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CBSE Class 8 English — Honeydew Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory / The Last Bargain Worksheet with Answers

Chapter 4 of NCERT Honeydew for Class 8 English presents two contrasting literary pieces: Satyajit Ray's humorous mystery 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory' and Rabindranath Tagore's reflective poem 'The Last Bargain'. This printable worksheet offers structured practice across multiple question types to help students master the prose comprehension, character analysis, and poetic interpretation required for CBSE examinations. With 35+ questions and a complete answer key, this resource serves both classroom assessment and home revision needs.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Structured worksheet with 35+ questions covering both the prose lesson by Satyajit Ray and the poem by Rabindranath Tagore from NCERT Honeydew Chapter 4.
  • ✓Difficulty Level: Moderate | Suggested Time: 90 minutes for complete worksheet, 50 minutes without Section E.
  • ✓Includes six different question formats — MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false, short answers, long HOTS questions, and one case-study passage.
  • ✓Complete answer key provided with brief explanations for every question to enable self-assessment and learning.
  • ✓Tests understanding of plot structure, characterisation, irony, and Tagore's philosophical themes on freedom and true happiness.
  • ✓Printable PDF-friendly format suitable for classroom tests, homework assignments, and examination preparation for CBSE Class 8 students.
  • ✓Aligned with CBSE Class 8 English syllabus 2025 and NCERT Honeydew textbook guidelines for comprehensive practice.

Quick Chapter Recap — Before You Begin the Worksheet

Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory, written by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, tells the curious tale of Bepin Babu, a wealthy man from Calcutta who is confronted by an acquaintance named Parimal Ghose. Parimal insists that Bepin visited Ranchi in 1958 and stayed at the Hotel Ganpati. Bepin has absolutely no memory of such a trip and is convinced Parimal has confused him with someone else. As more people corroborate parts of Parimal's story, Bepin becomes increasingly anxious about a possible memory lapse. He even travels to Ranchi to verify the facts. The story reaches a delightful twist when the truth is revealed in a letter from Parimal, who orchestrated the entire episode as revenge for Bepin's earlier refusal to help him in a time of need. The Last Bargain, on the other hand, is a beautiful poem by Rabindranath Tagore about a man seeking employment. He rejects offers from a powerful king, a wealthy old man, and a beautiful woman, finally accepting the 'hire' of an innocent child playing on the beach. The child pays him with 'nothing', symbolising that true freedom and joy come not from power, wealth, or beauty, but from pure, unconditional acceptance.
  • Prose: Satyajit Ray's humorous mystery exploring memory, identity, and the consequences of indifference to friends in need.
  • Key characters: Bepin Choudhury (protagonist), Parimal Ghose (the 'acquaintance'), Chuni Lal (Bepin's old friend), Dr Chanda (psychiatrist).
  • Poem: Tagore's allegorical search for the employer who offers true freedom — rejecting power, wealth, and beauty for innocence.
  • Themes: Irony and deception in the prose; freedom, innocence, and the meaning of true value in the poem.
  • Literary devices: Suspense, dramatic irony, plot twist in prose; metaphor, symbolism, repetition, and allegory in the poem.

Worksheet Information and Instructions

This worksheet has been carefully designed to align with the CBSE Class 8 English syllabus and NCERT Honeydew Chapter 4 content. It is suitable for both classroom assessments and home practice. Students should attempt all sections in sequence, referring back to the chapter only after completing each section. Difficulty Level: Moderate — Questions range from basic recall to higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) that require inference and critical analysis. Suggested Time: 90 minutes for the complete worksheet including Section E. If Section E (long answers) is excluded, allocate 50 minutes. For classroom tests, teachers may select specific sections. Students should write answers in complete sentences for Sections D and E, using examples from the text wherever possible. The Answer Key at the end provides model answers with brief explanations to help students understand the reasoning behind each correct response. Keep your NCERT Honeydew textbook handy for reference after attempting the questions independently.
  • Total Questions: 35+ across six different question types covering prose and poem.
  • Marking Scheme Suggestion: Section A (1 mark each), Section B (1 mark each), Section C (½ mark each), Section D (3 marks each), Section E (5 marks each), Case Study (1+2+2=5 marks).
  • Recommended for periodic tests, pre-exam revision, and homework assignments.
  • Can be printed as PDF or completed digitally; answers should be written separately.
  • Parents can use this to assess their child's understanding of the chapter at home.

