The Day the River Spoke Questions Answers NCERT Class 7

The Day the River Spoke Questions Answers from the Poorvi English Textbook for Class 7 (New Syllabus 2025-2026) include all textual and extra questions with answers. These well-explained solutions help students grasp the story’s message and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for understanding the theme, characters, and moral of the lesson.

Textual Questions Answers NCERT

Let us do these activities before we read. [Page No 1]

I Close your eyes and quietly listen to the sounds around you for a minute.

1. Are they trying to tell you something?

Ans: Yes, the sounds around me feel like they are telling me to stop, listen, and enjoy the little things in nature, like birds chirping or leaves moving.

2. Do you think the things around you also listen to you all day long?

Ans: Yes, I feel like the trees, birds, and even the wind listen to my thoughts and feelings. They are like silent friends who are always with me. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

POORVI: Textbook of English for Grade 7 Solution

II Jahnavi was a bright young girl who lived with her parents and three brothers in a coastal village in India. Her parents worked on the farm. She had a dream.

1. What could Jahnavi’s dream be?
Jahnavi’s dream could be to go to school, study well, and become a teacher or doctor so she can help others in her village.

2. How could she make her dream come true?
She can make her dream come true by going to school every day, working hard, and listening to her teachers.

3. What is your dream? What can you do to make your dream come true?
My dream is to become a scientist. To make it come true, I must study regularly, ask questions, and never give up.

Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Summary of The Day the River Spoke:

Jahnavi was a bright girl living in a coastal village. Her parents often said she was too small to attend school, and she stayed home to care for her younger brothers. One day, feeling sad, she sat by the river and cried. To her surprise, the River began to talk to her in a sleepy, kind voice. Jahnavi shared her wish to go to school and her many questions about the world. The River encouraged her to be brave and just go to school.

Though nervous, Jahnavi listened to the River’s advice. The next day, she took her little brother Appu and went to the school. She quietly joined the back row. The teacher noticed her and, hearing her story, promised to speak to her father. The teacher did visit her home, and her parents finally agreed.

Her mother shared her own dream of learning as a child, and supported Jahnavi’s wish. Jahnavi was overjoyed and promised to become a teacher someday to help other girls learn. The next morning, she rushed to the River to share her joy. The River listened and promised to tell her more stories. Jahnavi had taken her first big step toward a bright future.

Words Notes

Splashed – scattered drops
Murmuring – soft, low speaking sound
Startled – suddenly surprised
Shrieked – screamed loudly
Thicket – thick group of bushes or trees
Rustle – soft, crackling sound
Conspiratorially – in a secret or playful way
Gasped – breathed in quickly
Rattling – shaking with noise
Wailed – cried loudly
Panting – breathing hard or quickly
Squatting – sitting low to the ground
Nodding – moving head to say yes
Chuckled – laughed softly
Gathered courage – became brave
Bask – lie in the sun to feel warm
Sighed – let out a deep breath
Slithered – moved smoothly like a snake
Scared – afraid
Minding – taking care of
Shrugged – raised shoulders (often to show doubt)
Creeping – moving slowly and quietly
Glistening – shining with light
Flutter – move quickly or lightly
Breathless – out of breath
Scold – speak angrily
Stared – looked fixedly
Clutching – holding tightly
Elder – older
Whisper – speak very softly
Glanced – looked quickly
Heard – listened to
Trembling – shaking slightly
Reply/ Replied – answered
Shine – glow or give light

Part I

Let us discuss [Page No 3]

1. What was Jahnavi’s dream? Was it important to her? Why?

Answer:: Jahnavi’s dream was to go to school and learn to read like her brother Ettan and Meena. Yes, it was important to her because she wanted to know about the world, such as why spiders are yellow in yellow flowers, why bamboo trees rustle, why the moon always comes from behind the hills, and many more questions.

2. Do you think the river can help her in fulfilling her dream? How?

Answer: Jahnavi’s dream was to go to school and learn to read like her brother Ettan and Meena. Yes, it was important to her because she wanted to know about the world, such as why spiders are yellow in yellow flowers, why bamboo trees rustle, why the moon always comes from behind the hills, and many more questions.

Part II 

Let us discuss [Page No 6]

Complete the table given below with Jahnavi’s questions in Column 1 and the River’s answers in Column 2. Check your answers with the teacher.

