CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb NCERT Solutions: The Squirrel Poem

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Honeycomb, Chapter 1, the poem 'The Squirrel'. It covers all questions from the textbook, offering clear explanations and insights into the poem's imagery and themes. Students will find step-by-step answers that help in understanding the squirrel's appearance, its playful nature, and the poet's descriptive language, particularly the comparison of its tail to a question mark. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the poem thoroughly and preparing effectively for their English examinations by clarifying complex ideas and providing accurate answers.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectEnglish Honeycomb
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 11

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on the poem 'The Squirrel'. It guides students through understanding the physical description of a squirrel, its characteristic bushy tail, and its playful behavior. The solutions explain the poet's figurative language, such as describing the tail as a 'question mark', and delve into the nuances of words like 'wear' in relation to an animal's tail. The exercises encourage observation and interpretation of the poem's content.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the physical characteristics of a squirrel as described in the poem.
  • Interpret the poet's use of figurative language, specifically the 'question mark' tail.
  • Analyze the playful and teasing nature of the squirrel.
  • Differentiate between common usage and poetic usage of words like 'wear'.
  • Describe the appearance and behavior of a squirrel based on poetic descriptions.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Squirrel Poem Analysis
  • Poetic Description of Animals
  • Figurative Language in Poetry
  • Squirrel's Tail Description
  • Word Meaning: 'Wear'
  • Animal Behavior in Poetry
  • CBSE Class 7 English
  • NCERT Honeycomb Solutions

Important topics

  • Interpretation of 'question mark for tail'
  • Understanding the squirrel's playful nature
  • Poetic vs. literal use of 'wear'
  • Detailed description of the squirrel

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

You may have seen a squirrel sitting on the ground eating a nut. What did it look like?
Solution: The squirrel is a small, rodent-like animal. It is typically covered in fur and often has stripes along its back. Its most distinctive feature is its large, bushy tail. Squirrels are known for their agility, often seen climbing trees, and they have a fondness for eating nuts. They are generally perceived as playful and sometimes mischievous creatures.

Question 1

Why does the poet say the squirrel "wore a question mark for tail"? Draw a squirrel, or find a picture of a squirrel sitting on the ground. How would you describe its tail?
Solution: The poet compares the squirrel's tail to a question mark because of its shape when the squirrel is sitting. The tail is bushy and curls up over its back, forming a shape that strongly resembles the punctuation mark used at the end of a question. If I were to describe its tail, I would say it looks like a fluffy, curved plume, almost like a piece of soft cloth draped over its back, giving it a curious appearance.

Question 2

Do we usually say that an animal 'wears' a tail? What do we say? (Think: Does an animal wear a coat? Consult a dictionary if you like, and find out how 'wear' is used in different ways.)
Solution: No, we do not typically say that an animal 'wears' a tail. The common and natural way to express this is that an animal 'has' a tail. The verb 'wear' is usually reserved for clothing or accessories that a person puts on their body. While 'wear' can sometimes mean to carry or hold something (like wearing a smile or wearing perfume), in the context of an animal's body part, 'has' is the standard term.

Question 3

"He liked to tease and play". Who is teasing whom? How?
Solution: In this line, the squirrel is described as teasing and playing. The teasing is directed towards the poet and his friends. When the poet and his friends would try to get close to the squirrel, perhaps by running towards it or around the tree it was on, the squirrel would playfully run in the opposite direction or move away, enjoying the chase and interaction. This behavior is interpreted as the squirrel teasing them and engaging in a game.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the phrase 'wore a question mark for tail'.
  • Confusing the literal meaning of 'wear' with its figurative use.
  • Not fully grasping the squirrel's playful interaction with humans.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem 'The Squirrel' aloud to grasp its rhythm and imagery.
  • Focus on understanding the comparison of the squirrel's tail to a question mark.
  • Pay attention to the explanation of the word 'wear' in different contexts.
  • Visualize the squirrel's actions as described in the solutions to better remember the details.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What punctuation mark does the poet compare the squirrel's tail to?

Q2. According to the poem, what does the squirrel like to do?

Q3. How is the squirrel's tail described in terms of its appearance?

Q4. What is the usual way to say an animal has a tail?

Q5. What color is the squirrel mentioned in the initial description?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb book about?

Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb book contains the poem 'The Squirrel', which describes the appearance and playful behavior of a squirrel.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with the poem 'The Squirrel'?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions related to the poem, helping students understand its themes, imagery, and vocabulary, such as the description of the squirrel's tail.

What is the main figurative language used in the poem 'The Squirrel'?

The main figurative language is the comparison of the squirrel's bushy tail to a 'question mark' when it is curled up.

Are the questions in these solutions the same as in the NCERT textbook?

Yes, the questions are kept exactly the same as in the NCERT textbook, ensuring that students are practicing with the original material.

How are the solutions different from the original source?

The solutions have been rewritten to be clearer, more detailed, and easier for students to understand, while maintaining the accuracy of the original answers.

Important links

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

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