Q1: Where does Jahnavi live in the story?
a) A mountain village
b) A coastal village
c) A city
d) A desert town
Ans: (b)
Explanation: She lives in a coastal village, close to the sea, where her family works on the farm.
Q2: What is Jahnavi's biggest dream?
a) To become a fisherman
b) To go to school
c) To travel by ship
d) To care for her siblings
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Her biggest dream is to go to school so she can learn to read and gain knowledge like other children.

Q3: Who encourages Jahnavi to follow her dream?
a) Her brother Gopi
b) The magical river
c) Her teacher
d) Her father
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The magical river encourages Jahnavi. It listens to her worries, speaks kindly to her, and advises her to try attending school, which helps to build her confidence and gives her the courage to take action.
Q4: What does Jahnavi carry when she goes to the classroom?
a) A book
b) Her youngest brother Appu
c) A fishing net
d) A water pot
Ans: (b)
Explanation: She carries her youngest brother, Appu, with her when she goes to the classroom, holding him as he sleeps on her shoulder while she listens and learns quietly.
Q5: What story does Jahnavi hear in the classroom?
a) King Ashoka
b) The Ramayana
c) The Mahabharata
d) The Panchatantra
Ans: (a)
Explanation: She hears about a prince named Ashoka, who later became a great king. The teacher tells this tale to the children, and Jahnavi listens with interest.
Q6: Who supports Jahnavi's wish to go to school at home?
a) Her father
b) Her brother Gopi
c) Her mother
d) Her brother Ramu
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Her mother supports her wish to go to school. She remembers her own unfulfilled desire to learn and feels happy when arrangements are made for Jahnavi to study, and she persuades others at home to allow Jahnavi to attend.
Q7: What does Jahnavi aspire to become in the future?
a) A doctor
b) A teacher
c) A sailor
d) A farmer
Ans: (b)
Explanation: She wants to become a teacher so she can educate other children in her village. This shows how her own wish for learning grows into a desire to help others learn as well.
Q8: What type of boat is mentioned in the story?
a) Yacht
b) Catamaran
c) Steamer
d) Canoe
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The boat mentioned is a catamaran. It is a small, stable type of boat and is preferred by the river over large ships in the account.
Q9: What is the moral of the story?
a) Courage and determination help achieve dreams
b) Girls should stay at home
c) Rivers are magical
d) Fishing is important
Ans: (a)
Explanation: The moral is that courage and determination help people overcome difficulties and achieve their dreams. Jahnavi faces many obstacles but, through bravery and persistence, she takes steps toward her goal of learning and becoming a teacher.
Q10: What does the word 'startled' mean?
a) Happy
b) Suddenly surprised
c) Angry
d) Tired
Ans: (b)
Explanation: 'Startled' means suddenly surprised, as when someone hears or sees something unexpected and reacts quickly.
Q11: Why is Jahnavi unable to go to school initially?
Ans: Jahnavi cannot go to school because she is a girl and her family expects her to care for her younger siblings while her parents work on the farm. Cultural expectations and household duties keep her at home until she finds a way to try learning.
Q12: How does the river encourage Jahnavi to pursue her dream?
Ans: The river speaks kindly to Jahnavi, reassures her that girls are as capable as boys, and suggests she quietly enter the classroom to listen. This gentle encouragement gives her confidence to try attending and to believe she can learn.

Q13: What does Jahnavi do the day after talking to the river?
Ans: Jahnavi carries her brother Appu, stands by the classroom door to listen to the teacher's tale, and later manages to sit at the back of the class so she can learn without being noticed at first.
Q14: Define the word 'murmuring' and give an example from the story.
Ans: Murmuring means speaking in a soft, low voice. An example is the river's kind, sleepy voice when it murmurs to Jahnavi and comforts her as she sits by the water.
Q15: How does Jahnavi's mother contribute to her dream coming true?
Ans: Jahnavi's mother supports her wish to study, remembers her own unfulfilled desire for education, and persuades Jahnavi's father to allow her to attend school. Her mother's support and action are crucial in making Jahnavi's learning possible.
Q16: Describe Jahnavi's character and how she overcomes her challenges in the story.
Ans: Jahnavi is a curious, thoughtful, and determined girl who dreams of going to school despite her family's expectations to care for her siblings. Her curiosity is evident in her desire to learn about spiders, bamboo, and the moon, and her thoughtfulness in sharing her fears with the river. Facing the challenge of being denied education due to her gender and household duties, she feels hopeless but gains courage from the river's encouragement. Jahnavi takes a brave step by entering the classroom quietly with her brother Appu, showing determination. Her persistence pays off when the teacher notices her and convinces her parents, especially her supportive mother, to let her attend school. Jahnavi's character reflects resilience and a strong will to achieve her dream, making her an inspiring figure for pursuing education against odds.
Q17: Explain the role of the magical river in the story and its impact on Jahnavi's life.
Ans: The river acts as a source of comfort, advice and inspiration for Jahnavi. It listens to her worries, assures her that girls can learn as well as boys, and suggests a simple, practical step - to enter the classroom and listen. This encouragement gives her the confidence to try, which leads to the teacher's support and her parents' permission. The river's kindness changes Jahnavi's outlook, giving her hope and the belief that she can achieve her dream of education and later teach others.
Q18: Discuss the moral of the story and its relevance to the importance of girls' education, with examples.
Ans: The moral is that courage and determination help people overcome difficulties and reach their goals. This is clearly linked to the importance of girls' education. Jahnavi faces obstacles because of gender expectations but, by being brave and persistent, she manages to attend class and learn. Her aim to become a teacher shows how education can change an individual's life and help many others. The account also shows the role of family and community support - when Jahnavi's mother and teacher back her, she succeeds. Educating girls leads to greater equality and benefits for whole communities, so encouraging and supporting girls to study is vital.
Q19: Why is education important for girls, as shown in Jahnavi's story, and how can students support this cause in their communities?
Ans: Education is important for girls because it helps them achieve their dreams, build confidence and improve their opportunities. Jahnavi's wish to study and become a teacher shows how learning can change life paths and benefit others. Students can support this cause by speaking about the value of girls' education, helping classmates with schoolwork, organising awareness activities, encouraging families to send girls to school, and standing against unfair treatment so that every child gets a fair chance to learn.
| 1. What is the central theme of "The Day the River Spoke"? | ![]() |
| 2. How does the river communicate its message in the story? | ![]() |
| 3. What role do the characters play in the narrative of "The Day the River Spoke"? | ![]() |
| 4. What lessons can readers learn from "The Day the River Spoke"? | ![]() |
| 5. How does the author use imagery to enhance the story? | ![]() |