CBSE Class 7 English NCERT Solutions: Chapter 16 The Talking Fan

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 16, 'The Talking Fan,' NCERT Solutions, explores the imaginative concept of a fan speaking. The solutions break down the poem's use of personification, explaining how the whirring and humming sounds of a fan can be interpreted as speech. It delves into the mechanical and electrical aspects of a fan's operation, shedding light on why these noises occur and how they contribute to the poem's whimsical narrative. Students will understand the fan's perceived 'demands' and the science behind air circulation. The solutions also include a creative dialogue, illustrating the poem's central idea in a relatable scenario. These explanations aim to enhance comprehension, foster creative thinking, and provide a solid foundation for understanding poetry and preparing for exams.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectEnglish Honeycomb
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 16

Chapter summary

Chapter 16, 'The Talking Fan,' of the CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb textbook is explored through these NCERT Solutions. The solutions focus on understanding the poem's central metaphor, where the sounds of an electric fan are personified as speech. They clarify the mechanical and electrical reasons behind these sounds, the sense of mystery they evoke, and the fan's potential 'demands.' The chapter also touches upon the working of an electric fan and encourages creative thinking through a dialogue exercise. These solutions aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of the poem's content and literary devices.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of personification as used in poetry.
  • Identify and explain the sounds produced by an electric fan.
  • Analyze the reasons behind the 'chatter' of a fan.
  • Interpret the 'demands' of a talking fan.
  • Describe the basic working principle of an electric fan.
  • Engage in creative writing by creating a dialogue based on the poem's theme.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Personification in poetry
  • Interpreting poetic sounds
  • Mechanical sounds of a fan
  • Electrical operation of a fan
  • Mystery in everyday objects
  • Creative dialogue writing
  • Working of electric fans
  • Understanding poem comprehension

Important topics

  • Understanding Personification
  • Explaining Poetic Sounds
  • Creative Dialogue
  • Fan's Mechanical Demands
  • Electrical Nature of Fan Noise

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Fans don't talk, but it is possible to imagine that they do. What is it then, that sounds like the fan's chatter?
Solution:

While fans do not literally speak, the sound that might be interpreted as the fan's chatter is actually caused by the mechanical operation of its motor. Specifically, it's the sound produced due to friction between the moving parts of the motor. This often indicates that the fan's motor needs lubrication or oiling to run smoothly and quietly.

Question 2

Complete the following sentences.
  1. The chatter is electrical because .....
  2. It is mysterious because ......
Solution:
  1. The chatter is electrical because the fan operates on electricity, and the sound originates from its electrical motor and its components.
  2. It is mysterious because the noise produced by the fan seems to be trying to communicate something, but the exact meaning or message remains unclear and undecipherable to the listener.

Question 3

What do you think the talking fan was demanding?
Solution:

Based on the sounds it makes, it is reasonable to infer that the 'talking fan' was demanding attention for its mechanical parts. Specifically, it was likely signaling that its motor components were experiencing friction and required oiling to function properly and quietly.

Question 4

How does an electric fan manage to throw so much air when it is switched on?
Solution:

When an electric fan is switched on, the electric motor causes its blades to rotate at a high speed. These rapidly moving blades effectively cut through the surrounding air, pushing it outwards and creating a continuous flow of air that we can feel. The design of the blades helps to efficiently displace a large volume of air.

Question 5

Is there a 'talking fan' in your house? Create a dialogue between the fan and a mechanic.
Solution:

Yes, I have a metallic ceiling fan at home that sometimes makes peculiar noises.

Mechanic: Hello there! You seem to be making quite a racket. What seems to be the problem?

Fan: (With a creaky whir) Oh, hello! I'm really struggling. This heat is making my motor parts rub together, and it's getting very stiff and noisy. I can barely turn properly!

Mechanic: I see. It sounds like you need some lubrication. Let me take a look and see if I can get you running smoothly again.

Fan: Please do! It's so uncomfortable when I'm like this. I want to be able to provide a nice breeze without all this complaining sound.

Mechanic: Alright, hold on. I'll just apply some oil to your bearings and check the blades.

(After the mechanic has oiled the fan and tightened any loose parts)

Mechanic: There we go! How are you feeling now?

Fan: (Spinning smoothly and quietly) Ah, that's much better! So much relief. I feel light and efficient again. Thank you so much!

Mechanic: You're welcome! Glad I could help. Just try not to let it get this bad again.

Fan: I'll do my best! Thanks again for your help.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing literal speech with personification.
  • Not understanding the mechanical reasons for fan noise.
  • Failing to connect the fan's 'chatter' to electrical operation.
  • Providing simplistic or incomplete answers to analytical questions.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem 'The Talking Fan' carefully to grasp the personification.
  • Focus on the explanations for the fan's sounds and their electrical origin.
  • Practice answering the questions by referring to the provided solutions for clarity.
  • Attempt the creative dialogue exercise to reinforce understanding of the poem's theme.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the actual reason for the sound that the poem personifies as the fan's chatter?

Q2. Why is the fan's chatter described as 'electrical' in the poem?

Q3. What makes the fan's sound 'mysterious' according to the poem?

Q4. What was the 'talking fan' likely demanding?

Q5. How does an electric fan move air when switched on?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 16, 'The Talking Fan'?

The main theme is personification, where the sounds of an electric fan are imagined as if the fan is talking or chattering.

Why are the fan's sounds called 'electrical'?

The sounds are described as electrical because they originate from the fan's motor, which operates using electricity.

What does the poem suggest the fan might be demanding?

The poem suggests the fan might be demanding oil for its motor parts, as the sounds could be due to friction.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 7 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to all questions, helping students understand the poem's concepts, improve comprehension, and prepare for exams.

What is the purpose of the dialogue between the fan and the mechanic?

The dialogue is a creative exercise to apply the poem's concept of a 'talking fan' and explore a possible interaction based on its mechanical needs.

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

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