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Class 8: Chapter -1 Beating the Odds by Ramendra Kumar

Warm up activity

1. Suggested answers: essential, most important, critical, crucial

2. Accept any logical answer. Suggested answer: ‘Little things’ refer to everyday habits, small parts of a

larger task, our methods or approach to a task, etc,.

3. Humility, Modesty

4. a, b, c

Listening Text

Consistency is key. It’s not just about doing the right things occasionally; it’s about making them a habit.

It’s crucial to stick to the routine day in and day out. But it’s also essential to excel in the classroom as

much as on the field. Differentiate yourself by doing the little things that others won’t. Dedicate extra

hours to training, prioritize rest and nutrition, and never settle for being average.

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support you. Choose excellence over

perfection, and always remain coachable. Your talent might open doors, but your character will keep you there.

Keep your options open to opportunities, even if they’re not your first choice. Work hard, remain honest, and show appreciation to those who support you. Remember, the journey to success is paved with discipline and determination.

Reading 

A. 1. Rajat was one of the key players in the cricket team because he was a fast bowler and accurate

in his bowling.

 2. The coach suggested Rajat spin bowl instead of pace bowling.

 3. Two words to describe Rajat are: (suggested answers) hardworking, ambitious, dedicated

 4. Rajat learnt right-hand bowling in two weeks.

 5. Rajat’s purpose in his first over was to yield as few runs to Central School batsmen as possible.

 6. Sundar went on the back foot because he expected the ball to turn, as it usually does in leg spin.

 7. Rajat wanted to prevent Mohammed from giving the strike to Shoeb, the best player of Central

School.

 8. Shoeb’s strike was caught by the fielder at mid-off 

B. 1. As he watched Adnan bowl, Rajat felt unlucky and unhappy that the injury in his left arm

prevented him from being a part of the school cricket team. He cursed his luck.

 2. The coach asked Rajat to learn leg-spin because the coach knew that none of the batsmen in the

schools participating in the Sterling Trophy cricket tournament was familiar with leg-spin. Rajat

would be the only leg-spinner and a complete surprise for the batsmen on the field.

 3. Rajat was a left-hand bowler, but when he injured his left arm, the doctor forbade him from

straining his left arm and shoulder, which meant he could not bowl with his left hand. On the

advice of the coach, Rajat began training to bowl with his right hand. On the first day, he met

his coach in the ground, and the coach started him off with the simple action of bowling slow

and straight. Rajat could not bowl straight in the beginning. But he practised nonetheless every

day for an hour with the coach. After two weeks of earnest practice, Rajat could not only bowl

steadily with his right hand but was also good enough to enter the school team.

 4. Rajat decided to bowl differently in his second over because he felt that the situation called for

drastic action. Yielding little runs in each over would not lead his team to victory. So, he changed

his bowling strategy.

5. Ejaz gave the ball late to Rajat because he was afraid that allowing Rajat to bowl would

give Central School a quick and easy victory, since Rajat had given them 16 runs in one

over already.

 As the captain of the cricket team, Ejaz was not wrong in being cautious. Since this was Rajat’s

first game as a right-hand, leg-spinner, Ejaz was not confident of his ability. His decision rested on  

Rajat’s earlier performance, which was quite a disaster.

6. Rajat took a longer run-up and came charging, but instead of delivering a faster ball, he bowled a slow delivery right on the middle stump. This unexpected change in the delivery surprised Shoeb, who had already gone on the back foot, expecting a fast ball. Caught by surprise, he tried to hit the ball over the bowler’s head. But the ball went straight to the fielder at mid-off, who caught it and Shoeb was caught out.

7. a) Easier group’ refers to a line-up of cricket teams in a tournament. The coach said it was the

‘easier’ group because he felt that the other teams in the line-up were not a big challenge for St. Joseph High School cricket team.

 b. The coach wanted Rajat to play only in the final match because he planned Rajat and his legspin bowling as a surprise to the other team. The coach was sure that none of the batsmen in the other teams knew how to tackle a leg-spinner, and there lay the advantage of keeping Rajat a secret until the last moment. That way no one would have the time to watch Rajat and learn how to defend themselves against his bowling.

c. Suggested answers: estimation, reckoning, surmise

 8. a. It would be madness to let Rajat bowl again. Ejaz, the team captain, says this because Rajat

had given 16 runs to the Central School in the last over.

 b. Suggested answers: disappointed, upset, discouraged, crestfallen, disheartened

 c. The coach decided that Rajat should be given another chance because he believed in

Rajat’s skill and judgement.

C. 1. Accept any logical answer. Suggested answer: b. Rajat was sincere and hardworking.

(The reason for the choice is free response)

 2. a. and b.

Grammar

A. 1. P 2. C 3. C 4. P 5. C 6. P 7. P 8. P

B. 1. I can’t believe it! We have won the match!

2.Could you please collect the parcel from the post office?

 3. Anne did not take part in the science quiz held at the school.

 4. The house at the corner got a new coat of paint.

5. Is there anything particularly interesting about this painting?

 6. What a magnificent building the Taj Mahal is!

 7. Get me a glass of water.

 8. We had delicious food yesterday.




Dictionary Work
A. 1c, 2f, 3e, 4a, 5d, 6b

Writing 
Sample answer
Notes on Satendra Singh Lohia from Reading Aloud.

• Who is he?
 o 37-year-old paraswimmer from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
 o physically challenged
 o inspirational figure in the swimming community

• His achievements
 o first Asian swimmer to cross the North Channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland in 14 hrs
and 39 mins
 o swam across the English channel
 o first differently-abled swimmer to cross the Catalina channel in California

• Challenges of the North Channel:
 o distance: 36 km
 o cold water
 o strong currents
 o presence of jellyfish
• Purpose and Message:
 o raise awareness about differently-abled athletes
 o promote inclusion and perseverance

Summary
Satendra Singh Lohia: Breaking Barriers in Open Water Swimming
Satendra Singh Lohia, a 37-year-old paraswimmer from India, became the first Asian to cross the
challenging North Channel, swimming 36 kilometres in 14 hours 39 minutes. Known for its cold water
and strong currents, the North Channel posed significant challenges. Lohia, who has previously crossed
the English Channel and Catalina Channel, aims to raise awareness about the abilities of differently-abled athletes. His achievements highlight determination and resilience proving that with hard work
support, barriers can be overcome. (79 words)

My notes
While making notes:
• I will underline important points.
• I do not need to use complete sentences for note-making.
• I can use abbreviations/ short forms and symbols to save time.
While writing the summary:
• I must not copy full sentences from the passage.
• I have to use complete sentences. • I will include only important details



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