Answers:

Let us think and reflect [Page No 7]

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

1. “You shouldn’t cry, you know,” the voice went on. “And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every

day, well, almost every day.” She was puzzled. It was such a voice, like the river. It couldn’t be the river! “Well, tell me all about it,” said

the River, for it was the River. “I’ve got to hurry to reach the sea, you know.”

(i) Complete the sentence with the correct option from those given in the brackets.

The tone of the River in the given extract is __________________. (assuring/sympathising)

Answer: assuring

(ii) Select a phrase from the extract which shows that Jahnavi was a frequent visitor to the spot.

Answer: “you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day”

(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.

The use of an exclamation mark at the end of the line, ‘It couldn’t be the river!’ expresses __________________.

A. excitement 

B. hesitation 

C. irritation 

D. disbelief

Answer: D. disbelief

(iv) Choose three qualities of the River highlighted in the extract from the words in the box given below.

Answer: affectionate, thoughtful, kind-hearted

2. “Can I do something?” asked Jahnavi. “Well, it’s up to you,” said the River. “Seems to me little girls can do as much as little boys—they swim

as fast as little boys. You just slip along one morning and sit there in the school and listen to what’s going on, and maybe the teacher will let

you stay.” “I couldn’t,” gasped Jahnavi. “I couldn’t! They’d scare me! They’d chase me out.”

(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.

According to the River, there was no difference between girls and boys because __________________  

Answer: _____“they swim as fast as little boys” and “can do as much as little boys”.

(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself and fulfill her desire to go to school.

Answer: True – The River encouraged her to go to school.

(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.

When the River suggests that Jahnavi should ‘slip along’, it means that she should move __________________.

A. quickly 

B. casually 

C. quietly 

D. confidently

Answer: C. quietly

(iv) What does the repetition of the phrase I couldn’t, tell us?

Answer: Jahnavi’s fear, nervousness, and lack of confidence at first.

II Answer the following questions.

2. How did the River know so much about Jahnavi?
Ans: The River knew Jahnavi well because she came there almost every day. She spoke her thoughts and feelings aloud near the River. The River listened to her stories and problems. That is why it knew about her family, her wish to go to school, and how scared she was to try.

3. Jahnavi says, “And I’m so old now, they’ll never let me go.” What can you infer about Jahnavi and the school from this line?
Ans:  Jahnavi felt she was too old to start school. She was nearly ten. This shows she was unsure and afraid. It also means most children start school early. Jahnavi thought her chance was over because no one had sent her before. She believed others might laugh or stop her from joining.

4. Why did the River laugh when Jahnavi said she would be scared at school?
Ans:  The River laughed because it knew Jahnavi was brave. She was not afraid of lizards, the snake in the bamboo, or even big trains. So the River found it funny that she was scared of school. It wanted to show her that her fear was silly and she could be strong.

5. Why should Jahnavi follow the River’s advice?
Ans:  Jahnavi should follow the River’s advice because it believed in her. The River told her girls can do as much as boys. It gave her a simple plan to enter school. The advice gave her courage. When she followed it, her dream came true. So, the River’s words were wise and helpful.

6. How does the conversation between Jahnavi and the River make the story more appealing?
Ans:  The River talks like a kind and wise friend. It gives Jahnavi courage and hope. This makes the story magical and interesting. A talking River feels special and warm. It helps us understand Jahnavi’s feelings better. The River makes her journey from fear to courage fun to read and easy to follow.

7. What is the main message that the writer intends to convey?
Ans:  The writer wants to show that girls have the right to learn. If they are brave and try, they can succeed. Jahnavi’s dream was important. With a little help and courage, she followed it. The story teaches us to support education for girls and never give up on our dreams.

Let us learn [Page No 8]

I You have learnt that naming words are called nouns and only proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Why has the author used a capital letter for the ‘River’ even when it is a common noun?

(Clue: Has the River been given qualities of a human being?)

Ans: The author uses a capital letter for ‘River’ because it is treated like a person in the story. The River speaks, listens, laughs, and gives advice like a human being. It is given human qualities, so it becomes a character. That is why the common noun ‘river’ is written with a capital letter in the text.

II There are a few words related to sound in the text. Pick the words from the text and write them next to the correct definition.

