Sample Question Paper Class 7 English Set 1 (Solutions)

Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 Hours
General Instructions:
1. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper is divided into three sections.
3. Section A: Reading, Section B: Writing and Grammar, Section C: Literature.

Section A

Q1. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The sun had just risen over the small village of Sundarpur, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The air was crisp, and the distant peaks shimmered under a blanket of snow. The villagers, simple folk who lived in harmony with nature, were preparing for their annual festival, the Festival of Lights. This event was not just a celebration but a tribute to their ancestors, who, according to legend, had saved the village from a great flood centuries ago. The story went that the river, swollen with monsoon rains, had threatened to wash away Sundarpur. The villagers, led by a wise woman named Tara, worked tirelessly to build a dam using stones and logs. Their unity and determination turned the river's wrath into a gentle flow, saving their homes. Every year, the festival began with a ritual by the riverbank, where lamps were lit and floated on leaf boats, carrying prayers for prosperity.
This year, young Arjun, a curious boy of twelve, was chosen to lead the lamp-lighting ceremony. He was nervous but excited, for it was a great honor. His grandmother, who had told him countless stories of Tara's bravery, had prepared him for this moment. Arjun spent days crafting his leaf boat, ensuring it was sturdy enough to carry the lamp. The village elders had arranged for a community feast, with musicians playing traditional tunes and children performing a play about Tara's heroism. The preparations were meticulous: the riverbank was cleaned, lanterns were hung, and sweets were made in every household. Arjun's best friend, Meera, helped him practice his speech, though she teased him about his shaky voice.
On the festival day, the village buzzed with activity. The air was filled with the scent of jasmine and the sound of laughter. As dusk fell, Arjun stood by the river, holding his leaf boat. The crowd grew silent as he lit the lamp and set it afloat. The tiny flame flickered but held steady, gliding across the water. The villagers cheered, believing the river accepted their prayers. Meera whispered to Arjun that Tara would be proud. That night, under a starlit sky, the village danced and sang, united in their shared history and hope for the future. The festival reminded them that courage and unity could overcome any challenge, just as Tara had shown long ago.

(i) Why did the villagers of Sundarpur celebrate the Festival of Lights? (1 mark)

Ans: The villagers celebrated the Festival of Lights to pay tribute to their ancestors who saved the village from a flood.

(ii) What role did Tara play in the village's history? (1 mark)

Ans: Tara led the villagers to build a dam, turning the river's wrath into a gentle flow, saving Sundarpur.

(iii) How did Arjun prepare for the lamp-lighting ceremony? (2 marks)

Ans: Arjun crafted a sturdy leaf boat and practiced his speech for the lamp-lighting ceremony.

(iv) Who was Meera, and how did she assist Arjun? (2 marks)

Ans: Meera was Arjun's best friend; she helped him practice his speech for the ceremony

(v) What was the significance of the leaf boats in the festival? (1 mark)

Ans: Leaf boats carried lamps with prayers for prosperity during the festival.

(vi) Why did the villagers cheer when Arjun's lamp floated steadily? (1 mark)

Ans: The villagers cheered because they believed the river accepted their prayers.

(vii)  What lesson did the festival teach the villagers? (1 mark)

Ans: The festival taught that courage and unity can overcome challenges

(viii) Why was Arjun nervous about leading the ceremony? (1 mark)

Ans: Arjun was nervous because leading the ceremony was a great honor.

(ix) Find synonyms for the following words/phrases: (2 marks)
(a) Careful and thorough (para 2)
(b) Anger or fury (para 1)

Ans: (a) Meticulous     
(b) Wrath 

Q2. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (8M)
Bees are tiny marvels of nature, tirelessly working to sustain life on Earth. A single beehive can house thousands of bees, each with a specific role. Worker bees, all female, collect nectar and pollen from flowers, which they transform into honey. This honey not only feeds the hive but also supports humans, who have valued it for centuries as food and medicine. The queen bee lays eggs, ensuring the colony's survival, while male drones help in reproduction. Bees communicate through a unique dance, signaling the location of flowers to their hive mates. Their pollination is vital, helping plants produce fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Without bees, many crops would fail, threatening food supplies. Sadly, bees face dangers like pesticides and habitat loss. Farmers and scientists are now planting wildflowers and reducing chemical use to protect them. Every small effort counts to save these crucial pollinators.
(i) What is the primary role of worker bees? (1 mark)
(a) Lay eggs
(b) Protect the hive
(c) Collect nectar and pollen
(d) Communicate with other hives

Ans: (c)

(ii) Who ensures the colony's survival by laying eggs? (1 mark)
(a) Worker bees
(b) Queen bee
(c) Drones
(d) All bees

Ans: (b)

(iii) What is the purpose of the bees' dance? (1 mark)
(a) To entertain the hive
(b) To signal food locations
(c) To attract mates
(d) To scare predators

Ans: (b)

(iv) Why are bees vital to plants? (1 mark)
(a) They protect plants
(b) They pollinate plants
(c) They eat plant pests
(d) They water plants

Ans: (b)

(v) What is one threat to bees mentioned in the passage? (1 mark)
(a) Overpopulation
(b) Pesticides
(c) Cold weather
(d) Lack of water

Ans: (b)

(vi) What does the word "marvels" mean in the passage? (1 mark)
(a) Wonders
(b) Workers
(c) Dangers
(d) Leaders

Ans: (a)

(vii) The opposite of "sustain" is: (1 mark)
(a) Support
(b) Destroy
(c) Build
(d) Create

Ans: (b)

(viii) Which word in the passage means the same as "essential"? (1 mark)
(a) Crucial
(b) Tiny
(c) Unique
(d) Valued

Ans: (a)

