CBSE Class 7 English An Alien Hand NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

CBSE Class 7 English Chapter 10, 'An Alien Hand,' introduces students to Tilloo's unique life beneath the surface and his burgeoning curiosity about the world above. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter offer a comprehensive exploration of Tilloo's underground existence, the reasons behind this subterranean lifestyle, and the intriguing mystery of the spacecraft. These solutions are crafted to deepen students' understanding of the story's narrative, encouraging them to analyze the characters' thoughts and actions. Furthermore, they facilitate discussions on the fascinating concept of extraterrestrial life and the inherent difficulties of living in a highly controlled environment. By providing clear explanations and prompting critical thinking, these solutions serve as an excellent tool for students to grasp the science fiction elements of the story and prepare effectively for their examinations.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 10- An Alien Hand

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English, Chapter 10, "An Alien Hand," offers a deep dive into the narrative of Tilloo, a young boy living in an underground civilization. The solutions address key plot points, including Tilloo's exploration of forbidden areas, the harsh conditions on the planet's surface, and the arrival of an alien spacecraft. They also facilitate discussions on the potential for extraterrestrial life and the challenges of adapting to extreme environments, providing students with a thorough understanding of the chapter's themes and concepts.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the reasons why Tilloo and his community live underground.
  • Analyze Tilloo's curiosity and his desire to explore the forbidden surface.
  • Explain the environmental conditions that make the planet's surface uninhabitable.
  • Identify the key events related to the arrival of the alien spacecraft.
  • Discuss the possibility of life on other planets and its potential characteristics.
  • Reflect on the challenges and potential benefits of living in an underground environment.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Underground living
  • Environmental challenges
  • Curiosity and exploration
  • Alien spacecraft
  • Unmanned vs. Manned spacecraft
  • Life on other planets
  • Technological intervention
  • Consequences of actions
  • Adaptation to extreme environments
  • The Sun's role in life
  • Nature's balance
  • Speculative fiction

Important topics

  • Reasons for living underground
  • The alien spacecraft's arrival and purpose
  • Tilloo's actions and their consequences
  • The harsh conditions of the planet's surface
  • The possibility of extraterrestrial life

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check 1

How does Tilloo manage to find his way to the 'forbidden passage'?

Tilloo manages to reach the forbidden passage by cleverly using his father's security card while his father is taking a nap. He also makes sure to avoid being seen by his mother, who is keeping a watchful eye.

Comprehension Check 2

What did Tilloo hope to see once he emerged from his underground home?

Once Tilloo managed to get out of his underground home, he was filled with the hope of seeing the natural wonders of the sky, specifically the sun or the stars.

Comprehension Check 3

Why did Tilloo's father advise him not to try to reach the surface of the planet?

Tilloo's father strongly advised him against going to the planet's surface because it is extremely dangerous for ordinary people. The atmosphere there is too thin to breathe, and the temperatures are so low that survival is impossible, leading to freezing to death.

Comprehension Check 4

What changes had occurred, which forced people to live in underground homes?

Significant environmental changes occurred, forcing humanity to seek refuge underground. The sun, once a source of life, turned hostile. Even a slight alteration in its nature was enough to disrupt the delicate balance of nature. This imbalance led to the extinction of fish, birds, and animals, making the surface uninhabitable.

Comprehension Check 5

Why was everyone in the Control Room greatly excited?

The Control Room was buzzing with excitement because the large TV screen displayed a mysterious dot against a clear background, which was observed to be moving towards their planet.

Comprehension Check 6

Was the spacecraft manned or unmanned? How do you know it?

The spacecraft was unmanned. This was confirmed when Number One reported to the president that the spacecraft did not contain any living beings; it was equipped only with instruments.

Comprehension Check 7

What did Number One and Number Two suggest should be done about the alien spacecraft?

