The Magic Brush of Dreams Questions Answers Class 8 English NCERT

The Magic Brush of Dreams Answers Class 8 English NCERT explains the poem in simple and easy-to-understand solutions for students. Also added, POORVI, UNIT 3 Chapter 2, NCERT English, POEM helps learners grasp the story of Gopi, her magic brush, and the lessons of kindness and cleverness. This guide is ideal for Class 8 students for revision, comprehension, and exam preparation.

Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 122)

I Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.

Ans:

Magical Object: A Time-Telling Necklace that shows past, present, and future.

Reason: It would help me plan better and avoid mistakes by learning from past experiences.

2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?

Ans: If I had a magic paintbrush: I would draw a lush, green park with playgrounds and trees.

Reason: To make my neighborhood beautiful and provide a happy place for everyone.

3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Ans: Using the magic paintbrush for others: Yes, I would.

Reason: Helping others brings joy, and I could make life easier or happier for many people.

POORVI: Textbook of English for Grade 8 NCERT Solution 2025-2026:

II Work in pairs. Discuss instances of acts of kindness that you have heard, read, or experienced. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Ans:

1. Helping the needy: Donating clothes, food, or books to people who need them.

2. Supporting friends: Comforting a friend who is sad or stressed and offering help.

3. Assisting elders: Helping an elderly person cross the road or carrying their groceries.

4. Animal care: Feeding stray animals or taking care of pets in need.

5. Community service: Cleaning a park, planting trees, or participating in charity events.

6. Sharing knowledge: Tutoring classmates or helping someone understand a difficult topic.

III Work in pairs and guess the meanings of the words given below and draw pictures depicting their meanings. Share with your classmates and teacher.

Ans:

Now, arrange these words into different categories as given below.

Ans:

Categories:

• Things: paintbrush, fortress, twig
• Actions: drawing, bows, winding
• Emotions: joy, fear, cold

Summary:

The poem tells the story of Gopi, a poor village girl who is supposed to collect food but loves to draw pictures in the sand. One day, a mysterious man gives her a magic paintbrush and tells her to use it only to help the poor. Whatever Gopi paints becomes real, so she paints food and useful items for the villagers. Soon, news of her magic reaches the greedy Zamindar, who demands treasures and a grand fortress. When Gopi refuses, he puts her in prison. Cleverly, she uses the magic brush to paint a road and a horse to escape. She paints a river so the Zamindar and his men cannot cross it, and they run away in fear. In the end, Gopi paints a big feast and happily celebrates her victory with the villagers.

Stanza 1 – Paraphrase:
Gopi is asked to go collect beans, rice, and mangos and bring back something good to eat.

Words and Meanings:
gather : collect : इकट्ठा करना
fetch : bring : लाना
pluck : pick : तोड़ना
nice : good : अच्छा
wild : uncultivated : जंगली

Stanza 2 – Paraphrase:
Instead of working, Gopi sits under a banyan tree drawing pictures in the sand with a twig.

Words and Meanings:
beneath : under : नीचे
twig : stick : टहनी
drawing : sketching : चित्र बनाना
pictures : images : चित्र
sand : soil : रेत

Stanza 3 – Paraphrase:
The wind blows and erases her drawings, but a man is sitting nearby holding a brush.

Words and Meanings:
winds : breeze : हवा
blow : gust : बहना
stone : rock : पत्थर
sweeps : wipes : मिटा देता
man : person : आदमी

Stanza 4 – Paraphrase:
The man quietly calls Gopi and tells her not to let anyone know about the magic brush.

Words and Meanings:
whispers : murmurs : फुसफुसाना
hush : silence : शांत रहो
village : town : गाँव
magic : magical : जादुई
brush : paintbrush : ब्रश

Stanza 5 – Paraphrase:
He gives Gopi the brush and instructs her to paint only for poor people, not for the rich.

Words and Meanings:
slips : puts : डालना
wealthy : rich : अमीर
poor : needy : गरीब
paint : draw : रंगना
sure : certain : निश्चित

Stanza 6 – Paraphrase:
The people ask if Gopi brought beans, rice and mangos home like she was told.

