Try Again Questions Answers NCERT English Class 7

This guide provides complete Try Again Questions and Answers NCERT English Class 7, based on Unit I, Chapter II of the Poorvi Textbook of English for Grade 7 NCERT, as per the new 2025–2026 syllabus. It includes all textual questions along with extra questions and answers. These well-structured and easy-to-understand solutions help students explore the theme, characters, and moral values of the lesson. A perfect resource for exam preparation and improving comprehension of the poem’s core message.

Textual Questions Answers NCERT

Let us do these activities before we read. [Page No 16]

I Who inspires you to do your best?

Ans: I am inspired the most by my mother. She always works hard, never gives up, and supports me in every situation. Even when things get tough, she remains calm and confident. Her patience, care, and belief in me make me want to do my best every day. She teaches me that with hard work and a kind heart, we can achieve anything.

II Work in pairs, identify what you see in the pictures given below. What can we learn from them? Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans: 1. Beehive with bees
What we see: Bees working together around a beehive.
What we learn: Teamwork, cooperation, and hard work help build a successful community.

2. Spider on its web
What we see: A spider patiently building its web.
What we learn: Patience, perseverance, and not giving up even after failure.

3. Birds flying together
What we see: Birds flying in a formation.
What we learn: Unity, discipline, and how working in groups makes long journeys easier.

POORVI: Textbook of English for Grade 7 Solution

4. Bird building a nest
What we see: A bird sitting near a carefully built nest.
What we learn: Care, dedication, and preparing a safe home with love and effort.

5. Ants working together
What we see: Ants marching in a line and working together.
What we learn: Hard work, cooperation, and never giving up on a goal.

6. Apple tree with fruits
What we see: A tree full of apples.
What we learn: Nature gives us rewards if we nurture it with care and patience.

Summary of “King Bruce and the Spider” by Eliza Cook:

The poem tells the inspiring story of King Bruce of Scotland, who was feeling hopeless after failing many times to do a great task for his people. Though he was a king, he felt sad and thought of giving up. At that moment, he saw a spider trying to climb up its web. The thread was very thin and the distance was high. The spider made many brave attempts but kept falling. Still, it never gave up.

King Bruce watched as the spider tried again and again, falling each time but starting again with determination. After nine falls, the spider finally reached its web on the tenth try. This small act gave the King new hope. He realized that failure is not the end, and one should never stop trying. Encouraged by the spider’s courage, King Bruce decided to try again—and this time, he succeeded.

This poem teaches us a valuable life lesson: never give up, no matter how many times you fail. Even a tiny creature like a spider can show us the power of patience, effort, and determination. Eliza Cook beautifully connects nature with human emotions, making the message clear and touching.

Stanza 1 Summary:

King Bruce was feeling lonely and unhappy. Though he was a king with a crown, he was losing hope in his heart.

Word Notes:

• Monarch – King
• Flung – Threw
• Mood – Feeling
• Sink – Feel low/sad

Stanza 2 Summary:

He had been trying hard to do something great for his people but failed again and again, which made him very sad.

Word Notes:

• Deed – Action
• Glad – Happy
• Succeed – To be successful

Stanza 3 Summary:

In deep sorrow, he lay down and thought of giving up everything.

Word Notes:

• Despair – Hopelessness
• Pondered – Thought deeply

Stanza 4 Summary:

Just then, a spider dropped down on its silky thread. The King stopped thinking and began watching the spider.

Word Notes:

• Filmy clue – Thin thread
• Dropped – Fell
• Ceased – Stopped

Stanza 5 Summary:

The spider had a long way to go up to reach its web, and the King wondered how it could do that with such a thin thread.

Word Notes:

• Dome – Ceiling top
• Divine – Understand or guess
• Cobweb – Spider’s web

Stanza 6 Summary:

The spider tried to climb up with great effort but slipped and fell back down near the ground.

Word Notes:

• Cling – Hold tightly
• Sprawl – Fall in an uncontrolled way
• Endeavour – Effort

Stanza 7 Summary:

It started again quickly without complaining, but fell even lower and became a little dizzy.

Word Notes:

• Utter – Say
• Faint – Weak
• Complaint – Protest

Stanza 8 Summary:

The spider recovered and climbed a bit higher. It was a very thin thread and a hard path.

