The Day The river Spoke : Class 7 : English

 

SUMMARY

 

The story is written in the form of a conversation between a river and some children. The children visit the riverbank to play and talk about the river. To their surprise, the river suddenly begins to speak to them.

 

The river tells them about its long journey – beginning as a small stream in the mountains, growing bigger as it moves forward, and finally joining the sea. It explains how it provides water for drinking, irrigation, plants, animals, and people. The river also describes how it brings fertility to fields, carries boats, and supports life all around.

 

At the same time, the river complains about how humans pollute it by throwing dirt, garbage, and chemicals. It feels sad that the very people who depend on it are destroying it. The river warns the children that if people do not take care of it, one day the river will lose its purity and may even dry up.

 

The children listen carefully and realize that the river is a living friend of humans. They promise to take care of it, keep it clean, and respect nature.

 

The lesson gives us a moral that we must protect natural resources, especially rivers, because they are lifelines of human, animal, and plant life.

 

 

40 SHORT QUESTION & ANSWERS

 

Q: Where does the river begin its journey?

A: The river begins as a small stream in the mountains.

 

Q: How does the river grow bigger?

A: It grows bigger by joining many other streams.

 

Q: What does the river give to villages and towns?

A: It gives fresh water for drinking, bathing, and farming.

 

Q: How does the river help farmers?

A: The river irrigates their fields and makes them fertile.

 

Q: What happens when the river floods?

A: It spreads silt and makes the land fertile.

 

Q: What does the river carry for human transport?

A: Boats.

 

Q: What makes the river unhappy?

A: People polluting it with dirt, garbage, and chemicals.

 

Q: What did the children promise the river?

A: To take care of it and keep it clean.

 

Q: Where does the river finally end?

A: In the sea.

 

Q: What is the central message of the story?

A: We must respect and protect rivers.

 

Q: Who are the main characters in the story?

A: The river and a group of children.

 

Q: How is the story written?

A: As a conversation between the river and the children.

 

Q: What sound does the river make in the mountains?

A: Gurgling and bubbling.

 

Q: What does the river give to animals?

A: Drinking water.

 

Q: Who lives and grows in the river?

A: Fish.

 

Q: Why does the river call itself a friend of humans?

A: Because it provides water, food, and transport.

 

Q: What do people throw into the river?

A: Dirt, garbage, and waste.

 

Q: What happens if people drink dirty water?

A: They may suffer from diseases.

 

Q: What does the river warn humans about?

A: That it may lose its purity if pollution continues.

 

Q: How did the children feel when they heard the river?

A: Surprised and thoughtful.

 

Q: What did the children learn from the river?

A: To keep rivers clean and respect nature.

 

Q: How does the river help in trade?

A: By carrying boats with goods.

 

Q: Why is the river important to villages?

A: It provides water for farming, drinking, and daily life.

 

Q: How does the river describe its journey?

A: From mountains to plains and finally to the sea.

 

Q: Why does the river feel sad?

A: Because humans misuse and pollute it.

 

Q: What does the river expect from humans?

A: Care, respect, and cleanliness.

 

Q: Why did the children make a promise?

A: They realized the river is their true friend.

 

Q: What is spread by the river during floods?

A: Silt.

 

Q: How is the river compared to a teacher?

A: It teaches humans the lesson of responsibility.

 

Q: What is the tone of the river’s speech?

A: Friendly yet full of concern.

 

Q: What will happen if rivers dry up?

A: Life will become impossible.

 

Q: Why do the children respect the river?

A: Because it gives life and support.

 

Q: How does the river help plants?

A: By giving them water to grow.

 

Q: What role does the river play in human life?

A: It acts as a lifeline for survival.

 

Q: What kind of water does the river carry at the beginning?

A: Clean and fresh water.

 

Q: How do the children feel after hearing the river’s complaint?

A: They feel guilty and promise to help.

 

Q: What lesson does the story teach students?

A: Conservation of natural resources.

 

Q: What happens when people pollute rivers?

A: Water becomes unsafe and harmful.

 

Q: Why is the river called a giver of life?

A: Because it supports humans, animals, and plants.

 

Q: What is the moral of The Day the River Spoke?

A: Protect rivers and respect nature for a better future.

 

LONG QUESTION & ANSWERS

 

Q1. Describe the beginning of the river’s journey as told in the story.

A: The river begins its journey as a small stream in the mountains. It flows down with a gurgling and bubbling sound. Along its way, it meets other small springs and streams that join it. This makes the river stronger and wider. Its water is fresh, clean, and pure at the beginning. The river spreads beauty in the valleys and forests it passes through. This part of the story shows how even a small beginning can grow into something mighty.

 

Q2. How does the river describe its growth from a stream to a river?

A: The river tells the children that it was once a tiny stream in the hills. Slowly, many other streams joined it and gave it strength. As it moved down to the plains, it became wider and faster. The river then began to flow through forests, fields, and villages. It provided life and fertility to the places it touched. In the end, it grew into a mighty river that joined the sea. This journey teaches us that unity brings strength.

 

Q3. In what ways does the river help farmers?

A: The river plays a vital role in the life of farmers. It provides water for irrigation and helps crops grow. During floods, the river spreads silt on the land. This silt makes the soil rich and fertile for cultivation. Without rivers, farming would be difficult and crops would fail. Farmers depend on rivers for both food and livelihood. Thus, the river is like a blessing for agriculture.

