around without using vehicles | (iii) |
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Class 8 English Chapter 8 Question Answer – Let us speak (Page 133)
I. Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch of tone while speaking.
The ‘falling’ tone is the fall in the pitch of the voice from a high level to a low level. It is marked [ ]. The falling tone is generally used in imperative sentences. Such sentences are used in speech for different communicative purposes— to express a command or an instruction, to ask for a favour or to give a warning.
Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone.
- Come here!
- Seize this magic brush…
- Paint my fortress tall!
- Go and fetch some rice.
II. Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations.
Formal Requests
| Situation 1 | Situation 2 | Situation 3 |
| You request your teacher to organise a class picnic. | You request your class teacher for an extra sports period, since you missed it last week. | You request your Activity incharge teacher to include you in the upcoming inter-school event. |
Formal Requests – Sample Answers:
Situation 1: Would it be possible to organise a class picnic next month, Ma’am?
Situation 2: Would you mind giving us an extra sports period since we missed one last week?
Situation 3: I would like to request you to consider me for the upcoming inter-school event, if there is a spot available.
Informal Requests
| Situation 1 | Situation 2 | Situation 3 |
| You request your sibling to help you with the completion of your project | You request your mother to enroll you in a dance class | You request your cousin to come over to spend the weekend with you. |
Informal Requests – Sample Answers:
Situation 1: Hey, can you help me finish my project today? I’m running late.
Situation 2: Mom, can you please enroll me in that new dance class? I really want to join.
Situation 3: Hey! Can you come over this weekend? It’ll be so much fun together!
You may use the following phrases when you make the request.
| Formal | Informal |
Would you mind if…
|
|
NCERT Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 8 Question Answer – Let us write (Pages 134 & 135)
I. Imaginative essay is a type of creative writing where the writers use their imagination. An imaginative essay can be based on real-life events, observation, or experiences. It is usually a descriptive piece or a personal reflection.
Read the sample of an imaginative essay.

My Life as EcoFlash
Imagine an ordinary 13-year-old student who is also a secret superhero protecting the environment. That’s my life as EcoFlash! By day, I’m Meenu, an ordinary Grade 8 student. By evening, I use my powers to keep my neighbourhood green and clean.
As EcoFlash, I have the ability to grow plants, purify water, and clean polluted air with a wave of my hand. I wear a green suit with a glowing leaf symbol and carry a small seed pouch that holds magic seeds to restore damaged areas. My mission is to fight pollution, save trees, and educate people about taking care of our planet. My friends wonder why I’m always carrying a plant in my bag or why my shoes are muddy, but I can never tell them the truth.
Once, my little brother saw me turning a garbage dump into a beautiful garden and almost spilled my secret to our parents. I had to convince him it was a magic trick!
Being EcoFlash is not just about powers but also responsibility. Every time I see clean streets, blooming flwers, and children playing in green parks, I feel proud. I know that even small changes can make a big difference, and that’s what keeps me going.
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II. Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. Title — A relevant title
2. Introduction
- Captivating opening sentence to catch the reader’s attention
- Clear statement of the setting, situation, or main idea
- Establishes the tone (e.g., playful, serious, and adventurous)
- Introduces the narrator briefly (if applicable)
3. Setting and Context
- Description of the setting to create a mental picture
- Clear time frame (past, present, or future)
- Brief explanation of any unique or imaginative elements (e.g., powers, fantasy world)
4. Characters
- Main character introduced with unique traits
- Supporting characters briefly described (if relevant)
5. Central Idea
Clear focus on a single powerful- idea or narrative
6. Language and Style
- Use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) to enhance the narrative
- Creative metaphors or similes to enrich descriptions
7. Resolution
- Key turning point or moment of realisation
- Resolution of the main idea
- Clear takeaway message
8. Conclusion
- Ends on a reflctive or thought-provoking note
- Summarises the main message or leaves the reader with a strong final impression
Answer:
The sample essay on “My Life as EcoFlash” demonstrates how to write an imaginative essay. Below is a checklist based on the given essay:
| Element | Checklist |
| 1. Title | “My Life as EcoFlash” |
| 2. Introduction |
|
| 3. Setting and Context |
|
| 4. Characters |
|
| 5. Central Idea |
|
| 6. Language and Style |
|
| 7. Resolution |
|
| 8. Conclusion |
|
III. Write an imaginative essay on any one of the following.
Question 1.
Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also write about what you thought was the most valuable experience.
Answer:
The Flying Scarfs Journey
One windy afternoon, I — a bright red scarf — was drying peacefully on a clothesline when a sudden gust of wind blew me into the sky! I soared above rooftops, trees, and roads like a bird with no wings.
My first stop was a quiet village where a little girl picked me up and wrapped- me around her doll. But before long, I slipped out and flew on. Next, I landed in a crowded market and was used as a shade for an old vendor. I felt proud, helping someone stay cool.
Then came my favourite moment — landing on a hilltop during a sunrise. The view was magical! Birds chirped around me, and for once, I felt like a part of the sky.
Finally, a gentle boy found me, tied me to his bicycle, and rode back to the house I had flown from. I was home!
My most valuable learning was that even a simple scarf can bring joy, comfort, and colour to many lives.
Question 2.
Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different time period. Describe your experience and an important learning.
Answer:
The Book of Time
While browsing in the library one evening, I noticed a dusty, golden- covered book glowing faintly. Curious, I opened it—and everything spun around me! I found myself in the middle of an ancient forest, where people rode horses and carried scrolls.
I had travelled to the 15th century!
The clothes were strange, but the people were kind. I watched a village scribe teach children by drawing letters on sand. There were no laptops or pens— only chalk, leaves, and patience.
I learned that knowledge was shared through stories and songs. Books were rare treasures. One old teacher told me, “The more you write, the more you remember.”
Before I could ask more, I felt the pages turn again, and I landed back in the library.
My most important learning was that never take books for granted. They are windows to the past, bridges to the future, and doors to discovery.
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Class 8th English Chapter 8 The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer – Let us explore (Pages 136)
I. Have you heard of India’s famous magician, P. C. Sorcar Sr.? He is known as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Magician’ and performed live magic shows in front of audiences and on television, internationally.
He was awarded Padma Shri on 26 January 1964 for his contribution to the world of magic.

II. Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and And what they refer to.

1. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. I’m often heard, but never seen. What am I?
Answer:
Sound
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Answer:
Footsteps
3. I have cities but no houses,
I have forests but no trees.
What am I?
Answer:
A map
4. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old, in a dark room, my story is told.
Answer:
A candle
III. You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.
Answer:
Object Name: Glow Sphere
Drawing Suggestion: A glowing crystal ball with stars and swirling mist inside.
Special Quality: It grants one wish a day—but only if the wish is kind and helps someone else. The GlowSphere glows brighter every time a good deed is done.
The post The Magic Brush of Dreams Question Answer Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 8 appeared first on Learn CBSE.
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