NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English - Three Questions

NCERT Textbook Page No. 10

Q1: Why did the king want to know the answers to three questions?

Ans: The king wanted to know answers to three questions so that he can make wise decisions and he would never fail.

Q2: Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom: 
(i) to fetch wise men.
(ii) to find answers to the questions.
(iii) to look for the wise hermit.
(iv) to announce a reward for those who could answer the questions.

Mark your choice.

Correct Answer is Option (iv)
Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom to announce a reward for those who could answer the questions.

NCERT Textbook Page No. 14

Q1: Complete the following sentences by adding the appropriate parts of the sentences given in the box.

(i) Many wise men answered the king's questions, ______.
Ans: Many wise men answered the king's questions, but their varied responses left the king unsatisfied.

(ii) Someone suggested that there should be a council of wise men, ______.
Ans: Someone suggested forming a council of wise men to assist the king in making timely decisions.

(iii) Someone else suggested that the king should have a timetable ______.
Ans: Someone else suggested that the king should have a timetable and follow it strictly.

(iv) The king requested the hermit ______.
Ans: The king requested the hermit to answer three questions.

(v) The king washed and dressed the bearded man's wound ______.
Ans: The king washed and dressed the bearded man's wound, but the bleeding would not stop.

Answer the following questions:
Q1: Why was the king advised to go to magicians?

Ans: The king was advised to consult magicians because they were believed to possess the ability to foresee the future. By knowing what was to come, the king could make informed decisions about his actions.

Q2: In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say would be important to the king?

Ans: The second question was:"Which people should he listen to?"

Suggestions made in answer to the second question:

• Some people said the councillors: They believed that the king’s advisors were essential for guiding him effectively.

• Others suggested the priests: This group felt that the priests’ spiritual insight and guidance were crucial for the king's decisions.

• A few chose the doctors: They argued that the advice of doctors was important for maintaining the king's health and the health of his people.

• Some people emphasized the soldiers: They believed that listening to the soldiers was vital for matters of defense and security.

• Varied opinions: Overall, the responses differed significantly, indicating that people had diverse views on whose advice was most important for the king.

Q3: What suggestions were made in answer to the third question?

Ans:  The third question was: "What is the most important thing for him to do?"
Suggestions made in answer to the third question:

• Some people suggested science: They believed that understanding scientific principles is crucial for making wise decisions.

• Others chose fighting: This group felt that being strong and ready for battle was the most important task for the king.

• A few suggested religious worship: They believed that performing religious rituals and worship was essential for a king to connect with the divine.

• Varied opinions: Overall, the responses varied widely, showing that people had different views on what the most important task was.

Q4: Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?

Ans: 

No, the wise men did not win the reward.

Reasons:

• Each wise man provided different answers to the king’s three questions, which created confusion.

• The king was not satisfied with the varied responses, as they did not provide a clear or unanimous answer to his questions.

• Instead of rewarding the wise men, the king decided to seek the advice of a hermit known for his wisdom, indicating that he was still searching for the right answers.

NCERT Textbook Page No. 15

Q5: How did the king and the hermit help the wounded man?

Ans:

• First Aid: When the wounded man reached the king and fainted, the king and the hermit quickly assessed his condition and removed his clothing to examine the wound.

• Cleaning the Wound: The king washed the wound to prevent infection and ensure it was clean.

• Dressing the Wound: The king used his handkerchief to cover the wound and applied pressure to stop the bleeding. He redressed the wound multiple times until the bleeding finally stopped.

• Providing Water: After stabilizing the man, the king fetched fresh water for him to drink, helping him recover from his weakness.

• Taking Care of Him: The king and the hermit carried the wounded man to the hermit’s hut and laid him on a bed to rest, ensuring he was comfortable and safe.

• Spending the Night: The king stayed with the wounded man, and even after he fell asleep on the floor, he remained nearby, showing his concern for the man's recovery.

Q6: 
(i) Who was the bearded man?

Ans: 
The bearded man was an enemy of the king. The king had put the man's brother to death and had also seized his property. That is why he wanted to take revenge on the king.

(ii) Why did he ask for the king's forgiveness?
Ans: The bearded man asked for the king's forgiveness because:

• He had initially intended to kill the king as revenge for the death of his brother, who the king had executed, and for seizing his property.
• After the king saved his life by dressing his wounds, the man realized that, instead of being his enemy, the king had shown him kindness and compassion.
• He felt grateful for the king’s actions, which spared his life and allowed him to seek peace. He understood that his earlier intentions were wrong and wanted to make amends.
• The wounded man expressed a desire to serve the king faithfully and promised to encourage his sons to do the same, showing a wish to move past enmity and build a positive relationship.

Q7: The king forgave the bearded man. What did he do to show his forgiveness?

Ans: The king forgave the man. He showed his forgiveness by telling him that he would send his servants and his own doctor to look after him. He also promised to give back the man his property.

Q8: What were the hermit's answers to the three questions? Write each answer separately. Which answer do you like most, and why?

Ans: Here are hermit's answers to the three questions

1. What is the right time to begin something?
   The hermit explained that the most important time is "Now." This is because it is the only moment when we have the power to act and make a difference.

