CBSE Class 7 English Chapter 14 Chivvy Poem NCERT Solutions
CBSE Class 7 English Poem 14, 'Chivvy', NCERT Solutions, delves into the poem's central theme: the endless stream of instructions and 'don'ts' children receive from adults. It explores the underlying reasons for this adult behavior, the necessity of teaching good manners, and the child's yearning for autonomy. The solutions also highlight a creative activity where students create rules for adults, promoting a balanced view of expectations. This resource aims to help students understand the poem's subtleties, analyze its message, and prepare thoroughly for exams with clear explanations and insightful analysis.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | English |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 14 Chivvy (Poem) |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Poem 'Chivvy' focuses on the interactions between children and adults, particularly the constant directives children receive. It examines the underlying reasons for these instructions, the significance of teaching good manners, and the child's desire for autonomy. The solutions also engage students in creating their own rules for adults, promoting critical thinking about behavior and expectations. This chapter's solutions aim to deepen understanding of the poem's message and its commentary on childhood and adult guidance.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the reasons behind adult instructions to children.
- Analyze the importance of teaching good manners and public behavior.
- Interpret the child's perspective on independence and decision-making.
- Develop critical thinking by creating rules for adults.
- Appreciate the poetic expression of childhood experiences.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Adult instructions to children
- Childhood perspective
- Independence and decision-making
- Good manners and behavior
- Poem analysis
- Understanding poetic themes
- Parent-child communication
- Social expectations
Important topics
- The child's desire for independence
- Reasons for adult guidance
- The concept of 'making up your own mind'
- The importance of good manners
- Analysis of the poem's central message
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Working with the Poem - Question 1
(i) When is a grown-up likely to say this: "Don't talk with your mouth full."
(ii) When are you likely to be told this: "Say thank you."
(iii) When do you think an adult would say this: "No one thinks you are funny."
(i) A grown-up is most likely to say, "Don't talk with your mouth full," when a child is speaking while chewing or has food inside their mouth during a meal. This is a common instruction to maintain table manners and prevent mess.
(ii) You are likely to be told, "Say thank you," when someone has done something kind for you, such as giving you a gift, offering help, or providing a service. It's a way to acknowledge their kindness and show gratitude.
(iii) An adult might say, "No one thinks you are funny," when a child is trying too hard to get attention by behaving in an unusual or silly way that is not genuinely amusing to others. It's often said to gently discourage attention-seeking behavior that isn't well-received.
Working with the Poem - Question 2
In the last two lines of the poem, the adult is asking the child to develop their own judgment and make their own decisions. They are being encouraged to think independently and form their own opinions.
The poet likely suggests this is unreasonable because of the stark contrast with the earlier part of the poem. Throughout the poem, the child is constantly being told what to do, what not to do, and how to behave. Suddenly, expecting the child to independently make up their own mind, after being so heavily directed, can feel contradictory and perhaps unfair. The child may not have had enough practice or freedom to develop this skill effectively under the previous regime of constant instructions.
Working with the Poem - Question 3
Grown-ups likely say the kinds of things mentioned in the poem because they want to guide children towards becoming well-behaved and responsible individuals. These instructions are often rooted in a desire to impart essential life skills and social etiquette.
Yes, it is very important for adults to teach children good manners and how to behave in public. Learning these skills helps children navigate social situations smoothly, build positive relationships, show respect for others, and be accepted within their communities. Good manners contribute to a child's overall development and their ability to interact effectively with elders, peers, and society at large. Adults, through their experience, act as crucial guides in this learning process.
Working with the Poem - Question 4
If I were to make rules for grown-ups, here are five that I would suggest, presented in a poetic form:
Don't shout or use harsh words,
Respect the young and the old alike,
Give us time to play and dream,
Keep our shared spaces neat and clean,
Listen to our thoughts, don't dismiss,
And remember, patience is a virtue, please.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the adult's intention behind instructions.
- Overlooking the child's desire for autonomy.
- Not fully grasping the poem's commentary on adult-child dynamics.
- Failing to connect the poem's themes to real-life experiences.
Revision tips
- Read the poem 'Chivvy' aloud to feel its rhythm and tone.
- Discuss the meaning of each instruction with a friend or teacher.
- Reflect on personal experiences with adult guidance and compare them to the poem.
- Pay close attention to the last two lines and their significance.
- Use the provided solutions to check your understanding and elaborate on your answers.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary theme explored in the poem 'Chivvy'?
Explanation: The poem focuses on the constant directives given by adults to children and the child's internal feelings about these instructions, highlighting a desire for more freedom.
Q2. According to the poem, why do grown-ups often give instructions?
Explanation: The poem suggests that adults give instructions primarily to impart good manners and guide children on appropriate behavior in various social situations.
Q3. What does the phrase 'make up your own mind' imply in the context of the poem?
Explanation: This phrase signifies the child's wish to have the freedom to think for themselves and make their own choices, rather than always being told what to do.
Q4. The poem implies that the adult's final request for the child to 'make up your own mind' might be seen as unreasonable because:
Explanation: The unreasonableness stems from the sudden shift from constant direction to expecting independent decision-making, especially after a history of strict guidance.
Q5. What is the overall tone of the poem 'Chivvy'?
Explanation: The poem has a reflective tone as it questions the nature of adult guidance and the child's experience of it, rather than being overtly angry or joyful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the poem 'Chivvy' about?
The poem 'Chivvy' explores the constant instructions and prohibitions that children often receive from adults, and the child's feelings about these directives, including a desire for more independence.
Why do grown-ups give children so many instructions, according to the poem?
According to the poem, grown-ups give instructions to teach children good manners and how to behave appropriately in public and social settings.
What does the poem suggest about the last two lines?
The poem suggests that the last two lines, asking the child to 'make up your own mind', are a shift towards encouraging independence, which might seem unreasonable given the previous constant guidance.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 7 students?
These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to the questions based on the poem 'Chivvy', helping students understand its themes, analyze its content, and prepare for their English exams.
What is the main message of the poem 'Chivvy'?
The main message revolves around the tension between adult guidance and a child's growing need for autonomy and self-expression.
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