Master Chapter 7 'Jalebis' (NCERT Class 8): MCQs and Answers
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Summary:
Explore Chapter 7 Jalebis NCERT Class 8 with MCQs and answers to understand childhood innocence, moral conflict, and prepare effectively for your exams. 🍬
Exploring Childhood Innocence and Moral Conflict in “Jalebis” — Understanding MCQs from NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 7
---I. Introduction
Childhood in India, especially in a middle-class family, is often marked by small joys, secret temptations, and the silent weight of responsibility. Growing up in such an environment teaches one to balance desire and duty, and these little struggles often leave deep imprints on our conscience. Chapter 7, “Jalebis,” from the NCERT Class 8 English reader, *It So Happened*, beautifully captures this timeless tug-of-war in a child’s heart. This essay delves into the nuances of this engaging story — exploring its themes and characters — and gives you a handy guide to answering the related MCQs in your exams with confidence.---
II. Background and Context
Before we immerse ourselves in the narrative, it is important to appreciate the background of “Jalebis.” The story is originally penned in Urdu by Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, a renowned writer whose works are known for their depth and realism. The translated English version, brought to CBSE textbooks by Sufiya Pathan, helps students connect with the story across language barriers — an invaluable exercise in Indian education, where translation bridges regions and generations.The setting is distinctly Indian — a small town, possibly from the 1950s or 60s, when every coin held greater value and the concept of pocket money was rare. Instead, children learned the importance of every rupee through school fees, festivals, and rare treats. The protagonist’s life mirrors that of many Indian children who balance limited means with endless curiosity. The humble jalebi becomes more than a sweet; it is a symbol of longing, culture, and innocent mischief.
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III. Plot Summary: The Temptation of Jalebis
“Jalebis” begins with an ordinary yet momentous day. The young boy, a student of Class 5, is handed coins by his mother to deposit as his monthly school fees. The coins sit heavily in his pocket, constantly clinking (“khanak-khanak”), whispering temptations as he passes through the bustling lanes leading to his school. The boy faces a classic internal debate — should he carry out his responsibility or give in to the mouth-watering sight and aroma of freshly made jalebis bubbling in sugar syrup at the halwai’s shop?He weighs the consequences and ultimately, the innocent yet persistent desire for the sweets wins. He buys jalebis, relishes them, and even shares them with village children. But after the brief joy comes dread — what will he tell at home and at school now? The story follows his emotional journey: guilt sets in, followed by fear of punishment, and finally relief and thankfulness when the situation resolves. The tale ends with a subtle lesson: temporary pleasure cannot outweigh trust and duty.
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IV. Themes and Moral Lessons
A. Childhood Innocence and Temptation
Children, unlike adults, see money as something magical and full of possibilities, not just a currency of need but of happiness. In Indian households, where resources are managed tightly, the sight of a coin can spark both responsibility and excitement. The boy’s struggle — to buy jalebis or save money for fees — is a universal childhood dilemma: should I follow my heart or obey my elders?Many Indian students can relate to such situations, whether it’s the temptation to spend bus fare on ice gola, or buy comics instead of saving for a pencil box. The key MCQ tip here: pay close attention to how the protagonist feels. Questions may focus on his mood — whether he is anxious, gleeful, or remorseful — and the reasons behind these emotions.
B. Moral Responsibility and Guilt
The most profound turning point in “Jalebis” occurs when the sweet taste fades and guilt takes over. The protagonist’s sinking feeling about misusing his mother’s hard-earned money reflects a core Indian value: never betray your parents’ trust. It is an unspoken contract in Indian families that children respect both money and the sacrifices behind it.The unique phrase “khanak-khanak” goes beyond depicting the literal jingling of coins; it stands as a metaphor for the persistent voice of conscience. The sound, joyful at first, turns into a nagging reminder of his folly. In exams, MCQs might test your understanding of such phrases, expecting you to explain their deeper meaning, not just their dictionary definition.
C. Socio-economic Realities
Money carries weight beyond its numeric value, especially in earlier times. Through the protagonist’s anxieties, we glimpse how the cost of a few jalebis could mean missing months of school. This highlight’s India’s struggle with access to education, especially in less privileged areas.For MCQs, you may be asked about sums: How much were the school fees? How much did the boy spend on jalebis? Remembering these figures can unlock quick marks.
