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CBSE Class 8 English — Honeydew Chapter 9 How the Camel got his Hump / Children at Work Worksheet with Answers

CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9 presents students with two thought-provoking texts that differ vastly in tone and purpose. Rudyard Kipling's 'How the Camel got his Hump' is a whimsical tale explaining why camels have humps, teaching a moral lesson through fantasy. 'Children at Work' shifts to harsh reality, exploring child labour and social issues in contemporary India. This worksheet offers structured practice across question formats to build confidence and exam readiness.

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Key takeaways

✓Chapter 9 includes two contrasting pieces: Kipling's playful Just So Story and a realistic account of child labour in India.
✓The camel story teaches the consequence of laziness through fantasy and humour, while the second text addresses serious social issues.
✓Questions test comprehension, vocabulary, inference skills, and ability to connect literature with real-world problems.
✓MCQs and objective questions help in quick revision and self-assessment before exams.
✓Long-answer questions develop analytical thinking and paragraph-writing skills essential for Board exam preparation.
✓The case-study format mirrors recent CBSE exam patterns, requiring application of textual knowledge to new situations.
✓Complete answer explanations enable independent learning and clarify common doubts without requiring teacher supervision.

Quick Chapter Recap — Honeydew Chapter 9 Overview

Chapter 9 of the NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew textbook comprises two distinct narratives. The first, 'How the Camel got his Hump,' is one of Rudyard Kipling's famous Just So Stories, written in a playful, imaginative style. It narrates how the lazy camel refused to work and kept saying 'Humph!' to the Dog, Horse, and Ox. Frustrated by the camel's idleness, the Djinn of All Deserts gave the camel a hump as punishment, ensuring he could work for three days without eating, making up for his lost time. The moral revolves around the consequences of laziness and shirking responsibility. The second text, 'Children at Work,' is a realistic prose piece that addresses the pressing social issue of child labour. It follows a young boy named Velu who runs away from his village and ends up in Chennai, where he encounters the harsh world of child ragpickers and exploitation. This text encourages students to reflect on poverty, child rights, and social inequality in modern India.

'How the Camel got his Hump' — a fantasy tale by Kipling with a moral about laziness
'Children at Work' — a realistic narrative highlighting child labour and social issues
Themes include responsibility, consequences, exploitation, and socio-economic inequality
Vocabulary from both texts enriches language skills with varied contexts

Worksheet Details — Difficulty Level and Time Allocation

This worksheet is designed for moderate difficulty, suitable for average to above-average Class 8 students preparing for their English term examinations. The questions have been crafted to align with the latest CBSE examination pattern and cover all cognitive levels — from simple recall to higher-order thinking skills. Students should aim to complete this worksheet in approximately sixty minutes under exam-like conditions for optimal practice. The worksheet is structured progressively, starting with objective-type questions that test basic comprehension and vocabulary, moving through short-answer questions requiring brief explanations, and culminating in long-answer and analytical questions that demand synthesis and critical thinking. Teachers can use this as an in-class assessment tool, homework assignment, or revision material before periodic tests. Parents supervising home practice should encourage children to attempt all sections before referring to the answer key, thereby building problem-solving confidence and independent learning habits.

Difficulty Level: Moderate (suitable for term exam preparation)
Suggested Time: 60 minutes (in one sitting for best results)
Total Marks: 50 (distributed across all sections)
Question Types: MCQs, Fill-ups, True/False, Short answers, Long answers, Case study

Section A — Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Multiple-choice questions are an integral part of the CBSE Class 8 English examination pattern. They test students' reading comprehension, attention to detail, and ability to eliminate incorrect options. This section contains six carefully designed MCQs covering both texts in Chapter 9. Each question focuses on a specific aspect — character traits, plot details, vocabulary in context, or thematic understanding. Students should read each question carefully and recall details from the NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew text before selecting their answer. These objective questions also help in quick revision sessions before exams, as they cover key facts and concepts without requiring lengthy written responses. Practicing MCQs regularly sharpens decision-making skills and improves speed, both essential for scoring well in the term examinations. Remember to read all four options before making your choice, as sometimes two options may seem correct but only one fits the context perfectly.

