NCERT Class 5 English Marigold: Chapter 7 — Topsy-turvy Land
This chapter, 'Topsy-turvy Land' by H.E. Wilkinson, describes a whimsical world where everything is upside down. In this land, people walk on their heads, the sea is made of sand, and children attend school at night. Doors are reversed, hats are worn on feet, and buses travel on the sea while boats navigate streets. The poem humorously points out the absurdity of paying for things never received, suggesting that in Topsy-turvy Land, arriving means departing. This imaginative poem encourages young readers to think creatively about the ordinary and explore the fun in the nonsensical, enhancing their understanding of poetic expression and vocabulary.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Marigold |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Topsy-turvy Land |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 42 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand and appreciate the concept of a topsy-turvy world.
- Identify and interpret figurative language and imagery in poetry.
- Expand vocabulary related to everyday objects and actions.
- Develop creative thinking by imagining unusual scenarios.
- Engage with poetry for enjoyment and comprehension.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Topsy-turvy | In a state of utter confusion or disorder; upside down. |
| Bed | A piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on. |
| Shoes | Footwear that covers the foot. |
| Socks | Garments worn on the feet and lower legs. |
| Ball | A round object used in games and sports. |
| Room | A part or division of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling. |
| Upside-down | With the upper side downwards. |
| Heads | The upper part of the body, containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. |
| Sea | The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface. |
| Sand | Loose granular substance, typically pale yellowish brown, resulting from the erosion of rocks and minerals. |
| Night | The period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours. |
| Feet | The lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, on which a person stands or walks. |
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Practice questions
- What is unusual about the people in Topsy-turvy Land? Answer: In Topsy-turvy Land, people walk upon their heads.
- What is the sea made of in this land? Answer: The sea is made of sand in Topsy-turvy Land.
- When do children go to school? Answer: Children go to school by night in Topsy-turvy Land.
- Where do you wear your hat in Topsy-turvy Land? Answer: You wear your hat upon your feet in Topsy-turvy Land.
- What is funny about going somewhere in Topsy-turvy Land? Answer: In Topsy-turvy Land, when you go, you are actually coming back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'Topsy-turvy Land'?
The main theme is a whimsical exploration of a world where everything is reversed or upside down.
Who is the author of 'Topsy-turvy Land'?
The author of 'Topsy-turvy Land' is H.E. Wilkinson.
What are some examples of topsy-turvy things mentioned in the poem?
Examples include people walking on their heads, the sea being made of sand, children going to school at night, and wearing hats on feet.
What does it mean to 'walk upon their heads'?
It means to be upside down, with the head in the position where the feet normally are.
How does the poem describe transportation in Topsy-turvy Land?
Buses are seen on the sea, and pleasure boats travel up and down the streets.
What is the meaning of 'You pay for what you never get'?
It suggests a nonsensical system where one pays for something that is not actually received.
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NCERT Class 5 English — Marigold — Chapter 7 — Topsy-turvy Land. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.