CBSE Class 7 English The Choice Worksheet

Extracts :-

Question 1. "They were landing and the great thrust pressed like magnetism on their bodies".
a) Whom does the word 'they' refer to? Who were they and give their names.
Answer: The word 'they' refers to the two space travelers. They were astronauts named Captain Mark Brandon and Willis.
In simple words: The word 'they' refers to Brandon and Willis who landed on an unknown planet.

Exam Tip: Always remember the main character names and their roles when answering reference-to-context questions from science fiction stories.

Question 1(b). Where were they coming from and where were they landing?
Answer: They were coming from Earth in their spacecraft and were landing on a strange, distant, and deserted planet.
In simple words: They traveled from Earth and landed on an uninhabited planet.

Exam Tip: Mention both the point of origin (Earth) and the destination to secure full marks.

Question 1(c). Why did they feel the magnetic pressure on their bodies?
Answer: They felt the magnetic pressure on their bodies due to the intense gravitational pull and magnetic forces experienced during the rapid deceleration and landing of their spacecraft on the foreign planet.
In simple words: The strong magnetic pull of the strange planet created a heavy pressure feeling on them.

Exam Tip: Connect the physical sensation described in the extract to the gravitational or magnetic environment of the alien world.

Question 2. "Between two hills a deserted city, Crumbling and overgrown, patterned".
a) Who visited the deserted city?
Answer: Captain Mark Brandon and Willis visited the deserted city during their exploration of the planet.
In simple words: The two space travelers, Brandon and Willis, visited the ruined city.

Exam Tip: Keep your answers precise by naming the exact characters involved in the scene.

Question 2(b). Why was the city deserted?
Answer: The city was deserted because the alien civilization that once inhabited it had either abandoned it or perished long ago, leaving behind only ruins and overgrown vegetation.
In simple words: No one lived there anymore because the original inhabitants had gone or died out ages ago.

Exam Tip: Highlight the themes of desolation and the passage of time when discussing ruined civilizations in literature.

Question 2(c). Give the meanings of (i) Crumbling (ii) Patterned
Answer: (i) Crumbling means breaking or falling apart into small fragments, usually due to age or decay.
(ii) Patterned means arranged or formed according to a definite design, plan, or regular arrangement.
In simple words: Crumbling means falling apart into pieces, and patterned means decorated with a design.

Question 3. "------------The dials on a Blue screen indicated No human life present".
a) Where were these dials?
Answer: These dials were on the control panel inside the spacecraft or monitoring equipment used by the astronauts.
In simple words: The dials were part of the control dashboard inside their spaceship.

Exam Tip: Identify the setting and equipment accurately based on sci-fi story details.

Question 3(b). Why was there no human life present?
Answer: There was no human life present because the planet was located far away from Earth in a distant solar system where humans had never settled before.
In simple words: Humans had never lived on this distant alien planet.

Exam Tip: Ensure your explanation reflects the outer-space setting of the narrative.

Question 3(c). Name the poet of the poem 'The Choice'.
Answer: The story/poem 'The Choice' is authored by Robert Swindells (or studied as a prose/play adaptation in curriculum units reflecting futuristic themes; note that the author of the core text is Robert Swindells).
In simple words: The author of 'The Choice' is Robert Swindells.

Exam Tip: Memorize author and poet names for all syllabus chapters and poems.

LITERATURE EXTRACTS

Question 1. "He should be snarling around houses / At the jungles edge, / Baring his white fangs, his claw / Terrorising the village"
a) What according to the poet the tiger should be doing in the jungle's edge?
Answer: According to the poet, the tiger should be lurking near the edge of the jungle, snarling around houses, showing his white fangs and claws, and terrifying the villagers.
In simple words: The tiger should roam freely near the jungle border and scare villagers.

Exam Tip: Reference specific details like fangs, claws, and snarling from the stanza.

Question 1(b). Why can't he do all the things which he should be doing?
Answer: He cannot do these things because he is locked behind bars in a concrete cell of a zoo, where his freedom and natural instincts are restricted.
In simple words: He is trapped inside a zoo cage, so he cannot roam or scare anyone.

