Class 7

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 3.5 News Analysis Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 3.5 News Analysis

Class 7 English Chapter 3.5 News Analysis Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Write your own impression about the news items given in (a), (b), (c), (d) in the table given below.

Question 1.
Write your own impression about the news items given in (a), (b), (c), (d) in the table given below.

Answer:

Good/Bad News	Reliable/ Unreliable News	Interesting/ Uninteresting/ Boring	others
good	reliable	interesting	Lists down DO’s and DON’TS for candidate.
bad	unreliable	boring	No authenticity. Might be based on rumours.
bad	reliable	interesting	Creates an awareness about environmental problems.
bad	unreliable	boring	Highlights the need to adopt a more scientific attitude.

2. Write a letter to your class teacher or the Principal of your school to make any one of the following requests.

a. You wish to start a news bulletin for your school/class. It will be a one-page bulletin to be published every week. A different group of students will manage the preparation of the bulletin every time.
Answer:
C/1, Elixir Apartments,
V. S. Road,
Dadar (West),
Mumbai – 400 028.
7th July, 2017.

To
The Principal,
St. John’s School,
Dadar (West),
Mumbai – 400 028.
Sub: Request to start a news bulletin. Respected Sir,
I, XYZ, the monitor of VII – B, would wish to request you to grant us permission to start a news bulletin for our school. As part of the Literary Club activity, the bulletin will serve as a platform for those who wish to enhance their writing skills and try their hands at journalism right in school.

The bulletin would be a single page weekly, covering news related to schools in our neighbourhood and their notable innovative activities and of our own school activities, achievements and programmes. This gives opportunity to students to scout around, explore and express their observations, thoughts and ideas and expose them to a new career option for later life.

Kindly consider my earnest request and grant us the permission so that the Literary Club may flourish –
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
XYZ

b. Your school library subscribes to a few newspapers. Your class wants old issue of the newspaper for some educational activity in the classroom. You are required to make cuttings/news clipping. Therefore, the papers cannot be returned to the liabrary but you will use them in a responsible manner. Use the format of a formal letter given below.

Answer:
C/1, Elixir Apartments,
V. S. Road,
Dadar (West),
Mumbai – 400 028.
7th July, 2017.

To
The Principal,
St. John’s School,
Dadar (West),
Mumbai – 400 028.

Sub: Request to issue old newspapers for a project.
Respected Sir,
I, XYZ, of class VII-B would wish to request you to grant us permission to use old newspaper clippings from the Library for our English project.

The project aims at making us aware of various types of news articles, the language used in newspaper reports and enable us to compare and see the changes that have taken place in terms of presentation and news that is printed. However, we do not have access to newspapers of the past five years.

May I earnestly request you to allow us to make use of newspaper clippings of the last five years from the school Library? I assure you that the newspaper will be used in a responsible manner.

We intend to hold competitions that will further encourage students to put in their best. Your support and guidance will help serve the purpose better.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
XYZ

3. Hold a discussion in the classroom about the differences between printed newspaper, radio news bulletins, T.V. news bulletins.

Question 1.
Hold a discussion in the classroom about the differences between printed newspaper, radio news bulletins, T.V. news bulletins. Discuss the merits, demerits and popularity of each.
Answer:
The merits and demerits of the print Media are as follows:
a. Print Media (Newspapers):
Merits: These are more accessible. They are available at a low cost. They are also delivered at one’s doorstep. Besides this, one can always choose to read news of one’s choice by just turning over the pages. More suitable for senior citizens who are not tech-savvy.

Demerits: The illiterate cannot make use of the Print Media. It occupies more space after some time when the newspapers pile up. Usually the news articles are based on the thought process of the owners of the Newspaper advertisements news articles.

b. Electronic Media:
Merits: As the T.V. is an audiovisual medium it appeals to the sense of hearing and sight. The illiterate can have entertainment as well as information. It is more lively as the person can see the reporter or the panel discussing a given topic. Various news channels offer a wide variety of topics and programmes. An animated map with weather forecast is much more interesting to see as compared to reading it in black and white.

Demerits of Electronic media: Electronic media includes radio, television tablets, all phones etc. with the flooding of TV channels, cell phones with enormous features etc have enslaved man. People are hooked on to these items and direct human communication has broken down within the families too. The reason is everybody is busy with either the TV or cell phone most of the time. Children are also hooked on to these from a very early stage in life. These technologies also bring with them problems of radiation and health risks and take away personal time.

Class 7 English Chapter 3.5 News Analysis Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer in one sentence.

Question 1.
Who is Stephen Hawking?
Answer:
Stephen Hawking was a physics professor.

Question 2.
Why did people flock to Ralewadi?
Answer:
People flocked to Ralewadi to get a special powder from Miribaba that was supposed to cure all ailments.

Question 3.
What was the cost of the herbal powder packet?
Answer:
The packet of powder was priced at Rs. 25/-

Question 4.
Name some herbs?
Answer:
Some Common herbs are ginger, tulsi, mint.

Simple Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Complete the web diagram with all non-electronic items prohibited in the examination hall as per the news item.
Answer:

Question 2.
What is the meaning of issued, candidates and invigilators?
Answer:

1. issued – distributed.
2. candidates – a person who applies for some job (here).
3. invigilators – people who watch students taking an exam.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Who is conducting the test?
Answer:
Shivam Institute of Innovative Technology in Bengaluru is conducting the test.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Form four 4 letter words from the following:

1. Bengaluru
2. prestigious
3. examination

Answer:

1. Bengaluru – Bengal, bugle, lure, rule, glue
2. prestigious – Press, rest, gist, sprout, priest
3. examination – name, exam, mine, animation, nation

Grammar.

Question 1.
The pens will be provided in the hall by the invigilators. (Begin with ‘………….. The invigilators’)
Answer:
The invigilators will provide the pens in the hall.

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Why is this news published in newspapers?
Answer:
This news is published in the newspaper to make the readers and other institutions aware of the steps some educational institutions are taking to prevent malpractices during exams. It also prepares the candidates taking the exam by distributing a ‘Do’s and ‘Don’ts list beforehand.

Simple Factual Questions.

Question 1.
What words are used for the following in the news item:
1. Film industry.
2. Something on which a lot of money is spent.
Answer:
1. Film industry – Bollywood.
2. Something on which a lot of money is spent – big-budget.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Guess why ‘Ant’ is a big-budget movie?
Answer:
’Ant’ could be a big-budget movie as it must be an animated film with a lot of sound and visual effects and also because the makers had roped in Ritika, a highly paid Bollywood star.

Question 2.
What will be Ritika’s reaction to this news?
Answer:
Ritika might be surprised to read this news as there may be no truth in it.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Guess the meaning of ‘most highly paid’, ‘revealed’, ‘sign films’.
Answer:

1. most highly paid – someone who is paid the highest amount of salary.
2. revealed – to make something new known to others.
3. sign films – to agree to do a film by signing a contract.

Grammar.

Question 1.
She refused to give any reasons for her decision. (Change into a negative sent)
Answer:
She did not give any reasons for her decision.

Question 2.
Make adjectives.
Answer:
1. heart
2. decision
3. reason
Answer:
1. hearty
2. decisive
3. reasonable

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Can you think of other reasons for Ritika’s decision to not sign any more movies after ‘Ant’?
Answer:
There could be many reasons for Ritika’s decision to not sign any more movies after ‘Ant’ like disillusion with film world, desire to seek work in some foreign country, the urge to raise a family and settle down, etc.

Simple Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Which words or phrases in the news refer to the earth?
Answer:
The word ‘planet’ and ‘world’ in the news refer to the earth.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Which of the following problems do you believe is the most serious:
a. climate change,
b. overpopulation,
c. epidemic diseases?
Answer:
Overpopulation is the most serious problem faced by the world today leading to a host of other problems.

Question 2.
Within two minutes tell as many words as possible related to the following words:
Answer:
a. news – reporters, T.V, radio, crime, politics, movies, sports, newspaper, responsibility
b. T.V. – serials, sports, music, entertainment, education, innovation, remote control, news channels.
c. radio – AIR, Akashwani, Radio Mirchi, news, songs, recordings, talks, interviews.
d. mobile – messages, Whatsapp, charger, camera, music, games, internet, connectivity, camera, instant communication, global.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Guess the meaning of ‘mankind’?
Answer:
mankind – human race.

Grammar.

Question 1.
1. Hawking said that the world today is facing huge challenges.
2. We have only one planet and we need to work together to protect it.
Answer:
1. that
2. and

Question 2.
Make verb.
Answer:

1. dangerous – endanger
2. work – work
3. challenge – challenge

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Prof. Hawking wrote about the problem in the Guardian. Why is it given as ‘news’ in other papers?
Answer:
Although Prof. Hawking wrote about the problem in the Guardian, it is given as ‘news’ in other papers to create awareness about the gravity of the situation and the need to take urgent, constructive steps to protect our planet from further degradation by mending our ways. As the problem in discussion concerns the whole world, putting it in other papers will help spread awareness and take some corrective steps.

Fill in the blanks.

Question 1.
1. He has developed this powder from a special herb in the …………… .
2. Dr. …………… of Ambegaon Civil Hospital said number of patients increased in last few weeks.
Answer:
1. Himalayas
2. Karnik.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Why is there a question mark in the heading?
Answer:
There is a question mark in the heading as the article leaves it on us to decide or find out the truth about Miribaba’s cure. The question mark indicates that it is not certain whether the powder has the power to cure ailments.

Question 2.
Which part of the news is reliable? Which part may not be reliable? How do we learn that?
Answer:
A report from Dr. Karnik of Ambegaon civil Hospital that there was an increase in member of patients in the last few weeks is probably more reliable. It could be that people out of blind faith went to Miribaba with their problems and were treated with some unnamed herbal powder. When their problems got out of hand or did not get better, they must have visited the civil hospital.

The claim of Miribaba’s followers that the herbal packs blessed by him cured thousands of people may be a story to cure more people towards Baber.

Question 3.
Will Miribaba and his followers like the news?
Answer:
Miribaba and his followers will definitely not like the news.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Guess the meaning of ‘flock’ and ‘followers’.
Answer:

1. flock – gather or move in large numbers
2. followers – people supporting someone whom they believe in disciples.

Grammar.

Question 1.
Hundreds of people flock every hour to Ralewadi. (Frame a Wh – question to get the underlined word as an answer)
Answer:
Where do hundreds of people flock every hour?

Question 2.
Each packet is specially blessed by him. (Separate the subject and predicate)
Answer:
Each packet – Subject is specially blessed by him – Predicate.

Personal Response.

Question 1.
What should you do when you fall ill?
Answer:
When one falls ill one mus identify the cause of the discomfort and how it can be set right with rest and correct food. Safe home remedies could be tried and if no improvement is found, one should consult a doctor immediately.

Language Study.

Question 1.
Complete the table.
Answer:

Noun	Verb	Adjective	Adverb
innovation	innovate	innovative	innovatively
measurement	measure	measurable	measurably
decision	decide	decisive	decisively
danger	endanger	dangerous	dangerously

Make sentences using the following phrases/ idioms, also write its meaning.

Question a.
to break someone’s heart – to make someone very sad.
Answer:
I kept up my promise of taking my five-year-old nephew out as I didn’t want to break his heart.

Question b.
to flock – to gather.
Answer:
Thousands of flamingoes flock to Sewri every year.

Question 2.
She refused to give any reasons for her decision. (Make negative)
Answer:
She did not give any reasons for her decision.

Question 3.
We have the technology to destroy the planet on which we live. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
We have the technology to destroy the planet on which we live, don’t we?

Question 4.
We will have built colonies amid the stars. (Rewrite in Future Perfect Continuous tense)
Answer:
We will have been building colonies amid the stars.

Question 5.
The world today is facing huge challenges. (Rewrite ending with world today’)
Answer:
Huge challenges are being faced by the world today.

Question 6.
She wants to make a career in politics. (Use Modal auxiliary of possibility)
Answer:
She might want to make a career in politics.

Question 7.
Hawking wrote recently in the Guardian newspaper. (Write in question form)
Answer:
Didn’t Hawking write in the Guardian newspaper recently?

Question 8.
Mankind is facing the most dangerous time in its history today. (Rewrite using ‘Positive degree’)
Answer:
No other time faced by mankind in its history is as dangerous as today.

Question 9.
Imagine how this news item helped people understand the truth that Miribaba’s powder cannot cure diseases. Write the story about it in short.
Answer:
After reading the article in the newspaper regarding ailing people, some truth-seekers made their way to the Ambegaon Civil Hospital. On checking the records and after talking to the patients, it was clear that Miribaba was a fraud and there was nothing miraculous in the powder as claimed by him. To set things straight, these people headed towards to Ralewadi. But the news of the truth being revealed had already reached Miribaba who fled away to save his life.

Question 10.
Go through a few specimens of major newspaper. You will see that each page carries only a certain type of news. Read all the news items given in the lesson of your textbook and decide their types.
Answer:
Nature
a. Educational
b. Entertainment
c. Environment
d. exploitation

Question 11.
Which other items do you find in a newspaper besides news?
Answer:
Besides news, we find advertisements, classifieds, cartoon strips, daily horoscope, brain teaser games, recipes, letters to the editor, entertainment, etc.

News Analysis Summary in English

News Analysis is a detailed examinations of the elements of the news item presented. Here we have news items from different fields such as academics, entertainment, environment and exploitation of gullible people. It is our responsibility to read, reflect and analyse news items and verify the authenticity of the news before we share it with others.

Introduction:
With the application of technology in mass media, we have access to news through various newspapers, magazines, T.V. Channels and through the internet.

Glossary:

1. analysis (n) – detailed examination of the elements give out officially of something.
2. issued (v) – distributed
3. candidate (n) – a person who applies for something (here, exam)
4. prestigious (ad]) – having high status
5. invigilators (n) – people who supervise
6. gadget (n) – a small mechanical or electronic device
7. informal (adj) – friendly, unofficial
8. epidemic (n) – a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease
9. flock (v) – gather
10. settlement (n) – a village
11. winding (adj) – twisting
12. claim (v)- assert that something is the case
13. amid (prep) – in the middle of candidates taking an exam

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.4 How Doth the Little Busy Bee Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.4 How Doth the Little Busy Bee

Class 7 English Chapter 2.4 How Doth the Little Busy Bee Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Write the meaning of:
doth, opening (in the context of the poem), cell.

Question 1.
Write the meaning of:
doth, opening (in the context of the poem), cell.
Answer:

• Doth: In this poem the meaning of ‘doth’ is the word of old origin,
• Meaning of doth: Archaic, third person singular present of do. Doth is a form of the word ‘do’ which is defined as to perform an action. They get back to their nest and relax.
• Opening: Meaning of opening is blooming when a plant or tree blooms. It produces flowers. When a flower blooms, it opens.
• Cell: Meaning of cell is functional and structural unit of life.