Section A — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

This section tests your factual recall and understanding of the story and poem. Each question has four options, and only one is correct. Read each question carefully before choosing your answer. Each MCQ carries 1 mark. Total marks for Section A: 8 marks. Attempt all questions without referring to your textbook initially, then verify your answers using the answer key provided at the end of this worksheet. These questions are designed to cover important plot points, character details, and thematic elements from both the Satyajit Ray story and Tagore's poem. Pay attention to small details mentioned in the chapter as CBSE examinations often include such specific questions.

Section B — Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using appropriate words or phrases from Chapter 4. The missing words are key terms, character names, or specific details from the prose and poem. Each blank carries 1 mark. This section tests your attention to textual details and your ability to recall specific information. Write only the missing word or phrase, not the entire sentence. Total marks for Section B: 6 marks. Some blanks may require more than one word. Ensure your spelling is correct as marks may be deducted for incorrect spelling of proper nouns and key vocabulary. These questions are drawn directly from the NCERT Honeydew text and require careful reading of both the story and the poem.

Section C — True or False Statements

Read each statement carefully and write 'True' or 'False' against it. If the statement is false, you should also write the correct version in your answer sheet (though for this worksheet, just marking True/False is sufficient). Each statement carries half a mark. Total marks for Section C: 4 marks (8 statements × ½ mark each). This section covers factual details and interpretation of both the prose and poem from Chapter 4. Be careful with statements that are partially correct but have one false element; such statements are considered completely false. These statements test not only your memory of events but also your understanding of character motivations and thematic elements in Satyajit Ray's story and Tagore's philosophical poem.

Section D — Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Answer the following questions in 40-60 words each. Each question carries 3 marks. Your answers should be clear, concise, and supported with evidence or examples from the text wherever possible. Total marks for Section D: 15 marks (5 questions × 3 marks). These questions require you to demonstrate comprehension of the chapter, explain character motivations, identify literary techniques, and interpret thematic elements. Use complete sentences and proper paragraph structure. CBSE marking schemes reward answers that include specific references to the text, proper sequencing of ideas, and correct use of literary terminology. Avoid writing one-word or one-line answers; examiners expect you to elaborate on your points within the word limit. These questions cover both the prose lesson by Satyajit Ray and the poem by Rabindranath Tagore from NCERT Honeydew Chapter 4.

Section E — Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 Marks Each)

Answer the following questions in 80-120 words each. Each question carries 5 marks. These are Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions that require critical analysis, interpretation, and the ability to connect textual details with broader themes. Total marks for Section E: 15 marks (3 questions × 5 marks). Your answers should have a clear structure: introduction, main body with 2-3 supporting points, and a brief conclusion. Use specific examples, quotations, or references from the chapter to support your arguments. CBSE examiners look for depth of understanding, original thinking, and the ability to synthesise information. These questions often require you to compare, contrast, evaluate, or comment on the author's craft, thematic concerns, or character development. Spend adequate time planning your answer before writing. These long-answer questions are crucial for scoring high marks in CBSE Class 8 English examinations.