Exam Tip: Contrast the natural habitat of the tiger with his imprisoned reality in the zoo.

Question 1(c). Name the poet and the poem?
Answer: The poem is 'A Tiger in the Zoo' and the poet is Leslie Norris.
In simple words: The poem is written by Leslie Norris.

Exam Tip: Always state both the poem title and poet name clearly when asked.

Question 2. "He stalks in his vivid stripes / The few steps of his cage"
a) What do you mean by stalks?
Answer: In this context, 'stalks' means to walk in a proud, stately, and quiet manner, pacing back and forth within a restricted area.
In simple words: Stalks means walking proudly and quietly in measured steps.

Exam Tip: Define vocabulary words by considering their specific poetic context.

Question 2(b). Why does the poet use few steps of his cage?
Answer: The poet uses the phrase 'few steps of his cage' to emphasize how cramped and small the prison enclosure is, contrasting the tiger's immense natural power with his helpless confinement.
In simple words: It shows that the cage is so tiny that the tiger can only take a few steps across it.

Exam Tip: Explain the poetic device or imagery used to highlight the theme of captivity.

Question 3. "Yes I have a small place there, a house and a little farm that I look after".
a) Was the speaker telling the truth?
Answer: No, the speaker was not telling the truth; he was making up stories or exaggerating to impress others or conceal his true identity.
In simple words: No, the speaker was lying.

Exam Tip: Understand character motivations and honesty when analyzing narrative dialogue.

Question 3(b). Why did the speaker say so?
Answer: The speaker said this to present a simple, peaceful picture of rural life and to mislead the listener about his actual circumstances or background.
In simple words: He said it to create a false impression of living a quiet farming life.

Exam Tip: Focus on the underlying intent behind deceptive statements in stories.

Question 3(c). Did he achieve his target?
Answer: Depending on the specific narrative context, his deceit was eventually uncovered or failed to secure his ultimate objective as the truth came to light.
In simple words: No, his deception did not succeed in the end.

Exam Tip: Summarize the outcome of character plots clearly.

Question 4. "She's a little dirty"
a) Whom does 'she' refer to?
Answer: 'She' refers to the character or object being discussed in the lesson, such as a young girl or a specific subject of the conversation like Chaambali.
In simple words: 'She' refers to the young girl in the story.

Question 4(b). What does her name mean?
Answer: Her name (such as Chaambali) typically holds cultural or floral significance, often referring to a jasmine flower or a delicate blossom.
In simple words: Her name usually means a sweet-scented flower like jasmine.

Exam Tip: Note word meanings and cultural significances of character names in regional literature.

Question 4(c). Why is she dirty?
Answer: She is dirty because she works hard, plays in natural surroundings, or comes from a humble background without access to luxurious comforts.
In simple words: She is dusty and unkempt from playing or working outside.

Exam Tip: Relate physical appearance descriptions to the character's lifestyle and background.

Question 5. "That was hours ago. You're so slow, how will my work ever get done on time?"
a) Who said and to whom?
Answer: This was said by an impatient employer, master, or elder character to a helper, servant, or younger companion.
In simple words: One character scolded another for being slow at work.

Exam Tip: Identify speaker-listener dynamics accurately in dialogue questions.

Question 5(b). What work was assigned?
Answer: Household chores, daily errands, or specific tasks required by the master were assigned to the worker.
In simple words: Routine household chores or daily tasks were given to be completed.

Exam Tip: Mention the specific duties mentioned in the chapter plot.

Question 5(c). Name the lesson and the author?
Answer: The lesson is 'Chaambali' (or the corresponding chapter from the syllabus) and is written by the prescribed textbook author.
In simple words: The lesson is 'Chaambali'.

Exam Tip: Always learn lesson titles alongside their central themes.

Question 6. "Don't worry, I'll hide. Amma won't catch me".
a) Who said and to whom?
Answer: This was said by a child (or a playful character like Chaambali) to another companion or to themselves while trying to escape scolding.
In simple words: A child said this to avoid being caught by Amma.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to familial relationships and nicknames in stories.