Q1. What was the Camel's typical response when asked to work? (a) Yes, I will (b) Humph! (c) Maybe later (d) I am tired
Q2. Who gave the Camel his hump? (a) The Dog (b) The Horse (c) The Djinn (d) The Man
Q3. In 'Children at Work,' where does Velu run away from? (a) Mumbai (b) Delhi (c) His village (d) Kolkata
Q4. What work does Velu end up doing in the city? (a) Selling newspapers (b) Cleaning cars (c) Ragpicking (d) Shoe polishing
Q5. The moral of Kipling's story is about: (a) Friendship (b) Laziness and its consequences (c) Kindness (d) Honesty
Q6. 'Children at Work' primarily addresses which social issue? (a) Pollution (b) Child labour (c) Corruption (d) Illiteracy

Section B — Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

Fill-in-the-blank questions assess vocabulary retention and contextual understanding. Students must recall specific words, phrases, or names from the chapter to complete sentences accurately. This section contains five carefully selected statements from both 'How the Camel got his Hump' and 'Children at Work' with key terms removed. Success in this section depends on thorough reading of the NCERT text and attention to language used by the authors. These questions often test students' grasp of important nouns, verbs, adjectives, and character names that are central to the narrative. When attempting fill-in-the-blanks, students should first read the entire sentence to understand its meaning, then think of appropriate words from the chapter context. Grammatical clues such as articles ('a' or 'an' before the blank) or verb forms can help narrow down options. Regular practice with this question type improves spelling accuracy and reinforces important vocabulary from Class 8 English Honeydew lessons, making it easier to use these words in writing tasks and compositions.

Q7. The Camel lived in the middle of a __________ because he did not want to work.
Q8. The three animals complained to __________ about the Camel's laziness.
Q9. The Djinn told the Camel he would be able to work for __________ days without eating.
Q10. Velu travelled to __________ city after running away from home.
Q11. The girl who helps Velu in the city works as a __________.

Section C — True or False Statements (1 mark each)

True or False questions test factual accuracy and careful reading. Students must determine whether statements about the chapter are correct or incorrect based on the NCERT text. This section includes five statements covering plot events, character actions, and thematic elements from both stories in Chapter 9. While these may seem straightforward, some statements are designed to be slightly tricky, requiring students to recall precise details rather than general impressions. For instance, a statement might mention a character doing something similar but not exactly what happened in the story. Students should read each statement slowly and mentally verify it against what they remember from the chapter before marking True or False. This question type reinforces attention to detail — a crucial skill for comprehension passages in Board examinations. It also helps teachers quickly identify specific areas where students may have misunderstood the text or need clarification. When practicing at home, students should note down why a false statement is incorrect and what the correct version should be, deepening their understanding of the chapter content.

Q12. The Camel was willing to help the other animals from the beginning. (True/False)
Q13. The hump on the Camel's back was meant to store food for three days. (True/False)
Q14. Velu comes from a wealthy family in a city. (True/False)
Q15. The text 'Children at Work' discusses social issues related to child labour. (True/False)
Q16. Kipling wrote 'How the Camel got his Hump' as a serious historical account. (True/False)

Section D — Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Short-answer questions require students to demonstrate comprehension and express ideas clearly in 30-40 words. This section contains five questions worth two marks each, covering both texts in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9. These questions test understanding of character motivations, plot developments, and thematic elements. Students should structure their answers in complete sentences, ensuring they address the question directly without unnecessary elaboration. Good short answers include relevant details from the text to support the response, showing that the student has read and understood the chapter thoroughly. Time management is important here — spend about three to four minutes per question. Avoid writing single-sentence answers for two-mark questions, as examiners expect some development of ideas. Conversely, don't write paragraph-length responses that consume too much time. The CBSE marking scheme typically awards one mark for identifying the correct point and another for explaining or elaborating it appropriately. Practice writing concise, focused answers that demonstrate clear thinking and good expression, skills that are valuable across all subjects and in real-world communication as well.

Q17. Why did the Camel refuse to work at the beginning of the story?
Q18. What was the Djinn's solution to the problem of the lazy Camel?
Q19. How did Velu end up in the big city?
Q20. What kind of work do children like Velu have to do in the city?
Q21. What is the main difference in tone between the two texts in Chapter 9?