Section F — Case-Study Question

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. This case-study format is increasingly common in CBSE examinations and tests your ability to analyse a specific extract in depth. The passage is taken directly from Chapter 4 of NCERT Honeydew. Answer all parts of the question based on your understanding of the extract and the larger context of the chapter. Total marks for this section: 5 marks (1+2+2 distribution suggested). Write your answers clearly, referring to specific words or phrases from the extract where necessary. This format tests close reading skills, vocabulary understanding, and the ability to infer meaning from context. CBSE examiners expect precise answers that demonstrate textual engagement rather than general commentary.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers for all 31 questions in the worksheet, along with brief explanations to help students understand the reasoning behind each answer. Students should attempt all questions independently before consulting this key. Parents and teachers can use this section to evaluate performance and identify areas that need more attention. For subjective questions (Sections D, E, and F), the answers provided are model responses; students may use different wording as long as the core ideas and textual references are accurate. CBSE marking schemes allow for multiple valid interpretations, especially in literature questions, as long as they are well-supported. Use this answer key not just to check correctness but to understand how to structure answers, which details to include, and what level of depth is expected at the Class 8 level. Regular practice with such worksheets and careful review of answers is the best preparation strategy for CBSE English examinations.

How CBSETUTOR.ai Supports Chapter 4 Mastery

Understanding literature chapters like 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory' and 'The Last Bargain' requires more than reading; it demands analysis, interpretation, and the ability to connect themes with broader human experiences. Many Class 8 students struggle with framing literary answers, identifying literary devices, and writing within word limits while covering all required points. CBSETUTOR.ai offers personalised, 24×7 AI-powered tutoring that helps students master NCERT Honeydew chapters through interactive learning. Students can upload photos of specific questions from their textbook or worksheet and receive step-by-step explanations tailored to CBSE marking schemes. The platform covers all chapters from the Honeydew textbook, providing character sketches, theme analysis, summary notes, and question-answer practice. For parents concerned about literature comprehension, CBSETUTOR.ai demystifies literary analysis by breaking down complex themes into simple, relatable explanations. At a flat ₹999 per month for all subjects across Classes 6-12, it provides exceptional value — far more affordable than traditional tuition while available anytime your child needs help. Start with a 3-day free trial to see how AI tutoring transforms literature learning from memorisation to genuine understanding.
  • Instant doubt-clearing for any question from Chapter 4 or other Honeydew chapters through photo upload.
  • Detailed explanations of literary devices, character motivations, and thematic elements in simple language.
  • Practice question banks with model answers aligned to CBSE Class 8 marking schemes.
  • Available 24×7, ideal for last-minute revision before tests or when completing homework late evening.
  • One affordable price of ₹999/month covers English and all other subjects for Classes 6-12.