Words and Meanings:
gather : collect : इकट्ठा
fetch : bring : लाना
pluck : pick : तोड़ना
home : house : घर
nice : good : अच्छा

Stanza 7 – Paraphrase:
Gopi laughs and runs inside, paints a bowl of khichdi and waits for it to dry.

Words and Meanings:
grins : smiles : मुस्कराना
runs : rushes : दौड़ना
paints : draws : रंगना
bowl : vessel : कटोरा
dried : hardened : सूखना

Stanza 8 – Paraphrase:
The bowl becomes real food and villagers rush into her house, amazed by the magic.

Words and Meanings:
villagers : locals : ग्रामीण
streamed : flowed : चले आए
young : youth : युवा
wish : want : चाहना
dreams : hopes : सपने

Stanza 9 – Paraphrase:
Gopi paints useful things like a muffler, plough, shawl and fan for others.

Words and Meanings:
muffler : scarf : मफलर
farmer : cultivator : किसान
plough : tiller : हल
shawl : wrap : शॉल
fan : cooler : पंखा

Stanza 10 – Paraphrase:
News of her magic spreads everywhere until the Zamindar hears about it.

Words and Meanings:
news : information : खबर
spreads : travels : फैलना
plains : flatlands : मैदान
forests : woods : जंगल
magic : miraculous : जादू

Stanza 11 – Paraphrase:
The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint a tall strong fortress filled with treasure.

Words and Meanings:
order : command : आदेश
fortress : castle : किला
treasures : riches : खज़ाना
jewels : gems : रत्न
rule : govern : शासन

Stanza 12 – Paraphrase:
Gopi politely refuses, saying she promised to help only the needy with the brush.

Words and Meanings:
bows : bends : झुकना
comply : obey : पालन
swore : promised : कसम खाना
help : assist : मदद
needy : poor : ज़रूरतमंद

Stanza 13 – Paraphrase:
The Zamindar angrily orders his men to capture Gopi and lock her in a cage.

Words and Meanings:
roars : shouts : गरजना
stamps : stomps : पैर पटकना
seize : catch : पकड़ना
girl : maiden : लड़की
pen : cage : जेल

Stanza 14 – Paraphrase:
Gopi waits in a cold prison cell until the Zamindar comes back yelling at her.

Words and Meanings:
cell : jail : कोठरी
cold : chilly : ठंडा
floor : ground : फर्श
returns : comes back : वापस लौटना
door : entrance : दरवाज़ा

Stanza 15 – Paraphrase:
Holding the brush, he loudly tells her again to paint his fortress with treasure.

Words and Meanings:
holds : grips : पकड़ना
thunders : roars : गरजना
gold : metal : सोना
emeralds : gems : पन्ना
hall : room : कमरे

Stanza 16 – Paraphrase:
That night while he dreams of gold, Gopi paints a road and a strong horse.

Words and Meanings:
dreaming : imagining : सपना देखना
winding : curving : घुमावदार
road : path : सड़क
horse : steed : घोड़ा
bold : brave : बहादुर

Stanza 17 – Paraphrase:
The road leads out of prison and she rides the horse fast across villages.

Words and Meanings:
gates : doors : द्वार
leaps : jumps : कूदना
gallops : runs : सरपट दौड़ना
fields : farms : खेत
villages : hamlets : गाँव

Stanza 18 – Paraphrase:
Villagers are happy to see Gopi return, but she keeps painting as men chase her.

Words and Meanings:
merry : joyful : खुश
kind : gentle : दयालु
following : chasing : पीछा करना
behind : after : पीछे
painting : drawing : पेंट करना

Stanza 19 – Paraphrase:
She paints a wide strong river and the Zamindar and his men cannot cross it.

Words and Meanings:
mighty : powerful : शक्तिशाली
river : stream : नदी
currents : flow : धारा
deep : profound : गहरा
leap : jump : छलांग

Stanza 20 – Paraphrase:
She threatens to paint a beast to scare them so they will stop chasing her.

Words and Meanings:
beast : monster : जानवर
chase : follow : पीछा
stop : halt : रुकना
feast : eat : भोजन करना
you : yourself : तुम

Stanza 21 – Paraphrase:
The Zamindar gets scared, says he will leave and he and his men run away.

