Banner 0
Banner 1
Banner 2
Banner 3
Banner 4
Banner 5
Banner 6
Banner 7
Banner 8
Book Online Demo
Try Test

Unseen Passage for Class 8

By Ankit Gupta

|

Updated on 6 Aug 2025, 14:48 IST

An unseen passage is a paragraph or story that students have never read before. It is called “unseen” because it is not part of your textbook or homework. You read it for the first time during the exam or practice. In Class 8, unseen passages are a very important part of the English exam. They help teachers understand how well students can read, understand, and answer questions based on a new text.

The main aim of an unseen passage for Class 8 is to test your reading and understanding skills. It teaches you how to find the main idea, understand new words, and look for important information in a short time. It also checks how well you can answer questions without memorizing. That’s why unseen passages help you become better at reading and thinking quickly.

Fill out the form for expert academic guidance
+91

There are usually two types of unseen passages in the exam—factual and literary. A factual passage gives real information, like about science, nature, or famous people. A literary passage tells a story or talks about feelings. Both types of passages help you build your reading habits and improve your English.

Unlock the full solution & master the concept
Get a detailed solution and exclusive access to our masterclass to ensure you never miss a concept

To do well in the unseen passage section, students should practice regularly. Reading different types of texts helps improve speed, vocabulary, and understanding. You can find many unseen passage for Class 8 with answers PDF online to practice at home.

In this article, you will find easy examples of unseen passages for Class 8, along with questions and answers. These will help you prepare well for your exams and boost your confidence. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, this guide will make learning fun and simple.

Ready to Test Your Skills?
Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers!
Take Free Test

What is an Unseen Passage for Class 8?

An unseen passage for Class 8 is a short paragraph or article that students have not read before. It can be from any topic—science, nature, biography, or a story. You are required to read the passage carefully and answer questions based on your understanding.

cta3 image
create your own test
YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE
start learning for free

These questions can be:

  • Multiple Choice
  • Short Answer
  • Vocabulary-based
  • True/False
  • Inference-based

The goal is to test your reading ability, vocabulary, critical thinking, and how well you can understand new information.

Best Courses for You

JEE

JEE

NEET

NEET

Foundation JEE

Foundation JEE

Foundation NEET

Foundation NEET

CBSE

CBSE

Why Are Unseen Passages Important?

Understanding unseen passages is more than just getting marks. It helps students develop useful life skills. Here’s why they matter:

SkillHow Unseen Passages Help
ComprehensionTeaches you how to understand and absorb new content.
VocabularyIntroduces new words and phrases in context.
Time ManagementHelps practice answering under time pressure.
Critical ThinkingMakes you think beyond the lines and draw conclusions.

They are an important section in Class 8 English exams and often carry 10 to 20 marks.

Types of Unseen Passages for Class 8

There are mainly two types of unseen passages for Class 8 in English:

TypeDescription
Factual PassageProvides real information about a topic such as animals, science, biography, etc.
Literary PassageIncludes stories, poems, or narrative descriptions.

Let’s understand both types with examples and questions.

Ready to Test Your Skills?
Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers!
Take Free Test

Unseen Passage for Class 8 with Questions and Answers – Example 1

Passage 1 – Factual (The Importance of Clean Water)
Clean water is essential for life. Every living being on Earth depends on it. Clean water is used for drinking, cooking, and farming. However, not everyone has access to safe water. Polluted water causes many diseases, especially in children.

cta3 image
create your own test
YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE
start learning for free

To protect our health, we must conserve water and keep water sources clean. Using less plastic, throwing waste in proper bins, and supporting water conservation programs are small steps that make a big difference.

Questions:

  1. Why is clean water important?
  2. What are the uses of clean water?
  3. What happens when water is polluted?
  4. How can we protect water sources?
  5. Write one word for "saving from waste."

Answers:

  1. Clean water is important for survival and health.
  2. It is used for drinking, cooking, and farming.
  3. Polluted water causes diseases.
  4. By reducing plastic use, throwing waste properly, and conserving water.
  5. Conservation.

This is a good example of an unseen passage for Class 8 with answers PDF that can help students practice and revise effectively.

Unseen Passage for Class 8 in English – Example 2

Passage 2 – Literary (A New Friend)
Arjun had just moved to a new school. On the first day, he felt lonely and nervous. During lunch, a boy named Aman sat beside him and shared his food. They talked and laughed, and by the end of the day, Arjun felt happy. Aman's kindness made Arjun’s day better.

From that day on, Arjun and Aman became best friends. They studied together, played together, and helped each other with homework.

Questions:

  1. Why was Arjun nervous?
  2. Who helped Arjun on the first day?
  3. What did Aman do during lunch?
  4. What was the result of their meeting?
  5. Write a word from the passage that means ‘feeling alone.’

Answers:

  1. Because he was new at school.
  2. Aman helped Arjun.
  3. Aman shared his food and talked to Arjun.
  4. They became best friends.
  5. Lonely.

Such passages are ideal for practicing unseen passage for Class 8 with questions and answers PDF format.

Unseen Passage for Class 8 10 Marks

Passage:

The sun was setting behind the hills, casting a golden glow over the small village of Rampur. The villagers were returning from their fields after a long day’s work. Children played near the river, their laughter echoing in the evening air. Old men sat under the banyan tree, discussing the day’s events.