1. made a high-pitched piercing sound

2. to cause liquid to strike or fall on something

3. a low continuous background noise

4. cry with loud uncontrollable gasps

5. to make a soft dry sound, like paper or leaves moving

6. took a short quick breath through the mouth due to surprise, pain or shock

7. shaking rapidly to make continuous short, sharp sounds

8. making a lot of noise

9. made a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness

Ans: 

1. hrieked – made a high-pitched piercing sound

2. splashed – to cause liquid to strike or fall on something
3. murmuring – a low continuous background noise

4. sob – cry with loud uncontrollable gasps

5. rustle – to make a soft dry sound, like paper or leaves moving

6. gasped – took a short quick breath through the mouth due to surprise, pain or shock

7. rattling – shaking rapidly to make continuous short, sharp sounds
8. noisy – making a lot of noise

9 wailed – made a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness

Now fill in the blanks with suitable sound words from exercise (II).

Ans: The classroom grew (i) noisy as the students noticed the teacher carrying the answer papers. As the teacher turned the pages with a (ii) rustle, the children (iii) gasped, wondering what comments awaited. Someone (iv) wailed in frustration, and the (v) murmuring of the students steadily increased. Finally, when the teacher praised the students for their excellent performance, the students (vi) shrieked with excitement.

III The word ‘catamaran’ is used in the text. The word originates from Tamil language ‘kattu maram’ meaning ‘tied wood’.

Find out the meanings of these words. From which Indian language these words were borrowed. An example has been given.

1. karma (Sanskrit) 2. sahib 3. chutney 4. Guru 5. verandah 6. jungle 7. areca 8. Palanquin

IV Chandu, the fisherman, has a catamaran that the River preferred to a ship. Given below are some boats that are used in different parts of our country.

Ans: 

(i) Which one would you like to travel in?
I would like to travel in a shikara. It looks very beautiful and colourful. Shikaras float on calm lakes and have roofs to sit under. I would enjoy sitting in one and watching the mountains and water. They are seen mostly in Kashmir, and the ride looks peaceful and fun.

(ii) (Please make a colourful drawing of a shikara in your notebook or on paper. You can use red, blue, yellow, and green colours to decorate it and draw the lake and mountains around it.)

V Solve the crossword puzzle based on words related to water transport.

Answer: 

Across

1. a large vessel used for transporting goods or passengers by sea

2. a small vessel for travelling on water, typically propelled by oars, sails, or an engine

3. a flat floating structure for travelling across water

4. a boat or ship driven by steam

Down

5. a small, light, narrow boat, pointed at both ends and moved using a paddle

6. a boat with a powerful engine which can change direction easily and is used to pull large ships into and out of port

7. a boat with sails and sometimes an engine, used for either racing or travelling for pleasure, rhymes with ‘cot’

Answer:

Across

1. SHIP – a large vessel used for transporting goods or passengers by sea
2. BOAT – a small vessel for travelling on water
3. RAFT – a flat floating structure for travelling across water
4. STEAMER – a boat or ship driven by steam

Down

5. CANOE – a small, light, narrow boat, moved using a paddle
6. TUGBOAT – a powerful engine boat used to pull large ships
7. YACHT – a boat with sails and sometimes an engine, rhyming with ‘cot’

VI Read the highlighted words in the following lines from the text.

Now, fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions given within the brackets.

Answer:

Jahnavi takes the River’s advice and goes to school. On her first day 1. at school, Jahnavi stood nervously 2. outside the gate, clutching her bag close to her. The bell rang and she hurried 3. inside the bustling classroom. She found a seat 4. between two friendly classmates. The teacher greeted them warmly and started the lesson 5. about numbers. Jahnavi listened attentively, feeling excited 6. about the new adventure ahead.

VII Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.

A kingfisher swept down, its wings an arrow of blue in the sunlight.

Words like on, off, up, down can function both as preposition and as adverb.

For example:

• She ran up the stairs. (preposition)

• She rang me up. (adverb)

Remember, a preposition will always be followed by an object (noun) whereas an adverb will tell you more about the action (verb).

Answers: 

1. The cat jumped onto the table. (preposition)
2. The children played outside until dark. (adverb)
3. She quickly ran through the park. (preposition)
4. The helicopter was hovering above. (adverb)
5. We were just walking along, chatting. (adverb)
6. After thoroughly wiping his shoes, he stepped inside. (adverb)
7. She drove slowly around the sharp curve. (preposition)
8. He placed the keys under the mat before leaving. (preposition)

Let us listen [Page No 12]

I Read the words given in the box below. You will listen to five people speak about school life. As you listen, circle the words that are used by the speakers. There are two words you do not need. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 39 )

Ans: 

homemaker
principal
careers
books

lawyer
desks
posters
newspapers
marriage
advertisements

Words to circle:
homemaker, principal, careers, books
(Only 4 words are used; the rest are not needed.)