Question 6(b). Where was the speaker when he was saying so?
Answer: The speaker was hiding in a corner, behind furniture, or outdoors near the house to stay away from Amma's sight.
In simple words: The speaker was hiding somewhere inside or around the house.

Exam Tip: Visualize the scene to describe character locations correctly.

Question 6(c). Why does the speaker say so?
Answer: The speaker says this because she has either avoided work or gotten into mischief and wants to escape punishment or scolding from Amma.
In simple words: The speaker wants to hide so she doesn't get scolded for avoiding work.

Exam Tip: Connect character actions to their immediate consequences in the plot.

Question 7. "Don't worry about anything .......... just sleep".
a) Who said and to whom?
Answer: This was said by a caring character (such as Pari or an elder) to comfort someone who was tired or distressed.
In simple words: One character comforted another asking them to rest peacefully.

Exam Tip: Identify comforting dialogue and the emotional tone of the characters.

Question 7(b). Why does the speaker say so?
Answer: The speaker says so to soothe anxieties, offer reassurance, and help the listener find peace and rest after a hard day.
In simple words: The speaker wanted to calm the other person's worries and help them sleep.

Exam Tip: Highlight empathy and compassion as key traits in such narrative moments.

Question 7(c). Does the speaker help her? Explain.
Answer: Yes, the speaker helps her by offering emotional support, guidance, or taking away her burdens so she can find comfort and relief.
In simple words: Yes, the speaker provides comfort and helps ease her worries.

Exam Tip: Support your explanation with examples of assistance from the text.

Answer the following questions:

Question 1. The tiger is an enormously strong animal. Can he use his strength in the cage? Why/Why not?
Answer: No, the tiger cannot use his strength inside the cage. He is confined behind iron bars within a very small space, which renders his natural power useless. His strength is locked behind bars, and he can only pace helplessly in his restricted enclosure.
In simple words: No, he cannot use his power because the tiny cage restricts all his movements.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the irony of a powerful beast being rendered helpless in captivity.

Question 2. Develop the character sketch of Rajkumar, Amma Chaambali Moti and Lambi from the lesson 'Chaambali'.
Answer: Rajkumar is depicted as a prince or key figure seeking genuine qualities; Amma is the stern yet caring parental figure managing the household; Chaambali is a spirited, free-spirited, and simple girl with natural charm; Moti and Lambi are supporting characters adding depth, humor, and contrast to the domestic setup of the story.
In simple words: Rajkumar is a noble seeker, Amma is a strict guardian, and Chaambali is a lively, simple girl along with supporting characters Moti and Lambi.

Exam Tip: Structure character sketches with traits, roles, and their significance in the plot.

Question 3. "What kind of girl are you looking for?". Write a paragraph on the explanation given by the person when asked this question.
Answer: When asked this question, the character explains that he is not looking for outward glamour, artificial sophistication, or superficial wealth. Instead, he values a girl who possesses genuine innocence, purity of heart, a connection with nature, and simplicity-someone who is untainted by worldly pretences and lives truthfully.
In simple words: He explains that he wants a girl who is simple, pure-hearted, and natural rather than someone artificial or boastful.

Exam Tip: Focus on inner beauty and simplicity as core values in moral-based literature questions.

Question 4. Imagine you are the Pari from the lesson 'Chaambali'. Make a Diary Entry for the day, when you decided and made a decision to retire to your little cottage in the country.
Answer:
Day: Wednesday
Date: [Current Date]
Time: 9:00 PM
Dear Diary,
Today has been a turning point in my life. The noise, rush, and superficiality of city life had grown too exhausting. I finally made the firm decision to leave all this behind and retire to my quiet little cottage in the country. Surrounded by green fields, fresh air, and peace, my soul feels lighter. I look forward to tending my garden and living a calm, meaningful life.
- Pari
In simple words: A diary entry expressing the relief and joy of leaving the noisy city for a peaceful country cottage.

Exam Tip: Maintain a personal, reflective tone and follow the standard diary entry format with date and signature.