2. Which people should the king listen to?
   The hermit stated that the most necessary person is the one you are with at a particular moment. This means that we should focus on the people around us and pay attention to their needs and concerns.

3. What is the most important thing for him to do?
   The hermit said that the most important business is to do good to the person you are with. He emphasized that our purpose in life is to help others.

4. Personal Preference: I like the hermit's answer to the second question the most: "The most necessary person is the one you are with at a particular moment." This answer resonates with me because it highlights the importance of being present and valuing our relationships. It reminds us that every interaction can be meaningful and that we should give our full attention to those around us. This perspective encourages kindness and empathy, which are essential in our daily lives.

Q1: Match items in List A with their meanings in List B.

Use any three of the above words in sentences of your own. You may change the form of the word.

Ans:

Sentences:
(i) I will ask my parents to forgive me for my bad behaviour.
(ii) I thank you all for your hard and faithful service.
(iii) I am feeling pity for my shameful act.

Q2: Each of the following sentences has two blanks. Fill in the blanks with appropriate forms of the word given in brackets.

(i) The _______ said that only fresh evidence would make him change his _______. (judge)
Ans: The judge said that only fresh evidence would make him change his judgement.

NCERT Textbook Page No. 16

(ii) I didn't notice any serious _______ of opinion among the debaters, although they ______ from one another over small points. (differ)
Ans: I didn't notice any serious difference of opinion among the debaters, although they differed from one another over small points.

(iii) It's a fairly simple question to _______, but will you accept my _______ as final? (answer)
Ans: It's a fairly simple question to answer, but will you accept my answer as final?

(iv) It isn't _______ that _______ should always be the mother of invention. (necessary)
Ans: Necessity doesn't need to always be the mother of invention.

(v) Hermits are _______ men. How they acquire their _______ no one can tell. (wise)
Ans: Hermits are wise men. How they acquire their wisdom no one can tell.

(vi) The committee has _______ to make Jagdish captain of the team. The _______ is likely to please everyone. (decide)
Ans: The committee has decided to make Jagdish captain of the team. The decision is likely to please everyone.

(vii) Asking for ________ is as noble as willingness to ________. (forgive)

Ans: Asking for forgiveness is as noble as willingness to forgive.

Q.1. Imagine you are the king. Narrate the incident of your meeting the hermit. Begin like this: The wise men answered my questions, but I was not satisfied with their answers. One day I decided to go and meet the hermit...
Ans: 

As the King

• The wise men answered my questions, but I was not satisfied with their answers. One day, I decided to go and meet the hermit, hoping to find the wisdom I sought. I traveled to his secluded hut in the forest, where the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers.
• When I arrived, I saw the hermit digging in his garden, dressed in simple clothes. I approached him respectfully and asked my questions. However, he did not respond immediately; instead, he continued working. Frustrated, I waited patiently, realizing that perhaps the hermit valued action over words.
• Eventually, he paused and looked at me. I shared my thoughts about the importance of the right time, the right people to listen to, and the most important task for a king. To my surprise, he answered each question with profound simplicity and clarity. His wisdom revealed that the present moment, the person before you, and doing good to others were the keys to understanding life’s purpose. I left feeling enlightened and grateful for the encounter, realizing that true wisdom often lies in the simplest of truths.

Q.2. Imagine you are the hermit. Write briefly the incident of your meeting the king. Begin like this: One day I was digging in my garden. A man in ordinary clothes came to see me. I knew it was the king...
Ans: 
As the Hermit

• One day, I was digging in my garden. A man in ordinary clothes came to see me. I knew it was the king, though he was disguised to blend in. He approached me with an air of seriousness, eager to find answers to his pressing questions.
• I could see the burden of his royal responsibilities on his shoulders. Instead of immediately answering him, I continued to work, sensing that patience might teach him something valuable. After some time, I turned to him and listened to his inquiries about the right time for actions, the people he should heed, and his most important duty as a king.
• I shared my insights, emphasizing the significance of the present moment, the value of those around us, and the importance of doing good for others. I hoped my answers would help him realize that wisdom lies not in complex theories but in simple, compassionate actions. After our conversation, I saw a change in his demeanor. He seemed lighter, as if he had gained new understanding, and I felt content knowing I had shared something meaningful with him.

No, ostriches do not actually stick their heads in the sand to hide from enemies. This misconception likely originated from their behavior when they feel threatened. Here’s what happens:

• Defense Mechanism: When faced with danger, an ostrich may lie low to the ground and stretch its neck flat against the soil. This posture can help it blend into its surroundings and avoid detection.

• Nesting Behavior: Ostriches also dig shallow holes in the ground for their nests, where they might lower their heads to cover the eggs. Observers may have misinterpreted this action as the bird hiding its head in the sand.

• Flight Response: Ostriches are large and powerful birds, and when they feel threatened, they are more likely to run away than to hide. They can run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h).

In summary, the idea that ostriches bury their heads in the sand is a myth. Their actual behavior is a clever adaptation to avoid predators.