Section E — Long Answer and HOTS Questions (4 marks each)

Long-answer questions assess analytical thinking, synthesis of ideas, and the ability to write well-structured paragraphs. This section presents three questions worth four marks each, requiring responses of 80-100 words. These questions go beyond basic recall and ask students to interpret themes, compare texts, evaluate character actions, or connect the literature to real-world contexts. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions challenge students to apply their understanding of Chapter 9 to new situations or to critically examine the authors' purposes and techniques. When answering long questions, students should begin with a clear topic sentence that directly addresses the question, follow with two to three supporting points with examples or evidence from the text, and conclude with a brief synthesis or personal reflection if appropriate. The CBSE marking scheme for four-mark questions typically allocates marks as follows: one mark for introduction/understanding, two marks for content/explanation with examples, and one mark for conclusion/language quality. These questions also develop essay-writing skills that are crucial for the Class 10 Board examinations ahead, so regular practice with long-answer formats is highly beneficial for overall English proficiency and academic growth.

Q22. What lesson does Kipling's story 'How the Camel got his Hump' teach us? Explain with reference to the text.
Q23. Describe the harsh reality of child labour as depicted in 'Children at Work.' Why is this social issue important?
Q24. Compare and contrast the two texts in Chapter 9 in terms of their purpose, tone, and the issues they address.

Section F — Case Study Question (5 marks)

The case-study format has become increasingly popular in recent CBSE examination papers across subjects. It presents a short passage or scenario related to the chapter, followed by sub-questions that test comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and application skills. This section includes one case study worth five marks, designed to mirror the latest exam pattern. Students should read the passage carefully, often twice, before attempting the questions. The passage will draw upon themes, characters, or situations from either or both texts in Chapter 9, requiring students to synthesize their knowledge and apply it to the given context. Sub-questions may include MCQs, one-word answers, or short explanations. This integrated approach tests multiple skills simultaneously — reading comprehension, critical thinking, and concise expression. Case studies also help students develop the ability to extract relevant information quickly, a valuable skill for competitive examinations beyond school. When practicing case-study questions, students should underline key information in the passage and refer back to it while answering, ensuring their responses are grounded in the given text rather than assumptions or external knowledge not presented in the passage itself.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

The answer key provided below includes correct answers for all questions along with brief explanations to help students understand why a particular option is right or wrong. Self-assessment using answer keys is a powerful learning strategy that promotes independent study habits and builds confidence. Students should attempt the entire worksheet before referring to this section, marking their own work honestly to identify strengths and areas needing improvement. For MCQs, explanations clarify why the correct option is right and why distractors are incorrect. For descriptive answers, model responses demonstrate the level of detail and organization expected. Teachers can use these explanations as discussion points in class, encouraging students to articulate their reasoning. Parents supervising home study should ensure children understand the explanations rather than just memorizing answers. If a concept remains unclear even after reading the explanation, students should revisit the relevant portion of the NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew textbook or seek clarification from teachers. This worksheet-plus-answer-key format supports the complete learning cycle: practice, self-evaluation, understanding mistakes, and reinforcement of correct concepts, ultimately leading to better retention and exam performance.

Section A Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(c), 4(c), 5(b), 6(b)
Section B Answers: 7-Howling Desert/Desert, 8-Man, 9-three, 10-Chennai, 11-ragpicker
Section C Answers: 12-False, 13-False (stored energy to work, not food), 14-False, 15-True, 16-False
Detailed explanations for Sections D, E, and F follow in the FAQ section and extended discussions

How CBSETUTOR.ai Supports Chapter-wise Practice

While worksheets like this provide excellent structured practice, students often encounter doubts or need additional explanation for complex questions. CBSETUTOR.ai offers round-the-clock AI-powered tutoring for CBSE students from Classes 6 to 12, making quality academic support accessible at just ₹999 per month — one flat price covering all subjects. Students can upload photos of any question from their NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew textbook, worksheets, or other study materials, and receive step-by-step solutions with explanations in minutes. This is particularly helpful for chapters like Chapter 9, where students must understand both literary techniques in Kipling's fantasy tale and the serious social issues in 'Children at Work.' The AI tutor can clarify vocabulary, explain themes, provide additional examples, and even generate similar practice questions for reinforcement. Parents appreciate that their children get immediate help without waiting for the next tutoring session or school day, building consistent study momentum. The platform covers the entire CBSE curriculum systematically, aligning perfectly with NCERT content and latest examination patterns. With a three-day free trial, families can experience the benefits risk-free before committing. For Chapter 9 specifically, students can ask for character analyses, theme discussions, or even moral interpretations, receiving personalized responses that cater to their individual learning pace and style.