2. A parody is playful, comic imitation of a writer’s style. A parody is like a verbal cartoon. Compare the original poem and its parody given on page 35 using the following points:

Question 1.
Compare the original poem and its parody given on page 35 using the following points:

Answer:

3. Answer the following questions and write in short, why the parody sounds funny.

Question a.
What does the bee stand for?
Answer:
The bee stands for hard-work and positivity

Question b.
What does the crocodile stand for?
Answer:
The crocodile stands for laziness, mischief and negativity.

Question c.
Why does the bee work hour after hour?
Answer:
The bee works hour after hour to store the nectar that it collects from the flowers.

Question d.
Why does the crocodile work?
Answer:
The crocodile works only to fill its stomach.

Question e.
Is the bee a gentle creature? Is the crocodile gentle?
Answer:
The bee is a gentle creature. The crocodile is not gentle.

4. Desciibe a crocodile in your own words. Which of the words and phrases in the poem will you use In a realistic description?
Put a tick mark against the ones you will use.

• little [ ]
• shining tail [ ]
• golden scale [ ]
• cheerful [ ]
• grIn [ ]
• claws [ ]
• gently smiling [ ]
• jaws [ ]

Question 1.
Describe the crocodile in your own words.
Answer:
The crocodile is a large reptile. The crocodile to me looks very frightening, ferocious and ugly. The scaly skin of the crocodile makes me feel very creepy. They have different colours which ranges from brown to grey. Some are greenish-brown in colour. They have sharp teeth and claws. They have big strong jaws. They appear to be grinning because of the way their jaw is placed. The tail of the crocodile is very powerful and it helps the crocodile to swim. Crocodiles can live upto 80 years!

5. Note that most of the times well-known works are parodied, because people can enjoy the parody better when they know the original. Try to find more examples of parodies in English or other languages. 

Question 1.
Note that most of the times well-known works are parodied, because people can enjoy the parody better when they know the original. Try to find more examples of parodies in English or other languages.

6. What do you like better – the original poem or the parody? Why?

Question 1.
What do you like better – the original poem or the parody? Why?
Answer:
I like the parody. I like the parody because it is funny, interesting and the best part is that it is very easy to memorize.

Class 7 English Chapter 2.4 How Doth the Little Busy Bee Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Why does the parody sound funny?
Answer:
The parody sounds funny because it is just in complete contrast with ‘How doth the little busy bee’. The bee is hard working and positive. She is using every minute fruitfully while in contrast the crocodile is wasting its time doing nothing still manages to keep its stomach full.

Question 2.
Match the nouns with the adjectives used to describe them:

Column ’A’	Column B’
1. bee	a. shining
2. food	b. smiling
3. tail	c. busy
4. jaws	d. sweet
5. scale	e. little
6. crocodile	f. golden

Answer:

Column ’A’	Column B’
1. bee	c. busy
2. food	d. sweet
3. tail	a. shining
4. jaws	b. smiling
5. scale	f. golden
6. crocodile	f. golden

Read the following extract and do the activities.

Answer the questions in one word.

Question i.
What does the bee gather all the day?
Answer:
honey

Question ii.
How does the bee spread her wax?
Answer:
neatly

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
How does the bee build her cell?
Answer:
The bee builds her cell skilfully.

Question 2.
What food does the bee make?
Answer:
The bee makes sweet food.

Poetic Device:

Question 1.
Make a list of the rhyming words
Answer:
hour – flower; cell – well

Question 2.
What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the first stanza is abcb

Question 3.
What is the rhyme scheme of the second stanza?
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the second stanza is abac

Read the following extract and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Complete the web.
Answer:

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Which river is mentioned in the above poem?
Answer:
River Nile is mentioned in the above poem.

Question 2.
Whom does the crocodile welcome?
Answer:
The crocodile welcomes little fishes.

Question 3.
How does the extract portray the crocodile?
Answer:
The extract portrays the crocodile as a deceiving, idle reptile.

Question 4.
Write the rhyme scheme for the 2nd stanza.
Answer:
The rhyme scheme is abab.

Question 5.
And welcomes little fishes in, With gently smiling jaws!
Identify the figure of speech of the above lines and explain.
Answer:

• Personification: The human quality of welcoming and smiling is given to a reptile for better poetic effect.
• Exclamation: The line ends with an exclamatory mark.

Poetic Device:

Question 1.
Pick out the rhyming words from the 1st stanza.
Answer:
Crocodile – Nile, tail – scale

Writing Skills:

Question 1.
Create a poem of your own on ‘A crocodile’.
Answer:
Crocodile with a smile
Today I saw a crocodile walking quickly down the isle
I nearly missed a heartbeat, when I saw its clawy feet.
I thought I saw it cry a tear,
This made me really lose my fear. Looking at me it gave a smile
Ohh that’s the reason I ran away a mile.

How Doth the Little Busy Bee Summary in English

In this poem, the poet Isaac Watts tells us about the busy bee who does not waste time but works day in and day out to collect nectar from the flowers and stores it in the hives built by the bees. The poet appreciates the skills of the bees, used in making the cells and sealing them for future use. The poet is trying to tell us that we should take the example of these small creatures and use our time fruitfully. Isaac Watts

The parody “How doth the – a small little crocodile” written be Lewis Caroll tries to poke fun at the poem “How doth the little busy bee”. The parody in a humorous way speaks about the idleness and cunningness of a crocodile in contrast to the hardworking bee. The busy bee works all day for its honey but in contrast the crocodile remains idle yet gets his fill.

Introduction:

‘How doth the little busy bee’ written by Isaac Watts is a poem in which the hard work of the bee is appreciated. A parody is playful comic imitation of a writer’s style. A parody deliberately copies someone or something in an amusing way. It may be simply a humorous imitation of a well-known or popular work.

Glossary:

1. doth (v) – does (old English)
2. opening (adj) – blooming
3. cell (n) – a small hexagonal compartment in a honeycomb
4. labours (v) – works hard
5. grin (v) – to smile with lips parted to reveal the teeth
6. claws (n) – curved pointed nail on each of the foot of a mammal, reptile or bird
7. scale (n) – small flat hard and bony covering the skin, particularly of a fish or reptile
8. jaw (n) – the part of the face below the mouth
9. skilfully (adv) – cleverly.
10. cheerfully (adv) – happily.
11. gather (v) – to collect.
12. parody (n) – a humorous way of writing in which the original work of another writer is copied in an exaggerated way.

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.3 Abdul Becomes a Courtier Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.3 Abdul Becomes a Courtier

Class 7 English Chapter 2.3 Abdul Becomes a Courtier Textbook Questions and Answers

1. From the play, find all the words that are related to the following.
knowledge and learning, books, works
Add other related words you know to the list.

Question 1.
From the play, find all the words that are related to the following.
Add other related words you know to the list.

1. knowledge and learning
2. books
3. works

Answer:

1. Student, smart, thirst for knowledge, learned, philosophy, astronomy, arabic, persian, scholar, intellectual, sagacious, astute, university, degree.
2. Student, smart, knowledge, learned, scholar, words, e-book.
3. Merchant, serve, clerk, pay, office, poultry, keeper, salary, job.

2. Discuss the following.
(a) Abdul gets what he wants in the end. What is the major factor that contributes to this success?

• His learning of books
• His intelligence
• His attitude
• His relations with other people
• His luck

(b) The Emperor says he had realised earlier that Abdul has great talent. Does this tally with his actions? Give your opinion.

Question a.
Abdul gets what he wants in the end. What is the major factor that contributes to this success?

• His learning of books
• His intelligence
• His attitude
• His relations with other people
• His luck

Answer:
His attitude

Question b.
The Emperor says he had realised earlier that Abdul has great talent. Does this tally with his actions? Give your opinion.
Answer:
No, it does not. But according to me the Emperor wanted to know whether Abdul could put all his knowledge into practical use.

3. Write a letter from Abdul to the Emperor, requesting the Emperor to give Abdul a suitable job.

Question 1.
Write a letter from Abdul to the Emperor, requesting the Emperor to give Abdul a suitable job.
Answer:
Your Royal Highness,
I, Abdul, am a subject in your kingdom. I have learnt everything books could teach me. I would like to be at your service.
I will serve you with all the knowledge, I have gained, if your royal highness will give me the opportunity. All my knowledge would really be of great use and if given a chance I will do everything I can to the best of my ability. Hoping and awaiting a positive reply. Thanking you in anticipation.
Your loyal subject,
XYZ (Abdul)

4. Rewrite the play in the form of a story.

Question 1.
Rewrite the play in the form of a story.

Rewrite the play in the form of a story.
Answer:
Abdul, the Achiever
Once upon a time during the reign of Emperor Akbar, there lived a very humble school teacher. He had an equally humble and down to earth son named Abdul. Abdul dreamt of becoming a scholar. His father could not fund him for the books because they were very costly. His father tried to borrow books from the school library but was unsuccessful. Abdul was disheartened.

He hit upon a brilliant idea to solve his problem. He decided to work for the rich, instead of taking money for services, he requested them to allow him to read the books in their stores. Abdul read and read and became a learned scholar that too one in a million. Now that he had completed his education he aspired to work in the Emperor’s office. The Emperor heard of him and was ready to appoint him. He was first put in charge of the Murgikhana.

Abdul was disappointed at first but then decided to put in his best. His efforts paid him well. The hens were healthier than before. The Emperor was surprised that Abdul had not used any money from the treasury. The Emperor was worried that the hens had died but Abdul told the Emperor that all the hens were in the pink of health because he was feeding them with the left-overs from the Emperor’s kitchen, which was free of cost and something the hens enjoyed and that was the secret of their health.

The Emperor was happy and put him in charge of the library. Abdul was unhappy because he aspired to be a courtier. But he took his job too as a challenge and started making changes in the library. A year later when the Emperor entered the library he was shocked to see that all the books had very expensive covering.

He thought that this would have cost a fortune. Abdul clarified the Emperor’s doubt and told him that it has cost nothing because he used the rich, discarded fabrics of the bags in which requests were sent to the Emperor. Abdul said that he had asked the royal tailors to stitch the jackets and covers for the books. The Emperor was so impressed that he immediately appointed Abdul his courtier.
Moral: Waste not, want not.

5. Suggest at least one method of creating something useful or beautiful from waste.

Question 1.
Suggest at least one method of creating something useful or beautiful from waste.

6. Write how you take care of your books.

Question 1.
Write how you take care of your books.
Answer:
I see to it that my books are always covered, with my name written on it. I do not throw my books anywhere. I keep them neatly whether in my bag or on my table at home. I do not eat or drink anything with my books in front of me so as to avoid spilling and getting oil stains on my books.

7. Language Study: Common nouns – 3: Common nouns can be classified in one more way – concrete nouns and abstract nouns. Concrete nouns stand for things that you can actually touch or see.
Examples : school, house, bags, buttefflies, child.
Abstract nouns stand for ideas, feelings, qualities, actions, states, etc.
Examples: life, time, goodness, progress, kindness, childhood, honesty, mathematics
Can you spot at least three abstract nouns in the following paragraph?
‘We put the plan of action in motion immediately. We kept it a secret. We wanted to give Mrs Desai a surprise. But her intelligence is really appreciable. She spotted the change within a week.’
Now you know that plural forms of nouns have -s, -es, or -ies at the end. But the plurals of some nouns are formed differently. Look at the following forms.

• child – children man – men
• tooth – teeth foot – feet
• leaf – leaves mouse – mice

Some nouns have the singular and the plural alike.
Examples: sheep, deer.

Class 7 English Chapter 2.3 Abdul Becomes a Courtier Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
How did Abdul manage to feed the birds well without spending money?
Answer:
Abdul was in charge of the Emperor’s ‘Murgikhana’. He fed the birds with the left-overs from the kitchen, like scraps, shells and kitchen waste, which the hens enjoyed. This diet not only made the hens healthy but was also free of cost.

Question 2.
How did the Emperor reward Abdul for his work? Do you think the Emperor’s action was right?
Answer:
The Emperor rewarded Abdul by making him in charge of the library. Yes, I think the Emperor’s action was right because he wanted to see how well Abdul would handle this task too.

Question 3.
How did Abdul manage to get expensive jackets for the books?
Answer:
Abdul had noticed that all the formal requests that came to the Emperor were in bags made of the best of fabrics which were discarded. He used these discarded silk, velvet and brocade to make beautiful covers and jackets for the books in the library.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Complete the sentences.
1. Abdul’s father was a ………… .
2. Abdul wanted his father to lend him
Answer:
1. schoolmaster
2. a little gold

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
How many books could Abdul’s father get for him?
Answer:
Abdul’s father could not get any books for him.

Question 2.
What does Abdul want to do? How does he plan to do it?
Answer:
Abdul wants to acquire knowledge and become a scholar. He plans to buy books and study them to rise high and become famous.

Question 3.
What are books and manuscripts compared to?
Answer:
Books and manuscripts are compared to treasures rare and exclusive.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Frame a sentence with the phrase ‘brighter tomorrow’.
Answer:
Rohan worked day and night for a brighter tomorrow.

Grammar:

Question 1.
How many books could you get? (Identify the kind of sentence)
Answer:
Interrogative.

Question 2.
Pick out a word from the extract which means – to hope or to dream.
Answer:
aspire.

Question 3.
Guess the meaning of ‘a brighter tomorrow’ in context of the play.
Answer:
A brighter tomorrow means a better or brighter future.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Do you like to read books? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I like to read books. I like to read books because it helps to increase our knowledge, gives us a lot of information and keeps us occupied when there is nothing to do. For me. books are my best friends.

Question 2.
Abdul got the Royal Tailors to work for making the jackets. What skills does it reflect?
Answer:
The skill which comes out is making best from waste. It not only saves money but also helps to save the environment.

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Complete the sentences.

1. You appear to be smart,
2. Quench my
3. I am pleased with you
4. made a poultry people?

Answer:

1. be my clerk
2. thirst for knowledge
3. work and loving care!
4. Intellectual, sagacious, astute

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What request must Abdul have sent to the Emperor?
Answer:
Abdul must have requested the Emperor to give him a position in his court because he had gained all the knowledge which would help him in the job.

Question 2.
What was the merchant’s reaction to Abdul’s work?
Answer:
The merchant was very pleased with Abdul’s work and wanted to reward him.