Section B

Q1. You are Priya/Pranav, Cultural Secretary of Green Valley School, Shimla. Write a notice in about 50 words to inform students of classes VI to X about an Inter-House Poetry Recitation Competition. Include all necessary details. (4 marks)

Ans: GREEN VALLEY SCHOOL, SHIMLA
NOTICE
10th June 2025
Inter-House Poetry Recitation Competition
Students of classes VI to X are informed that an Inter-House Poetry Recitation Competi- tion will be held on 20th June 2025 at 10 AM in the school auditorium. Themes: Nature and Courage. Register with your House Captain by 15th June.
Priya, Cultural Secretary

Q2. Write a letter in about 100-120 words to your friend inviting him/her to your brother's birthday celebration. Mention the details of the event. (5 marks)

Ans: Dear Rohan,
I hope you're well! I'm excited to invite you to my brother's birthday celebration on 25th June 2025 at our home, 123 Hill View, Shimla, at 6 PM. The party includes a cake- cutting, games, and dinner. Please come and make it special!
Yours,
Deepak

Q3. Write an article in about 120-140 words on the topic "Importance of Saving Water." (6 marks)

Ans: Importance of Saving Water
Water is life's essence, yet it's becoming scarce due to overuse and pollution. Saving water ensures future availability, supports agriculture, and preserves ecosystems. Simple steps like fixing leaks, using buckets for washing, and collecting rainwater can make a difference. Schools should educate students, and governments must promote conservation policies. Let's act now to save water for a sustainable future.

Q4. Change the following sentences to passive voice. (3 marks)

• Neha painted the house beautifully.
• The chef is cooking a delicious meal.
• Did the children complete the project?

Ans: 

• The house was painted beautifully by Neha.
• A delicious meal is being cooked by the chef.
• Was the project completed by the children?

Q5. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets. (3 marks)

• Riya ........................ (not enjoy) spicy food.
• The boys ........................ (play) football when it started raining.
• ................ you ................ (visit) the museum yesterday?

Ans: 

• does not enjoy
• were playing
• Did ... visit

Q6. Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions. (3 marks)

• I will not go out .............. it stops raining.
• She studied hard .............. she could pass the exam.
• Save money .............. you will regret it later.

Ans: 

• unless
• so that
• or

Q7. Fill in the blanks with suitable adverbs. (3 marks)

• The team worked .............. to meet the deadline.
• She speaks .............. during presentations.
• I .............. visit my grandparents on weekends.

Ans: 

• quickly
• confidently
• often

Q8. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles (a, an, the). (3 marks)

• He is .............. honest man.
• Where is .............. Taj Mahal located?
• This is .............. interesting book.

Ans: 

• an
• the
• an

Section C

Q1. Answer the following questions briefly in 30-40 words. (2M × 5 = 10 marks) 

(i) What lesson does the poem "Try Again" teach about perseverance? 

Ans: "Try Again" teaches that perseverance helps overcome failures through repeated efforts.

(ii) How does the river help the village in "The Day the River Spoke"?

Ans: The river in "The Day the River Spoke" provides water and wisdom, guiding the village.

(iii) What challenges did the narrator face in "Conquering the Summit"?

Ans: In "Conquering the Summit," the narrator faced harsh weather and physical exhaustion.

(iv) Describe the main characteristics of Dr. Dolittle in "Dr. Dolittle."

Ans: Dr. Dolittle is kind, animal-loving, and communicates with creatures.

(v) How does the poet express love for soldiers in "My Dear Soldiers"?

Ans: In "My Dear Soldiers," the poet expresses gratitude and admiration for soldiers' sacrifices. 

Q2. Answer the following question in 80-100 words. (5 marks)
How does the poet convey the importance of direction in "North, South, East, West"? What is the central message of the poem?

Ans: The poem "North, South, East, West" uses directions as metaphors for life's choices, emphasizing guidance and purpose. The central message is to find one's path with de- termination.

Q3. Read the given extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. (4 marks)
"If you fall, get up and try again, / The path to success is never plain."

(i) What is the main advice given in the extract from "Try Again"?

Ans: Get up after falling and keep trying.

(ii) What does the poet mean by "never plain"?

Ans: The path to success is not easy.

(iii) What is the title of the poem?

Ans: Try Again

(iv) Who is the poet of "Try Again"?

Ans: William Edward Hickson

Q4. Read the given extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. (5 marks)
"The river spoke to me last night, / It whispered secrets of the light."
(i) Who is the speaker in this extract from "The Day the River Spoke"? 
(a) The poet 
(b) The river 
(c) A villager
(d) A child 

Ans: (d)

(ii) What did the river communicate to the speaker? 
(a) Warnings 
(b) Secrets of light 
(c) Stories of fish 
(d) Songs

Ans: (b)

(iii) What is the title of the poem? 
(a) Paper Boats 
(b) The Day the River Spoke 
(c) Try Again 
(d) Animals 

​Ans: (b)

(iv) Who is the poet of the poem? 
(a) Rabindranath Tagore 
(b) Unknown 
(c) Ruskin Bond 
(d) Sarojini Naidu 

Ans: (b)

(v) Why is the river personified in the poem? 
(a) To make it scary 
(b) To show its importance 
(c) To confuse readers 
(d) To describe its flow

Ans: (b)

Q5. Imagine you are the narrator in "Paper Boats." Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words describing your experience of floating paper boats in the stream and your dreams associated with them. (5 marks)

Ans: Dear Diary,
Today, I floated paper boats in the stream, watching them sail under the sun. Each boat carried my dreams of adventure and faraway lands. I imagined them reaching distant shores, connecting me to the world. The ripples felt like whispers of hope.
Golu