Complete Summary and Solutions for Learning Together – NCERT Class 7 English (Unit 1) – Explanation, Exercises, Questions & Answers
Detailed summary and explanation of Class 7 English Chapter 1 Learning Together, covering the story “The Day the River Spoke,” key themes, character insights, exercises, NCERT solutions, comprehension questions and complete answers for students.
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The Day the River Spoke
Class 7 English NCERT | Unit 1 – Learning Together | Complete Study Material 2025
Full Story Summary – The Day the River Spoke
Jahnavi, a bright girl from a coastal village in India, dreams of going to school, but her parents need her help on the farm. One day while sitting by the river, she hears a voice. A kingfisher, lizard, and finally the river itself speak to her, encouraging her dream of education. The river promises to help her reach school. The next morning, the river magically carries Jahnavi to school on a beautiful boat (catamaran). When she reaches school, she bravely tells her story, and the teacher and classmates welcome her warmly. Jahnavi decides that when she grows up, she will become a teacher and help other village girls go to school.
Key Messages & Themes
- Importance of education, especially for girls
- Power of dreams and courage
- Gender equality – “little girls can do as much as little boys”
- Nature can be a friend and helper
- Helping others fulfil their dreams
Main Characters & Important Themes
Jahnavi
Curious, brave, determined village girl who dares to dream of education.
The River
Wise, kind, sympathetic voice of nature; helps Jahnavi reach school.
Kingfisher & Lizard
Friendly creatures that comfort Jahnavi and tell her the river is speaking.
Teacher & Classmates
Warm, supportive; promise to find a way for Jahnavi to attend school.
Textbook Questions & Answers (NCERT Pages 6–10)
Let us discuss (Page 6)
1. What was Jahnavi’s dream? Was it important to her? Why?
Jahnavi’s dream was to go to school and study. Yes, it was very important because she wanted to learn, read stories, and later become a teacher to help other village girls.
2. Do you think the river can help her in fulfilling her dream? How?
Yes. The river magically provides a catamaran (boat) the next morning and carries her to school, making her dream possible.
Let us think and reflect (Page 7–8)
All answers with explanations provided point-wise for full marks.
- The tone of the River is assuring/sympathising
- Jahnavi was frightened at first
- The River is personified as excited, hesitant, irritable, disbelief → Correct: excited
- Word from text meaning ‘tied wool’ → kattu maram (catamaran)
Comprehension Passages & Answers
All important passage-based questions with reference to context answers.
Passage: “You shouldn’t cry, you know,” the voice went on…
(i) Speaker: The River
(ii) The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself and promises help.
Grammar & Vocabulary from the Chapter
| Word | Meaning | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| splashed | fell in drops making sound | A big bright tear splashed down her nose. |
| slithered | moved by sliding | A green lizard slithered down… |
| rustle | light rubbing sound | trees rustle, yellow moon always comes… |
| catamaran | boat made of logs tied together | The river sent a beautiful catamaran. |
| wail | loud cry of pain/sadness | “They’d never let me!” wailed Jahnavi. |
Grammar Focus
- Personification – River speaks and helps
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Prepositions of place & direction (down, towards, over, behind)
Activities & Project Ideas
- Draw your favourite scene (River carrying Jahnavi)
- Role-play the conversation between Jahnavi and the River
- Group discussion: “Should all children go to school?”
- Make a colourful boat model (canoe/coramaran/catamaran/shikara)
- Crossword on water transport
Interactive Quiz – 10 Questions
Quick Revision Mind Map
| Main Idea | Girl’s dream + Nature’s help = Education for all |
|---|---|
| Heroine | Jahnavi – brave village girl |
| Helper | The River (personified) |
| Dream | Go to school → Become teacher → Help other girls |
| Message | Never give up dreams + Gender equality + Nature is friend |
Group Discussions
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