Question 3.
What job did the emperor give Abdul?
Answer:
The Emperor made Abdul his poultry keeper, in charge of the Royal Murgikhana.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Find words/phrases meaning ‘rare’.
Answer:
One in a million; a gem; unique

Question 2.
Guess the meaning of ‘a gem’ in the context of this play.
Answer:
The context ‘a gem’ in the play means someone very precious, of great value.

Question 3.
Find pairs of rhyming words used in this passage.
Answer:

• serve – deserve
• clerk – work
• care – rare – fair
• store – more
• learned – yearned
• notice – office
• prayer – care
• scholar – keeper
• refuse – use
• Persian – million.

Grammar:

Question 1.
Write the noun forms of:

1. move
2. direct
3. explore
4. determine
5. estitute
6. hesitate
7. compel
8. treat

Answer:

1. movement
2. direction
3. exploration
4. determination
5. destitution
6. hesitation
7. compulsion
8. treatment

Language Study

Do as directed.

Question 1.
Can you spot at least three abstract nouns in the following paragraph?
‘We put the plan of action in motion immediately. We kept it a secret. We wanted to give Mrs Desai a surprise. But her intelligence is really appreciable. She spotted the change within a week.
Answer:
secret, surprise, intelligence.

Question 2.
Now you know that plural forms of nouns have -s, -es or -ies at the end. But the plurals of some nouns are formed differently. Singular :

1. woman
2. person
3. goose
4. half
5. wife
6. potato
7. cactus
8. fungus
9. oasis
10. syllabus
11. datum
12. focus
13. louse

Answer:

Plural:

1. women
2. persons /people
3. geese
4. halves
5. wives
6. potatoes
7. cacti
8. fungi
9. oases
10. syllabi/syllabuses
11. data
12. foci
13. lice

Question 3.
More of nouns having singular and plural alike.
Singular :

1. news
2. aircraft
3. species
4. darts
5. pants
6. trousers
7. jeans
8. glasses
9. scissors
10. fish
11. salmon
12. headquarters
13. Chinese

Answer:
Plural:

1. news
2. aircraft
3. species
4. darts
5. pants
6. trousers
7. jeans
8. glasses
9. scissors
10. fish (if it is the same species)
11. salmon
12. headquarters
13. Chinese

Question 4.
I’m happy to announce, now you are my courtier! (Kind of sentence)
Answer:
Exclamatory sentence.

Question 5.
The Royal tailors made the jackets. (Change the voice)
Answer:
The jackets were made by the Royal tailors.

Question 6.
Abdul enters and bows before the Emperor. (Pick out the conjunction and state its kind)
Answer:
and – coordinating conjunction.

Question 7.
Days passed by, he learned and learned. (Identify the figure of speech and explain)
Answer:
Repetition: The word ‘learned’ has been repeated for better poetic effect.

Question 8.
I need nothing more. (Identify the figure of speech and explain)
Answer:
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘n’ has been repeated for better poetic effect.

Abdul Becomes a Courtier Summary in English

The story in this lesson revolves around Abdul who is very wise and intelligent and loves reading and learning. His father cannot afford the costly books and so Abdul works and accepts his reward only in kind and that too he asks for nothing more than reading books. He quenches his thirst for knowledge and desires to work in the Emperor’s office. Let us see how he gets this honourable position.

Introduction:

The lesson ‘Abdul Becomes a Courtier’ is taken from the series of Akbar and Birbal stories. It has been adapted into the dialogue form by Pratibha Nath who is a wonderful story teller and weaves stories for children.

Glossary:

1. erudition (n) – learning, scholarly work
2. scores (n)- sets of twenty
3. clerk (n) – a person who keeps records, accounts, etc.
4. quench (v) – to satisfy
5. office (n) – position, responsibility
6. prayer (n) (here) – request
7. sagacious (adj) – wise
8. astute (adj) – intelligent, one who knows how to use a situation to his advantage
9. zeal (n) – enthusiasm
10. drive (n) – an effort made to achieve a certain purpose
11. brains (n) – intelligence
12. shirk (y) – avoid
13. brocade (n) – rich fabric woven with golden or silver thread
14. papers (n) – official documents
15. aspire (y) – to hope or dream
16. manuscripts (n) – written by hand, handwritten
17. rare (adj) – uncommon, unique
18. exclusive (adj) – of high quality
19. dejected (adj) – sad
20. rejected (adj) – not accepted
21. yearned (v) – to long for
22. conviction (n) – firm belief
23. passion (n) – love
24. relish (v) – enjoy
25. thrive (v) – grow
26. perseverance (n) – continuing to do something regardless of failure
27. chores (n) – work
28. poultry keeper (n) – a person who looks after chickens, ducks and other birds that are kept for their egg and meat.
29. ration (n) (here) – food.
30. jacket (n) – outer covering.
31. discarded (v) – disposed off, thrown away.
32. courtier (n) – a person who attends a royal court as an adviser to the king or queen.
33. expensive (adj) – costly.
34. ponders (v) – thinks deeply.

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 4.6 Papa Panov’s Special Christmas Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 4.6 Papa Panov’s Special Christmas

Class 7 English Chapter 4.6 Papa Panov’s Special Christmas Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Write the homophones (words which sound the same. of the following words in the story.

Question 1.
Write the homophones (words which sound the same. of the following words in the story.

1. no: ……………………….
2. dear: ……………………….
3. here: ……………………….
4. went: ……………………….
5. pair: ……………………….
6. knew: ……………………….
7. through: ……………………….
8. soul: ……………………….
9. whole: ……………………….

Answer:

1. know
2. deer
3. here
4. vent
5. pear, pare
6. new
7. threw
8. sole
9. hole

Examples for homophones along with the prior:

1. steel-steal
2. read – red
3. see – sea
4. eves – ice
5. air – heir
6. meet – meat
7. grown – groan
8. would – wood
9. great – grate

2. Correct the following sentences and rewrite them.

Question 1.
The best shoes that Papa Panov had made were a pair of lady’s shoes.
Answer:
The best shoes that Papa Panov had made were a pair of tiny leather shoes.

Question 2.
Papa Panov gave hot soup to the sweeper, milk to the young mother and coffee to the beggars.
Answer:
Papa Panov gave hot coffee to the sweeper, milk to the baby and hot soup to the beggars.

Question 3.
By afternoon, Papa Panov had stopped looking out for Jesus.
Answer:
By the time dusk had fallen, Papa Panov had stopped looking out for Jesus.

Question 4.
Papa Panov saw the sweeper, the young mother and the beggars he had helped only once in the morning.
Answer:
Papa Panov saw the sweeper, the young mother and the beggars twice, once during the day and once at night.

Question 5.
Jesus, had actually visited Papa Panov only once on Christmas Eve.
Answer:
Jesus had visited Papa Panov only once on Christmas Eve and several times on Christmas day.

3. Write a character sketch of Papa Panov in your own words.

Question 1.
Write a character sketch of Papa Panov in your own words.
Answer:
Papa Panov was a kind and humble shoe-maker. He lived in a village in Russia. He was a cheerful man,who lived alone. He was widower and his grown up children had left home to seek their fortune. He has loved by his villagers. He was a happy man with laughter wrinkles on his face indicating his happy life.

He was quite old and had weak eyesight which made him wear spectacles. He earned a decent living. we come to know of this because he helped people in distress. He seems to be a god fearing and pious man because he not only dreamnt of God in his dreams but also spoke to him. Thpugh he was lonely he brightened himeself up by helping people when needed.

We can sum these qualities of Papa Panov as being a wonderful human being with a golden heart. He is filled with humaneness, empathy, selflessness and love for mankind making him God’s beloved creature.

4. Write your interpretation of the story.

Question 4.
Write your interpretation of the story.
Answer:
The story of ‘Papa Panov’ according to me is an interesting story to introduce to children, inculcating in them values of selflessness, empathy, sharing and love for humanity. God resides in those who love their kind, is vividly put forth through this story. This story has inspired me to go out and help those in need.

The smile and blessings I get when I help the needy makes my day and makes me feel blessed. It is rightly said ‘Service to man is service to God’.

5. Information about cold winters in Russia.

6. Do you know of similar stories in your mother tongue or in other languages? Narrate it in short.

7. Which season would you say is the hardest in your locality?

Question 1.
What help would the poor and homeless people need in that season?
Answer:
The rainy season is the hardest season in my locality. The poor and homeless people are without a roof and have to remain wet and , huddled under some shelter for hours. They do not have proper shelter, clothes, food and drinking water. This is a season which brings in a lot of sicknesses, which if not treated could be fatal. Medical help is also necessary for them in this season which is difficult for them to get.

Class 7 English Chapter 4.6 Papa Panov’s Special Christmas Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
In the little village what shows that it is Christmas time?
Answer:
In the little village, although it is afternoon, lights begin to appear in the shops and houses, indicating that it is Christmas time.

Question 2.
Did Papa Panov have a shop away from his home?
Answer:
No, Papa Panov’s shop was his home.

Question 3.
Did he live alone? Why?
Answer:
Yes, Papa Panov lived alone because his wife had died and his grown-up children had all left his home.

Question 4.
What tells us that Papa Panov is a kind person?
Answer:
While reading the Christmas story from the Bible, he read how baby Jesus was born in a cowshed. He wished that Mary and Joseph had come to his home where he would have given them his bed and covered baby Jesus with his quilt to keep him warm. This feeling which comes up in Papa Panov’s mind shows us that he was a kind person.

Question 5.
What do the ‘laughter wrinkles’ tell us?
Answer:
The ‘laughter wrinkles’ tell us that Papa Panov is quite old. It also tells us about the number of happy times he had with family and friends.

Question 6.
Why is the small box dusty?
Answer:
The small box with a pair of tiny leather shoes was dusty because it was kept high up on the shelf and had not been touched or moved for years.

Question 7.
What thoughts did Papa Panov have before he fell asleep? Were they related to his dream?
Answer:
Papa Panov while reading the story of Christmas day from the Bible felt sad for Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus and thought if they were in his home he would have been of help to them. When he read about the splendid gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men, the thought that he had nothing to give made him unhappy. The thought that he could give as gift the pair of tiny leather shoes which he had made years ago made him happy again. No, they were not related to his dream.

Question 8.
Did Papa Panov believe in his dream? In what forms did he imagine Jesus to visit him?
Answer:
Yes, Papa Panov believed in his dream. He imagined Jesus visiting him in the form of a little baby or a grown up man or a carpenter or as God’s son.

Question 9.
How does the author show that Papa Panov was disappointed?
Answer:
The winter dusk had fallen. Papa Panov went to the door and strained his eyes but he could not make out the passers by because it had gone very dark and most of them were at home. This made Papa Panov unhappy because it was too late for anyone to come.

Question 10.
What actions of Papa Panov suggest it?
Answer:
Papa Panov walked slowly back into his room, put up the shutters and sat down wearily indicating his disappointment.

Question 11.
How does the author describe Papa Panov’s happiness?
Answer:
Papa Panov’s heart was overflowing with happiness and peace which made him want to burst out singing, laughing and dancing with joy, knowing that Jesus had come to his home.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Write whether true or false.
1. The setting of the story is in a Russian city.
2. Papa Panov was sad on Christmas Eve.
Answer:
1. False
2. True

Complex Factual Question.

Question 1.
What could be heard from the closed shutters?
Answer:
Muffled sounds of chatter and laughter could be heard from closed shutters.

Question 2.
What reminded Papa Panov of his past Christmas times?
Answer:
The sounds of happiness, the bright lights and the faint but delicious smells of Christmas cooking reminded Papa Panov of his happy past Christmas times.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Write the homophone for:

1. one
2. step
3. been
4. his

Answer:

1. won
2. steppe
3. bean
4. hiss

Grammar.

Question 1.
Old Papa Panov, the village shoemaker, stepped outside. (Separate the subject and predicate.
Answer:
Old Papa Panov, the village shoemaker – Subject; stepped outside – Predicate

Question 2.
With a sigh, he settled in his big armchair. (Separate the subject and predicate. ‘ <
Answer:
Subject – He; Predicate – settled/ in his big armchair with a sigh

Question 3.
Excited children scurried indoors. (Name the part of speech of the underlined words.
Answer:
excited – adjective, scurried – verb, indoors – adverb

Question 4.
It was Christmas Eve. (Add a question tag.
Answer:
It was Christmas Eve, wasn’t it?

Question 5.
Excited children scurried indoors. (Write whether the verb is transitive or intransitive.
Answer:
scurried – intransitive

Personal Response.

Question 1.
What do you do on festivals?
Answer:
I enjoy myself a lot. I celebrate every festival because people from all religions live in my locality. My friends and I visit houses, eat and enjoy. My relatives too come home to celebrate our festivals with us. I love it when my house is full of people.

Simple Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Complete the following sentences.

1. The Street was deserted
2. Papa Panov opened the shop door,
3. The sweeper old clothes steamed
4. Papa Panov watched him with satisfaction but,

Answer:

1. I no one was stirring yet.
2. letting in a thin stream of cold air.
3. gently in the heat of the stove
4. every now and then his eyes strayed to the window.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Why did Papa Panov give hot coffee to the sweeper?
Answer:
When Papa Panov took down his shutters and looked out, all he saw was the road sweeper looking miserable and dirty working on Christmas Day, in the raw cold and bitter freezing mist which made him give the sweeper a hot cup of coffee to make him feel better.

Question 2.
Why did he tell the sweeper about his dream? Why did the sweeper smile?
Answer:
Papa Panov invited the sweeper to drink a cup of hot coffee to keep him warm from the cold. The sweeper noticed that all the time he was in the room, Papa Panov’s eyes strayed to the window now and then. This made the sweeper ask him if he was expecting a visitor which made Papa Panov relate his dream. The sweeper smiled because he was the special visitor, Jesus, Papa Panov was waiting for.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Give adverb form of

1. gentle
2. special
3. actual
4. comfort

Answer:

1. gently
2. specially
3. actually
4. comfortably

Grammar.

Question 1.
Pick out four adjectives from the passage
Answer:
might, cold, bitter, freezing

Question 2.
Papa Panov opened the door, letting in a thin stream of cold air. (Add a question tag.
Answer:
Papa Panov opened the door, letting in a thin stream of cold air, didn’t he?

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Have you ever noticed that some people have to work even on festivals? Who are they?
Answer:
Yes, I have noticed some people having to work on festivals. They are the newspaper man, the sweeper, our maid at home, the milkman, people employed in the public service such as the postman/postwoman, bus and train drivers and conductors, policemen/ women, soldiers protecting our country.

Simple Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Complete the following sentences.