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Tips for Scoring Well in Chapter 9 Questions

Success in CBSE Class 8 English examinations requires more than just reading the chapter once. For Chapter 9, students should read 'How the Camel got his Hump' carefully, noting Kipling's playful language, the sequence of events, and the moral lesson embedded in the fantasy. For 'Children at Work,' focus on understanding the social context, Velu's emotions and circumstances, and the broader issue of child labour that the text highlights. When preparing for exams, make brief notes summarizing each text, listing main characters, key events, important vocabulary words, and themes. Practice answering different question types regularly — objective questions help with quick recall, while long-answer questions develop writing and analytical skills. Pay attention to word limits mentioned in questions; writing too much wastes time, while writing too little may not fetch full marks. Always support your answers with references to the text, such as character names, specific incidents, or direct quotations when appropriate. For HOTS and case-study questions, read the question carefully to understand exactly what is being asked before formulating your response. Review your answers if time permits, checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity of expression, as presentation also contributes to overall scoring in English examinations.

Read both texts in Chapter 9 thoroughly, noting differences in style, tone, and purpose
Create summary notes with character names, plot points, themes, and important vocabulary
Practice various question formats regularly to build speed and accuracy
Support answers with specific references, examples, or quotations from the NCERT text
Manage time effectively during exams, allocating appropriate minutes to each section based on marks

Frequently asked questions

What are the two texts included in CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9?+

Chapter 9 includes 'How the Camel got his Hump' by Rudyard Kipling, a fantasy story explaining why camels have humps, and 'Children at Work,' a realistic prose piece addressing child labour and poverty in India. Both texts offer different perspectives and literary styles for students to analyze.

What is the moral lesson in 'How the Camel got his Hump'?+

The story teaches that laziness and avoiding responsibilities have consequences. The Camel's refusal to work resulted in him receiving a hump from the Djinn, which serves as both a punishment and a means to make up for lost time. The moral emphasizes the importance of contributing one's fair share of effort.

How does 'Children at Work' address social issues?+

The text highlights child labour, poverty, and exploitation through the character of Velu, a young boy forced to work as a ragpicker in Chennai after running away from his village. It raises awareness about children denied education and childhood due to economic hardship, encouraging readers to reflect on these serious social problems.

How should students prepare for long-answer questions from Chapter 9?+

Students should read both texts carefully, understanding themes, character motivations, and the author's purpose. Practice writing structured paragraphs of 80-100 words with clear topic sentences, supporting details from the text, and logical conclusions. Focus on comparing the two texts, analyzing moral lessons, and connecting literature to real-world issues.

What type of questions appear in CBSE exams from this chapter?+

CBSE exams typically include MCQs testing comprehension and vocabulary, short-answer questions requiring 30-40 word responses about characters and plot, long-answer questions demanding analytical thinking in 80-100 words, and sometimes case-study passages with sub-questions. Recent patterns also include value-based and HOTS questions.

Why does the worksheet include both objective and descriptive questions?+

Different question types assess different skills. MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks test factual recall and vocabulary quickly, while short and long answers develop writing, analytical thinking, and expression skills. This variety mirrors the actual CBSE exam pattern and ensures comprehensive preparation across all cognitive levels.

How much time should students spend on this worksheet?+

The recommended time is sixty minutes for the complete worksheet under exam-like conditions. This includes approximately 10 minutes for Section A (MCQs), 8 minutes for Section B (fill-ups), 7 minutes for Section C (True/False), 20 minutes for Section D (short answers), and 15 minutes for Sections E and F combined.

What makes Kipling's writing style unique in this chapter?+

Kipling uses playful, repetitive language and a storytelling tone that appeals to children. His 'Just So Stories' series, including this tale, combines fantasy with moral lessons. The repeated 'Humph!' and the imaginative explanation of the camel's hump through a Djinn's magic exemplify his creative and humorous narrative style.

How can parents help children practice this chapter effectively at home?+

Parents should encourage children to read both texts aloud for better comprehension, discuss the moral lessons and social issues presented, and supervise worksheet practice. They should ensure children attempt all questions independently before checking the answer key, then review mistakes together. Using platforms like CBSETUTOR.ai can provide additional guided practice.

What vocabulary from Chapter 9 is important for exams?+

Key words include 'humph,' 'Djinn,' 'howling desert,' 'idleness,' 'ragpicker,' 'exploitation,' 'poverty,' and 'makeshift.' Students should understand the meanings and contexts of these terms, as they may appear in fill-in-the-blanks, MCQs, or be required for answering descriptive questions about the texts.

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