Words and Meanings:
cries : shouts : चिल्लाना
leave : go : छोड़ना
flees : runs : भागना
men : soldiers : आदमी
stay : remain : ठहरना

Stanza 22 – Paraphrase:
Gopi celebrates by painting a feast and music for all the village people.

Words and Meanings:
folk : people : लोग
feast : banquet : दावत
courtyard : yard : आँगन
band : musicians : बैंड
victory : win : जीत

Let us discuss (Page 127)

I Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Ans: 

1. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand.
2. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi and tells her to paint only for the poor.
3. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers.
4. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers.
5. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him.
6. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison.
7. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape.
8. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her.
9. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men.
10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers.
    

II Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below.

Ans: 

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. playful and innocent as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. tension and suspense. In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. triumphant and celebratory as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.

III Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets.

Ans: 

1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, ABCB, which adds a rhythmic flow.

2. This poem belongs to the narrative or ballad poetry genre, which tells a story through verse.

IV Give examples from the poem for the following explanations.

Ans: 

1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, “She paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep.”
2. The repetition in the line “On you, and you and you!” emphasizes the threat and creates a sense of fear and urgency among the Zamindar’s men.

V Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.

Ans: 

VI Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.

Ans: 

True.
Supporting Statement: Gopi paints useful things like khichdi, a plough, and a shawl to help the poor villagers, whereas the Zamindar demands treasures, jewels, and a grand fortress for himself, showing his greed and selfishness.

Let us think and reflect (Page 128)

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. But on a stone there sits a man,

A brush is in his hand.

He looks around. He calls to Gopi.

“Come here!” he whispers. “Hush!

We mustn’t let the village know

About this magic brush.”

He slips the brush into her hand

And tells her to be sure,

“Paint not for the wealthy ones,

But only for the poor.”

(i) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.

The man is whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his _______________________ (careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.

(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?

(iii) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.

The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he

_______________________.

(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.

A. The Magic Brush’s Secret

B. Gopi’s Special Gift

Ans: 

(i) careful and secretive 

(ii) The significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand is that he is secretly choosing her to be the keeper of the magical brush and entrusting her with its power.

(iii) wants the magic to help those who are truly in need.

(iv) A. The Magic Brush’s Secret

2. And soon the news spreads far and wide,

Through forests, fields, and plains,

Until the Zamindar himself

Hears of these magic gains.

“I order you to paint for me,

A fortress tall and grand.

Paint treasures, jewels, and riches rare,

Enough to rule this land.”

(i) Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.

The news of Gopi’s magic brush spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its _________________.

(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?

(iii) Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.

A. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.

B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

(iv) What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?

Ans: 

(i)  extraordinary power to turn paintings into real things.

(ii) The poet refers to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’ because whatever she paints magically becomes real and benefits people.

(iii) False statement:  B. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

Rectified: The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

(iv) The Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveals that he is greedy, power-hungry, and selfish.

II Answer the following questions.

1. Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.

Ans: Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar because she had promised the mysterious man to paint “not for the wealthy ones, but only for the poor.” The Zamindar wanted her to paint a “fortress tall and grand,” “treasures, jewels, and riches rare.” These demands showed greed and selfishness. Gopi stayed true to the purpose of the magic brush and used it only to help needy villagers.

2. Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?

Ans: Gopi threatens to paint a beast when the Zamindar and his men continue to chase her across the “fields and many villages.” She warns them that the beast would “feast on you, and you and you!” Her action is justified because she is protecting herself and the magical brush from being misused. Faced with such danger, I might have reasoned with the Zamindar or sought villagers’ help openly.

3. What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?

Ans: Gopi celebrating with the villagers is significant because it shows the triumph of goodness over greed. After using her brush to paint a “feast of sweets and tea,” a “courtyard bright,” music, and “songs of victory,” Gopi restores happiness to the poor villagers. This celebration symbolises her success in keeping her promise to use the magical brush only for the poor and defeating the selfish Zamindar’s intentions forever.

4. Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.