1. The young mother let him
2. Papa Panov remembered the little
3. The girl smiled happily and
4. He took the milk from the stove and

Answer:

1. Shepherd her indoors and to the comfort of the armchair.
2. Shoes he had looked at last night.
3. The baby gurgled with pleasure.
4. and carefully fed the baby from a spoon, warming her tiny feet.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
What does the way the girl walked suggest?
Answer:
The way the girl walked suggests that she is very hungry, tired and very little energy left in her to move.

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
“You both need a warm by the fire and a rest”.
Answer:
They both needed to get the warmth from the fire in the fireplace and also some rest.

Question 2.
The young mother let him shepherd her indoors.
Answer:
The young mother allowed him to guide her into the house.

Do as directed.

Question 1.
It’s Christmas Day. (Add a Question Tag)
Answer:
It’s Christmas Day, isn’t it?

Question 2.
Expecting someone? (Kind of sentence)
Answer:
Interrogative sentence

Question 3.
The girl walked slowly and quietly. (Use ‘not only … but also’)
Answer:
The girl walked not only slowly but also quietly.

Question 4.
He remembered the little shoes. (Change into negative)
Answer:
He did not forget the little shoes.

Question 5.
I can’t afford the shoes. (Change into positive)
Answer:
I am unable to afford the shoes.

Question 6.
A great peace and happiness filled the room. (Change into exclamatory)
Answer:
What peace and happiness filled the room!

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Why did Papa Panov give the shoes to the baby though he had been keeping them for Jesus?
Answer:
Papa Panov noticed that the young girl with a baby was weary and hungry. He invited her to his home. He noticed that the baby’s feet were bare and the mother could not afford shohes for her child. He decided to give the little shoes he had kept for jesus, to the little baby because he was a very kind-hearted person and could not see them in difficulty.

Papa Panov’s Special Christmas Summary in English

Papa Panov is an elderly cobbler who lives all by himself in a small Russian village. It was Christmas Eve, and there was excitement everywhere. His wife had passed away and his children were all grown up and gone. Alone on Christmas Eve in his shop, Papa Panov decides to open the old family Bible and reads the Christmas story about the birth of Christ. That night he dreams about Jesus coming to him saying that he would visit Papa Panov in person the next day.

Papa Panov was very happy, waited anxiously to meet Jesus on Christmas Day. It was early in the morning and no one in sight. He saw a lone sweeper and invited him for a hot cup of coffee. In this way he helped the needy on Christmas day, all of them blessed him for his love and care. The day wore off but Jesus did not come to meet him. Feeling sad, he sat down in his armchair. He felt that he was not alone. He saw all the people who had come to him that day and as they passed each whispered, ‘Didn’t you see me, Papa Panov?’ Then he understood that Jesus had come to him in the form of the needy people he had helped. He was at peace and his heart danced with joy.

Introduction:

‘Papa Panov’s Special Christmas’ is a short children’s story written by Leo Tolstoy. This is an interesting story to introduce young children to the value of kindness.

Glossary:

1. scurried (v) – to run with quick light steps
2. muffled (adj) – sound which is covered up
3. delicious (adj0 – tasty
4. quilt (n) – a bed covering consisting of two layers stitched together with insulation between
5. splendid (adj) – magnificent
6. charcoal (n) – impure carbon, coal
7. stove (n) – a device for heating food
8. miserable (adj) – sad, poor hunger
9. scanning (adj) – to examine part by part
10. wrapped (v) – covered in thin material
11. shepherd (v) – (here. to guide
12. stirring (v) – action of movement
13. gurgled (v) – to make a bubbling sound
14. anxiously (adj) – in a worried manner
15. hunk (n) – a large piece of something’
16. bewildered (adj) – confused
17. pinched (adj) – very thin, pale from cold or hunger.
18. clasped (v) – to grab tightly

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.7 Great Scientists Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.7 Great Scientists

Class 7 English Chapter 2.7 Great Scientists Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Write what is implied in the following sentences.

Question a.
But few know his inspirational life story, which is all about courage and fighting against the odds.
(What does it tell you about Faraday’s life?)
Answer:
Faraday was bom into an extremely poor family. He had a speech defect which ended his formal education. He wanted to become a scientist. He came across a lot of difficulties and failures but through courage and determination, he achieved fame and name.

Question b.
Even then Davy did not have much hope for Faraday.
(What do the words ‘even then’ suggest?)
Answer:
Davy hired Faraday as his Secretary. Faraday worked relentlessly and became indespensible to Davy. ‘Even then’ suggests that even though Faraday did everything to prove himself, Davy did not believe that Faraday was capable of doing anything great.

Question c.
People started telling Davy that of all his discoveries, the best was Faraday himself.
(What does it suggest about Davy’s work?)
Answer:
The line suggests that the people felt that Davy had made discoveries which were good but Faraday’s discoveries stood out in comparison to Davy’s work.

2. Break the passage into convenient smaller sections. Give sub-headings or titles to each section.

Question 1.
Break the passage into convenient smaller sections. Give sub-headings or titles to each section.
Answer:

• 1st para: Michael Faraday, an inspiration
• 2nd para: Unhappy childhood
• 3rd para: Reading, an obsession
• 4th para: Twist in life
• 5th para: Magic of Electricity
• 6th para: Play of destiny
• 7th para: Fruits of labour
• 8th para: Revolution for mankind
• 9th para: A scientist is born
• 10th para: Challenges in life
• 11th para: Magic of magnets
• 12th para: A legend is born
• 13th para: Failure – a stepping stone to success
• 14th para: Obstacles – a challenge
• 15th para: Luck smiles again
• 16th para: Believe in yourself

3. List the different gadgets and instruments mentioned in the passage. Find more information about them (at least 3), using the Internet.

Question 1.
List the different gadgets and instruments mentioned in the passage. Find more information about them (at least 3), using the Internet.
Answer:
Gadgets and Instruments:
Fan, air conditioners, sewing machines, power tools, cars, trains, aeroplane engines, induction motors, telescopes, Bavarian glass, microscopes, electrical generators, light bulbs. Now you add to the list of gadgets and instruments. You can add your own too.

1. Microscope: It is an instrument used to see objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), a Dutch scientist, who in the late 17th century became the first man to make and use a real microscope. All microscopes came with a lens that can magnify 40 times the normal size.

2. Electrical generator: It was invented by Michael Faraday in 1831. It is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Sources of mechanical energy include steam, turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, etc. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

3. Fan: A fan is a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such as air. The fan consists of a rotating arrangement of blades which act on the fluid. The fan was invented by Schuyler Skaats Wheeler in 1882.

4. Find out more about the following scientists with the help of the internet.
(a) Michael Faraday
(b) Humphry Davy
(c) Thomos Edison
(d) James Maxwell

Question 1.
Find out more about the following scientists with the help of the internet.
Answer:
(a) Michael Faraday: Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was an English (British) Scientist who contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. He was highly influenced by Humphry Davy and William Thomas Brande. He had notable awards to his credit, a few being Royal Medal, Copley Medal, Rumford Medal, Albert Medal.

(b) Humphry Davy: Humphry Davy (1778-1829) was a British scientist. It was he who found out that the inhalation of nitrous oxide produced surprising results, it came to be known as the laughing gas. He was awarded a medal by Napoleon and he identified the element iodine for the first time. He is remembered for his discoveries of sodium, potassium, calcium.

(c) Thomas Alva Edison: Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) an American inventor and businessman, has been described as America’s greatest inventor. He invented the photograph in 1877 because of which he came to be known as ‘The Wizard of Monto Park’. Thomas Edison had hearing problems during his childhood which persisted. The phonograph was the first machine that could record the sound of someone’s voice and play it back.

Edison recited the nursery rhyme ‘Mary had a little lamb’ and the phonograph played the words back to him. This was invented by a man whose hearing was poor and thought himself as deaf. It was Edison who designed a system of power plants. He has got 1093 patents to his credit. Many awards to his credit. Some of them are Franklin Medal, Albert Medal, Technical Grammy Award, etc.

(d) James Clerk Maxwell: James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) was a Scottish scientist in the field of mathematical physics His most notable work was to formulate the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation. He is known as the Father of Modern Physics. His other contributions included producing the first colour photograph taken in 1861 and many more. He earned an array of awards. To name a few, Rumford Medal, Keith and Hopkins prize, Adams prize, etc.

5. Language Study: Subject and predicate: A word or a phrase in a sentence that shows who or what does the action, is the subject. In the following sentences, the underlined part is the subject.
The baby is laughing.
The glass fell from the table.
The predicate Ls the part of a sentence that tells us something about the subject. The underlined parts of the following sentences show the predicates in them.
The baby is laughing.
The glass fell from the table.

Class 7 English Chapter 2.7 Great Scientists Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
What is the meaning of:

Question i.
Reading became his obsession.
Answer:
He could think of nothing else but reading.

Question ii.
Electricity became a lifelong fascination.
Answer:
Electricity enchanted him throughout his life. Electricity was his passion throughout his life.

Question 2.
Why do you think Faraday’s friend gave him a free ticket to Davy’s programme?
Answer:
Faraday’s friend gave him a free ticket to Davy’s programme because he knew about Faraday’s fascination for electricity and also that he could not afford the ticket.

Question 3.
Give one example each to show that:

Question i.
Faraday was a good pupil.
Answer:
Davy tried to find out how an electric current could be applied continuously, but failed to figure it out. He asked Faraday to try his hand at it. Faraday set to work and within a few days, solved the problem.

Question ii.
Davy was not a good mentor.
Answer:
Davy was not happy at Faraday’s achievement but was jealous of Faraday.

Question 4.
An induction motor is a commonly used electrical machine. What examples of its uses are given here?
Answer:
The examples of electrical machine in which induction motor is commonly used are:

1. fans
2. air conditioning
3. sewing machines
4. photographs
5. power tools
6. cars
7. trains
8. aeroplane engines.

Question 5.
Why were Faraday’s drawings not accepted?
Answer:
Faraday’s drawing were without any mathematical equations as he did not know much about advanced mathematics and lacked formal education. Faraday’s drawing without mathematical equation could not be understood and so his drawings were not accepted.

Question 6.
Does it mean they were wrong?
Answer:
No, Faraday’s drawings were not wrong. It lacked mathematical equations because of which it could not be understood.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
State whether true or false.
i. Faraday’s Laws are about electricity.
ii. Faraday did not suffer speech defect as an adult.
Answer:
i. True
ii. True.

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Where was Michael Faraday bom?
Answer:
Michael Faraday was born into a poverty- stricken family in a dirty London suburb.

Question 2.
What came to an end when Michael Faraday was twelve?
Answer:
Michael Faraday’s formal education came to an end when he was twelve.

Question 3.
What were the odds against Faraday in his childhood?
Answer:
Faraday was born into an extremely poor family. He suffered from speech defect as a child. He could not even pronounce his own name. Other children laughed at him and even his teachers did not help him. when he was twelve, his mother was forced to pull him out from school. This put an end to his formal education.

Vocabulary:

Give the word meaning for.

Question 1.
‘mentor’
Answer:
A wise and trusted counsellor or teacher.

Question 2.
‘reverse engineer it’
Answer:
Taking apart an object and analyzing its components and workings in detail.

Word building.

Question i.
Give the noun form:
(a) inventor
(b) friend
(c) mysterious
(d) agree
Answer:
(a) invention
(b)friendship
(c) mystery
(d) agreement

Question ii.
Give the verb form:
(a) explosion
(b) comprehensive
(c) revolution
(d) success
(e) inspirational
(f) education
(g) modem
(h) courage
Answer:
(a) explode
(b) comprehend
(c) revolve
(d) succeed
(e) inspire
(f) educate
(g) modernize
(h) encourage

Question iii.
Give the adverb form:
(a) difficult
(b) secret
(c) random
(d) invisible
Answer:
(a) difficulty
(b) secretly
(c) randomly
(d) invisibly

Question iv.
Give the adjective form:
(a) communicate
(b) education
(c) experiment
(d) succeed
Answer:
(a) communicative
(b) educative
(c) experimental
(d) successful

Grammar:

Question 1.
Michael Faraday is regarded as one of the most distinguished scientists and inventors! (Add question tag)
Answer:
Michael Faraday is regarded as one of the most distinguished scientists and inventors isn’t it?

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Do you like reading inspirational stories?
Answer:
Yes, I do like reading inspirational stories. Reading inspirational stories motivates me to do something in life so that I too can gain fame and name while trying to make the world a better place to live in.

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

State whether the following statements are true or false.

Question i.
Faraday succeeded Davy as the head of the laboratory after Davy’s death.
Answer:
True

Question ii.
He was so engrossed in the lecture that he applaud with the rest of the crowd.
Answer:
False

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What was the subject of Davy’s lecture?
Answer:
The subject of Davy’s lecture was ‘The Mysterious force of Electric Fluid’.

Question 2.
What happens when an electric current is applied to a wire?
Answer:
When an electric current is applied to a wire, it causes that wire to behave like a magnet.

Question 3.
Why did Davy choose Faraday as his assistant?
Answer:
Davy was temporarily blinded by a chemical explosion which took place inside his lab. He needed an assistant with an excellent memory. He was reminded of Faraday and decided to make him his assistant.

Question 4.
Was Davy fair in his treatment of Faraday?
Answer:
No, Davy was unfair in his treatment of Faraday. He looked down upon Faraday because of his low social status and education. He told Faraday not to aspire for too.much and to stick to book-binding.

Question 5.
How did Faraday respond to that treatment?
Answer:
Davy’s treatment did not dishearten Faraday. Faraday was relentless. He worked day and night and learnt as much as he could and became indispensible to Davy.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Give the noun forms of the following.
i. comprehensive
ii. aspire
Answer:
i. comprehension
ii. aspiration.

Question 2.
Give the adverb form:
i. difficult
ii. invisible
Answer:
i. difficulty
ii. invisibly.

Grammar:

Question 1.
Destiny had a strange plan in store for him. (Use a question tag)
Answer:
Destiny had a strange plan in store for him, didn’t it?

Question 2.
Identify the subject and predicate from the following sentences.

1. Davy became his role model.
2. Destiny had a strange plan in store for him. Subject Predicate

Subject	Predicate
a. Davy	became his role model.
b. Destiny	had a strange plan in store for him.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
What actions and thoughts of Faraday show that he was inspired by Davy?
Answer:
The actions and thoughts of Faraday which shows he was inspired by Davy are as follows:

1. He kept taking notes.
2. He was so engrossed in the lecture that he forgot to applaud.
3. He bound the notes he had taken down into a book, hoping to gift it to Davy.
4. He was inspired to become a great scientist and Davy became his role model.
5. Faraday thought that it would be wonderful if Davy became his mentor.

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Say whether the following statements are true or false.

