CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb: Chapter 14 Chivvy (Poem) NCERT Solutions
This chapter presents NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb, specifically for the poem 'Chivvy'. The poem and its solutions explore the common experience of children receiving numerous instructions and prohibitions from adults. It examines the nature of these commands, the underlying reasons for them, and the child's viewpoint on being constantly directed. The solutions also address the necessity of teaching children good manners and proper conduct in public, while recognizing how these directives can sometimes feel like nagging. This resource aims to help students grasp the poem's subtleties and the complexities of communication between adults and children, thereby supporting their academic preparation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Honeycomb |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 14. Chivvy (Poem) |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Honeycomb, Chapter 14 'Chivvy' (Poem). This section focuses on analyzing the poem's themes, which revolve around the constant directives and restrictions imposed by adults on children. It examines the specific examples of 'chivvying' mentioned in the poem, discusses the underlying reasons for adult behavior, and explores the child's feelings about these instructions. The solutions also address the importance of teaching children good manners and public conduct.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning and themes of the poem 'Chivvy'.
- Analyze the communication dynamics between adults and children as depicted in the poem.
- Identify and discuss examples of prohibitions and instructions given to children.
- Explain the reasons why adults might 'chivvy' children.
- Reflect on the importance of good manners and public behavior.
- Interpret the poet's perspective on adult-child interactions.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Poem Analysis
- Adult-Child Communication
- Instructions and Prohibitions
- Good Manners
- Public Behavior
- Child's Perspective
- Poetic Interpretation
- Chivvying
Important topics
- Understanding the poem 'Chivvy'
- Analyzing adult-child interactions
- The concept of 'chivvying'
- Importance of good manners
- Poet's commentary on instructions
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Discuss these questions in small groups before you answer them.
- When is a grown-up likely to say this?
Don't talk with your mouth full.
- When are you likely to be told this?
Say thank you.
- When do you think an adult would say this?
No one thinks you are funny.
- A grown-up is most likely to say, "Don't talk with your mouth full," when a child is speaking while actively eating, as it is considered impolite and unhygienic.
- You are likely to be told, "Say thank you," when someone has given you a gift, done a favor for you, or offered you something, as a way to express gratitude.
- An adult might say, "No one thinks you are funny," when a child is behaving in a way that they find amusing but is actually disruptive or inappropriate in a social setting, and the adult wants to curb that behavior.
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?
In the last two lines of the poem, the adult is questioning the child's ability to make independent decisions, essentially asking, "Can't you think for yourself?"
Yes, the poet strongly suggests that this is unreasonable. The poet highlights the contradiction in the adult's behavior: on one hand, the adult constantly issues prohibitions and instructions, dictating every action the child takes. On the other hand, the adult then questions the child's lack of independent thought. The poet implies that if adults are going to correct and guide every single action, they should not then criticize the child for not being able to make up their own mind. Alternatively, if the adults want the child to be independent, they should stop interfering and correcting them constantly.
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?
Grown-ups say the kind of things mentioned in the poem primarily because they want to instill good manners, proper etiquette, and appropriate public behavior in children. While these constant directives might feel like nagging to a child, they stem from a desire to help the child become a well-behaved and respected individual.
It is indeed very important for adults to teach children good manners and how to behave in public. Actions like picking one's nose, pointing at people, staring, making disruptive noises, or dragging one's feet are considered bad manners. Learning to say 'thank you' and 'sorry' are fundamental aspects of good behavior that significantly shape a person's personality and social interactions. By teaching these values, parents help their children navigate social situations effectively and develop into considerate and respectable members of society.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting the poem's tone as solely critical of adults.
- Overlooking the dual perspective of the poem (child's frustration vs. adult's intention).
- Failing to connect the specific examples of 'chivvying' to the broader theme of communication.
Revision tips
- Read the poem 'Chivvy' aloud to grasp its rhythm and tone.
- Discuss the examples of 'chivvying' with classmates to understand different viewpoints.
- Focus on the questions about why adults give instructions and the child's reaction.
- Consider the poet's message about the contradictions in adult guidance.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the main theme of the poem 'Chivvy'?
Explanation: The poem 'Chivvy' primarily focuses on the numerous commands and prohibitions that children often receive from adults, a process referred to as 'chivvying'.
Q2. According to the poem, when might an adult say, 'Don't talk with your mouth full'?
Explanation: This instruction is typically given by adults when a child is speaking while eating, which is considered impolite.
Q3. What does the adult ask the child in the last two lines of the poem?
Explanation: The final lines question the child's ability to think independently, which the poet finds contradictory to the constant instructions given.
Q4. Why does the poet suggest the adult's final question is unreasonable?
Explanation: The poet points out the unreasonableness because adults simultaneously give many instructions and then question the child's independence.
Q5. What is the underlying reason adults often 'chivvy' children, as suggested by the solutions?
Explanation: Adults provide instructions and corrections primarily to instill good manners and appropriate behavior in children for their own benefit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the poem 'Chivvy' about?
The poem 'Chivvy' is about the constant instructions and prohibitions that children often receive from adults, exploring the child's perspective on being 'chivvied'.
Why do grown-ups give children so many instructions?
Grown-ups give instructions to teach children good manners, hygiene, and how to behave appropriately in public, aiming for their overall development and respectability.
What does the poem suggest about adult behavior?
The poem suggests that adults can sometimes be contradictory by giving numerous instructions and then questioning a child's ability to think for themselves.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 7 students?
These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's themes, help students understand the nuances of adult-child communication, and assist in answering comprehension questions for exams.
What are some examples of 'chivvying' mentioned in the poem?
Examples include being told not to talk with a full mouth, to say 'thank you', and comments like 'No one thinks you are funny'.
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