Ans: Gopi uses the magic brush selflessly by painting food like “khichdi,” tools such as a “plough,” a “muffler,” and a “shawl” to help the poor villagers. Her paintings become real and benefit those in need. The Zamindar, however, would have used the magic brush selfishly to paint “fortresses,” “treasures, jewels and riches rare.” His purpose was to gain power and wealth, showing how differently both would have used its magic.

5. What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?

Ans: Based on her refusal to obey the Zamindar’s orders, Gopi’s character can be inferred as brave, kind, and principled. She says, “I swore to use this magic brush to help the needy by,” showing her strong moral values. Even when thrown into a “cold mud floor” prison, she remains courageous and chooses to escape rather than paint for the Zamindar’s greed. Gopi stays loyal to her promise.

6. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.

Ans: The title of the poem is appropriate because the magical brush is central to the entire story. The brush brings food, clothes, tools, and joy to the poor villagers, while also becoming the reason behind the Zamindar’s greed and eventual downfall. Given to Gopi secretly by a mysterious man, the magic brush holds great power, but only if used wisely, making it the heart of the poem’s message.

7. If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?

Ans: If I had the magic brush in today’s world, I would paint useful things to help the needy, just as Gopi does. I would paint food for the hungry, blankets for the homeless, medicines for the sick, and books for children who cannot afford education. Like Gopi, I would keep it away from greedy people who might want to use it for wealth, and would only help the poor.

Let us learn (Page 130)

I The verb ‘draw’ has different meanings in different contexts. Match the sentences in Column 1 with their appropriate meanings in Column 2.

Ans: 

II Fill in the crossword. Clues have been given below. You will find the words in the poem.

Ans: 

III There are certain expressions that convey a sudden feeling or reaction. They can be used to express a variety of emotions and thoughts.

Example: … he whispers. “Hush!” (‘Hush’ denotes the act of silencing someone)

Now, match the expressions in Column 1 with what emotions or reactions they convey, in Column 2.

Ans: 

Now, create sentences using any five expressions from Column 1.

Ans: 

1. Phew! I finally finished my homework just before the deadline.

2. Eek! There’s a spider crawling on the wall near my bed!

3. Ouch! I accidentally touched the hot pan while cooking.

4. Yippee! We are going on a picnic tomorrow!

5. Oops! I dropped my friend’s book in a puddle by mistake.

Let us listen (Page 132)

I You will listen to five speakers speak about a magical power they wish for. As you listen, match statements 1–7 with speakers (i)–(v). There are two statements you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 152 )

Ans: 

Let us speak (Page 133)

I Intonation is the rise and fall of the pitch of tone while speaking. The ‘falling’ tone is the fall in the pitch of the voice from a high level to a low level. It is marked [ ]. The falling tone is generally used in imperative sentences. Such sentences are used in speech for different communicative purposes— to express a command or an instruction, to ask for a favour or to give a warning.

Read the following sentences from the text with the falling tone.

• Come here!

• Seize this magic brush…

• Paint my fortress tall!

• Go and fetch some rice.

Ans:

Intonation: The rise and fall of pitch in our voice while speaking.

Falling Tone [ ]:

• The voice starts high and falls to a low level.
• Commonly used in imperative sentences to:
  
  1. Give a command or instruction
  2. Ask for a favour
  3. Give a warning

Examples from the text using falling tone [ ]:

• Come here! [ ] → Command
• Seize this magic brush… [ ] → Command/Instruction
• Paint my fortress tall! [ ] → Command/Instruction
• Go and fetch some rice. [ ] → Instruction/Favour

The falling tone makes these sentences sound firm, clear, and direct.

II Work in pairs. Take turns to make requests for the following formal and informal situations.

Ans:

Formal Requests

• Situation 1: “Would you mind if you organise a class picnic for us?”
• Situation 2: “I was wondering if you could arrange an extra sports period since I missed last week.”
• Situation 3: “Do you think you could include me in the upcoming inter-school event?”

Informal Requests

• Situation 1: “Can you help me complete my project?”
• Situation 2: “I would like to join a dance class. Could you enroll me, Mom?”
• Situation 3: “Do you mind coming over to spend the weekend with me?”

