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The Day the River Spoke Extra Question Answer Class 7 English Chapter 1
The Day the River Spoke Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Why was Jahnavi sitting by the riverbank with tears in her eyes?
Answer:
Jahnavi felt helpless because she was not allowed to go to school. Every year, her mother gave a reason to delay her education, and she started wondering if she would ever get the chance.
Question 2.
What did Jahnavi see while sitting by the river?
Answer:
She saw a kingfisher diving to catch a fish, a green lizard basking in the sun, and heard a sleepy voice speaking to her. These sights made her momentarily forget her sadness.
Question 3.
Why was Jahnavi startled when she heard the sleepy voice?
Answer:
She was sure that she was alone by the riverbank. When she suddenly heard a voice speaking to her, she became surprised and tried to find its source.
Question 4.
How did Jahnavi feel when her mother kept delaying her schooling?
Answer:
She felt disappointed and frustrated. Each time she asked, her mother made excuses, saying she was too small or needed to take care of her younger brother, Ramu.
Question 5.
What made Jahnavi realize that she was braver than she thought?
Answer:
The River reminded her that she was not afraid of the green lizard, the snake in the bamboo clump, or the big trains that rattled past the bridge. This made her understand her inner strength.
The Day the River Spoke Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Describe Jahnavi’s emotions when she sat by the river. Why did she feel helpless?
Answer:
Jahnavi was sad and frustrated beçause she wanted to go to school but was always denied the opportunity. Her mother kept postponing it, giving different excuses each year. While sitting by the river, she felt helpless, but her surroundings-the kingfisher, the lizard, and the river’s voice-distracted her momentarily.
Question 2.
What events led Jahnavi to believe she might never go to school?
Answer:
When she was younger, her mother said she was too small. Later, when she turned five, her mother asked her to take care of her baby brother, Ramu. As each year passed, new responsibilities kept her away from school. This made Jahnavi doubt if she would ever get a chance to study.
Question 3.
How did the River help Jahnavi realize she was not as fearful as she thought?
Answer:
The River reminded Jahnavi of the things she faced without fear-like the green lizard, the snake in the bamboo clump, and the big trains passing by. This made her realize that she had the courage to take the first step toward school, even if she was scared.
Question 4.
How did Jahnavi overcome her fear and hesitation?
Answer:
Despite her doubts, Jahnavi gathered courage and walked to school. Though she was nervous and hesitant at first, she was drawn to the teacher’s story. Her excitement while listening showed that she was ready to embrace learning.
Question 5.
What role did nature play in Jahnavi’s realization about herself?
Answer:
The river, the kingfisher, and the lizard were not just part of the environment; they played a role in helping Jahnavi reflect on her situation. The river’s voice encouraged her, reminding her of her bravery. Nature helped her build confidence to take the next step.
The Day the River Spoke Extract Based Questions and Answers
1. A big bright tear splashed down her nose. And another. A kingfisher swept down, its wings an arrow of blue in the sunlight. And a green lizard slithered down to the river’s edge to bask in the sun.
“Dear, dear!” said a sleepy, murmuring voice, “What’s the matter?”
Jahnavi was startled, because she was sure she had been quite alone. It couldn’t have been the lizard. And the kingfisher was up in the thicket of bamboo eating the fish it had caught. It couldn’t be the parrots, because parrots shrieked and this was such a sleepy voice. She looked around her. There wasn’t a soul in sight. She was rather scared and wanted to run away.
“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 everyday.”
Question i.
What does the description of the kingfisher and the lizard in the passage primarily suggest?
(a) The presence of various animals in the jungle.
(b) Jahnavi’s deep connection with nature.
(c) The unpredictability of wildlife movements.
(d) The contrast between animals and humans.
Answer:
(b) Jahnavi’s deep connection with nature.
Question ii.
Fill in the blanks appropriately.
The phrase A kingfisher swept down, its wings an arrow of blue in the sunlight suggests that the bird’s movement was _________ and _________ .
Answer:
swift and graceful.
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi was frightened because she saw a stranger approaching.
Answer:
False (She was scared because she heard an unfamiliar voice despite thinking she was alone.)
Question iv.
Why was Jahnavi startled after hearing the voice?
Answer:
She was surprised because she believed she was alone and couldn’t identify the source of the voice.
2. 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.”
“They won’t let me go to school,” said Jahnavi. “I asked my mother, ‘Why can’t I go to school like Ettan and Meena?’ And Mother had replied, ‘You are too small, baby. Maybe later.”‘But when she was five, little Ramu was born and Mother still said, “Maybe next year. Jahnavi, mind your little brother while I go to the fields.” Now, she was nearly ten and minding Little Appu, who was the smallest. “They don’t want me. They only … “-she stopped with a sob …
Question i.