Word Notes:

• Delicate – Very fine
• Tread – Walk on
• Feet would tire – Hard to walk

Stanza 9 Summary:

The spider fell again but didn’t give up. It continued to try, and the King counted nine attempts.

Word Notes:

• Mounted – Climbed
• Attempts – Tries
• Brave – Courageous

Stanza 10 Summary:

The King thought the spider would finally give up after failing so many times.

Word Notes:

• Strive – Try hard
• Toils – Works hard
• Cling – Stick or hold

Stanza 11 Summary:

But the spider started once again. It was a tense moment as it was very close to its web.

Word Notes:

• Anxious – Nervous or worried
• Foot – A unit of length (12 inches)
• Win it – Succeed

Stanza 12 Summary:

The spider slowly moved upward, inch by inch, and finally made a final jump to reach its home.

Word Notes:

• Inch by inch – Slowly and steadily
• Pinch – A tough or crucial moment
• Cot – Home (here, the spider’s web)

Stanza 13 Summary:

The King was excited and praised the spider. He admired its courage and realized that he too should not lose hope.

Word Notes:

• Bravo – Well done
• Defied – Challenged
• Conquered – Won

Stanza 14 Summary:

King Bruce gained new courage and tried once more, and this time, he succeeded.

Word Notes:

• Braced – Prepared or strengthened
• Gossips – People telling the tale
• Fail – Not succeed
  

Let us discuss [Page No 19]

I Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks with suitable words from the text given in the box below. Share your answers with the teacher. An example has been given.

Ans: Word Box: tried, mounted, despair, attempts, great, conquered, low, strive

The poem, written in a narrative style, tells the story of King Bruce of Scotland, who was feeling 1. low after failing multiple times to achieve something 2. great for his people. In a moment of 3. despair, he observed a spider trying to reach its web high above. The spider 4. tried every time it fell after getting close to its goal. It made nine 5. attempts and finally succeeded. The king said that the spider had 6. conquered and so would he. Inspired by the spider’s determination, King Bruce decided to 7. strive. When he  8. mounted this time, he ultimately succeeded.

II Complete the following sentences suitably.

1. We can say that the poet uses the narrative style because  the poem tells a story in a step-by-step manner with characters and events.

2. The central idea of the poem is to never give up and keep trying till we succeed, just like the spider.

III Pick three examples from the poem for each of the following:

Ans: 

Lines that describe the spider’s efforts:

• “Up, up it ran, not a second to stay,”
• “Again it fell and swung below, But again it quickly mounted;”
• “Steadily, steadily, inch by inch, Higher and higher he got;”

2. Alliteration examples (same starting sound):

• “But down it came with a slippery sprawl”
• “Steadily, steadily”
• “Fell still lower”

IV Why does the poet repeat the following words or phrases in the poem?

Phrases: tried and tried; steadily, steadily; up, up

Ans: 

• tried and tried – to show repeated effort and determination.
• steadily, steadily – to highlight the slow but firm progress of the spider.
• up, up – to create a sense of upward struggle and continuous attempt.

This repetition emphasizes the message of perseverance.

V Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from within the brackets.

Ans: 

1. The rhyme scheme of the poem is (AABB)

2. ‘Bravo’ is an example of (interjection)

3. The poet uses ‘twas and ‘tis for the sake of (contraction)

VI The spider’s climbing is compared to King Bruce’s own struggles. Just as the spider repeatedly attempts to reach its web, Bruce is trying to achieve a great deed for his people. This poetic device is called metaphor. It strengthens the poem’s message about perseverance—keep trying till we succeed.

1. Read the following sentences and identify metaphors and similes. Write M for metaphor and S for simile.

Ans: 

(i) He ran as fast as a cheetah. — S
(ii) The world is a stage. — M
(iii) The night was as dark as coal. — S
(iv) He sang like an angel. — S
(v) Her voice was music to his ears. — M
(vi) The classroom was a zoo. — M
(vii) The baby slept like a log. — S
(viii) Her smile was as bright as the sun. — S
(ix) The lake was a mirror, reflecting the sky. — M

2. Read the following sentences and transform the similes to metaphors and metaphors to similes. Two examples have been given.

Ans: 

(i) Knowledge spreads like the branches of a mighty tree.

 Ans: Knowledge is a spreading branch of a mighty tree.