Question i.
Faraday succeeded Davy in 1829.
Answer:
True

Question ii.
In 1830 Faraday developed memory loss which continued for the rest of his life.
Answer:
False

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
When did Faraday develop memory loss?
Answer:
Faraday developed memory loss in 1840.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Give a sub-heading or title to the extract.
Answer:
‘Faraday – a Legend is born’.

Grammar:

Question 1.
Find any 4 verbs from the above extract.
Answer:
died, succeeded, made, moved.

Question 2.
Find any 2 proper nouns from the above extract.
Answer:
Faraday and Davy.

Question 3.
Faraday was now a legend. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
Faraday was now a legend, wasn’t he?

Question 4.
Remember that piece of Bavarian glass Faraday had kept on his shelf? (State the Kind of sentence)
Answer:
Interrogative Sentence.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Write the idea behind an electrical generator.
Answer:
Faraday noticed that if he moved a magnet, it would produce electrical current, converting motion into electricity. This is how the electrical generator came into being.

Question 2.
How far did Faraday convert the reminder of his first major failure into an instrument of great success?
Answer:
Faraday used the reminder of his first major failure, the Bavarian glass, to show the concept of polarisation. He thus converted it into an instrument of great success.

Question 3.
What complicated experiment did Faraday begin after he developed a memory loss?
Answer:
After developing a memory loss, Faraday began a complicated experiment to prove that light was closely related to electricity and magnetism.

Language Study

Do as directed.

Question 1.
Pick out the subject and predicate.

Question i.
A wealthy, educated physicist, he met.
Answer:
Subject: He
Predicate: met a wealthy, educated physicist

Question ii.
He was unable to explain.
Answer:
Subject: He
Predicate: was unable to explain

Question iii.
The induction motor spurred a revolution.
Answer:
Subject: The induction motor
Predicate: spurred a revolution

Question iv.
At thirteen, however, he stated working.
Answer:
Subject: He
Predicate: started working at thirteen

Question v.
One day he came across a book on electricity.
Answer:
Subject: He
Predicate: came across a book on electricity one day.

Question vi.
Other children laughed at him.
Answer:

• Subject: Other children
• Predicate: laughed at him
• Remember: If there is no subject, put a ‘you’ in the subjects place.
• e.g. Shut the door.
• Subject: You Predicate: Shut the door

Question 2.
Other children laughed at him. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
Other children laughed at him. didn’t they?

Question 3.
He started reading it. (State the kind of verb – Transitive/ Intransitive)
Answer:
started – transitive verb reading – transitive verb

Question 4.
Other children laughed at him. (Begin with’He…’)
Answer:
He was laughed at by other children.

Question 5.
Faraday solved the problem. (End with ‘…Faraday’)
Answer:
The problem was solved by Faraday.

Question 6.
Faraday was now a legend. (Make it interrogative)
Answer:
Wasn’t Faraday now a legend?

Question 7.
James Maxwell was a wealthy, educated physicist. (Frame a ‘Wh’ question so as to get the underlined word as the answer)
Answer:
Who was James Maxwell?

Question 8.
Get me a glass of water. (Separate the subject and predicate)
Answer:
Subject-You
Predicate – Get me a glass of water.

Question 9.
He undertook it as challenges and opportunities. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined words)
Answer:
challenges, opportunities – nouns.
Writing Skills

Question 10.
Find out from the internet an inspiring story.
Answer:
Lionel Messi, bom in 1987, into a middle-class family who lived in Argentina. He grew up in a football-loving family. He developed a passion for football at an early age. At 5, he showed great skills at a club coached by his father. It was strange to see that he was way too short when compared to the boys of his age. Wherever he went he was the shortest of all.

This did not stop him from playing. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and had to take medical assistance. Every night he had to take an injection in his legs for 3 years. His family could not afford the treatment for long. Though he was a great asset for his soccer club, they refused to pay his bills. Lady Luck smiled on him and his family. At 13, he got an offer from F. C. Barcelona that they would pay for his treatment if he played for them.

His family moved to Spain with no money or job, all in the hope that his treatment will make him big enough to play soccer. At 17, despite being injury prone he became the youngest player in F. C. Barcelona to score a goal and became a star performer. Today, Lionel Messi is known as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won the most Ballon d’Ors in the world. The FIFA Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) also known as the European Footballer of the year, was an annual association football award presented to the world’s best male player.
Messi’s story teaches us ‘Never lose hope.
You never know what tomorrow might bring. Keep believing in yourself’.

Great Scientists Summary in English

The lesson ‘Great Scientists’ is an inspirational and motivational lesson. The story about Michael Faraday and his journey through all odds in life to become one of the most distinguished scientists and inventors of modern times is really an eye-opener to all those who give up easily when faced with a difficult situation. Perseverance and a will to win will surely reach you to the height of success is described in this story. This is a story all teens must-read.

Introduction:

The lesson ‘Great Scientists’ is taken from the introduction to ‘Reignited’ by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh.

Glossary:

1. persevering (v) – to continue doing something in a determined way despite having difficulties ‘
2. deterred (v) – discouraged
3. distinguished (adj) – renowned, famous
4. inspirational (adj) – encouraged or making you feel you want to do something
5. poverty-stricken (adj) – extremely poor
6. defect (n) – lack or fault in a person
7. formal education (n) – classroom based education given by trained teachers
8. obsession (n) – the state of being preoccupied with someone or something
9. fascination (n) – passion
10. renowned (adj) – famous
11. comprehensive (adj) – exhaustive
12. dejected (adj) – sad
13. relentless (adj) – persistent
14. indispensable (adj) – that one cannot do without
15. career (n) – profession, occupation
16. revolution (n) – something that signifies a great change
17. reverse (v) – to turn something inside out
18. accomplish (v) – to finish successfully
19. significant (n) – notable
20. souvenir (n) – an item of sentimental value
21. complicated (adj) – difficult
22. randomly (adj) – without definite direction
23. filings (n) – particles of something (metal)
24. invisible (adj) – which cannot be seen
25. galaxies (n) – milky way
26. aliens (n) – any life form of extra terrestrial origin
27. conviction (n) – belief
28. epitomizes (v) – sums up
29. mentor (n) – a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher
30. reverse engineer it – taking apart an object and analyzing its components and working in detail
31. dynamo – a machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy
32. applaud – clap.
33. perseverance – hard work.
34. aspirations (n) – hopes of achieving something.
35. binding (v) – to join separate pieces of paper and make a book.
36. chemist (n) – a person who does chemical experiments or research.
37. consistent (adj) – that does not change over a period of time.
38. engrossed (v) – engaged with complete attention.
39. hooked (adj) – being so excited about something that you are unable to leave.
40. isolated (adj) – alone, separate.
41. legend (n) – a person who is very famous and admired.
42. novel (adj) – new and unusual.
43. pursue (v) – to engage in an activity over a long period of time.

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 3.2 Compere a Programme Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 3.2 Compere a Programme

Class 7 English Chapter 3.2 Compere a Programme Textbook Questions and Answers

1. The items in the programme below have got mixed up.

Question 1.
Rearrange them in the proper order. Just add the number in the left-hand column.

Answer:
Balanand Vidyalaya Art Festival Programme

• Dignitaries arrive
• Igniting the lamp
• Welcome and introduction of guests
• Appraisal of the Art Festival
• Recital of ‘Taal Kacheri’
• Koli Dance
• The Boy Comes Home – A skit by Std. IX
• Prize distribution
• Chief Guest speaks
• Vote of thanks

2. Form groups of 5-8. This passage tells us only what the compère says.

Question 1.
Try to visualise and write what the other people on the dais must have said In their speeches (Write only the main points.)
1. The School Principal
2. The Chief Guest
3. The Art teacher who offered vote of thanks
Answer:
1. The compere thanks the Principal, Dr. Ajinkya Parakhi.
2. The compere thanks the Chief Guest- for releasing the book and formally inaugurating the art festival.

3. Choose the appropriate phrase to insert in the gaps to make the sentences meaningful. Use the appropriate form of the verb.

1. to appraise
2. to be relieved of
3. to draw the curtain
4. to escort
5. to be likened to
6. to have butterflies in ones stomach

Question 1.
Before we ………….., let us stand in attention for the National Anthem.
Answer:
draw the curtain

Question 2.
I ………….. just as I was to receive my Report Card.
Answer:
had butterflies in my stomach

Question 3.
After I took the medicine, I ………….. ………….. of the pain.
Answer:
was relieved

Question 4.
Before we do the experiment in the laboratory, let me ………….. you all about it.
Answer:
appraise

Question 5.
The Minister ………….. by his personal bodyguards.
Answer:
was escorted

Question 6.
Sorrowful times ………….. to darkness.
Answer:
are likened.

4. Prepare a formal invitation card for the Art Festival.

Question 1.
Prepare a formal invitation card for the Art Festival.
Answer:

5. Prepare a News Report in brief on this Art Festival.

Question 1.
Prepare a News Report in brief on this Art Festival.
Answer:

Art Collage

– by a student reporter

Balanand Vidyalaya, June 26: Balanand Vidyalaya had organised a Art Festival on 25th June, 2017 in the school. Preparations for the same had begun days in advance. Their Art teacher, Ms. Shilpa Sanghani was confident as everything was well planned.

The function began with the lighting of the lamp followed by the welcome speech and introduction of guests. The Chief Guest for the function Shri Charudatta Diwan was welcomed by the Principal with a token of two volumes of Cherished Lives of Great Artists. The Convener of the Art Festival, Ms. Shilpa Sanghani welcomed the President of Balanand Academy, Mr. Avadhoot Pathak. The Principal briefed the audience about the Art Festival after which a special book comprising photographs of unique pieces of art contributed by students was released by the Honourable Chief Guest.

Art in its different forms were then presented by the students. This included Taal Kacheri, Koli dance and a light comedy play. The prize distribution thereafter came as a pat on their back. While Taal Kacheri won the first prize, the Koli dance won the second prize. The Chief Guest Shri Diwan’s speech on various aspects of Art and Culture left the audience with new insights.

In the end a vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Shilpa Sanghani. When asked one of the parents remarked, “Such activities give an impetus to Art and Culture and encourage students to realize their potential.” The Art Festival was a grand success underlining the importance of co-curricular activities in school.

6. Chalk out detailed programmes for the following occasions.

Question 1.
1. The Teacher’s Day programme in your school.
2. An exhibition of science projects arranged in your classroom.
3. A wedding anniversary/birthday celebration for your grandparents that you have arranged with your family.
Answer:
1. Teacher’s Day programme:

1. Welcome Speech by the Head Boy
2. Speech on importance of teachers by the Head Girl.
3. Felicitation of teachers
4. Address by the Principal
5. Cultural Programme
6. Games
7. Vote of thanks
8. National Anthem
9. Snacks

2. Exhibition of Science projects in classroom:

1. Welcome speech by monitor
2. Ribbon cutting ceremony
3. Speech by the Principal
4. Judging of projects
5. Prize distribution
6. Vote of thanks
7. National Anthem

3. Birthday celebration for grandfather:

1. Welcome grandparents
2. Powerpoint show on Grandfather
3. Talks by relatives and friends
4. Cake cutting
5. Snacks and refreshment
6. Vote of thanks

7. Language Study.

Object: Direct and indirect – An object is a word, phrase
or clause that shows the person. thing etc. affected by the action of the verb.
The underlined words or phrases in the following sentences are objects.
1. Mother drives a scooter.
2. He gave me a pen.
There are two types of object: direct and indirect. The direct object Is directly affected by the action. For example, in sentence 2 above, ‘a pen’ Is direct object. An indirect object refers to the person or a thing to whom/for whom the action Is done. In sentence 2 above, ‘me’ is an indirect object.
Answer:

1. He told the boys a story
2. Amruta gave me a stern look.
3. His friend gifted him a kettle
4. A neighbour gave him a ticket
5. Davy gave Faraday an impossible task.
6. Harsh Serves them breakfast
7. Shweta told me her problems.

Direct object	Indirect object
1. A story	the boys
2. a stern look	me
3. a kettle	him
4. a ticket	him
5. an impossible task	Faraday
6. breakfast	them
7. her problems	me

Class 7 English Chapter 3.2 Compere a Programme Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Why does the compere request the audience to switch off their mobile phones?
Answer:
The compere requests the audience to switch off their mobile phones so that they can give undivided attention to the creative expressions of the youngsters and not get distracted by their other pre-occupations and ringtone.

Question 2.
Why does she request them to be seated?
Answer:
She requests them to take their seats so that she can begin the programme.

Question 3.
At the beginning of the programme, who does the compere address by name?
Answer:
At the beginning of the programme, the compere addresses the Head Girl by her name.

Question 4.
Describe the book that is released.
Answer:
The book is a volume comprising photographs of all the beautiful and unique pieces of art contributed by the skillful students of Balanand Vidyalaya.

Question 5.
Who is taking part in the Taal Kacheri?
Answer:
Sahil of Std. X A, Varsha, Vivek, Zubin and Govind are taking part in the Taal Kacheri.

Question 6.
Guess/Find the meaning of Taal Kacheri.
Answer:
Taal Kacheri, literally translated means rhythmic instrumental musical session.

Question 7.
Does the compere say the following at the beginning of the programme or after it has ended?
Answer:
1. What a wonderful presentation!
2. That was indeed a fantastic performance!
The compere says the given statements after the programme has ended.

Question 8.
What is meant by ‘butterflies in the stomach’?
Answer:
‘Butterflies in the stomach’ means to be anxious and nervous.

Question 9.
How is this vocal rendition different from music?
Answer:
Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments expressing ideas and emotions. Vocal refers to music human voice, which is singing.

Answer the following in one sentence.

Question 1.
Who was present at the Art Festival?
Answer:
Special invitees, guests, parents, teachers and students were present for the Art Festival.

Question 2.
How did the programme begin?
Answer:
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp.

Question 3.
Explain ‘Atithi Devo Bhava!’
Answer:
‘Atithi Devo Bhava!’ means a guest is equivalent to God.

Question 4.
Which amazing quality of the lamp does the compere highlight?
Answer:
The compere highlights that the lamp not only dispels darkness but also leaves way for a thousand other lamps to be lit with its flames.

Question 5.
How are knowledge and lamp similar?
Answer:
Knowledge and lamp are similar in the fact that they both spread light. They only add and multiply.

Question 6.
Who gave away the prizes to the prize winners?
Answer:
The Chief Guest, Shri Charudatta Diwan gave away the prizes to the prize winners.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Which is the school in question?
Answer:
The school in question is Balanand Vidyalaya.

Question 2.
Why is the lamp said to be having an amazing quality?
Answer:
A lamp can dispel or remove darkness and also help to light a thousand other lamps from its flames. Hence it is said to possess an amazing quality.

