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Important Questions: CBSE Class 8 English — Honeydew Chapter 6 This is Jody's Fawn / The Duck and the Kangaroo

Chapter 6 of the NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew textbook presents two contrasting yet equally engaging texts. The prose piece, 'This is Jody's Fawn', examines compassion and responsibility through the eyes of a young boy who rescues a fawn orphaned after his father killed its mother to save his own life. The accompanying poem, 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', is a delightful example of nonsense verse where a duck dreams of travelling the world on a kangaroo's back. Together, they test comprehension, literary appreciation, and the ability to infer deeper meanings—skills central to CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew assessments.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓'This is Jody's Fawn' carries 4-5 marks weightage in the CBSE Class 8 term exams, usually as one 3-mark or 5-mark literature question.
  • ✓'The Duck and the Kangaroo' typically appears as a 2-mark or 3-mark poetry question testing comprehension and appreciation of nonsense verse.
  • ✓Theme of empathy—Jody's compassion toward the motherless fawn—is the most frequently tested concept from the prose extract.
  • ✓Questions on 'The Duck and the Kangaroo' focus on the duck's desire for adventure and the humorous conditions it negotiates with the kangaroo.
  • ✓Extract-based MCQs and VSAs now form 20-25% of the literature section in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew papers post-NEP 2020.
  • ✓Character analysis of Jody, inference-based questions, and vocabulary in context are high-scoring areas if students cite textual evidence.
  • ✓Model answers should quote 1-2 lines from the text and explain their significance to score full marks in 3-mark and 5-mark questions.

Chapter Overview and Marks Weightage in CBSE Exams

NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 6 consists of two texts that together typically contribute 6-8 marks in the annual or term examination. 'This is Jody's Fawn' is a narrative extract set in rural Florida, USA, where young Jody convinces his parents to let him bring home a fawn whose mother was killed to use her liver to save Jody's father from a snake bite. The story underscores themes of empathy, responsibility, and the moral complexity of survival versus compassion. 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', by contrast, is a four-stanza nonsense poem in which a duck proposes an adventurous journey riding on a kangaroo's tail, negotiating amusing conditions like wearing socks and smoking a cigar to keep the kangaroo's feet dry and warm. In recent CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew papers, 'This is Jody's Fawn' appears as either one 5-mark long-answer question or one 3-mark short-answer question. 'The Duck and the Kangaroo' is set as a 2-mark or 3-mark poetry question testing comprehension, rhyme scheme, or the concept of nonsense verse. Extract-based MCQs (1 mark each) from both texts are increasingly common in the objective section of the paper.
  • Prose weightage: 4-5 marks (one question, long or short answer)
  • Poetry weightage: 2-3 marks (one comprehension or appreciation question)
  • MCQ/VSA: 1-2 marks (extract-based or vocabulary)
  • Total chapter contribution: 6-8 marks out of 80 in the annual exam

1-Mark Questions: MCQs and Very Short Answers

Multiple-choice questions and very short answer questions test recall, vocabulary, and surface-level comprehension. CBSE typically sets 1-2 MCQs from Chapter 6 in the objective section of the Class 8 English Honeydew paper. Students should be able to identify characters, locate events in sequence, and pick out textual details. Answers to very short questions must be precise—one word, one phrase, or a single sentence—and drawn directly from the NCERT text. No elaboration is needed; examiners award the mark for accuracy and relevance. Practice these formats to build speed and confidence, especially under time pressure during the exam. Below are five representative 1-mark questions with model answers to illustrate the expected format and depth.

2-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Two-mark questions in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew require students to provide brief explanations, cite one or two reasons, or describe a character trait with textual support. Answers should be 30-40 words, structured in 2-3 short sentences. Examiners look for clarity, relevance, and at least one reference to the text—either a paraphrase or a short quote. Avoid unnecessary detail; stick to the question's demand. The 2-mark band is where students often lose half a mark for vague language or omitting the textual link. Practice writing concise, focused responses that directly address the question stem. Below are four 2-mark questions covering both the prose and poetry sections of Chapter 6, complete with model answers that meet CBSE marking criteria.

3-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Three-mark questions demand fuller explanations, typically 50-70 words, and often ask students to analyse character motivations, compare ideas, or explain thematic elements. CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew examiners award 1 mark for identifying the point, 1 mark for explanation, and 1 mark for textual reference or example. Structure your answer in three clear sentences: state the main idea, elaborate with reasoning, and cite or paraphrase the text. This format ensures you cover all marking criteria. Avoid repetition and stay within the word limit—over-writing wastes time and adds no value. Below are three high-quality 3-mark questions from Chapter 6 with model answers that demonstrate how to score full marks by balancing brevity, depth, and textual grounding.

5-Mark and Long-Answer Questions with Model Answers

Five-mark questions test deeper analytical skills—character study, thematic exploration, or comparing texts. CBSE expects 100-120 words, organized into a short introduction, two to three body points with examples, and a concluding sentence. Marks are distributed as follows: 1 mark for introduction, 2-3 marks for elaboration with textual support, and 1 mark for coherence and conclusion. Use paragraph breaks for readability, quote or paraphrase key lines, and avoid generic statements. Long-answer questions reward students who can synthesize ideas, link events to themes, and write fluently. Time management is crucial—allocate 7-8 minutes per 5-mark question in the exam. Below are two representative 5-mark questions from NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 6, complete with full model answers that illustrate the structure, depth, and citation practices needed to secure top marks.

