Free Bihar Board Class 8 English Reader Chapter 6 Solutions are available here. You will get written answers for all questions asked in chapter 6 – “The Fight”, from the English Reader book – It So Happened.
This story by Ruskin Bond is about two boys, Ranji and Suraj, who fight over a swimming pool. Ranji is new to the place and Suraj thinks the pool belongs only to local boys. They fight but no one wins, and both get hurt. The next day they meet again, but instead of fighting, they become friends. Suraj learns swimming from Ranji, and Ranji learns wrestling from Suraj.
Bihar Board Class 8 English Reader Chapter 6 Solutions
Contents
| Chapter | 6. The Fight |
| Subject | English Reader (It So Happened) |
| Class | 8th |
| Board | Bihar Board |
COMPREHENSION CHECK
From Page No 49
1. In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?
Ans: The forest pool was clean, clear, and cold, making it inviting to swim in. In contrast, the pools in the Rajputana desert were dirty, muddy, and used by buffaloes for wallowing and by people for washing clothes.
2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.
(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?
Ans: The other boy expected Ranji to say sorry and leave the pool right away.
(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?
Ans: He was wrong to ask this. The pool was in a forest, so it didn’t belong to anyone. It was free for everyone to use.
3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans: The other boy was trying to start a quarrel. Ranji didn’t say anything when he saw the boy at the pool. He was friendly and even invited the boy to swim together. But the other boy spoke rudely, claimed the pool was his, and started the argument.
4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.
(i) What made him say that?
Ans: The other boy said this because Ranji refused to leave the pool even after their fight. The boy wanted to keep fighting to make Ranji leave.
(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?
Ans: No, the fight didn’t continue that day. Both boys were tired and didn’t start fighting again. Instead, the other boy challenged Ranji to come back to the pool the next day if he was brave enough.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
From Page No 53
1. What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?
Ans: Ranji found it hard to explain the cuts and bruises on his face, legs, and arms. He couldn’t hide that he had been in a fight, and he didn’t want to tell his family about it.
2. Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.
(i) What does he wish to do?
Ans: Ranji wished he could turn away and avoid the other boy. He also thought about throwing his lemonade bottle at him because he was still upset.
(ii) What does he actually do, and why?
Ans: Ranji doesn’t throw the bottle or start a fight. He just stands there and glares at the other boy because he doesn’t want to cause trouble in the bazaar.
3. Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?
Ans: Ranji didn’t want to fight again because his body was still hurting from the first fight. But he went back to the pool because he didn’t want to back down from the challenge. He wanted to show the other boy that he was brave and had a right to use the pool.
4. Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?
Ans: Ranji was the better swimmer. When the other boy teased him, saying he couldn’t swim across the pool, Ranji dived in and swam to the other side easily. The other boy was amazed by Ranji’s diving and swimming skills and asked him to teach him how to do it.
5. What surprises the warrior?
Ans: The warrior, Suraj, is surprised by Ranji’s amazing diving and swimming skills. Ranji does a perfect dive, swims underwater, and sneaks up behind Suraj, which catches him off guard.
6. Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?
Ans: They don’t fight again because they start to respect each other. Ranji sees that Suraj is strong, and Suraj admires Ranji’s swimming skills. Instead of fighting, they talk, share their interests, and decide to help each other learn new skills. This turns their rivalry into a friendship.
7. Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming underwater, making a good point, willingness to help
Underline the relevant phrases.
Ans: Good diving, swimming underwater, willingness to help.
8. What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.
Ans: Ranji and Suraj become friends because they start admiring each other’s strengths. Suraj is impressed by Ranji’s diving and swimming skills and asks to learn from him. Ranji likes that Suraj is strong and wants to help him become a wrestler. They realize they can learn from each other instead of fighting. Their respect and willingness to help turn them into friends quickly.
EXERCISE
Discuss the following topics in small groups.
1. Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?
Ans: Fighting is not the only way to solve disagreements, and it’s usually not the best way. Instead, people can talk calmly and listen to each other’s side. They can try to understand the other person’s feelings and find a solution that works for both. For example, taking turns to speak or compromising can help everyone feel happy without fighting.
2. Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realise later that it was unnecessary and futile? Share your experience/views with others frankly and honestly.
Ans: I haven’t been in a serious fight myself, but I think most fights are pointless when you look back. Often, people fight because they’re angry or upset, but later they realize they could have talked it out instead. Sharing feelings honestly and finding common ground is much better than arguing or fighting, as it helps build understanding.
3. Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?
I may be going slow but I am ahead of you.
Ans: Sometimes, people want to feel better than others because it makes them feel confident or important. This can happen in school, sports, or even at home. But it’s better to focus on being your best self instead of comparing with others. If I saw the sign “I may be going slow but I am ahead of you” on a car, I’d find it funny. It’s a clever way to say, “I’m doing my own thing!” and I’d smile at the creativity.
