NCERT English Book for Class 8 (2024-25)

When it comes to building a strong foundation in English for class 8 students, the NCERT English book for class 8 is indispensable. Designed by experts, these books offer a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the CBSE standards. The 2024-25 academic year sees an updated version of these textbooks, focusing on enhancing language skills, comprehension, and literary appreciation. 

Understanding the importance of NCERT English books for class 8 and how to use them effectively can significantly impact a student's performance.

NCERT English Book for Class 8 – PDF Free Download

Accessing the NCERT English book for class 8 has never been easier. With the availability of PDFs online, students can now study anywhere, anytime. The NCERT provides official PDFs for both of its class 8 English books, “HoneyDew” and “It So Happened," free of charge. These downloadable PDFs ensure that students can access high-quality study material even if they do not have a physical copy of the book.

How to Download NCERT Books for Class 8 English?

Downloading the NCERT class 8 English book PDF is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Visit the official NCERT website.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Publications’ section.
  3. Select ‘Textbooks of Class VIII’.
  4. Choose the English subject.
  5. Select the book you wish to download, either HoneyDew or It So Happened.
  6. Click on the download link for the PDF.

Once downloaded, the PDFs can be accessed on various devices, making it easy for students to revise on the go. The availability of these free resources ensures that every student has access to the necessary study material, irrespective of their location or financial background.

NCERT Books for Class 8 English - Chapter-wise

The NCERT English book class 8 consists of two main books: HoneyDew and It So Happened. Both books are crafted to cater to the linguistic development of students, introducing them to a variety of literary genres, including prose, poetry, and short stories. 

You can find chapter-wise links to both books in the table given below:

NCERT Class 8 English Book HoneyDew

HoneyDew is the main textbook for NCERT English class 8. It comprises 10 stories and 8 poems, written by renowned authors and poets like Thomas Hardy, Keats, and Mark Twain. Each chapter in HoneyDew is diverse, ranging from stories of adventure, comic relief, and human values to poems that reflect cultural and emotional depths. They are carefully selected to expose students to different writing styles and broaden their comprehension skills.

NCERT Class 8 English Book It So Happened

It So Happened is the supplementary reader for NCERT English class 8. The stories in this textbook are selected to give students a broader perspective of life and literature, helping them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of different cultures and philosophies.

The book is designed to be light yet thought-provoking, making it an enjoyable read for students. It also aims to improve student’s reading comprehension and linguistic skills by introducing them to varied narrative techniques.

Importance of NCERT Textbooks for Class 8

The English NCERT book class 8 is meticulously crafted to meet the educational needs of class 8 students, ensuring that they are well-prepared for higher education. Some of its advantages include:

  • Curated by experts: These books have a collection of stories, poems and essays written by renowned authors, ensuring that students get a well-rounded education.
  • Accessible language: The textbooks and explanations are written in clear and simple language, making them easy for students to grasp.
  • Affordable access: NCERT textbooks are budget-friendly and easily available, making sure that every student, can access quality education.
  • Up-to-date material: NCERT regularly revises its textbooks to include the latest educational trends and teaching methods, keeping the content fresh and relevant.

Why Use NCERT Books for Class 8 English?

Using the NCERT book English class 8 offers numerous benefits. Some of them are listed below:

  • Balanced literary content: The books, HoneyDew and It So Happened, include a mix of prose, poetry, and short stories, exposing students to a variety of literary genres.
  • Skill development: These books focus on enhancing language skills, including reading, writing, comprehension, and critical thinking.
  • Engaging exercises: Each chapter contains exercises that encourage students to apply what they’ve learnt, improving their analytical abilities and retention.
  • Ethical and moral lessons: The stories and poems in the books often convey important life lessons, helping in the overall moral and ethical development of students.

FAQs on NCERT books for class 8

Ans. Yes, the NCERT English book for class 8 is highly beneficial for exam preparation. They provide the same content as the physical textbooks, ensuring consistency in study material. The ease of accessibility allows students to revise important chapters and topics even when they are not carrying their textbooks, making last-minute revisions more convenient.

Ans. To make the most of the NCERT English book for class 8, it is recommended to follow a systematic study plan. Start by reading each chapter thoroughly and understanding the core concepts and themes. After reading, attempt the exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce your understanding. Regular revisions and practice of sample papers based on these books can also significantly boost your exam performance. 

Ans. The NCERT English book for class 8 HoneyDew consists of 10 chapters of prose and 8 poems, while It So Happened contains 10 short stories. Together, these chapters offer a balanced mix of literary content aimed at improving students’ reading and comprehension skills.

Ans. While all chapters in the NCERT English book for class 8 are important, some chapters like “The Best Christmas Present in the World,” “A Short Monsoon Diary” from HoneyDew, and “How the Camel Got His Hump” from It So Happened are particularly noteworthy. These chapters are often highlighted for their rich content and the valuable life lessons they impart.

You can also check out

English Chapterwise Worksheets
CBSE Class 8 Exam 2025

350

Binding: Paperback
Language: English
Pages: 296

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