Ravi, a young boy from the village, loved watching the sunset. He would often sit on a rock near the river and dream about exploring the world beyond his village. He had read stories about great travelers and explorers, and he wanted to be like them. However, his father, a farmer, wanted him to stay in the village and help with the family’s fields.

One evening, Ravi met an old traveler who had visited many countries. The traveler told him about the wonders of the world, the mountains, oceans, and different cultures. Ravi listened with great interest. The traveler advised him, “Dream big, but never forget where you come from.”

That night, Ravi thought a lot about the traveler’s words. He realized that learning and exploring were important, but so was respecting his roots. He decided that he would study hard and one day travel the world while also helping his village grow.

Ques. Where did the villagers go after a long day’s work?

Answer: The villagers returned from their fields after a long day’s work.

Ques. What did Ravi love to do in the evening?

Answer: Ravi loved watching the sunset while sitting on a rock near the river.

Ques. Why did Ravi’s father want him to stay in the village?

Answer: Ravi’s father wanted him to stay in the village to help with the family’s fields.

Ques. Who did Ravi meet near the river one evening?

Answer: Ravi met an old traveler near the river one evening.

Ques. What advice did the traveler give to Ravi?

Answer: The traveler advised Ravi to dream big but never forget where he came from.

Ques. What did Ravi decide to do at the end of the passage?

Answer: Ravi decided to study hard, travel the world, and also help his village grow.

Ques. Find a word in the passage that means ‘adventurer.’

Answer: The word "traveler" from the passage means 'adventurer.'

How to Prepare for Unseen Passage for Class 8 PDF?

Here’s a simple strategy you can follow:

1. Read the Questions First

Before reading the passage, quickly go through the questions. This helps you know what to look for.

2. Skim and Scan

Quickly read the passage once to understand the idea, then scan for keywords while answering.

3. Underline Key Points

Mark important names, numbers, or dates in the passage.

4. Use Your Own Words

Try to write answers in your own words rather than copying full sentences.

5. Practice Regularly

Use unseen passage for Class 8 PDF worksheets for daily practice.

Benefits of Using Unseen Passage for Class 8 with Answers PDF

Using PDF resources has multiple advantages:

  • You can print and solve anytime.
  • Helps track progress.
  • Ideal for exam practice.
  • Provides clear answers for reference.
  • Can be shared with friends or classmates for group study.

You can find many unseen passage for Class 8 with questions and answers PDF on educational websites, apps, and even school resources.

CBSE Guidelines for Unseen Passage for Class 8

As per the latest CBSE English paper pattern:

  • 10 marks are allotted to Reading Comprehension.
  • 2 passages are asked – one factual, one literary.
  • Each passage contains 10–12 questions.
  • Only 10 questions need to be attempted per passage.
  • This section is 25% of your English exam.

Practicing as per the pattern improves time management and accuracy.

Do Check: Symbol Names

Unseen Passage for Class 8 – Tips to Score Full Marks

Here are expert tips to help you do well:

TipExplanation
Read Slowly FirstUnderstand the meaning, don’t rush.
Don’t Assume AnswersBase your answers only on the passage.
Use Keywords from QuestionsHelps you locate the right paragraph.
Practice DailyImproves speed and confidence.
Learn New WordsBuild your vocabulary.

Unseen Passage for Class 8 with Answers PDF Download – What Should It Contain?

An ideal unseen passage for Class 8 PDF should include:

  • 2–3 practice passages
  • Questions from each passage
  • Model answers
  • Vocabulary exercises
  • Format according to CBSE pattern

The unseen passage for Class 8 section is not just a part of your English paper—it is a way to improve your thinking and reading. With regular practice using unseen passage for Class 8 with questions and answers PDF, you can boost your confidence and perform better in school exams.

Make use of printable PDFs, worksheets, and reading materials. Try solving 2 passages a week and review your answers honestly. Over time, you will notice improvement in your comprehension, vocabulary, and even writing.

FAQs on Unseen Passage for Class 8

What is an unseen passage for Class 8?

An unseen passage is a paragraph or story that students have not read before. It is given in exams to test reading and understanding skills. Students must read the passage and answer the questions based on it.

Why are unseen passages important in Class 8 English?

Unseen passages help improve reading speed, vocabulary, and thinking skills. They also prepare students to understand new topics quickly, which is useful in exams and real life.

What types of unseen passages are given in Class 8?

There are mainly two types:

  • Factual passages – give real information (about science, people, places, etc.)
  • Literary passages – are stories, poems, or imaginative texts

How can I practice unseen passage for Class 8 at home?

You can download unseen passage for Class 8 with answers PDF from educational websites or use practice books. Try reading one passage daily and answer the questions without help.

How much time should I spend on an unseen passage in the exam?

Spend about 10 to 15 minutes on one unseen passage. First, read the passage carefully. Then, answer the questions one by one. Don’t rush, but manage your time well.

How can I improve my score in unseen passage questions?

  • Practice regularly
  • Read the questions before reading the passage
  • Underline key points while reading
  • Answer in simple and short sentences
  • Revise your answers if time allows