Tips for Scoring Full Marks in Literature Questions

CBSE Class 8 English literature questions require specific skills beyond just reading the chapter. First, always structure your answers properly: short answers should have 2-3 clear points, while long answers need introduction, body (2-3 paragraphs), and conclusion. Second, use textual evidence — quote short phrases from the story or poem to support your interpretation; for Chapter 4, mention specific details like 'Hotel Ganpati' or 'hired me with nothing' to show close reading. Third, address all parts of the question; if asked to 'explain and analyse', don't just explain. Fourth, pay attention to word limits: CBSE is strict about 40-60 words for 3-mark questions and 80-120 words for 5-mark questions. Writing too little loses marks for incomplete answers; writing too much wastes time. Fifth, learn chapter-specific terminology: for Satyajit Ray's story, use terms like 'plot twist', 'dramatic irony', 'revenge motif'; for Tagore's poem, use 'metaphor', 'symbolism', 'allegory', 'philosophical theme'. Sixth, practise previous years' questions — CBSE often repeats question patterns if not exact questions. Finally, read the chapter at least twice: once for plot/content, second time for deeper analysis of why characters act as they do and what the author's message is. Literature is not about right or wrong answers but about well-supported interpretations.
  • Always write in complete sentences; avoid bullet points unless specifically asked.
  • For character-based questions, mention traits with examples from the text.
  • For theme questions, explain how the theme is developed through plot and character actions.
  • Use literary terms appropriately but don't overload your answer with jargon.
  • In poetry questions, comment on both content (what is said) and craft (how it is said).
  • Practise writing answers within time limits — 90 minutes for this entire worksheet is good exam simulation.
  • Review the NCERT textbook questions first as CBSE examiners often adapt these for exam papers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory' in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 4?+
The main theme is the consequence of indifference toward friends in need. Satyajit Ray uses a mystery format to show how Bepin's refusal to help his old friend Chunilal leads to an elaborate prank that teaches him a lesson about empathy and human relationships. Secondary themes include the fragility of memory and identity.
Who wrote 'The Last Bargain' poem in Chapter 4, and what is its central message?+
The Last Bargain was written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Its central message is that true freedom and happiness do not come from power, wealth, or beauty, but from innocent, unconditional acceptance. The speaker finds liberation only when hired by a child who offers 'nothing', symbolising spiritual freedom over material gain.
How should students prepare for questions on Chapter 4 in CBSE Class 8 English exams?+
Students should read both the prose and poem carefully at least twice, noting character motivations, plot structure, and literary devices. Practice answering NCERT textbook questions first, then attempt worksheets like this one. Focus on writing structured answers with textual references, learn to identify irony and symbolism, and practice within word limits as per CBSE guidelines.
What is the significance of the title 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'?+
The title is ironic — while it suggests Bepin suffered memory loss, the truth is there was no lapse at all. The entire Ranchi trip was fabricated by Chunilal as revenge. The title misleads readers just as Parimal's story misleads Bepin, making the final revelation more impactful and highlighting the story's use of irony as a literary device.
How many marks is Chapter 4 typically worth in CBSE Class 8 English exams?+
Chapter 4 can appear in various forms in the CBSE Class 8 English examination: extract-based MCQs (3-4 marks), short answer questions (3 marks each), or long answer questions (5 marks). Typically, one or two questions from the entire Honeydew textbook will be asked, so thorough preparation of all chapters including Chapter 4 is essential for scoring well.
Why did the speaker reject the king's offer in 'The Last Bargain'?+
The speaker rejected the king's offer because the king wanted to hire him with power, which would have made him a slave to authority. Tagore suggests that serving power means losing freedom and becoming dependent on the might of the ruler. True freedom cannot coexist with bondage to political or military power.
What role does Dr Chanda play in the story 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'?+
Dr Paresh Chanda is Bepin's friend and a psychiatrist whom Bepin consults about his possible memory problem. Dr Chanda suggests that Bepin might be experiencing a genuine memory lapse and recommends visiting Ranchi to see if familiar places trigger his memory. His professional opinion adds credibility to the fabricated story and increases Bepin's anxiety.
How does Satyajit Ray create suspense in this story?+
Ray builds suspense by gradually accumulating evidence that supports Parimal's claim — the specific details about Hotel Ganpati, Hudroo Falls, and Bepin's injury create doubt in both Bepin and readers. The corroboration from others, Bepin's increasing anxiety, his consultation with a doctor, and his trip to Ranchi all heighten tension until the surprise revelation in Chunilal's letter resolves everything.
What does the child symbolise in Tagore's poem 'The Last Bargain'?+
The child symbolises innocence, purity, unconditional acceptance, and freedom from worldly calculations. Unlike the king, old man, and fair maid who offer material or emotional bondage, the child offers 'nothing' — no expectations, no obligations, no strings attached. This represents spiritual freedom and the idea that true happiness lies in simplicity and innocent being rather than accumulation or power.
Is this worksheet sufficient for CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 4 exam preparation?+
This worksheet provides comprehensive practice covering all question types typically asked in CBSE exams. However, complete preparation should also include reading the NCERT textbook carefully, attempting all textbook questions, understanding difficult vocabulary, and practising previous years' question papers. This worksheet is an excellent revision and assessment tool but should be part of a broader study plan that includes multiple practice resources.

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