Question 3.
What is the lamp compared to? Give reason.
Answer:
The lamp is compared to knowledge because when you share knowledge, it never reduces. One can share knowledge with thousands of people and enlighten their minds.

Question 4.
What do we learn about Shri Charudatta Diwan from the compere’s speech?
Answer:
From the compere’s speech, we learn that Shri Charudatta Diwan is a renowned artist, a painter of international repute, proud recipient of many prestigious awards and President of Kala Ranjan Academy.

Question 5.
Who are the following?

1. Mr. Avadhoot Pathak
2. Ms. Shubhada Murarka
3. Mr. Ajinkya Parakhi

Answer:

1. President of Balanand Education Society
2. Head Girl of Balanand Vidyalaya
3. Principal of Balanand Vidhyalaya

Vocabulary.

Question 1.
Give one world for the following.

1. the formal beginning of an event
2. one who receives
3. having high status
4. noteworthy and important

Answer:

1. inauguration
2. recipient
3. prestigious
4. eminent

Question 2.
Write the antonyms.

1. gather
2. auspicious
3. request
4. honour

Answer:

1. disperse
2. inauspicious
3. order
4. dishonour

Question 3.
Form a word chain of verbs.
e.g. announce – extend – deliver – request
1. Break, ……., ……., …….
2. Release, ……., ……., …….
3. Visit, ……., ……., …….
Answer:
1. keep, pick, kick
2. educate, end, dance
3. teach, hide, eliminate

Grammar.

Question 1.
Knowledge, too, spreads light (Rewrite the sentence removing ‘too’)
Answer:
Knowledge also spreads light.

Question 2.
It is indeed a proud privilege. (Make exclamatory)
Answer:
What a proud privilege it is!

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Do you have a school song? What does it tell you?
Answer:
Yes, we have a school song by the name ‘The Temple of Learning’. It tells us about how a school acts as a sheltered cocoon for students preparing them to take a flight spreading their wings in the beautiful world outside.

Simple Factual Questions.

Complete the tree diagram on the basis of information given in the extract.

Complex Factual Questions.

Question 1.
Who were the participants of Taal Kacheri? Which instruments did they play?
Answer:
Varsha played the Mridangam, Vivek was on Dholak, Zubin played the Tabla and Ghatam was played by Govind. Sahil gave the vocal reaction.

Question 2.
What kind of play is ‘The Boy Comes Home’?
Answer:
‘The Boy Comes Home’ is a light comedy.

Question 3.
The Art Festival aims at encouraging the students and bringing out their creative best. How do we know this from the extract?
Answer:
The Art Festival included a Book release in which various students had contributed their creative work. Besides students also displayed their talent through music, dance and play. This tells us that the Art Festival aims to be a launching pad for students to reach greater heights in the field of Art and Culture.

Vocabulary.

Give antonyms.

1. unique
2. deliver
3. pleasure
4. introductory

Answer:

1. ordinary, common
2. collect
3. sadness, pain
4. conclusive

Grammar.

Question 1.
What a wonderful presentation! (Make assertive)
Answer:
It was indeed a wonderful presentation.

Question 2.
Match the question tags.

‘A’	‘B’
1.  Let’s enjoy the Taal kacheri	a. can’t you?
2. After this programme, you can take that pleasure	b. should we?
	c. shall we?

Answer:

‘A’	‘B’
1.  Let’s enjoy the Taal kacheri	c. shall we?
2. After this programme, you can take that pleasure	a. can’t you?

Personal Response.

Question 1.
Do you think such programmes inspire students? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Yes, I think such programmes inspire students. Mark Twain has rightly remarked, “Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered – either by themselves or by others. Such programmes help students to get over their fears and also build up their confidence. It also serves as a platform to showcase their hidden talents. Appreciation in the form of award/trophy further encourages them to do even better.

Language Study.

Make sentences using the phrases.

Question 1.
To have butterflies in one’s stomach
Answer:
When Ria was about to enter the interview room, she had butterflies in her stomach.

Question 2.
To lend a helping hand
Answer:
Many Mumbaikars lent a helping hand to those who had got stranded due to floods. OR She was always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy.

Do as directed.

Question 1.
Look at the amazing quality of this lamp. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
Look at the amazing quality of this lamp, won’t you?

Question 2.
It only adds and multiplies. (Rewrite as negative)
Answer:
It does nothing but adds and multiplies.

Question 3.
Our Indian culture regards guests as gods. (Begin with ‘Guests are … ’)
Answer:
Guests are regarded as gods in our Indian culture.

Question 4.
We have gathered here for the inauguration of our School Art festival. (Frame a Wh- question)
Answer:
What have we gathered here for?

Question 5.
Different states display their unique identity through their respective culture. (Rewrite using Modal auxiliary of possibility)
Answer:
Different states might display their unique identity through their respective culture.

Find words with the given clues.

Clues.

Question 1.

1. to give information about
2. famous and respected within a particular sphere
3. a special right
4. used for flooring
5. Joyous

Answer:

1. Appraise
2. Eminent
3. Privelege
4. Tile
5. Festive

Compere a Programme Summary in English

The lesson ‘Compere a Programme’ serves as a model for students to compere official, staged events in school or other places. The compere takes charge of the smooth delegation of the events of the itinerary and most importantly, in a planned sequence. Right from instructions to the audience, to inviting dignitaries for the introductory talk, prize distribution, speech etc., the compere takes the programme ahead in a lively manner. The students also need to notice the formal, polite language and vocabulary used during such events. Besides al’l this, the lesson has a message for all schools. It is to encourage our younger generation to preserve and pass on our rich traditions through such events.

Introduction:

A compere is an official presenter of a ceremony, a staged event or programme. Compering a programme holds great importance as the success of a programme largely depends on the way it is compered.

Glossary:

1. festive (adj) – joyous
2. preoccupation (n) – being engrossed with something
3. escort (v) (n) – to accompany someone somewhere
4. dignitaries (n) – important persons due to their rank or office
5. renown (n) – the condition of being known, fame
6. hearty (adj) – loudly vigorous and cheerful
7. auspicious (adj) – favourable, to be of good omen
8. symbolic (adj) – representing something
9. potential (n)- having the capacity to develop into something in the future
10. distinguished (adj) – very successful
11. eminent (adj) – noteworthy and important
12. prestigious (adj) – having high status
13. comprise (v) – consist of
14. auditorium (n) – the part of a theatre in which the audience sits
15. display (v) – show, exhibit
16. vocal (adj) – a part of music that is sung
17. rendition (n) – performance
18. demonstration (n) – exhibition, presentation
19. apprise (adj) – give information about
20. anxiety (n)- uneasiness
21. insights (n) – understanding of something
22. immensely (adj) – extremely
23. convener (n) – a person who calls people together for meetings of a committee

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.6 Chasing the Sea Monster Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.6 Chasing the Sea Monster

Class 7 English Chapter 2.6 Chasing the Sea Monster Textbook Questions and Answers

1. From the passage, find all the words and phrases used to describe the ‘monster’.

Question 1.
From the passage, find all the words and phrases used to describe the ‘monster’.
Answer:
Unearthly animal, fearsome creature, unknown creature, huge glowworm, infernal beast, motionless animal.

2. Form groups of 4. Find all the references to time given In the passage. Then make a chart to show the events described in the passage along with the time when they occur.
Example:

• All night long: The crew stayed on their feet
• Near midnight: …………………………………….
• At 12.53: …………………………………………….
• ………….. : …………………………………………….
• ………….. : …………………………………………….
• ………….. : …………………………………………….
  (lise as many lines as you need.)

Question 1.
Form groups of 4. Find all the references to time given in the passage. Then make a chart to show the events described in the passage along with the time when they occur. Example:
Answer:

• All night long: The crew stayed on their feet.
• Near midnight: The sea animal disappeared.
• At 12.53: A deafening hiss was heard.
• Near 2.00 am: The core of a light appeared.
• At 6.00 am: The animals electric glow disappeared.
• At 7.00 am: A dense morning mist spread.
• At 8.00 am: The mist disappeared, the sea animal was seen.
• A few moments later: The frigate headed for the animal.
• Three-quarters of an hour later: They were not getting closer to the animal.
• Next one hour: The frigate gathered speed and so did the sea animal.
• At 10.50 pm: The electric light reappeared.

3. How long does the whole event described in this passage take? Work it out by reading the passage.

Question 1.
How long does the whole event described in this passage take? Work it out by reading the passage.

4. Observe the picture and the labels carefully. Then match the words and the meanings given in the foliwing table.

Question 1.
Observe the picture and the labels carefully. Then match the words and the meanings given in the foliwing table.

Answer:

Words	Column ‘B’
1. Yard	(e) A pole slung across a ship’s mast. A sail hangs from a yard
2. Mast	(d) Tall, upright pole on a ship
3. Bow	(b) The forward part of the main body of a ship
4. Deck	(a) A floor, flat area built on a Ship
5. Forecastle	(g) The part which is always at the front while the ship is sailing
6. Starboard	(h) The right-hand side of a ship as one faces forward
7. Stern	(f) The rearmost (back) part of a ship
8. Afterdeck	(i) An open deck near the back
9. Fore	(c) The forward part of a deck

5. Form groups of 4-5. Read the following sentences aloud. Using your imagination and with the help of group discussion, write other situations in which the sentences can be used.

• The outcome: disappointment and anger.
• The hour of battle had sounded
• What a chase!
• This was our chance, ……..

Question 1.
Form groups of 4-5. Read the following sentences aloud. Using your imagination and with the help of group discussion, write other situations in which the sentences can be used.
Answer:

• The outcome: disappointment and anger
• The hour of battle had sounded
• What a chase!
• This was our chance
• The outcome: happiness and relief
• The outcome: fun and joy
• The outcome: misery and poverty
• The hour of decision had arrived
• The sound of victory was heard
• What a book!
• What a personality!
• What a movie!
• This was our victory …
• This was our last straw …
• This was our fight…

6. Find the different units of measurement mentioned in the passage and get more information about them from the internet.

Question 1.
Find the different units of measurement mentioned in the passage and get more information about them from the internet.

7. Language Study: Transitive and intransitive verbs : We can classify verbs into two types – transitive and intransitive. Some verbs need on object/objects. When a verb has an object, it is a transitive verb. For example, ‘The boy kicked the football’. Here the verb ‘kick’ has ‘the football’ as its object. ‘Give’, ‘cook’, ‘buy’ are transitive verb.
Some verbs do not need any objects. When a verb does not have an object, it is an intransitive verb. For example, ‘We laughed loudly’. The verb ‘laugh’ in this sentence does not have an object. ‘Laugh’, ‘walk’, ‘dy’ are intransitive verbs.
Some verbs can be transitive or intransitive. For example,
‘Birds fly’. (intransitive) ‘Children fly kites’. (transitive)

Class 7 English Chapter 2.6 Chasing the Sea Monster Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Guess what order the commander must have given.
Answer:
The order given by the commander must have been to advance slowly towards the monster and to be ready to attack.

Question 2.
Why did the Abraham Lincoln slow down? Answer: The Abraham Lincoln slowed down because
it was
unable to compete with the monster’s speed.

Question 3.
What is the monster compared to when it disappeared?
Answer:
The monster is compared to a huge glow-worm when it disappeared.

Question 4.
What did the deafening hiss resemble?
Answer:
The deafening hiss resembled the sound made by a water spout expelled with tremendous intensity.

Question 5.
Who would get $ 500?
Answer:
The man who would pierce the infernal beast would get $ 500.

Question 6.
Describe the gunner who accepted the challenge.
Answer:
The gunner who accepted the challenge was a calm, cool, old and gray bearded man.

Question 7.
What was Ned Land doing?
Answer:
Ned Land was brandishing his dreadful weapon.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar

Simple Factual Questions:

Fill in the blanks.

Question i.
Let’s wait for daylight and then we’ll play a …………… role.
Answer:
different

Question ii.
Unable to compete with the monster’s speed, our frigate, the ………………. slowed down.
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What is the name of the narrator?
Answer:
The name of the narrator is Professor Aronnax.

Question 2.
What is the name of the ship?
Answer:
The name of the ship is ‘Abraham Lincoln’.

Question 3.
At what time is this event taking place?
Answer:
This event is taking place sometime near midnight.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Give two words as phrases used to describe ‘monster’ in this passage.
Answer:
fear some creature, cetacean

Grammar:

Question 1.
The animal mimicked the frigate. (End with ’… the animal’)
Answer:
The frigate was mimicked by the animal.

Question 2.
No one thought of sleeping. (Make it affirmative)
Answer:
Everyone remained awake.

Question 3.
The animal mimicked the frigate. (Change into interrogative)
Answer:
Didn’t the animal mimic the frigate?

Question 4.
Pick out the verb and state whether it is transitive or intransitive.

1. Rama rang the bell loudly.
2. The bell rang loudly.
3. The baby sleeps on a bed.
4. The birds fly in the air.
5. Close the door.
6. He wrote a letter to his friend.

Answer:

1. rang – transitive verb
2. rang – intransitive verb
3. sleeps – intransitive verb
4. fly – intransitive verb
5. dose – transitive verb
6. wrote – transitive verb

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Write whether True or False.

Question i.
We stayed on the alert until night and were getting ready for action.
Answer:
False

Question ii.
The mist was very dense.
Answer:
True.

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What can the blunderbusses do?
Answer:
The blunderbusses can launch harpoons as far as a mile.

Grammar:

Question 1.
Ned had a dreadful weapon. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
Ned had a dreadful weapon, didn’t he?

Question 2.
Pick out two abstract nouns from the extract.
Answer:
Disappointment, anger.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Do you like travelling on sea? Why?
Answer:
No, I do not like travelling on sea. I don’t know how to swim and I am very scared of drowning.

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Fill in the blanks.

Question i.
………… stayed at his post, harpoon in hand.
Answer:
Ned Land

Question ii.
The animal is faster than the ………….. .
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Explain why the author uses the words “what a chase!”.
Answer:
It was an exciting chase no doubt. The author says that the excitement shook his very being. The animal was so smart, it let the frigate get a little closer to it and then picked up speed and kept its distance. The animal was playing tricks with the frigate.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Pick out the words from the extract that mean the following.
i. person who fires the cannon
ii. moved faster
Answer:
i. cannoneer
ii. gathered speed

Question 2.
Give the meanings of the following.
i. harpooner
ii. mate
Answer:
i. person who handles the harpoon
ii. assistant

Grammar:

Question 1.
what a chase no i can’t describe the excitement that shook my very being (Punctuate)
Answer:
What a chase! No, It can’t describe the excitement that shook my very being.

