Class 7 English Unit 1 Short and Long Answer Questions - The Day the River Spoke

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Why does Jahnavi cry by the river?
Ans: Jahnavi cries by the river because she feels hopeless about her dream of going to school. Her family does not allow her to attend, as they expect her to stay home and care for her younger siblings. She believes she might be too old to start school and fears she will never learn about the world, like spiders, bamboo, and the moon, which makes her sad and desperate.

Q2: What does the river tell Jahnavi about girls?
Ans: The river tells Jahnavi that girls are just as capable as boys. It encourages her to believe in herself and pursue her dream of going to school. The river advises her to take a small step by quietly entering the classroom and listening, suggesting that the teacher might allow her to stay if she shows determination.

Q3: How does Jahnavi first enter the classroom?
Ans: Jahnavi, carrying her youngest brother Appu, stands shyly by the classroom door, listening to a story about King Ashoka. Feeling curious and encouraged by the river’s advice, she gradually moves inside and sits quietly at the back. Her presence is noticed by the teacher, who later learns she is Gopi’s sister.

Q4: Who supports Jahnavi’s dream at home?
Ans: Jahnavi’s mother supports her dream of going to school. When the teacher visits their home to discuss Jahnavi’s wish, her mother recalls her own unfulfilled childhood dream of studying. This connection inspires her to convince Jahnavi’s father, who is initially worried, to allow Jahnavi to join school.

Q5: What does Jahnavi want to become in the future?
Ans: Jahnavi dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. After her dream of going to school comes true, she excitedly shares with the river her desire to learn to read and write. She hopes to use her education to help other girls in her village achieve their dreams, just as she did.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: How does the magical river help Jahnavi overcome her fears?
Ans: The magical river plays a crucial role in helping Jahnavi overcome her fears by offering her kindness, encouragement, and practical advice. When Jahnavi cries by the river, feeling hopeless about never attending school, the river speaks to her in a gentle, sleepy voice, surprising her but gaining her trust. It listens patiently as she shares her dreams of learning about the world and her fear of being too old to start school. The river reassures her that girls are just as capable as boys, boosting her confidence. It suggests a simple, brave step: to walk into the classroom and listen quietly, believing the teacher might let her stay. Additionally, the river shares stories of ships and the world beyond, sparking her curiosity and giving her hope. This encouragement inspires Jahnavi to take action, leading her to enter the classroom and eventually achieve her dream of attending school. The river’s support continues as it invites her back to learn more, reinforcing her determination to pursue education and her future goals.

Q2: What challenges does Jahnavi face in pursuing her dream of going to school?
Ans: Jahnavi faces several challenges in pursuing her dream of going to school. Firstly, her family’s traditional expectations prevent her from attending, as they believe her primary role is to care for her younger siblings, a responsibility assigned because she is a girl. Her mother repeatedly postpones her education, claiming Jahnavi is either too young or needed at home, which leaves Jahnavi feeling hopeless. Secondly, Jahnavi struggles with self-doubt, fearing she might be too old to start school or incapable of learning like her brothers. This lack of confidence makes her hesitant to act on her dreams. Additionally, societal norms in her coastal village prioritise boys’ education over girls’, creating an external barrier. Despite these challenges, Jahnavi’s encounter with the magical river gives her the courage to take a bold step by entering the classroom. The teacher’s support and her mother’s eventual agreement help her overcome these obstacles, allowing her to attend school and pursue her dream of learning and becoming a teacher.

Q3: How does the teacher contribute to making Jahnavi’s dream come true?
Ans: The teacher plays a pivotal role in making Jahnavi’s dream of going to school come true through her observant and supportive actions. When Jahnavi bravely enters the classroom, carrying her brother Appu, and sits quietly at the back, the teacher notices her presence. Instead of dismissing her, she recognises Jahnavi’s curiosity and learns that she is Gopi’s sister, which connects her to an existing student. This prompts the teacher to take initiative by visiting Jahnavi’s home that evening to discuss her desire to study. During the visit, the teacher advocates for Jahnavi’s education, addressing her parents’ concerns. Her presence reassures Jahnavi’s father, who is initially worried, and inspires her mother to support Jahnavi’s wish by recalling her own unfulfilled dream of studying. The teacher’s willingness to engage with the family and her understanding of Jahnavi’s potential helped shift their perspective, leading to their agreement to let Jahnavi join school. By creating this opportunity, the teacher ensures Jahnavi can begin her educational journey, setting her on the path to achieve her dream of learning and becoming a teacher.

Q4: Why is Jahnavi’s mother’s support important for her education?
Ans: Jahnavi’s mother’s support is crucial for her education because it helps overcome the family’s initial resistance and societal barriers. Initially, her mother postpones Jahnavi’s schooling, citing her responsibilities at home and traditional expectations for girls. However, when the teacher visits their home to advocate for Jahnavi, her mother’s perspective shifts. She reflects on her own childhood dream of studying, which she could not fulfil, and this personal connection makes her empathetic to Jahnavi’s aspirations. Her mother’s support is significant because it sways Jahnavi’s father, who is hesitant due to financial and cultural concerns. By agreeing to let Jahnavi attend school, her mother challenges the village’s gender norms, ensuring Jahnavi gets the opportunity to learn. This support not only allows Jahnavi to join school but also strengthens her determination to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Her mother’s backing, combined with the teacher’s advocacy, creates a supportive environment that empowers Jahnavi to overcome obstacles and pursue education, highlighting the importance of familial encouragement in achieving dreams, especially for girls in challenging circumstances.

Q5: What lessons can we learn from Jahnavi’s story about courage and education?
Ans: Jahnavi’s story teaches valuable lessons about courage and the importance of education, particularly for girls. Firstly, it shows that courage involves taking small, bold steps toward a goal despite fear and uncertainty. Jahnavi, encouraged by the magical river, overcomes her self-doubt and societal barriers by entering the classroom, demonstrating that determination can lead to change. Secondly, the story emphasises that education is a fundamental right for everyone, including girls, who may face unique challenges due to gender norms. Jahnavi’s persistence highlights how education can empower individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to their communities, as she aspires to become a teacher to help others. Additionally, the story underscores the role of support from others, such as the river, the teacher, and her mother, in building courage and making dreams possible. It reminds us to believe in ourselves and seek allies who can help us navigate obstacles. Ultimately, Jahnavi’s journey inspires us to value education as a tool for personal growth and societal progress, encouraging us to support equal opportunities for all, especially those facing systemic barriers.