What does Jahnavi’s conversation with the River symbolize?
(a) Her love for nature and its mysteries.
(b) Her growing frustration and longing for education.
(c) Her fear of the unknown and unfamiliar voices.
(d) Her happiness in taking care of her siblings.
Answer:
(b) Her growing frustration and longing for education.
Question ii.
Fill in the blanks appropriately.
The River saying, “I’ve got to hurry to reach the sea” could symbolize the idea that life keeps _________ and does not _________ for anyone.
Answer:
moving, wait.
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi was not allowed to go to school because she was not interested in studying.
Answer:
False (She wanted to go to school, but her responsibilities at home prevented her.)
Question iv.
How does the passage reflect Jahnavi’s feelings about her situation?
Answer:
It shows her sadness and frustration about being denied education and being expected to care for her younger siblings instead.
3. ‘I am scared to go to school. And I’m so old now, they’ll never let me go. But I want to go. I want to learn to read like Ettan and Meena.” Jahnavi called her brother ‘Ettan’. Ettan means ‘Elder brother’, but his real name was Gopi. “I want to know why spiders are yellow in yellow flowers, why bamboo trees rustle, why the moon always comes from behind the hills, never the other way, why the baby fish in the field water become frogs, why … “
“Stop!” said the River. “You make me breathless. So many whys! I can tell you where the moon goes,” the River said conspiratorially. “It goes down towards the sea. I’ve seen; it always takes the same way-over the mountains and down to the sea, like me!”
Question i.
What does Jahnavi’s list of questions suggest about her personality?
(a) She is afraid of nature and its mysteries.
(b) She is curious and eager to learn.
(c) She is uninterested in education.
(d) She prefers stories over real knowledge.
Answer:
(a) She is curious and eager to learn.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
The River saying “It goes down towards the sea. I’ve seen; it always takes the same way” suggests that the River views the moon’s movement as _________ and _________ similar to its own journey.
Answer:
predictable, unchanging
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi is hesitant to go to school because she does not want to learn.
Answer:
False (She wants to learn but is scared because she feels too old to start school.)
Question iv.
What does the River’s response to Jahnavi’s questions imply?
Answer:
It shows that the River shares wisdom in a playful and engaging way, making learning feel natural and exciting.
4. The River laughed. “You? Scared?” the River said, “when you’re not afraid of the green lizard, or of the snake in the bamboo clump, (Jahnavi startled) or the big trains rattling past that bridge.” “Trains are noisy; I prefer ships,” said the River.
Jahnavi never knew the snake lived in the bamboo clump.
“What are ships?” she asked.
“Big boats,” said the River, “so big that they can take hundreds of people, and they sail along the sea with lights that shine all night.”
Jahnavi held her breath. “Will they come here?” she asked.
“I’m afraid not,” said the River. “Too large, you know. Chandu’s catamaran is good enough for me. Chandu can take you to see a ship, someday.” “They’d never let me!” wailed Jahnavi.
“Try going to school first,” said the River. “Remember-it’s up to you!”
Question i.
What does the River’s conversation with Jahnavi about ships symbolize?
(a) The vastness of the world and opportunities beyond her village.
(b) The dangers of traveling far from home.
(c) The importance of staying in familiar surroundings.
(d) The need to listen to elders and avoid curiosity.
Answer:
(a) The vastness of the world and opportunities beyond her village.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
The River’s statement “Try going to school first. Remember-it’s up to you!” suggests that Jahnavi has the _________ to change her situation if she takes the first step.
Answer:
courage and choice
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi was excited to know that ships would come to her village.
Answer:
False (The River told her that ships were too large to come there.)
Question iv.
What does the River’s encouragement to go to school imply?
Answer:
It implies that education is the key to exploring bigger opportunities and overcoming societal restrictions.
5. Jahnavi gathered courage. The next day she reached the school, panting and out of breath and stood by the door listening while the teacher read out the lesson. It was a story about a prince called Ashoka, who became a great king. Little Appu had fallen asleep on her shoulder. She crept nearer and nearer till she was in the back row, squatting with the others on the earthen floor. Little Appu made no noise and she listened.
“Where did you spring from, little girl?” asked the teacher. “And what is your name? You’re new in my class.”
“She’s Gopi’s sister, Gopi is in the next class,” said one of the boys. “It’s Jahnavi,” said another. “So, you’re Gopi’s little sister? Nice lad, Gopi.”
“If you really, really want to come to my school, Jahnavi,” the teacher had said, “we’ll talk to your father about it. Don’t you worry. We’ll find a way.”
Question i.
What does the teacher’s response to Jahnavi’s presence in the classroom suggest?
(a) He is strict and does not want new students.
(b) He is kind and willing to support her education.
(c) He believes girls should not be allowed in school.