Extract-Based and Case-Based Questions

Extract-based questions present a short passage from the chapter and ask 3-4 sub-questions (usually 1 mark each) testing comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and literary devices. CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew papers increasingly include such formats post-NEP 2020. Students must read the extract carefully, identify the speaker or context, and answer precisely. Case-based questions may present a thematic scenario and ask students to apply concepts from the text. These formats assess higher-order thinking skills—analysing, evaluating, and connecting ideas. Practice by re-reading key passages from 'This is Jody's Fawn' and stanzas from 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', then framing your own questions. Below is one extract-based set from each text, modelled on recent CBSE exam patterns, complete with answers.

How CBSE Frames Questions from This Chapter

CBSE question setters design Chapter 6 questions to test comprehension, inference, and appreciation of literary techniques. For 'This is Jody's Fawn', expect questions on Jody's character—his empathy, his persuasive dialogue with his parents, and his sense of responsibility. Questions often ask students to justify Jody's decision, compare his attitude with that of his mother, or explain the moral lesson. Value-based questions linking empathy to real-life situations are also common. For 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', questions focus on the poem's tone, rhyme scheme (AABB), and the concept of nonsense verse. Students may be asked to identify the duck's desires, the conditions it negotiates, or the humour in the imagery (like a duck smoking a cigar). Extract-based MCQs test close reading—identifying speakers, understanding context, and picking out literary devices. CBSE also uses this chapter to assess vocabulary in context, asking for synonyms, antonyms, or meanings of words like 'scuttle', 'reel', and 'gracious'. Question stems often begin with 'Why', 'How', 'What do you think', or 'Explain with reference', guiding students toward analytical rather than descriptive answers. Understanding this pattern helps students prepare targeted responses and manage exam time efficiently.
  • Character-based questions: 'Describe Jody's relationship with the fawn' or 'What qualities does Jody display?'
  • Theme questions: 'Discuss the theme of empathy' or 'How does the story balance survival and compassion?'
  • Poetry appreciation: 'Why is this poem called nonsense verse?' or 'Identify the rhyme scheme and its effect'
  • Value-based: 'How can we apply Jody's empathy in our daily lives?'
  • Extract-based: Passage + 4 sub-questions (who, why, what does X suggest, name the device)

Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

One frequent error is writing overly long answers for short-answer questions, wasting time and obscuring the main point. Stick to the word count: 1-mark questions need one sentence, 2-mark questions need two to three sentences, and 3-mark questions need around 50-60 words. Another mistake is failing to cite the text. Answers like 'Jody was kind' earn low marks; instead, write 'Jody was kind, as shown when he insists on rescuing the fawn, saying it would be cruel to leave it alone.' Students often confuse the two texts—mixing details from the prose and the poem—so read questions carefully. In 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', many students miss the humour and treat it as a serious poem, losing marks on tone and appreciation questions. For extract-based questions, students sometimes answer from general knowledge rather than the given passage; always base your answer on the printed extract. Vocabulary questions trip up students who guess meanings instead of using context clues. Finally, poor handwriting and lack of paragraph breaks make long answers hard to follow, costing presentation marks. Practice writing neatly, underlining key terms, and structuring answers with clear topic sentences to avoid these pitfalls and maximize your score in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew exams.
  • Over-writing short answers—stick to the marks allocation and word limit
  • Not quoting or paraphrasing the text—always link your point to the chapter
  • Mixing up details from 'This is Jody's Fawn' and 'The Duck and the Kangaroo'
  • Missing the humorous, nonsensical tone of the poem and treating it seriously
  • Answering extract-based questions from memory instead of the given passage
  • Guessing vocabulary meanings without using context clues from the sentence
  • Poor handwriting, no paragraphs, and no underlining of key terms in long answers

Tips to Score Full Marks in Chapter 6 Questions

Start by reading both texts at least twice—once for the story and once for deeper themes and language. Underline or highlight key phrases that reveal character traits, moral lessons, or poetic devices. For 'This is Jody's Fawn', focus on Jody's dialogues with his parents and the descriptive passages about the fawn; these are prime sources for exam extracts. For 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', memorise the rhyme scheme (AABB) and note the playful imagery in each stanza. When answering, always begin with a direct response to the question, then elaborate with reasoning or examples, and conclude with a textual reference or a brief summary. Use simple, precise language—examiners value clarity over ornate vocabulary. In 5-mark answers, divide your response into three short paragraphs: introduction, body (with two to three points), and conclusion. Practice writing within time limits; allocate 2 minutes for 1-mark questions, 3 minutes for 2-mark, 5 minutes for 3-mark, and 7-8 minutes for 5-mark questions. Revise NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew solutions and sample papers to familiarise yourself with question styles. Finally, during the exam, read each question twice to ensure you understand what is being asked—misreading a question is the costliest mistake. With consistent practice and attention to these strategies, you can confidently target full marks in Chapter 6.
  • Read the chapter twice—first for plot, second for themes and language
  • Underline key dialogues, descriptive passages, and poetic devices
  • Structure every answer: direct response, elaboration, textual reference
  • Memorise the rhyme scheme (AABB) and main stanzas of 'The Duck and the Kangaroo'
  • Practice timed writing—2 min for 1-mark, 3 min for 2-mark, 5 min for 3-mark, 7-8 min for 5-mark
  • Use NCERT solutions and previous-year papers to understand question patterns
  • Read each question twice in the exam to avoid misinterpretation