(ii) His courage was a beacon, guiding us through the storm.

 Ans: His courage was as bright as a beacon guiding us through the storm.

 Ans: His courage was like a beacon guiding us through the storm.

(iii) The book was a treasure chest, filled with endless adventures.
Ans: The book was like a treasure chest, filled with endless adventures.

(iv) Her laughter was a melody that brightened the darkest days.
Ans: Her laughter was like a melody that brightened the darkest days.

(v) The mountain stood as a guard, watching over the valley below.
Ans: The mountain was a guard, watching over the valley below.

(vi) The night was like a velvet cloak, wrapping the world in mystery.
Ans: The night was a velvet cloak, wrapping the world in mystery.

(vii) Her thoughts were like butterflies in a summer meadow.
Ans: Her thoughts were butterflies fluttering in a summer meadow.

Let us think and reflect [Page No 21]

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

1. Extract:

He flung himself down in low despair,
As grieved as man could be;
And after a while he pondered there,
“I’ll give it all up,” said he.
Now just at that moment a spider dropped,
With its silken, filmy clue;

(i) Select the phrase which shows the physical expression of the King’s emotional state.
Ans: He flung himself down in low despair

(ii) Why does the poet use the word ‘low’ before despair?
Ans: The word ‘low’ adds depth to the emotion, showing that the King had reached a deep and hopeless state of sadness.

(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
In the line, ‘And after a while he pondered there’, the word ‘pondered’ means __________.
Ans: B. thought

(iv) Choose the correct option from the words given in the brackets.
The phrase ‘silken filmy clue’ creates an image of something that is __________.
Ans:  (very delicate and soft)

2. Extract:

“…when it toils so hard to reach and cling,
And tumbles every time.”
But up the insect went once more,
Ah me! ‘tis an anxious minute;
He’s only a foot from his cobweb door,
Oh say, will he lose or win it?”

(i) Choose the correct option to complete the analogy.
toil: hard :: __________ : __________
Ans: A. roll : tumble

(ii) List any two characteristics of the spider highlighted in the line, ‘But up the insect went once more’.
Ans: Determined and persistent

(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
The expression ‘Ah me!’ in the extract indicates a sense of __________.
Ans:  B. stress

(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Readers are able to relate to this extract because
Ans: they often face failure but continue to try again, just like the spider.

II Answer the following questions.

1. How does the first stanza help in setting the mood of the poem?

Ans: The first stanza sets a sorrowful mood. Though King Bruce was a monarch and wore a crown, “his heart was beginning to sink.” He flung himself down in “low despair,” showing deep sadness. This helps us understand his emotional state before the spider appears and the tone begins to change.

2. Describe how King Bruce’s attitude changes from the beginning towards the end of the poem.

Ans: At first, King Bruce lay “in low despair” and said, “I’ll give it all up.” But after watching the spider try nine times and finally succeed, he cried, “Bravo, bravo!” and said, “He conquered, and why shouldn’t I?” His attitude changed from hopelessness to confidence and courage.

3. The poet describes every action of the spider in great detail. What does this tell us about his attitude towards the spider?

Ans: The poet observes the spider’s climb “inch by inch,” how it “tumbles every time,” and still “went once more.” This detailed focus shows admiration. He calls the spider “bold” and says it “defied despair.” The poet respects the spider’s courage, effort, and never-give-up spirit.

4. How does the spider inspire us to overcome despair and not give up?

Ans: The spider tries again and again, even after it “fell still lower” and was “a little dizzy and faint.” It finally reaches its “native cot.” This determination teaches us to keep trying despite repeated failures. Like the spider, we should “defy despair” and not give up.

5. The poem teaches us that failures are stepping stones to success. Explain.

Ans: The spider “tumbles every time” but never quits. After nine “brave attempts,” it finally succeeds. King Bruce learns from this and says, “He conquered, and why shouldn’t I?” His failure turns into success because he tries again. The poem shows that repeated failure can lead to success.

6. The spider’s journey tells us that anyone can be a source of inspiration in our lives. Elaborate.

Ans: Though small, the spider inspired a king. Its climb “inch by inch” and its brave efforts made Bruce cry, “Bravo!” and change his mind. The spider “defied despair,” and so did the king. This shows that even a tiny creature can teach great life lessons and inspire us.

