NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi: Chapter 4 — The Tunnel
This chapter, 'The Tunnel,' from NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi, begins with pre-reading activities that encourage students to think about adventure, weekend activities, preferred exploration spots, and teamwork. Students are prompted to identify their personality type based on their choices, such as 'Bold Explorer' or 'Imaginative Dreamer.' The narrative then introduces Suraj, who waits near a railway tunnel to witness a steam engine emerge. The text defines key vocabulary like 'shimmered,' 'railway embankment,' 'cutting,' and 'scrub-covered,' providing context for the setting. This chapter aims to engage young learners with imaginative scenarios and descriptive language, fostering reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Tunnel |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 411 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify personal preferences for adventure and exploration.
- Understand and use new vocabulary related to landscapes and railways.
- Engage with descriptive language to visualize a scene.
- Develop critical thinking skills through pre-reading questions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| shimmered | shined with a light that appears to move |
| railway embankment | a stone wall made to carry the railway over low ground |
| cutting | a narrow valley cut through a hill to make space for a railway line |
| scrub-covered | covered with short trees and bushes |
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Practice questions
- What was Suraj waiting for near the tunnel? Answer: Suraj was waiting to watch the steam engine come roaring out of the tunnel.
- Where did Suraj leave his cycle? Answer: Suraj left his cycle in a small village.
- Describe the railway lines as mentioned in the text. Answer: The railway lines were described as two straight black serpents disappearing into the tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the title of Chapter 1 in NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi?
The title of Chapter 1 is 'The Tunnel'.
What kind of activities are suggested before reading the chapter?
The chapter suggests activities related to adventure, weekend preferences, exploration, and teamwork.
Who is the main character introduced in the beginning of the story?
The main character introduced is Suraj.
What does Suraj wait to see near the railway tunnel?
Suraj waits to see the steam engine come roaring out of the tunnel.
What is the meaning of 'shimmered' as used in the text?
'Shimmered' means shined with a light that appears to move.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 English — Poorvi — Chapter 4 — The Tunnel. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.