These sentences use the falling tone [ ] at the end to make the requests polite yet firm.

Let us write (Page 134)

I Imaginative essay is a type of creative writing where the writers use their imagination. An imaginative essay can be based on real-life events, observation, or experiences. It is usually a descriptive piece or a personal reflection.

II Complete the given checklist based on your observations and understanding of what an imaginative essay includes. Share the answers with your classmates and teacher.

Ans:

III Write an imaginative essay on any one of the following. (Page 135)

1. Imagine you were a scarf that flew away from a clothesline. Describe the places you travelled to and how you came back. Also, write about what you thought was the most valuable experience.

Ans:

Title: The Adventures of a Flying Scarf

I was just an ordinary red scarf hanging on the clothesline, swaying gently in the morning breeze. Suddenly, a strong gust lifted me into the air, and I soared above rooftops, streets, and parks. I felt the exhilaration of flying freely, with the sun warming my threads and the wind playing through my fibers.

I drifted over the busy marketplace, where children waved at me in surprise. I floated past rivers that sparkled like diamonds and forests filled with birds singing sweetly. I even brushed against the tall mountains, feeling the crisp, cool air on my threads. Every place taught me something new—about life, freedom, and the beauty of nature.

Eventually, the wind guided me back to my original clothesline. My owner laughed in relief as they tucked me back neatly. Though my adventure had ended, I realised the most valuable experience was understanding how vast and wonderful the world is, and how little moments of freedom can bring immense joy.

2. Imagine you stumbled upon a magical book in the library. The book transported you to a different time period. Describe your experience and an important learning.

Ans: 

Title: A Journey Through Time

While browsing through the dusty shelves of my school library, I stumbled upon a curious old book with a shimmering cover. As soon as I opened it, a bright light surrounded me, and in a blink, I was transported to a medieval village bustling with market stalls, horse-drawn carriages, and villagers in colorful attire.

I wandered through cobbled streets, hearing the clatter of wooden wheels and the chatter of merchants selling spices, fruits, and fabrics. The air smelled of freshly baked bread and burning wood. I met a young blacksmith who taught me how people relied on skill and patience rather than machines. I watched children play games without screens, laughing freely, and felt how simple life could bring joy.

Suddenly, the magical book glowed again, and I was back in the library, holding the same sparkling book. The experience taught me the value of patience, hard work, and appreciating simple pleasures. Technology is useful, but sometimes, the lessons from the past are timeless.

That day, I realised books can truly transport us to worlds beyond imagination, teaching lessons that stay forever.

Let us explore (Page 136)

I Have you heard of India’s famous magician, P. C. Sorcar Sr.? He is known as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Magician’ and performed live magic shows in front of audiences and on television, internationally.

He was awarded Padma Shri on 26 January 1964 for his contribution to the world of magic.

II Words can also play tricks. Read the riddles about things that seem to be unreal and find what they refer to.

Ans:

1. Sound – It can fill a room but has no physical space and is heard but not seen.
2. Footsteps – The more you take, the more you leave behind.
3. A Map – Shows cities and forests but has no actual houses or trees.
4. A Candle – Tall when new (young) and short when burnt (old), often used in dark rooms.

III You are asked to create a magical object. What object would you create? Make a drawing with all its details and mention its special quality on the same sheet. Put up the sheet on the display board.

Ans:

Magical Object: Time-Telling Necklace

Description:

• A golden necklace with a small, glowing crystal pendant.
• The crystal shows not only the current time but also important moments from the past and glimpses of possible futures.
• Around the crystal are tiny engravings of sun, moon, and stars, which light up depending on the time of day.

Special Quality:

• Wearing the necklace allows the user to wisely plan actions by learning from past mistakes and preparing for future challenges.
• It also gives gentle reminders about important events, like birthdays or deadlines.

Drawing Tips:

• Draw the necklace chain and pendant in gold.
• Make the crystal glow using bright colors (yellow or white).
• Add sun, moon, and stars around the pendant for magical effect.
• Label the features: Glowing Crystal – Shows Time & Important Moments, Engravings – Sun, Moon, Stars.