Important Questions: The Tunnel | English Poorvi Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

Q.1. Why did Suraj wait near the railway embankment?
A. To catch a train
B. To watch the steam engine
C. To meet Sunder Singh
D. To explore the jungle
Ans: B. To watch the steam engine
 Suraj waited to see the train emerge from the tunnel.

Q.2. What animal did Suraj think he saw after exiting the tunnel?
A. A tiger
B. A leopard
C. A fox
D. A deer
Ans: B. A leopard
Suraj saw something move quickly, later confirmed as a leopard.

Q.3. How did Suraj know the train was approaching the tunnel?
A. He saw its lights
B. He heard its whistle
C. He felt the rails tremble
D. He saw smoke rising
Ans: B. He heard its whistle
 A shrill whistle signaled the train’s approach.

Q.4. What did Sunder Singh claim about the tunnel?
A. It was damp and sticky
B. He lent it to the Government
C. It belonged to the jungle
D. He built it himself
Ans: B. He lent it to the Government
 Sunder Singh humorously claimed ownership of the tunnel.

Q.5. What sound alerted Suraj and Sunder Singh to the leopard in the tunnel?
A. A loud roar
B. A rustle of leaves
C. A sawing sound
D. A barking cry
Ans: C. A sawing sound
The rhythmic sawing sound indicated the leopard’s presence.

Q.6. Why did Sunder Singh take an axe into the tunnel?
A. To attack the leopard
B. To be cautious
C. To cut branches
D. To signal the train
Ans: B. To be cautious
Sunder Singh took the axe as a precaution, despite trusting the leopard.

Q.7. How did Suraj know Sunder Singh was at the tunnel during the night train journey?
A. He saw his lamp
B. He heard his shout
C. He saw his hut
D. He felt the rails hum
Ans: A. He saw his lamp
 The lamp’s light indicated Sunder Singh’s presence.

Q.8. Why did Suraj walk through the tunnel after the train passed?
Ans: Suraj walked through the tunnel after the train passed because he was curious to know what it was like inside, wanting to experience the dark, smoky environment and satisfy his adventurous spirit by exploring it firsthand.

Q.9. What did Sunder Singh say about the safety of the jungle compared to the town?
Ans: Sunder Singh said the jungle was safer than the town, explaining that nothing harmed him in the jungle, but he was nearly run over by a bus when he visited the town, showing his comfort with jungle life.

Q.10. How did Suraj and Sunder Singh drive the leopard out of the tunnel?
Ans: Suraj and Sunder Singh drove the leopard out of the tunnel by shouting together loudly, their voices echoing through the tunnel, causing the leopard, uncertain of how many people were there, to turn swiftly and flee into the darkness.

Q.11. Why was Suraj’s father taking him to Delhi?
Ans: Suraj’s father was taking him to Delhi on a business trip, wanting Suraj to learn about his business, as he was concerned about Suraj’s frequent wanderings and hoped to engage him in something productive.

Q.12. How did Suraj’s encounter with the steam engine reflect his adventurous nature?
Ans: Suraj’s encounter with the steam engine highlights his adventurous nature through his determination to witness and explore it. He cycled from town, took a jungle path to a village, left his cycle, and walked over a scrub-covered hill to reach the tunnel’s exit, all to watch the steam engine roar out like a green, black, and gold dragon. The heat waves and sparks didn’t deter him; instead, he stepped back instinctively but stayed fascinated, comparing the train to a beautiful monster from his dreams. His curiosity led him to walk through the dark, smoky tunnel afterward, despite its pitch darkness, to understand its interior, showing his bold desire to experience new and thrilling things firsthand, driven by a sense of wonder and exploration.

Q.13. How did Sunder Singh’s familiarity with the jungle shape his actions with the leopard?
Ans: Sunder Singh’s familiarity with the jungle shaped his calm and confident actions when dealing with the leopard. Having lived near the tunnel for many years, he was accustomed to its sounds and wildlife, recognizing the leopard’s sawing sound immediately. He confidently stated that the leopard, which visited the range monthly, knew him and wouldn’t harm them, reflecting his deep understanding of the animal’s behavior. Despite this, he cautiously took an axe, showing practical awareness of the jungle’s unpredictability. He entered the tunnel, shouting loudly to scare the leopard away without intending to harm it, and reassured Suraj to stay close, demonstrating his protective yet composed approach, rooted in his long experience living harmoniously with the jungle’s creatures.

Q.14. How did the friendship between Suraj and Sunder Singh develop during their time together?
Ans: The friendship between Suraj and Sunder Singh developed through shared moments and mutual respect during their time near the tunnel. Suraj, drawn by his love for adventure, met Sunder Singh after exploring the tunnel and was curious about the watchman’s life. Sunder Singh welcomed Suraj warmly, sharing tea and stories about the tunnel and its leopard, creating a bond over their interest in the jungle. When Suraj returned to watch the night mail, Sunder Singh’s invitation to sit together and his promise to guide him home safely showed care and trust. Their joint effort to drive the leopard out, with Sunder Singh leading confidently and Suraj following bravely, deepened their connection, built on shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for the jungle’s mysteries.

Q.15. How does the description of the jungle setting enhance the adventurous mood?
Ans: The description of the jungle setting enhances the adventurous mood by creating a vivid, thrilling atmosphere filled with mystery and excitement. The jungle is described as still and silent at noon, with heat waves shimmering along the railway embankment, setting a tense, expectant tone as Suraj waits for the train. The tall evergreen trees and scrub-covered hill add a sense of wildness, while the tunnel’s dark, damp interior, filled with smoke and bats, evokes danger and curiosity, amplifying Suraj’s bold exploration. At night, the jungle comes alive with sounds like the barking deer’s call, a fox’s cry, and the nightjar’s quaint tonk-tonk, making it feel like a living, breathing entity. The rustle of leaves and creaking trees, as if they were stretching their limbs, add an eerie, adventurous vibe, heightening the suspense when Suraj and Sunder Singh confront the leopard, making every moment feel like a daring journey into the unknown.