Question 2.
The cannoneer fired a shot. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
The cannoneer fired a shot, didn’t he?

Language Study

Do as directed.

Question 1.
There was a mighty explosion. (Pick out the verb and state its kind)
Answer:
was – transitive verb.

Question 2.
The monster seemed motionless. (Frame a ’Wh1 question so as to get the underlined words as the answer)
Answer:
Who seemed motionless?

Question 3.
Barely twenty feet separated him from the motionless animal. (Pick out the adjectives from the sentence)
Answer:
Twenty, motionless

Question 4.
The electric light suddenly went out. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word)
Answer:
Suddenly – adverb

Question 5.
Pick out the verb and state whether it is transitive or intransitive.
Question i.
The hunter killed the wolf.
Answer:
killed – transitive verb

Question ii.
Leena saw a monster.
Answer:
saw – transitive verb

Question iii.
Rains spoilt the picnic.
Answer:
spoilt – transitive verb

Question iv.
The baby cried loudly.
Answer:
cried – intransitive verb

Question v.
The bird flew away.
Answer:
flew – intransitive verb

Writing Skills

Question 1.
Write an essay on ‘A Sea Journey’.
Answer:
A sea journey is something I had never experienced. I used to look at the majestic sea and wonder what it would be like to travel by sea. I got the chance of a life time to travel on a ship.

The ship was filled with people from different states of India. At the beginning all was wonderful, the people, the sea, the sky, the weather. I was told that the journey would take many on board. But as time passed, the journey which I felt would be a pleasant one, wasn’t all that pleasant. There was nothing to see except water, water and more water. The movement of the ship on the water gave me a nauseating/nauseous feeling.

I was praying and hoping for the journey to end. At last after about eight long hours we touched land. I was so happy to be on firm landing once again. The journey by sea was an experience I wouldn’t want to repeat. This journey by sea was my first and last one.

Chasing the Sea Monster Summary in English

The lesson ‘Chasing the Sea Monster’ is an extract from the novel ‘20,000 Leagues under the Sea’ written by Jules Verne. The story in this extract is about spotting a mysterious sea monster by the inmates on a warship. The story revolves round the relentless chase between the warship (frigate) and the sea monster.

The warship (frigate) named Abraham Lincoln captained by Commander Farragut along with Professor Pierre Aronnax, a French marine biologist and narrator of the story, a master harpoonist Ned Land and other crew members chase the sea monster and in the end Ned Land succeeds in hitting the sea monster. The collision between the frigate and the sea monster is so hideous that Commander Farragut, Professor Pierre Aronnax and Ned Land are hurled into the sea.

Introduction:

The lesson ‘Chasing The Sea Monster7 is a science fiction written by Jules Verne, a French writer. He is known as the ‘Father of Science Fiction’. This is a passage, from his novel ‘20,000 Leagues under the Sea’. He describes how people on a ship think of the submarine as an animal and try to chase and hunt it.

Glossary:

1. frigate (n) – small, speedy ship used in war
2. unearthly (adj) – strange, not like those found on earth
3. luminous (adj) – bright, full of light
4. fearsome (adj) – scary, frightening
5. crew (n) – people working on the ship
6. cetaceans (n) – marine animals like a whale
7. lurking (v) – hiding
8. whaling gear (n) – equipment used to hunt whales
9. mate (n) – assistant
10. armour (n) – protective metal covering
11. profound (adj) – deep
12. astern to port (v) – towards the hinder part or stem; backward
13. blunderbusses (n) – a short, large bored gun firing metal balls, slugs or nails
14. duck guns (n) – large shot guns used for hunting ducks in large number
15. harpoon (n) – a barbed spear attached to a rope and thrown or fired from a gun to hunt whales or large fish
16. cannoneer (n) – an artillery man who uses cannon
17. harpooner (n) – a person who uses harpoons especially to hunt whales
18. enormous (adj) – huge
19. hideous (adj) – dreadful, horrid
20. mute (adj) – dumb; not having the power of speech
21. alert (adj) – attentive
22. informed (adj) – having information, based on information.
23. target (n) – a person, object or place selected as the aim of attack
24. weariness (n)- tiredness
25. brandishing (v) – to move or swing back and forth particularly demonstrating skill
26. collision (n)- clash

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.5 Learn Yoga from Animals Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 2.5 Learn Yoga from Animals

Class 7 English Chapter 2.5 Learn Yoga from Animals Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Complete the following diagrams.

Question A.
Benefits of yoga.

Answer:

Question B.
Precautions in Yoga Practice

Answer:

Question C.
What is yoga?

Answer:

2. Prepare charts for each one of the asanas described in the passage. Use the following points:

• Name (in English, in your mother tongue)
• Meaning in English
• General information
• Steps and pictures
• Benefits

3. List the names of body parts used in the passage.

Question 1.
List the names of body parts used in the passage.
Answer:
Body parts – navel, spine, shoulder, palm, face, elbow, wrist, chin, abdomen, chest, fingers, jaws, feet, legs, toes, eyes, mouth, head, back, tongue, lungs.
Now go through the passage and find out some more and add to the list.

4. List the adverbs/adverbial phrases used in the passage.

Question 1.
List the adverbs/adverbial phrases used in the passage.
Answer:

1. to feel physically vibrant
2. feel mentally sharp
3. completely at ease
4. breathe in deeply
5. slowly raise
6. come up slowly
7. come down slowly
8. inhale immediately
9. positioned directly below
10. smoothly arch the spine
11. adds flexibility
12. simultaneously arch your back

5. Language Study: Conjunctions: A conjunction is a word which joins words or clauses. Look at the following sentences.
1. Sahil and Rohan go to school together.
2. Sahil is drawing a picture and Rahul is playing football.
In sentence 1, the conjunction ‘and’ joins two words.
In sentence 2, the conjunction ‘and’ joins two clauses.
The following are some more examples of conjunction.

1. Do you like cricket or football?
2. Your parents will be happy if you study well.
3. She has not come to school because she is ill.
4. We played well, but we lost the match.
5. Tell him that we are going to the playground.
6. When you are at home, you should help your mother in her work.

Interjections: An interjection is a word that expresses a sudden feeling or emotion. Interjections can express joy, grief, surprise, pain, approval etc.
Look at the following examples.

1. Hurrah! We have won the game. (Joy)
2. Ouch! That hurt. (Pain)
3. Wow! What a nice picture! (Approval)

Question 1.
Underline the conjunctions in the following.
Answer:

1. Do you like cricket or football?
2. Your parents will be happy if you study well.
3. She has not come to school because she is ill.
4. We played well, but we lost the match.
5. Tell him that we are going to the playground.
6. When you are at home, you should help your mother in her work

Class 7 English Chapter 2.5 Learn Yoga from Animals Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
Where was yoga perfected?
Answer:
Yoga was perfected in ancient India.

Question 2.
What does yoga involve?
Answer:
Yoga involves the mind, body and soul.

Question 3.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Answer:
The benefits of yoga are attaining concentration, focus and improving flexibility, balance and strength.

Question 4.
How does one feel after doing yoga?
Answer:
One feels physically vibrant and mentally sharp after doing yoga.

Question 5.
Who enjoys the Lion pose asana? Why?
Answer:
Simhasana or Lion pose is favourite with young people. Young people love this asana because it requires very little effort.

Question 6.
What pose does the Bhujangasana resemble?
Answer:
The Bhujangasana is a pose that resembles the posture of a cobra with raised head.

Question 7.
What are the benefits of Bhujangasana? .
Answer:
Bhujangasana helps us to tone the muscles of our back, strengthens our spine and also benefits the chest and shoulders.

Question 8.
When does the world celebrate International Yoga Day?
Answer:
The world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21st every year, since the year 2015.

Question 9.
Why should Marjaryasana be a part of one’s morning yoga routine?
Answer:
Marjaryasana should be a part of one’s morning yoga routine because it gently stretches the muscles of the abdomen and the back as well as helps to get rid of any body pain.

Question 10.
How does Garudasana benefit the legs?
Answer:
Garudasana makes the leg muscles stronger and improves the flexibility of joints by loosening the joint muscles.

Question 11.
What are the advantages of practising the Ustrasana?
Answer:

1. It strengthens the back.
2. It boosts mood and energy.
3. It opens the shoulders, chest and quadriceps.
4. It helps in improving digestion.
5. It adds flexibility and strength to the body.

Question 12.
Do you exercise regularly? What form of exercise do you practice ?
Answer:
I exercise regularly as my parents have always motivated me to stay fit. I go to the local swimming pool everyday to swim in the evening. Swimming is refreshing for the mind and helps to maintain the overall fitness of one’s body.

Reading Skills, Vocabulary and Grammar

Read the following passage and do the activities.

Question 1.
Complete the web diagram.

Question 2.
Fill in the blanks.
i. Yoga is a form of…….
ii. Yoga helps us to feel physically vibrant and mentally ……..
Answer:
i. biomimicry
ii. sharp

Question 3.
Match the columns.

Column ‘A’	Column ‘B’
1. Phvsicallv	a. area
2. Ancient Indian	b. sharp
3. Contemporary	c. discipline
4. Mentally	d. vibrant

Answer:

Column ‘A’	Column ‘B’
1. Phvsicallv	d. vibrant
2. Ancient Indian	c. discipline
3. Contemporary	a. area
4. Mentally	b. sharp

Answer in just one word:

Question 1.
What solves human problems with solutions already present in the natural world?
Answer:
Biomimicry.

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What is biomimicry?
Answer:
Biomimicry is the science of solving human problems with solutions already present in the natural world.

Question 2.
In what way is yoga a form of biomimicry?
Answer:
Yoga is a form of biomimicry because they comprise typical asanas and poses wherein we emulate mountains, trees, fish, cats and many more animals.

Question 3.
Which problems in our day-to-day life can be solved through biomimicry?
Answer:
Problems such as stiffness and back pain can be easily solved through biomimicry.

Question 4.
What does biomimicry mean in simple terms?
Answer:
In simple terms, ‘bio’ means ‘life’ and ‘mimicry’ means ’emulate’.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Give forms of the following words.
Answer:

Noun	Verb	Adjective
Nature	Naturalise	Natural
Simplicity	Simplify	Simple
Sharpness	Sharpen	Sharp

Question 2.
Pick out a word from the extract which means ‘in the same time period’.
Answer:
Contemporary.

Grammar:

Question 1.
Experts today are doing a wonderful job. (Begin with ’A wonderful job’)
Answer:
A wonderful job is being done by the experts today.

Question 2.
This helps us to solve our problems. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
This helps us to solve our problems, doesn’t it?

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Do you think it is necessary to exercise? Why?
Answer:
Yes. I do think it is necessary to exercise. Exercising keeps us fit and healthy. We feel active and fresh to meet the challenges of the day. It also keeps us mentally positive.

Language Study

Do as directed.

Question 1.
The best time to practise is in the morning. (Begin with ‘The morning’)
Answer:
The morning is the best time to practise.

Question 2.
Practise in a clean, airy, well-lit room. (Pick out the adjectives in the sentence)
Answer:
Clean, airy, well-lit.

Question 3.
Relax your muscles completely. (Identify the kind of sentence)
Answer:
Imperative sentence.

Question 4.
Kneel on the yoga mat and place your hands on the hips. (Pick out the nouns)
Answer:
Mat, hands, hips.

Fill in with conjunctions.

Question 1.
This is the picture ……….. I painted yesterday.
Answer:
that

Question 2.
We met the sailors ……….. ship was wrecked.
Answer:
whose

Question 3.
This is the girl ………… has a melodious voice.
Answer:
who

Question 4.
………….. you study hard, you will succeed.
Answer:
If

Question 5.
………… it rains heavily, life comes to a standstill.
Answer:
When.

Question 6.
Give examples of interjections.
Answer:

1. Oops! I broke it. (mistake)
2. Hushi/Shh! The baby is sleeping, (silence)
3. Hey! What are you doing here? (surprise)
4. Oh! You wanted tea and not coffee, (realisation)
5. Ugh! What a foul smell! (disgust)
6. Phew! We nearly missed the fall! (relief)
7. Whew! I cannot believe we have completed on time, (relief/amazement)

Fill in with interjections.

Question 1.
………… ! You stamped my foot.
Answer:
Ouch

Question 2.
………… ! If only I had listened.
Answer:
Oh

Question 3.
………… ! It looks horrible.
Answer:
Ugh

Question 4.
………… ! I spilled the milk.
Answer:
Oops

Question 5.
………… ! What a pretty dress!
Answer:
Wow

Learn Yoga from Animals Summary in English

The lesson aptly shows us how we can do yoga by imitating animals and reptiles. It tells us the benefits and ways one can remain fit and healthy.

Introduction:

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice attributed mostly to India. Yoga day is celebrated annually on 21st June since 2015. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this day, 21st June to be an international day for yoga. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his U.N. address suggested the date of 21st June as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Glossary:

1. emulate (v) – imitate
2. vibrant (adj) – full of energy and life
3. posture (n) – the position in which you hold your body while sitting or standing
4. tone (v) – here it means to make the muscles firm
5. navel (n) – belly button
6. assume (v) – here it means ‘take’
7. splayed (v) – spread apart
8. quadriceps (n) – the large muscle at the front of the thigh
9. composite (adj) – mixture of
10. integrated (adj) – composed and co-ordinated
11. contemporary (adj) – same time period
12. discipline (n) – a specific branch of knowledge or learning
13. jerk (n) – sudden uncontrolled movement
14. vertebra (n) – small bones which make up the backbone
15. palette (n) – roof of your mouth
16. exhaling (v) – to expel air
17. inhale (v) – to draw in air
18. routine (n) – a course of action
19. flexibility (n) – quality of being flexible, suppleness
20. calf (n) – the muscle in the back of the leg below the knee
21. aches (n) – continuous dull pains in a part of one’s body
22. arch (n) – a curve with the ends down and the middle up
23. drawing (v) – to direct one’s attention to something
24. explosion (n) – a sudden burst
25. biomimicry – the science of solving human problems with solutions already present in the natural world.

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 1.3 In Time of Silver Rain Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 1.3 In Time of Silver Rain

Class 7 English Chapter 1.3 In Time of Silver Rain Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Find the pairs of rhyming words used at the end of the lines in the poem.

Question 1.
Find the pairs of rhyming words used at the end of the lines in the poem.
Answer:

Rain	heads	wings	cry
Again	spreads	sing	sky
Plain		spring

2. Read the poem aloud using proper intonation.

Question 1.
Read the poem aloud using proper intonation.

3. If you were to draw a landscape on the basis of this poem, what elements will you show in It? What colours will you use?

