CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 2: A Gift of Chappals NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Honeycomb, Chapter 2, 'A Gift of Chappals'. It covers comprehension questions from pages 22, 28, and 29, focusing on understanding the characters like Mridu, Ravi, Meena, and the music master, as well as the central elements of the story such as the secret kitten, Mahendran, and the missing chappals. The solutions offer clear explanations for character motivations, plot points, and descriptive language used in the text. This guide is designed to help students grasp the nuances of the chapter, improve their reading comprehension skills, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by providing accurate and easy-to-understand answers to all chapter-related questions.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectHoneycomb
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter2. A Gift of Chappals

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'A Gift of Chappals', of the CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb textbook focuses on a narrative involving children, a secret kitten, and a music lesson. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter address comprehension questions related to the characters' interactions, their imaginative stories about the kitten's ancestry, and the events surrounding a music teacher and his missing chappals. The solutions aim to clarify the plot, character traits, and the underlying humor and themes within the story.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the main plot and characters of 'A Gift of Chappals'.
  • Analyze character motivations and relationships.
  • Interpret descriptive language and figurative speech used in the text.
  • Explain the significance of events and dialogues in the story.
  • Develop reading comprehension skills for narrative texts.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis (Mridu, Ravi, Meena, Mahendran)
  • Understanding plot details
  • Interpreting dialogue and descriptions
  • Figurative language (Ravi's imagination)
  • Story comprehension
  • Reading skills
  • Character emotions and reactions
  • The role of music in the story
  • The theme of giving and empathy

Important topics

  • Ravi's imaginative storytelling about Mahendran
  • The secret of the kitten
  • Mridu and Ravi's interactions
  • The music master's situation
  • Rukku Manni's reaction to the missing chappals

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Question 1

What is the secret that Meena shares with Mridu in the backyard?
Solution:

Meena shares a secret with Mridu about a small, helpless kitten they have found. They are keeping it hidden in the backyard, inside a torn football that has been stuffed with sacking and sand to make it comfortable. They discovered the kitten outside the gate early in the morning and decided to take care of it secretly.

Comprehension Check - Question 2

How does Ravi get milk for the kitten?
Solution:

Ravi devises a clever plan to get milk for the kitten. When his Paati sees him with a glass of milk, he tells her that he is very hungry. His Paati becomes a bit suspicious, so Ravi quickly drinks most of the milk himself. He then tells Paati that he will wash the tumbler himself. As soon as he gets the chance, Ravi runs outside, pours the remaining milk into a coconut shell for the kitten, and rushes back to wash the tumbler before Paati can become more suspicious about his actions.

Comprehension Check - Question 3

Who does he say the kitten's ancestors are? Do you believe him?
Solution:

Ravi, with his imaginative flair, claims that the kitten's ancestors were the famous Mahabalipuram Rishi-Cat. He further elaborates that this cat was the emblem of the Pallava dynasty and that these cats were descendants of the ancient cat-goddess from Egypt. However, this story is clearly a product of Ravi's imagination, and one does not need to believe him as it is a fanciful tale meant to entertain and perhaps impress Mridu.

Comprehension Check - Question 4

Ravi has a lot to say about M.P.Poonai. This shows that
  1. he is merely trying to impress Mridu.
  2. his knowledge of history is sound.
  3. he has a rich imagination.
  4. he is an intelligent child.
Which of these statements do you agree/disagree to?
Solution:

Ravi's elaborate stories about M.P.Poonai (the kitten) demonstrate his vivid imagination. While he might also be considered intelligent and perhaps trying to impress Mridu, the most evident trait is his rich imagination. Therefore, one would agree with statements 3 (he has a rich imagination) and 4 (he is an intelligent child). Statement 1 (he is merely trying to impress Mridu) might be partially true but not the sole reason. Statement 2 (his knowledge of history is sound) is unlikely, as his historical claims are exaggerated and fantastical.

Comprehension Check - Question 5

What was the noise that startled Mridu and frightened Mahendran?
Solution:

The startling noise that frightened both Mridu and Mahendran was the loud, screeching sound of a violin. This unpleasant noise was being produced by Lalli as she was practicing her violin lessons, and its harshness disturbed the peace and startled the animals and people around.

Comprehension Check - Question 1

The music master is making lovely music. Read aloud the sentence in the text that expresses this idea.
Solution:

The sentence from the text that expresses the idea that the music master is making lovely music is: "The music-master's notes seemed to float up and settle perfectly into the invisible tracks of the melody. It was like the wheels of a train fitting smoothly into the rails and whizzing along." This description uses a simile to convey the smooth, harmonious, and effortless quality of his music.

Comprehension Check - Question 2

Had the beggar come to Rukku Manni's house for the first time? Give reasons for your answer.
Solution:

No, the beggar had not come to Rukku Manni's house for the first time. The reason for this is that Paati mentions to Tapi that the beggar had been visiting their house every day for the past week. This regularity indicates that he was a familiar visitor, and Paati felt it was time for him to find another place to beg from.

Comprehension Check - Question 3

"A sharp V-shaped line had formed between her eyebrows." What does it suggest to you about Rukku Manni's mood?
Solution:

The formation of a sharp V-shaped line between Rukku Manni's eyebrows is a clear physical indication of her emotional state. This expression typically suggests that a person is feeling angry, displeased, or deeply worried. In the context of the story, it suggests that Rukku Manni was in a very bad mood, likely filled with anger and frustration, especially when she realized that the music teacher's chappals were missing and that her children might be responsible.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting Ravi's imaginative stories as factual.
  • Confusing the characters' reactions to the beggar and the music master.
  • Overlooking the details that reveal Rukku Manni's mood.

Revision tips

  • Reread the chapter, paying attention to the descriptions of the kitten and Mahendran.
  • Discuss the characters' actions and motivations with a study partner.
  • Focus on understanding Ravi's elaborate explanations and their purpose.
  • Review the questions about the music master and the chappals to grasp the sequence of events.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What secret did Meena share with Mridu in the backyard?

Q2. How did Ravi manage to get milk for the kitten without his Paati becoming too suspicious?

Q3. According to Ravi, what was the origin of the kitten, Mahendran?

Q4. What sound startled Mridu and frightened Mahendran?

Q5. What does the 'sharp V-shaped line' formed between Rukku Manni's eyebrows suggest?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main story of 'A Gift of Chappals' about?

The story revolves around a young girl named Mridu visiting her aunt's house, where she encounters her cousins Ravi and Meena. They share a secret about a kitten they are hiding and later deal with a music teacher who has lost his chappals.

Who is Mahendran in the story?

Mahendran is a cat that Ravi, Meena, and Mridu are trying to hide and care for. Ravi humorously describes Mahendran's supposed noble ancestry.

Why is Chapter 2 of Class 7 Honeycomb important for students?

This chapter helps students develop reading comprehension, understand character development, and appreciate imaginative storytelling. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations for all aspects of the chapter.

How do the NCERT Solutions for 'A Gift of Chappals' help in exam preparation?

The solutions offer detailed answers to comprehension questions, helping students understand the plot, characters, and themes thoroughly, which is crucial for answering exam questions accurately.

What does Ravi's description of Mahendran's ancestors reveal about him?

Ravi's elaborate and fantastical stories about Mahendran's lineage show that he has a rich imagination and enjoys creating entertaining narratives, even if they are not factual.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.