CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 14: Chivvy - NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This resource provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb, Chapter 14, the poem 'Chivvy'. It delves into the poem's exploration of the constant instructions and prohibitions children often face from adults. The solutions clarify the meaning behind common phrases adults use, discuss the importance of teaching good manners and public behavior, and encourage critical thinking about the adult-child dynamic. Students will find detailed explanations for each question, helping them understand the poem's nuances, the reasons behind adult guidance, and the importance of mutual respect. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping the poem's themes and preparing effectively for their exams.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectEnglish Honeycomb
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 14

Chapter summary

Chapter 14 of the CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb textbook features the poem 'Chivvy'. This NCERT Solutions set focuses on understanding the poem's central theme: the constant stream of advice and commands children receive from adults. It breaks down the questions, offering clear explanations on why adults give such instructions, the significance of teaching good manners, and prompts students to consider rules for adults. The solutions aim to enhance comprehension of the poem's message and the dynamics of communication between children and grown-ups.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the meaning and context of common adult instructions to children.
  • Analyze the poem 'Chivvy' and its theme of adult guidance.
  • Discuss the importance of teaching good manners and public behavior.
  • Reflect on the communication dynamics between children and adults.
  • Formulate rules for adult behavior from a child's perspective.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Poem Analysis
  • Adult-Child Communication
  • Good Manners
  • Public Behavior
  • Instructions and Prohibitions
  • Child Development
  • Social Etiquette
  • Poetic Interpretation
  • Chivvy Poem
  • Class 7 English

Important topics

  • Understanding the poem 'Chivvy'
  • Reasons for adult instructions
  • Importance of good manners
  • Child's perspective on rules
  • Effective communication

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Discuss these questions in small groups before you answer them.
  1. When is a grown-up likely to say this? Don't talk with your mouth full.
  2. When are you likely to be told this? Say thank you.
  3. When do you think an adult would say this? No one thinks you are funny.
Solution:

(i) A grown-up is likely to say, "Don't talk with your mouth full," when a child is in the process of eating and attempts to speak before swallowing, which is considered impolite and messy.

(ii) We are generally expected to say, "Thank you," when someone has done us a favour, offered help, or given us a gift or compliment. It is a way of expressing gratitude.

(iii) An adult might say, "No one thinks you are funny," when a child is trying too hard to be humorous or is behaving in a way that is perceived as silly or attention-seeking, and the adult wants to point out that their attempts at humor are not landing well.

Question 2

The last two lines of the poem are not prohibitions or instructions. What is the adult now asking the child to do? Do you think the poet is suggesting that this is unreasonable? Why?
Solution:

In the last two lines of the poem, the adult is implicitly asking the child to make their own decisions and act independently, as if the adult has not been constantly guiding or instructing them. The poet seems to suggest that this is unreasonable. This is because the child has been subjected to a continuous stream of prohibitions and instructions regarding almost every action. It becomes difficult for the child to develop their own judgment or decide what is right or wrong when they are constantly being told what to do and what not to do.

(Note: The pronoun 'he' is used here in a general sense to refer to any child, regardless of gender.)

Question 3

Why do you think grown-ups say the kind of things mentioned in the poem? Is it important that they teach children good manners, and how to behave in public?
Solution:

Grown-ups likely say the kind of things mentioned in the poem because they want to guide children towards becoming well-behaved and responsible individuals. Their intention is to impart essential life skills and social norms.

Yes, it is very important for adults to teach children good manners and how to behave appropriately in public. This guidance helps children understand societal expectations, develop respect for others, and navigate social situations confidently. Learning these behaviors from elders, who are often seen as role models and sources of experience, is crucial for a child's development and integration into society.

Question 4

If you had to make some rules for grown-ups to follow, what would you say? Make at least five such rules. Arrange the lines as in a poem.
Solution:

If I were to create rules for grown-ups, they might be:

  • Don't abuse anyone with words or actions.
  • Schedule dedicated time for fun and games.
  • Always keep the neighbourhood clean.
  • Do not smoke or spit in public places.
  • Avoid using physical punishments on children.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the poem's tone as purely critical of adults.
  • Not fully grasping the irony in the poem's final lines.
  • Failing to connect the poem's themes to real-life experiences.
  • Providing generic answers without specific reference to the poem.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem 'Chivvy' aloud to catch its rhythm and tone.
  • Discuss the meaning of each question with a classmate before writing your answer.
  • Focus on the 'why' behind the adult's instructions as explained in the solutions.
  • Try to relate the poem's scenarios to your own experiences with grown-ups.
  • Use the solutions to draft your own answers, ensuring clarity and completeness.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary theme explored in the poem 'Chivvy'?

Q2. In the context of the poem, when might an adult say, 'Don't talk with your mouth full'?

Q3. What does the poem suggest about the adult's behavior in the last two lines?

Q4. According to the solutions, why do grown-ups often give children instructions?

Q5. The poem implies that teaching good manners is:

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 14 of CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb about?

Chapter 14 is a poem titled 'Chivvy', which explores the theme of constant instructions and prohibitions children often receive from adults and the importance of teaching good manners.

What kind of questions are covered in these NCERT Solutions?

The solutions cover questions that discuss the meaning of common adult phrases, the reasons behind them, the significance of teaching good manners, and encourage students to think about rules for adults.

How do these solutions help students understand the poem 'Chivvy'?

The solutions break down the poem's verses and questions, providing clear explanations for the underlying messages about adult guidance, child behavior, and the dynamics of communication.

Are the solutions for the poem 'Chivvy' suitable for exam preparation?

Yes, these solutions offer detailed insights into the poem's themes and concepts, helping students grasp the nuances required for answering exam questions effectively.

What is the significance of the last two lines of the poem, according to the solutions?

The solutions explain that the last two lines suggest the adult expects the child to make their own decisions, which can be seen as unreasonable given the constant prior guidance the child receives.

Important links

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