Textbook Exercise with Solutions: The Quest for El Dorado | Class 7 English Oxford PDF Download

Reading 1

Q1. On the basis of your understanding of the text, tick the most suitable option.

a.
Ans: seek gold and other riches that lay hidden.

b.
Ans: out of fear and for temptation of gifts.

c.
Ans: stories about El Dorado will continue to interest readers.

Q2: Answer the following questions briefly.
a.
Ans: The explorers were lured by the promise of wealth beyond measure and the tales of the mythical city of gold, El Dorado, in South America.

b. 
Ans: A charismatic and influential individual would announce his intention to go forth in search of the fabled wealth of El Dorado and Europeans, mostly Spaniards, would sign up, bringing their own armour, weapons and horses.

c. 
Ans: The explorers faced numerous difficulties such as illnesses, desertion, attacks, braving mosquito-infested swamps, angry natives, blazing heat on the plains, flooded rivers and dangerous mountain passes

d. 
Ans: Antonio de Berrio was forced to give up his search due to the difficult and exhausting route, hostility of the natives, and many of the men and horses dying or being slain.

e. 
Ans: Berrio faced difficulties such as a hostile native population and a difficult and exhausting route which resulted in many men and horses dying or being slain.

f. 
Ans: Berrio treated Raleigh with every courtesy, talking freely about his expedition and giving Raleigh a good deal of very useful information.

g. 
Ans: Walter Raleigh faced difficulties such as stormy weather, a maze of waterways, oppressive tropical heat and tough negotiations with the natives.

h. 
Ans: Raleigh won over the natives by using gentleness and kindness. He gave them gifts and kind words, which induced them to guide the voyagers past the obstacles.

Reading 2

Answer the following questions.

Q1.
Ans: This answer may be subjective and based on personal opinion. Some may argue it was a wise decision as it led to the exploration and discovery of new lands, while others may argue that it was unwise due to the hardships faced and the fact that El Dorado was never found.

Q2.
Ans: People likely undertook these journeys due to the promise of wealth and the lure of adventure. They may also have been motivated by a desire for fame or the opportunity to make a significant discovery.

Q3.
Ans: Raleigh described the country as beautiful with hills over the valleys, the river winding into diverse branches, plains adjoining all green grass without bush or stubble, the ground of hard sand, birds singing on every tree with a thousand sweet tunes and a gentle, easterly wind.

Q4.
Ans: This answer may be subjective and based on personal opinion. Some may argue that El Dorado exists in the form of the natural beauty and resources discovered. Others may argue that it does not exist as no city of gold was ever found.