(d) He is indifferent and ignores her presence.
Answer:
(b) He is kind and willing to support her education.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
Jahnavi’s quiet determination to enter the school symbolizes her growing _________ and strong desire for _________.
Answer:
courage, education
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
The teacher immediately asked Jahnavi to leave the classroom.
Answer:
False (He welcomed her and offered to speak to her father about her education.)
Question iv.
What does Jahnavi’s action of sneaking into the classroom reveal about her?
Answer:
It shows her determination and willingness to take risks to gain knowledge.
6. Jahnavi saw the teacher walking up the steps to their gate the next evening when she was lighting the lamp. She could see her father scratching his cheek the way he did when he was worried and the teacher was nodding and saying something she couldn’t make out. And Mother said, “Little Jahnavi, I shall miss you when you go to school. Girls should learn as much as they want. When I was your age, I wanted to go to school, but your grandmother said ‘No’, but now, I’am glad the teacher came to talk to your father.”
Question i.
What does Jahnavi’s mother’s response reveal about societal change?
(a) It shows that traditions never change, and girls still cannot study.
(b) It highlights how past restrictions on girls’ education are slowly being challenged.
(c) It suggests that education is only important for boys.
(d) It shows that the teacher is forcing Jahnavi’s father to send her to school.
Answer:
(b) It highlights how past restrictions on girls’ education are slowly being challenged.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
Jahnavi’s mother’s words show that she once wished to _________ but was denied the opportunity by her _________ .
Answer:
study, grandmother
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi’s father was excited and immediately agreed to send her to school.
Answer:
False (He seemed worried and hesitant at first, as shown by his action of scratching his cheek.)
Question iv.
What does the teacher’s visit to Jahnavi’s home signify?
Answer:
It signifies the importance of community support in encouraging education for girls.
7. And Jahnavi said, “Mother, when I grow up, I’ll be a teacher and I’ll go from house to house in our village and ask all the little girls to come to my school. And I’ll teach them all that I’m going to learn.” And she went down the path between the fields the next morning before school began, to meet the River. “I did it!” she told the River. “I was scared, but I did it! And they’re letting me go.
I’m going to learn to write my name and do sums and find out why our little fishes in the rice fields turn into frogs.” She heard the river’s sleepy chuckle, “Come again, little girl, and I’ll tell you all about the ships that sail the sea.”
Question i.
What does Jahnavi’s dream of becoming a teacher symbolize?
(a) Her desire to impress her family.
(b) Her determination to bring change and empower other girls.
(c) Her wish to become rich and powerful.
(d) Her fear of leaving her village.
Answer:
(b) Her determination to bring change and empower other girls.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
Jahnavi’s conversation with the River reflects her excitement about learning and her newfound _________ in overcoming her _________ .
Answer:
confidence, fear
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi is hesitant about going to school and unsure if she will enjoy learning.
Answer:
False (She is excited and eager to learn new things.)
Question iv.
What does the River’s final response to Jahnavi suggest?
Answer:
immmmmIt suggests that learning is a continuous journey, and curiosity will lead her to new discoveries.
The Day the River Spoke Extra Questions for Practice
Passages for Comprehension
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
“Even little Ramu goes to school,” said Jahnavi, “pity, the school isn’t by the sea,” said the River. “Then I could take you along, you know. But, I suppose I couldn’t really. You’d get your feet wet. And that would never do! I’m afraid there’s only one thing you can do.”
“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.”
Question i.
What does the River’s advice to Jahnavi imply?
(a) It encourages her to take initiative and challenge societal norms.
(b) It warns her about the dangers of disobedience.
(c) It suggests that girls should wait for permission to go to school.
(d) It tells her to stop thinking about school and focus on household work.
Question ii.
Fill in the blank appropriately.
The River saying “Seems to me little girls can do as much as little boys” highlights the idea of and challenges traditional _______.
Question iii.
State whether the following statement is true or false.
Jahnavi believes that if she goes to school without permission, she will be welcomed immediately.
Question iv.
What does Jahnavi’s reaction to the River’s suggestion reveal about her?
Short Answer type Questions
Question 1.
What did Jahnavi do after gathering her courage?
Question 2.
How did the teacher’s story about Prince Ashoka affect Jahnavi?
Question 3.
Why did Jahnavi rule out the kingfisher, the lizard, and the parrots as the ones who spoke?
Question 4.
How did Jahnavi feel when she learned there was a snake in the bamboo clump?
Question 5.
What decision did Jahnavi make at the end of the passage?
Long Answer type Questions
Question 1.
What is the significance of the teacher’s story in Jahnavi’s journey?
Question 2.
Compare Jahnavi’s attitude at the beginning and end of the passage.
Question 3.
What lessons can we learn from Jahnavi’s story?