NCERT Class 7 Arts Kriti: Chapter 2 — Say More without Speech – MIME
This chapter introduces the art form of mime, also known as Mukaabhinaya in India. It defines mime as a silent form of communication that uses actions and facial expressions to convey messages, making the invisible visible. The chapter outlines the basic features of mime, including facial expressions, body language, and energy, and discusses its advantages. It also touches upon preparing for a mime show and the concept of interactive mime, where the audience becomes part of the performance. The text emphasizes mime's ability to be a powerful and loud form of communication despite its silence, drawing inspiration from Marcel Marceau's quote. This chapter aims to familiarize students with the fundamental techniques and potential of mime as an expressive art form, contributing to their understanding of non-verbal communication within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Say More without Speech – MIME |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 338 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and concept of mime.
- Identify basic features of mime, including facial expressions, body language, and energy.
- Recognize the advantages of using mime as a form of communication.
- Learn about the preparation involved in a mime show.
- Appreciate mime as a universal language of silence.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mime | A form of acting that uses no words or sound. |
| Mukaabhinaya | The Indian term for mime. |
| Facial Expression | The emotion and reaction shown on the face. |
| Body Language | Hand gestures, body postures and actions made. |
| Interactive | Incorporating audience participation to make them 'a part of the illusion' for more impact. |
| Energy | Intensity and focus behind each action. |
| Pantomime | A theatrical performance that involves multiple actors and music, often in comedy. |
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Practice questions
- What is mime? Answer: Mime is a form of acting that uses no words or sound to communicate.
- What are the basic features of mime mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The basic features include facial expression, body language, and energy.
- What does 'interactive' mean in the context of mime? Answer: Interactive means incorporating audience participation to make them a part of the illusion.
- What is the Indian term for mime? Answer: The Indian term for mime is Mukaabhinaya.
Frequently asked questions
What is the core idea of mime as an art form?
Mime is an art form that uses silence to communicate, making the invisible visible and silence a powerful form of expression.
Can mime be part of a play with dialogues?
Yes, mime can be a part of a bigger play that includes dialogues.
What is the role of facial expressions in mime?
Facial expressions are crucial in mime to show emotions and reactions without using words.
How does body language contribute to mime?
Body language, including hand gestures and postures, is used to convey actions and messages in mime.
What is pantomime?
Pantomime is a theatrical performance with multiple actors and music, often involving comedy and acting without words.
What does it mean for mime to be 'interactive'?
Interactive mime involves the audience directly, making them feel like a part of the performance's illusion.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Arts — Kriti — Chapter 2 — Say More without Speech – MIME. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.