How CBSETUTOR.ai Helps You Master Chapter 6

CBSETUTOR.ai offers a 24×7 AI tutor designed specifically for CBSE students in Classes 6-12, available at a flat ₹999 per month for all subjects. For Chapter 6 of Class 8 English Honeydew, the platform provides instant, step-by-step answers to every question—whether it is a 1-mark MCQ, a 3-mark character analysis, or a 5-mark thematic essay. Students can upload a photo of any extract or question from 'This is Jody's Fawn' or 'The Duck and the Kangaroo', and the AI tutor will generate a model answer, explain the reasoning, and highlight key textual references. This is especially useful for extract-based questions, where quick analysis and context are crucial. The platform also offers chapter-wise notes, sample papers, and a question bank sorted by marks and difficulty, helping students practice systematically. Parents appreciate the affordability—one price covers every class and subject, unlike traditional coaching where fees multiply per subject. With a 3-day free trial, students can explore the full range of features risk-free. Whether you are revising at 11 PM before an exam or need help with a tricky inference question, CBSETUTOR.ai is your reliable, always-on study partner for CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Chapter 6 of Class 8 English Honeydew carry in the CBSE exam?+
Chapter 6 typically carries 6-8 marks in the CBSE Class 8 English annual or term exam. 'This is Jody's Fawn' usually appears as one 3-mark or 5-mark question, while 'The Duck and the Kangaroo' is set as a 2-mark or 3-mark poetry question. Additionally, 1-2 MCQs or VSAs may be drawn from this chapter.
What is the main theme of 'This is Jody's Fawn'?+
The main theme is empathy and moral responsibility. Jody feels accountable for the fawn because its mother was killed to save his father's life. The story explores how compassion should guide our actions, even when survival pressures exist, and highlights the bond between humans and animals.
Why is 'The Duck and the Kangaroo' called a nonsense verse?+
It is called nonsense verse because the scenario—a duck wanting to ride on a kangaroo's back and smoke a cigar—is absurd and fantastical. Edward Lear uses playful language, imaginative imagery, and humorous rhyme to entertain rather than convey a serious message, which is the hallmark of nonsense poetry.
What kind of questions are asked from 'This is Jody's Fawn' in the CBSE exam?+
CBSE asks character-based questions (Jody's qualities, his relationship with parents), theme questions (empathy, survival versus compassion), and extract-based comprehension. Long-answer questions may ask students to justify Jody's decision or discuss the moral lesson. MCQs test plot details and vocabulary in context.
How should I prepare for extract-based questions from Chapter 6?+
Read the chapter carefully, underlining key dialogues and descriptive passages. Practice identifying the speaker, context, and literary devices in short extracts. Answer sub-questions (who, why, what does X suggest) based strictly on the given passage, not from memory. Solve sample extract-based sets to build speed and accuracy.
What is the rhyme scheme of 'The Duck and the Kangaroo'?+
The rhyme scheme is AABB in each stanza. This regular, simple pattern contributes to the playful, sing-song quality of the poem, making it easy to remember and reinforcing its lighthearted, nonsensical tone. CBSE may ask students to identify and explain the effect of this rhyme scheme.
How can I score full marks in 5-mark questions from this chapter?+
Write a brief introduction, develop two to three points with textual references, and conclude with a summary or personal insight. Stay within 100-120 words, use paragraph breaks, and quote or paraphrase key lines. Address all parts of the question, maintain coherence, and avoid repetition. Practice with model answers to refine your structure.
Are value-based questions asked from 'This is Jody's Fawn'?+
Yes, CBSE often frames value-based questions linking Jody's empathy to real-life situations. For example, 'How can we apply Jody's sense of responsibility in our daily lives?' or 'What lesson does the story teach about caring for animals?' Such questions carry 3-4 marks and require students to connect the theme to personal values.
What common mistakes should I avoid when answering questions from Chapter 6?+
Avoid over-writing short answers, failing to cite the text, mixing details from the prose and poem, missing the humour in the poem, and answering extract-based questions from memory. Also, do not guess vocabulary meanings—use context clues. Maintain neat handwriting and structure long answers in clear paragraphs.
Where can I find solved question papers for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 6?+
CBSETUTOR.ai provides a comprehensive question bank for Chapter 6 with model answers sorted by marks. You can also find NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew solutions, sample papers, and previous-year questions on the platform. The AI tutor answers any question instantly, making it a one-stop resource for exam preparation at ₹999/month with a 3-day free trial.

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