Let us learn [Page No 22]

I Write the opposites of the following words taken from the poem.

1. up × down
2. fast × slow
3. glad × sad
4. win × lose
5. succeed × fail

II Choose the correct meaning of the underlined words in the following sentences from the box given below. Frame sentences of your own for these words.

Ans: 

Box of meanings:

1. endeavour – an attempt to do something new or difficult
2. toil – work very hard and/or for a long time
3. strive – to try very hard to achieve something
4. braced – prepared themselves for something difficult

(i) Please make every endeavour to arrive on time.
Meaning: An attempt to do something new or difficult
Own sentence: She made every endeavour to learn the violin before the concert.

(ii) Ants toil tirelessly to save food for rainy season.
Meaning: Work very hard and/or for a long time
Own sentence: Farmers toil day and night during harvest time.

(iii) We encourage all students to strive to do their best.
Meaning: To try very hard to achieve something
Own sentence: Rina strives to be the best swimmer in her school.

(iv) The sailors braced themselves against the strong wind.
Meaning: Prepared themselves for something difficult
Own sentence: I braced myself before stepping into the freezing water.

III The poem uses words that show distance.

For example: a long way up, inch by inch, higher and higher, half-yard higher Classify the words or phrases in the box given below based on the distance (far or near) and write in the space provided. You may take the help of a dictionary.

IV Read the following line from the poem.

‘Twas a delicate thread it had to tread,

Now repeat the lines five to six times. Are you able to say it clearly? Create more tongue twisters of your own.

Ans: 

My own tongue twisters:

1. Silly spiders spin sticky silver strands silently.
2. Brave Bruce battled big bold bees.
3. Creeping creatures climb cautiously close.
4. Ten tiny toads tiptoed towards the tunnel.
5. Peter’s pet pig painted purple pumpkins.

Let us listen [Page No 24]

I You will listen to a story about an ant. Read the questions given below and before you listen, guess the answers to these questions. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 40)

Ans: 

1. What was the ant known for?
   (i) determination

“She was known for her determination and never-give-up attitude.”

2. Why was the ant unable to take the roti home?
   (ii) It was too heavy to carry.

“The ant found a delicious piece of roti that was too big for her to carry alone.”

3. What was the bird doing?
     (iii) picking up leaves

“The bird was trying to build a nest. It picked up twigs and leaves…”

4. How did the bird make the ant feel?
   (ii) inspired

“If that bird can keep trying and succeed, then I shouldn’t give up either,” she thought, feeling inspired.

5. How did the fellow ants help?
   (iii) by joining the ant in her efforts

“She called her fellow ants for help. Together, they formed a chain and lifted the crumb…”

All answers confirmed correct based on the story.

Let us speak [Page No 25]

Narrate a personal experience about a time when you were motivated by someone or something to carry on and never give up. Your perseverance helped you. Use the following sentence prompts as a guide for your narration. Use as per your topic.

Ans: 

1. Introduction:
I remember a time when I felt like giving up. It was when I was preparing for my school’s annual spelling competition. I had failed the same competition the year before, and the fear of failure still haunted me.

2. Describe the challenge:
The challenge I faced was learning hundreds of difficult words in a short period of time. I was struggling with remembering their meanings and spellings. The problem seemed too big because others were already ahead of me and I felt I couldn’t catch up.

3. Feeling disheartened:
At first, I felt discouraged and thought about giving up because every time I tried, I made silly mistakes. I didn’t think I could succeed because I kept comparing myself to others. I felt upset and wanted to leave the competition altogether.

4. The source of motivation:
But then, I remembered the story of King Bruce and the spider, and how the spider kept trying. I also remembered the poem “Don’t Quit,” which my teacher had once read to us. These stories inspired me to keep going and not give up.

5. Taking action:
After feeling inspired, I decided to make a plan. I gathered my strength and started practicing every day with focus. I asked my elder sister to quiz me regularly, and she happily helped.

6. The result:
In the end, I was able to participate confidently. Thanks to standing firm and never giving up, I achieved second place in the spelling competition. I felt proud because I had overcome my fear.

7. Reflection:
This experience taught me that even when things seem hard, we must keep trying. I learned that perseverance is the key to success. Now, I always remember to believe in myself. The lesson I learnt from this is: failure is just the first step to success.