II You will once again listen to the five speakers. As you listen, match each statement 1–7 to each speaker (i)–(v). There are two statements that you do not need.

Ans: 

1. Promotes active participation for all in school activities

2. Comments on how school makes learning Mathematics joyful

3. Believes in the power of education that leads to freedom of choice

4. Shares that school also means companionship

5. Understands that boys and girls have different abilities

6. Persuades the parent to grant permission to attend school

7. Believes that learning skills is not gender-based

Answer: 

Let us speak [Page No 13]

I Read the sentence given below.

“Dear, dear! What’s the matter? … You shouldn’t cry, you know. And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day.”

The River spoke to Jahnavi in a ‘sleepy’ voice. Work in pairs and take turns to speak the same sentence in ‘other’ voices. Some hints are given

below.

Answer: 

1. Happy voice

“Dear, dear! What’s the matter? … You shouldn’t cry, you know. And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every day—well, almost every day!”

(Say it with a cheerful tone, as if trying to lift Jahnavi’s mood.)

2. Surprised voice

“Dear, dear! What’s the matter? … You shouldn’t cry, you know! And you really shouldn’t be scared, when—you’ve been coming here to see me every day? Well—almost every day?”

(Raise your pitch slightly and stress “you?” and “really?”)

3. Angry voice

“Dear, dear! What’s the matter? … You shouldn’t cry, you know! And you really shouldn’t be scared—when you’ve been coming here to see me every day… well, almost every day!”

(Use a firm, slightly loud tone, and sound frustrated at the end.)

4. Scared voice

“D-dear, dear! W-what’s the matter? … Y-you shouldn’t cry… you know? A-and you really shouldn’t be scared… when you’ve been coming here t-to see me… every day—well, a-almost every day…”

(Speak softly, trembling a bit, as if frightened yourself.)

5. Sad voice

“Dear… dear… What’s the matter? You shouldn’t cry, you know… And you really shouldn’t be scared… when you’ve been coming here to see me every day… well, almost every day.”

(Say it slowly, gently, with a heavy voice and soft pauses.)

6. Worried voice

“Dear, dear! What’s the matter? You shouldn’t cry, you know… And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you’ve been coming here to see me every day… well, almost every day…”

(Show concern with a soft, caring tone, especially on “What’s the matter?”)

II Janhavi asks the River for advice and the River gives advice. Read the given situations and work in pairs to ask for and give advice. Take turns to change your roles. Use the prompts given below.

Answers: 

Situation (i): All-boys’ football team

Student A (asking):  I really want to play football at school, but there’s an all-boys’ team only.  What do you think I should do?

Student B (giving advice):  I think you should talk to the teacher or coach and request them to start a girls’ team too.  Why don’t you gather a few more interested girls? That might help!

Situation (ii): Nervous during Maths exams

Student A (asking):  I have a problem with Maths. I study, but I get nervous during exams and score poorly.  Do you think I should take extra help?

Student B (giving advice):  If I were you, I would practise more mock tests at home to build confidence.  The best thing to do is stay calm and focus on one question at a time.

Situation (iii): Not enough time for music practice

Student A (asking):  I enjoy music classes, but I don’t get enough time to practise.  What would you do in my position?

Student B (giving advice):  I think you should make a simple daily schedule.  Why don’t you practise for just 15 minutes every day after homework?

Situation (iv): Can’t see the blackboard clearly

Student A (asking):  I have a problem. I can’t see the blackboard clearly from the last bench.  I’d appreciate your advice on this issue.

Student B (giving advice):  The best thing to do is speak to your teacher and ask if you can move to a front seat.  If I were you, I would also get my eyesight checked.

Let us write [Page No 14]

Now, write a descriptive paragraph based on what you’ve observed. Highlight the colours, shapes, textures, and unique details that made an impression on you. Give a title to your paragraph.