Question 1.
If you were to draw a landscape on the basis of this poem, what elements will you show in It? What colours will you use?
Answer:
If I were to draw a landscape on the basis of this poem, I would show elements like a patch of lush green grass stretching far and wide, small flowers growing all over the plain tossing their heads, brightly coloured butterflies happily fluttering, a rainbow stretching across the sky.

I would also show a tree-lined road, and under the blue sky I would show boys and girls walking down the road enjoying themselves in the rain. I would use all sorts of colours. Green being promment, I would also use shades of bright colours to depict life, liveliness and joy in nature during spring.

4. The special arrangement of short lines makes you think about every detail. If you write the sentences In the usual manner, It does not have the same effect. For example, the first stanza would be something like ‘The earth puis forth new life again: green grasses grow and flowers lift their heads and the wonder of life spreads all over the plain in time of silver rain.’
Now try the following:
Write one or two sentences about something beautiful, using your own experience or imagination. Then rearrange the words In the sentences In a poetic form. You may write about a beautiful day, a beautiful night, a stream, a crop standing in a field, a graceful bird or animal, etc.
Answer:

• A beautiful night
• The people were enjoying
• When the clouds were making noise and thundering.
• But I was sitting along with no one aside.
• My feelings were at night just like a sea tide.
• It started raining and I cried
• It started raining and I cried

5. Fill in the following blanks with reference to the poem.

Question 1.
‘In time of rain when spring and life are ……….., the butterflies lift ……….. wings to catch a ……….. cry and trees put forth …….. leaves to sing in ………… beneath the sky as ……….. boys and girls too ……… singing down the roadway’.
Answer:
In time of rain when rain and life are new, the butterflies lift silken wings to catch a rainbow cry and trees put forth new leaves to sing in joy beneath the sky as passing boys and girls too go singing down the roadway.

6. Think and answer :

Question a.
Is the poet talking about heavy rains in the rainy season or ram that has come after a long time?
Answer:
The poet is talking about rain that has come after a long time.

Question b.
Are the boys and girls happy that it is raining?
Answer:
Yes, the poet says that the boys and girls are singing as they pass down the roadway in the rain, so they are obviously happy that it is raining.

7. Find out the following with the help of your teacher and the internet.
Seasonal Rains (monsoon) in India and other countries.
Rain in countries like UK which experience spring-summer-autumn-winter.

Question 1.
Find out the following with the help of your teacher and the internet.
Seasonal Rains (monsoon) in India and other countries.
Rain in countries like UK which experience spring-summer-autumn-winter.
Answer:
We get seasonal rain monsoon the starting of June. some times it will receive very high rainfall in some coastal areas states like Kerala – Goa – Karnataka – Odisha etc. This states are receives high rain fall from starting to ending og June. some states have received monsoon in the July. And it continues with heavy rains and winds also.

In United Kingdom the month of June, July and August which is the summer season, and it is very hottest season with long sunny days. autumn can be dry but sometimes occational rains and winds also come.

• Average rainfall in the months of winter December to February is 80 mm.
• Average rainfall in the month of spring March to May is 55 mm.
• Average rainfall in the month of Summer June to August is – 60 mm.
• Average rainfall in the month of autumn September to November is 85 mm.

8. Talk about your favourite season. (A one-minute activity.)

Question 1.
Talk about your favourite season. (A one-minute activity.)
Answer:
My favourite season is winter as with the cold that it brings, it also brings an opportunity to sit by the fire-place and read my favourite book. The snow-clad landscapes look divine and radiate peace. What a pleasure it is to eat in this season! Keeping myself warm under the quilt and sharing roasted peanuts with my siblings is a passtime that brings immense joy.

9. Language Study: Alliteration: When the same sound occurs at the beginning of two or more words in the same line, it is called alliteration.
Example: Nayna needs new notebooks.
Find an example of alliteration from the poem.
Collect other examples of alliteration.

Class 7 English Chapter 1.3 In Time of Silver Rain Additional Important Questions and Answers

Think and answer.

Question 1.
Why does the poet say that life is new when it rains?
Answer:
The poet says that life is new when it rains because after the hot and dry summer, the flora and fauna come back to their former, lively and wonderful forms. People feel refreshed by rain as it provides a relief. Rain restores the energy and colour of the nature that get drained out during the harsh summers.

Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
What is the poem about?
Answer:
The poem is about the changes that take place in nature at the onset of spring, especially when it rains. It also talks about the joy that spring brings along with it.

Question 2.
What do the boys and girls do in happiness?
Answer:
The boys and girls sing in happiness as they pass down the roadway.

Question 3.
Give two examples of imagery used by the poet.
Answer:

1. Butterflies lift their wings to catch a rainbow cry.
2. Green grasses grow and flowers lift their heads.

Reading Skills and Poetic Device

Read the following extract and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Fill in the web with all that happens in nature during the time of new rain.
Answer:

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Which elements of nature are mentioned in the given extract?
Answer:
The elements of nature that are mentioned in the given extract are grass, trees, butterflies, rainbow, sky and flowers.

Question 2.
Why do the butterflies lift their silver wings?
Answer:
Butterflies lift their silver wings to catch a rainbow.

Question 3.
Which line in the poem tells us that the spring season has just begun?
Answer:
The line “In time of silver rain when spring and life are new” tells us that the spring season has just begun.

Question 4.
Who go singing down the roadway?
Answer:
The boys and girls go singing down the roadway.

Question 5.
Describe in your own words what happens during the time of silver rain.
Answer:
During the time of silver rain, the face of the earth completely changes. The earth puts forth new life, green grasses are seen on the surface. The flowers lift their heads in happiness. The butterflies lift their silky wings and trees put forth new leaves. The boys and girls are happy and go round singing. Thus everywhere we can see new life.

Poetic Device:

Question 1.
Pick out an example of Alliteration from the extract.
Answer:
Green grasses grow.

Question 2.
Give rhyming words of your own.
Answer:

• life – knife
• rain – main
• grow – throw
• spring – bring

Question 3.
Name and explain the figures of speech in the following lines.
Question i.
And overall the plain The wonder spreads
Answer:
Inversion: The word order has been changed. The correct order is “And the wonder spreads all over the plains”.

Question ii.
Of life, Of life, Of life!
Answer:
Repetition: The words ‘Of life’ are repeated thrice for better poetic effect.

Question ii.
And flowers lift their heads.
Answer:
Personification: The flowers are given the human quality of lifting their heads.

Question iv.
The butterflies lift silken wings To catch a rainbow cry
Answer:
Personification: The butterflies are given the human quality of catching.

Question v.
And trees put forth New leaves to sing In joy beneath the sky
Answer:
Personification: Leaves are given the human quality of singing for a better poetic effect.

Question vi.
As down the roadway Passing boys and girls Go singing, too
Answer:
Inversion: The word order has been changed. The correct word order is ‘As passing boys and girls, too, go singing down the roadway’.

Question 4.
Give the adjective used to describe ’rain’.
Answer:
’Silver1 is the adjective used to describe ’rain’.

Question 5.
Give the rhyme scheme of the first verse.
Answer:
a b a c d a d

In Time of Silver Rain Summary in English

The poem is an expression of joy and beauty of nature that spring brings, along with it filling our hearts with wonderment at the newness of life.

Paraphrase:

In the poem “In Time of Silver Rain” the poet Langston Hughes paints a vivid imagery of rains during springtime. He elaborates in his simple yet effective style, the majestic spread of life in nature. Grass and flowers stretching across green vistas act as symbols of newness in nature. The coming of rain in springtime invites butterflies that flutter around in the hope of catching a rainbow.

The trees give birth to new leaves to express their joy. The happiness in nature is so contagious that it extends to human beings as well. The boys and girls sing merrily as they walk down the road in the rains at the onset of spring season.

Glossary:

1. spring (n) – a season
2. put forth (v) – to bring out
3. beneath (prep) – under
4. joy (n) – happiness
5. forth (adv) – away, forwards
6. spreads (v) – disperses widely, scatters
7. silken (adj) – like silkc

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 1.1 Past, Present, Future Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 7 English Solutions Chapter 1.1 Past, Present, Future

Class 7 English Chapter 1.1 Past, Present, Future Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Read the poem aloud using proper rhythm and intonation.

Question 1.
Read the poem aloud using proper rhythm and intonation.

2. Link the items in the three columns properly.

Question 1.
Link the items in the three columns properly.

Answer:

A	B	C
The past	A soft and mild autumn evening	A pleasant time which has ended
The present hour	A green and flowery spray where a young bird sits	A time, full of life in which you gather strength
The future	A sea beneath a cloudless sun	An exciting, thrilling time which has no end

3. Find the meaning of the following words.
thee, mournfully, spray, mighty

Question 1.
Find the meaning of the following words.
thee, mournfully, spray, mighty
Answer:

• thee – you (archaic/old usage)
• mournfully – sadly
• spray – a flowering branch
• might – physical strength

4. WrIte the adjectives that are used to describe the following.
evening, spray, sea

Question 1.
Write the adjectives that are used to describe the following.
Answer:

• evening – soft, mild
• spray – green, flowery
• sea – mighty, glorious, dazzling

5. Write one line about each of the following with the help of the poem.

Question 1.
Wind in the autumn evening
Answer:
It sighs expressing sadness.

Question 2.
Young bird on the spray.
Answer:
Sits on the flowery branch gathering all its physical and mental strength to explore the blue sky.

Question 3.
The Sea.
Answer:
Vast is the sea beneath the cloudless sun and as it stretches endlessly, it displays might, glorious and dazzling beauty.

6. Language Study:
A simile Is an imaginative comparison of two different things which have something in common. A simile always includes the words ‘as’ or ‘like’. For example: as tall as a tree, as lovely as a flower A metaphor is an imaginative expression that refers to someone/something as another person/thing. It shows thai the person or thing has some quality of that other person or thing. The words ‘as’ or ‘like’ are not used in a metaphor. For example : He is a gem of a person. Time is money. Books are our friends. The clouds are white sheep.
There are three metaphors in the poem. Can you find them?
Answer:
The three metaphors are:
Question i.
‘What is the past like to thee?
An autumn evening soft and mild’
Answer:
Here the past is compared to an autumn evening.

Question ii.
’Tell me, what is the present hour?
A green and flowery spray.’
Answer:
Here the present is compared to a green and flowery spray.

Question iii.
’And what is the future, happy one?
A sea beneath a cloudless sun.’
Answer:
Here the present is compared to a sea beneath a cloudless sun.

Class 7 English Chapter 1.1 Past, Present, Future Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions:

Question 1.
What is the central idea of the poem?
Answer:
The central idea of the poem is the child’s definition of different periods of time which is presented in the form of a dialogue between the poetess and the child.

Question 2.
What does the past stand for according to the child?
Answer:
According to the child, the past was a pleasant time but they are moments which cannot be revisited as they would never return back.

Question 3.
How does the child define the present time?
Answer:
For the child, the present is a time where he/she
prepares for the future which is unknown, but also exciting so it is the time to gather strength.

Question 4.
How is the present moment viewed with optimism by the child?
Answer:
The child compares the present time to a green and flowery branch on which a bird is all set to take off and explore the unlimited possibilities which awaits it.
This tells us that the present is something which is viewed with optimism by the child as he believes that once we gather strength, nothing is impossible.

Question 5.
How do you define time?
Answer:
According to me, time is the most precious gift we possess. It is up to us to make utmost use of it. We should plan and prioritise to make use of most of the time in hand.
How true is the Estonian proverb!
“Wasting time is robbing oneself”

Reading Skills and Poetic Device

Read the following extract and do the activities.

Simple Factual Questions:

Question 1.
Fill in the blanks with any four describing words from the extract.
Answer:

Question 2.
Choose the correct alternative and complete the sentence:
For the child in the poem the past was
i. a pleasant time.
ii. an unpleasant experience.
Answer:
For the child in the poem the past was a pleasant time.

Complex Factual Questions:

Question 1.
What is the theme of the poem?
Answer:
The theme of the poem is about time and the child’s definition about the different periods of time.

Question 2.
How is this poem presented?
Answer:
This poem is presented as a dialogue between the poetess and a happy child.

Question 3.
What is the one characteristic of the past? Which is emphasised in the poem?
Answer:
One characteristic of the past which is emphasised in the poem is that we can never go back to it.

Question 4.
How should we make use of the present time?
Answer:
We should make use of the present time by using it to gather strength and courage to face the future.

Poetic Device:

Rewrite the Metaphors as Similes:

Question 1.
The past is an autumn evening soft and mild.
Answer:
The past is like an autumn evening soft and mild.

Question 2.
The present is a green and flowery spray.
Answer:
The present is like a green and flowery spray.

Question 3.
The future is a sea beneath a cloudless sun.
Answer:
The future is like a sea beneath a cloudless sun.

Question 4.
Give the rhyme scheme of the first stanza.
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the first stanza is (a b a c).

Question 5.i.
Name and explain the figures of speech.
With a wind that sighs mournfully
Answer:
Personification – Wind is given human qualities,

Question ii.
What the past is like to thee?
‘An Autumn evening soft and mild.
Answer:
Simile – Direct comparison of past with an autumn evening.

Formative Assessment

Question 1.
Complete the following stanza to compose a poem on the topic:
The time gone by…….

Past, Present, Future Introduction:

Past, Present, Future written by Emily Bronte is a dialogue between the poetess and a happy child. They discuss what each period of time means to the child, a child with the ability to see beauty and optimism around it.

Past, Present, Future Summary in English

The poetess Emily Bronte begins the poem by asking a happy child what the past is like to him/ her. In response the child compares the past as an autumn evening which is soft and mild with a sad wind sighing in the background.

In response to the query about the present hour the child compares it to the pleasant green and flowery branch wherein a young bird gathers courage and power to mount and fly above the blue sky. In other words the child finds the present filled with hope, courage and aspiration to scale great heights; the time to gather strength.

On being asked about the future the child compares it with a sea under a cloudless sun, a sea which is mighty, glorious, dazzling and never ending. Through these words the child implies about the thrilling and never ending possibilities which awaits for him/her.

Glossary:

1. autumn (n) – the season which follows summer when leaves fall from the trees
2. mild (adj) – not severe or not very harsh
3. mournfully (adv) – with sad feelings
4. spray (n) – a flowering branch
5. mount (n) – to ascend, get ready for take off
6. glorious (adj) – marvellous
7. dazzling (adj) – extremely bright
8. stretching (v) – to be made longer
9. infinity (n) – endlessness
10. sighs (v) – to let out a long breath slowly to express sadness
11. thee (pro) – you
12. mighty (adj) – possessing great power or strength; very powerful
13. beneath (prep) – under