Let us write [Page No 26]

King Bruce was inspired by the spider that kept on trying till it was successful. Think about the steps you can take to overcome a difficult situation and write them down.

Now, write a letter to your cousin on how you plan to overcome any difficult situation. Also, advise not to quit and persevere.

Remember to use transition words like ‘To begin with…,’ ‘Next…,’ ‘After that…,’ ‘Then…,’ ‘Finally…,’ to share the steps of your plan.

Ans: 

Step 1: Think and Write – Steps to Overcome a Difficult Situation

Inspired by King Bruce and the spider, here are the steps I would take to overcome a difficult situation:

• To begin with, I will stay calm and not panic so that I can think clearly.
• Next, I will try to understand the problem fully and break it into smaller parts.
• After that, I will make a step-by-step plan to solve each part.
• Then, I will ask for help or advice from someone I trust, like a parent, teacher, or friend.
• Finally, I will keep trying without giving up, learning from my mistakes along the way.

Step 2: Letter Writing

20, Rajendra Nagar
Jeevanpur
23 August 20XX

Dear Monika,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you how I plan to overcome any difficult situation in life and to share a valuable lesson I recently learned.

We read the poem “King Bruce and the Spider” in school. It was very inspiring. Just like the spider tried nine times and finally succeeded, I have made a plan to face challenges in my life.

To begin with, I will stay calm whenever I face a problem and not lose hope.
Next, I will try to understand the difficulty and break it into smaller tasks.
After that, I will prepare a plan and set goals.
Then, I will take help from those around me if needed.
Finally, I will keep trying until I succeed, no matter how many times I fail.

This story taught me that success comes through hard work and patience. So, dear Monika, I want to tell you—never give up. Believe in yourself and keep trying. Remember, failure is not the end.

Take care and write back soon!

Yours affectionately,
Deepa

Let us explore [Page No 26]

I Collect folk songs in your own language that connect us with nature and compile them as a class project.

Ans: 

As part of a class project, collect folk songs in your own language that speak about nature, seasons, animals, or plants. These songs often show the deep bond between human life and nature. Compile them with your classmates into a folder or notebook. You may also include English translations or summaries for better understanding.

II Did you know that spiders are not insects? They belong to a group called the arachnids. Observe a spider and an ant from a distance and note down the differences between them. Share your observations with your classmates. Ask your Science teacher for more information to know about spiders better.

Ans: 

Spider vs. Ant: An Observation Activity

Did you know? Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, while ants are insects.

Task:
Observe a spider and an ant from a safe distance and note down at least 3 differences between them. You may ask your Science teacher to help you understand more.

III Let us learn how to weave a spider web.

1. Take three sticks (each about eight inches long) and a roll of old wool.

2. Tie the sticks together in the centre with the wool (Fig. 1).

3. Start weaving the web by putting a loop around every stick (Figs. 2 and 3).

4. Complete the web and tie the thread in a knot on the stick where the web is complete (Fig. 4).

Now decorate it with words and phrases you learnt about the spider in the poem or anything else that you like.

Ans: 

How to Weave a Spider Web

Materials Needed:

• 3 sticks (each about 8 inches long)
• A roll of old wool or yarn
• Scissors (optional, for cutting yarn)

Steps to Make the Spider Web:

Step 1 (Fig. 1):
Take three sticks and tie them tightly together at the center using the wool. Spread them out so they look like a star with six spokes.

Step 2 (Fig. 2):
Start looping the yarn around each stick in a circular pattern. Go around the sticks, one after the other, pulling the yarn tight as you move outward.

Step 3 (Fig. 3):
Continue looping the yarn around each stick carefully. This will form the spiral structure of the web. Adjust the spacing to make the web neat and even.

Step 4 (Fig. 4):
Once the web is complete, tie a knot on the last stick to secure the yarn. Trim any extra thread.

Decorate Your Web

Now that your web is ready, decorate it with inspiring words and phrases from the poem or from your own thoughts. Here are some ideas:

From the poem:

• “Try again”
• “Defied despair”
• “Nine brave attempts”
• “Bold little run”
• “Never give up”
• “Conquered”
• “Strive to climb”

You can write these phrases on small paper strips and paste them on the threads of the web or hang them around the edges.