D. Cultural Significance of Jalebis
Jalebi is not just a dessert — it is woven into the fabric of Indian celebrations, from Eid to Diwali, symbolising togetherness and cheer. In the story, sharing jalebis among friends underscores our culture’s communal spirit. The author invokes vivid sensory imagery: the spiral shape, syrupy sweetness, and warmth, evoking nostalgia in many readers.MCQ-wise, questions may test you on descriptions used for jalebis or the cultural context they represent. Pick up on adjectives and sensory words.
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V. Character Analysis
A. The Protagonist — An Embodiment of Innocence
The child’s journey is the heart of the story. He is neither entirely obedient nor completely rebellious; he mirrors every Indian child’s journey through self-doubt, clever justifications, and eventual remorse. We travel with him as he rides the emotional roller-coaster: excitement, guilt, hope, and relief.For MCQ preparation: Focus on the words that describe his actions and feelings (e.g., tempted, confused, regretful).
B. The Mother — The Silent Guide
She is more than a background character; her trust is the axis around which the boy’s conflict spins. Her sacrifices and expectations, though quietly presented, give the boy both an opportunity and a burden.C. Master Ghulam Mohammed — The Face of Discipline
As the school fee collector, he adds urgency and realism to the story. His presence symbolises the rules of the adult world — uncompromising and watchful.D. Coins — A Unique Character
It is rare in literature that inanimate objects become living temptations. The “jingling” coins, persistently urging the boy towards the jalebis, personify the voice inside each of us urging us to mischief. This clever device helps readers, and examiners, understand the subtleties of inner conflict.---
VI. Literary Devices and Language Features
From the very start, “Jalebis” uses lively language and relatable phrases. The coins are personified — talking, arguing, tempting the protagonist, which brings out the conflict between conscience and desire. Imagery plays a vital role, particularly in describing jalebis and the marketplace. Onomatopoeic words like “khanak-khanak” paint a soundscape, letting readers almost hear the coins in their imagination.Dialogues are simple, natural, and effective, making the story easy to follow. The first-person narrative style draws the reader close to the protagonist’s heart, creating empathy.
For your MCQs, make sure you can identify literary devices such as personification, imagery, and dialogue, which are often directly quizzed in exams.
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VII. Preparation for MCQs: Strategies and Practice Tips
To ace MCQs from this chapter, keep these pointers in mind: - Learn Key Vocabulary: Don’t just memorise word meanings — understand them in their narrative context, such as “kissa khatam, paisa hazam.” - Memorise Key Facts: Names (Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Sufiya Pathan, Master Ghulam Mohammed), the class/year, and numerical details (school fee amount, how many jalebis). - Practise Inference: If a question asks how the boy felt after eating the jalebis, deduce it from the events rather than guessing. - Use Elimination: If you’re unsure, rule out obviously wrong answers first. - Read Between the Lines: If an MCQ asks about idioms or proverbs, check the sentences around them for clues to their meaning. - Revise Regularly: Go through the story summary and important points several times.---
VIII. Common MCQ Themes and Sample Question Types
You may encounter MCQs that ask about: - Author/Translator Details: Who wrote and who translated the story? - Plot and Sequence: What happened first, next, or last? - Character Motives: Why did the boy buy jalebis? Why was he worried? - Meaning of Local Phrases: What does “khanak-khanak” signify? - Moral Lessons: What do we learn from the boy’s experience? - Numerical Data: How much did the jalebis cost? Which standard was the boy in? - Sensory Descriptions: How are jalebis described? - Quotes/Dialogue Identification: Who said what?---
IX. Conclusion
“Jalebis” is more than just a slice of childhood set in a bygone era; it lays bare the conflict between personal satisfaction and social duty, a dilemma faced by all, young and old. In exploring this story, students not only develop English comprehension skills but also learn lessons in honesty, self-restraint, and empathy. By paying close attention to narrative nuances and practising smart MCQ strategies, exam success is within easy reach. Above all, stories like “Jalebis” remind us to cherish simple joys, understand the value of trust, and learn from innocent mistakes — lessons just as important outside the classroom.---
X. Additional Resources and Practice Suggestions
For deeper understanding and thorough preparation: - NCERT Textbook: Re-read the chapter regularly and try to explain the story in your own words. - Guides and Reference Books: Use supplementary guides and workbooks for extra summaries and practice questions. - Online Practice: Many educational websites and apps have MCQ quizzes on “Jalebis.” Practise and check your answers. - Group Discussion: Discuss the chapter with classmates to understand different viewpoints. - Writing Exercises: Attempt short answer and value-based questions to consolidate what you’ve learnt.With the right mix of attentive reading, regular revision, and critical thinking, any student can master “Jalebis” — not just for the exam, but for a lifetime of empathetic learning.
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