Answer: 

Title: A Morning in the Meadow

Every day, I see many beautiful things in nature. Today, I saw tall green trees standing quietly in the fresh air. Their leaves moved gently with the wind. Colourful flowers like red, yellow, purple, and blue bloomed happily in the grass. The petals were soft and smooth. I saw butterflies flying from one flower to another. They looked so light and pretty. Birds flew high in the blue sky. Some sat on the tree branches, while others sang sweet songs. I liked the way the sunlight came through the leaves and made everything shine. The grass was soft and cool. I felt calm and happy watching this peaceful scene. I find it very interesting how everything in nature lives together so nicely. I want to tell everyone to take time to look at nature and enjoy it. My advice to all is to keep nature clean and green. Nature is a gift, and we must protect it.

Let us explore [Page No 14]

I Discuss why rivers in India are considered to be sacred and most of them are referred to as female. Some rivers are referred to as male, for example, the Brahmaputra and the Sone.

Answer: 

In India, rivers are considered sacred because they give life. They provide water for drinking, farming, cooking, and bathing. Many people pray to rivers and even take a holy dip in them. Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari are believed to wash away sins. Most rivers are called female because they are seen as kind, giving, and life-giving—just like a mother. That is why they are often called “Maa” (mother), like “Ganga Maa.”
Some rivers like the Brahmaputra and Sone are referred to as male. Brahmaputra means “Son of Brahma” and flows with great power and strength, which is why it is seen as male.

II Whole Class Activity

1. India is a multilingual country, and many of us can speak two to three languages easily. Make a list of the languages that everyone in the class can speak and display it on a chart paper in the classroom.

2. In which language do you enjoy reading and learning the most?

Ans: I enjoy reading and learning in English the most because I love reading English storybooks, and it helps me understand the world better. English is also used in many subjects, and learning it helps me watch and understand videos, cartoons, and songs.

III Read the poster given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. What are the things you can observe in the poster?

Ans: The poster shows four smiling girls sitting in a classroom. They are writing in their notebooks. The girls are wearing colourful traditional clothes and look very happy. The background text says, “The Happiness of a Nation lies in the Dignity of its Daughters.”

2. Why do you think the girls look happy?

Ans: The girls look happy because they are studying and enjoying school. They feel included and respected. Learning new things and being with friends gives them joy. They may also feel proud and hopeful about their future.

3. Dignity means ‘self-respect’. What is the relation between ‘dignity’ and ‘happiness’?

Ans: When girls are respected and treated with dignity, they feel valued and confident. This self-respect leads to happiness. Dignity gives them the freedom to grow, dream, and succeed, which brings true joy.

4. How does a Nation prosper when its daughters are happy?

Ans: A nation prospers when its daughters are happy because educated and confident girls grow up to become strong leaders, teachers, doctors, and more. They help their families and the country develop. When girls are empowered, the whole society grows stronger and more equal.

IV The Government has launched many schemes for the education of the girl child. Some of them are ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, ‘Balika Samridhi Yojana’, ‘Samagra Shiksha Scheme – Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas’, etc. Find out more such schemes from the internet or from your teacher and spread awareness in your neighbourhood.

Answer: 

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter)

• Launched: 2015
• Aim: To stop female foeticide and promote education and empowerment of the girl child.
• Focus Areas: Education, health, and protection of girls.

2. Balika Samridhi Yojana

• Launched: 1997
• Aim: To support the birth and education of girls in economically weaker families.
• Benefit: Financial support for education up to Class 10.

3. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV)

• Launched: 2004 (under Samagra Shiksha)
• Aim: To provide free residential schooling to girls from disadvantaged groups (SC/ST/OBC/minorities) in Class 6–12.

4. CBSE Udaan Scheme

• By: Central Board of Secondary Education
• Aim: To encourage girl students to take up science and engineering (Class 11–12).
• Benefits: Online resources, study material, and mentoring.

5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

• Launched: 2015
• Aim: To support the girl child’s education and marriage.
• Features: Savings account with high interest rates and tax benefits.

6. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)

• Launched: 2008
• Aim: To promote enrollment of girl students in Class 9.
• Benefit: ₹3,000 is deposited into a savings account for eligible girls.

7. Digital India Programme for Girls

• Aim: To offer digital literacy and computer training to girls in rural areas.

How You Can Spread Awareness:

• Make posters or charts explaining these schemes.
• Organize short talks or street plays in your locality.
• Distribute handouts to parents during school meetings.
• Talk to neighbours and encourage girl children to go to school.