Number One suggested a proactive approach: they should wait for the spacecraft to land and then be prepared to disable it whenever necessary. In contrast, Number Two recommended a passive strategy of non-interference, advising them to observe silently and avoid revealing their presence by rendering the spacecraft ineffective.

Comprehension Check 8

What do you think the mechanical hand was trying to do?

It is likely that the mechanical hand was attempting to collect a sample of the planet's soil. This sample would then be taken back for scientific examination to understand the planet's composition.

Comprehension Check 9

Tilloo pressed the red button and "the damage was done". What was the damage?

The 'damage' referred to was that the mechanical hand, which was part of the alien spacecraft and was in the process of collecting a soil sample, ceased to function after Tilloo pressed the red button.

Comprehension Check 10

Where had the spacecraft come from?

The spacecraft had originated from the planet Earth.

Comprehension Check 11

On which planet do Tilloo and his parents live?

Tilloo and his parents reside on the planet Mars.

Discussion 1

If you had to live in a home like Tilloo's, what parts of life would you find most difficult? What compensations might there be?

Living in an underground home like Tilloo's would present significant difficulties, primarily the lack of freedom and open space. It would feel confining, similar to living in a cell, with limited opportunities for sightseeing or experiencing nature directly. Social interactions might also be restricted. However, potential compensations could include a sense of peace, harmony, safety, and security, especially if the community collaborates well within the shared underground environment.

Discussion 2

What, if anything, might drive mankind to make their homes underground?

A major factor that could compel mankind to live underground is severe global warming. This phenomenon could lead to the depletion of the atmosphere and drastic changes in climate patterns, rendering the Earth's surface hostile and destroying life, thus forcing people to seek shelter beneath the ground.

Discussion 3

Do you think there is life on other planets? Can you guess what kind of people there may be on them? In what ways are they likely to be different from us?

This question encourages students to use their imagination and critical thinking. While the story suggests the possibility of life from Earth visiting Mars, students can speculate about extraterrestrial beings. They might consider differences in physical appearance, communication methods, societal structures, or technological advancements based on their understanding of science and science fiction.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the reasons for the hostile environment on the planet's surface.
  • Failing to connect the spacecraft's actions to the story's plot.
  • Not fully considering the implications of living in a confined, underground setting.
  • Providing simplistic answers to speculative questions about extraterrestrial life.

Revision tips

  • Reread the chapter to recall Tilloo's motivations and the story's progression.
  • Focus on understanding the contrast between the underground home and the surface conditions.
  • Discuss the arrival of the spacecraft and its potential significance with classmates.
  • Use the provided solutions to clarify any doubts about the characters or plot points.
  • Think critically about the speculative questions to develop your own informed opinions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What did Tilloo use to access the forbidden passage?

Q2. Why was the surface of the planet dangerous for ordinary people?

Q3. What event forced people to live in underground homes?

Q4. What was seen on the big TV screen in the Control Room?

Q5. How did Number One confirm the spacecraft was unmanned?

Q6. What was the function of the mechanical hand from the spacecraft?

Q7. What was the 'damage' caused by Tilloo pressing the red button?

Q8. From where did the alien spacecraft originate?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 10, 'An Alien Hand'?

The main themes include survival in extreme environments, human curiosity, the potential for life beyond Earth, and the consequences of our actions.

Why do Tilloo and his family live underground?

They live underground because the surface of their planet has become uninhabitable due to drastic environmental changes, making the air thin and temperatures extremely low.

What happens when Tilloo interacts with the alien spacecraft?

Tilloo presses a red button, which causes the mechanical hand of the alien spacecraft to stop working, indicating a consequence of his interference.

Where did the alien spacecraft come from?

The alien spacecraft came from Earth.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 7 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for all questions, helping students understand the chapter's content, analyze characters, and prepare effectively for their English exams.

What is the significance of the 'forbidden passage'?

The forbidden passage leads to the surface, which is dangerous and off-limits. Tilloo's journey through it represents his curiosity and defiance of rules.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.