 

Q4. What does the river say about its role in human life?

A: The river says that it gives humans water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It carries boats which are useful for travel and trade. It provides fish and supports food resources. It also makes the land fertile for farming. The river explains that it helps people in every stage of life. Without rivers, there would be no civilization. This shows why the river calls itself a friend of mankind.

 

Q5. Why is the river unhappy with humans?

A: The river feels sad because humans pollute it. People throw dirt, garbage, and chemicals into the clean water. Factories release waste into rivers and make the water unfit for use. Fish and other living creatures suffer due to this pollution. The river feels betrayed because the same people it helps are destroying it. It warns the children about the dangers of pollution. This makes the story a reminder of our duty to nature.

 

Q6. How does the river describe its relationship with animals?

A: The river says that animals are also its children. Cattle, deer, and birds come to it to drink water. Fish and other creatures live in its waters. Aquatic plants grow because of it. The river provides life to all animals, both land and water creatures. Without rivers, animals would suffer greatly. This shows that the river is like a mother to all living beings.

 

Q7. How did the children react when the river spoke?

A: The children were surprised when they heard the river’s voice. At first, they listened with joy and curiosity to its story. But when the river complained about pollution, they felt sad. They realized that humans had been harming a true friend. The children felt guilty for this mistake. They promised never to pollute the river again. Their reaction shows innocence, respect, and responsibility toward nature.

 

Q8. Explain how the river helps in trade and transport.

A: The river is not only useful for farming but also for trade. It allows boats to float and carry people and goods. Traders use the river as a natural road for communication. Villages and towns along the river can exchange products easily. It saves human effort and reduces the cost of transport. This provides livelihood to boatmen and traders. Thus, the river is an important path for business.

 

Q9. What lesson does the river give to the children?

A: The river teaches the children to take care of nature. It reminds them that clean water is necessary for life. It warns them that pollution will destroy both the river and living beings. The river shows that it is a friend who provides water, food, and transport. But if it is misused, it can become harmful. The children learn to respect and protect it. The moral is that conserving nature means saving ourselves.

 

Q10. Why does the river call itself a ‘friend of mankind’?

A: The river calls itself a friend because it serves humans selflessly. It provides drinking water, fish, and fertile land. It carries boats and helps in trade and transport. It never demands anything in return. It flows day and night only to serve life. Without it, no human can survive. That is why it is rightly called a true friend of mankind.

 

Q11. How does the river explain the harm caused by pollution?

A: The river explains that pollution makes its water dirty. When people throw garbage and chemicals, its purity is lost. Dirty water causes diseases in humans and animals. Fish and other aquatic life die due to pollution. The river feels suffocated and sad. It says that polluted water cannot be a blessing anymore. This shows how pollution destroys the gifts of nature.

 

Q12. What moral does the story ‘The Day the River Spoke’ teach us?

A: The story teaches us the value of protecting nature. It tells us that rivers are lifelines of life. If humans misuse and pollute them, they will harm themselves. Nature always gives but cannot tolerate endless abuse. We must care for rivers as we care for friends. Clean rivers mean a healthy life for all. Thus, the moral is to respect and conserve nature.

 

Q13. Why do farmers celebrate the river’s floods?

A: Farmers celebrate floods because they bring silt. This silt makes the land fertile for the next crop. Although floods may cause damage, they also help in farming. Without floods, the soil would lose its fertility. The river explains that its floods are blessings in disguise. They ensure that farming continues for generations. Thus, farmers are thankful to rivers even during floods.

 

Q14. How does the river describe its journey to the sea?

A: The river begins in the mountains as a tiny stream. Many small streams join it to make it stronger. It flows through forests, valleys, plains, villages, and towns. It provides water, transport, and fertility along the way. Finally, it empties itself into the sea. Its journey shows growth, giving, and sacrifice. It never stops until it reaches its goal.

 

Q15. Why are rivers called lifelines of human civilization?

A: Rivers are called lifelines because they support life in many ways. They give drinking water, food, and irrigation for crops. They provide a path for trade and travel. Most ancient civilizations grew on the banks of rivers. They make the land fertile and ensure food security. Without rivers, no human settlement can survive. That is why rivers are lifelines of civilization.

 

Q16. What promises do the children make to the river?

A: The children promise to never pollute the river. They assure the river that they will take care of it. They agree not to throw dirt or waste into its waters. They vow to tell others about protecting nature. They promise to keep the river clean for future generations. Their promise shows love and respect for the river. It also reflects their sense of duty.

 

Q17. How does the story show the importance of nature conservation?

A: The story highlights how nature gives selflessly. The river provides water, food, transport, and life to all. But it is polluted by human activities. This shows the danger of neglecting nature. The children realize the importance of protecting it. The story reminds us that conserving nature is our responsibility. It teaches that the survival of mankind depends on it.

 

Q18. Explain why the river feels betrayed by humans.

A: The river feels betrayed because it helps humans but receives harm in return. It provides water, fertility, and transport. Yet, humans pollute it with garbage and waste. Instead of gratitude, they give it pain. The river expected love and care but was treated badly. This makes it sad and disappointed. The feeling of betrayal shows the selfishness of humans.

 

Q19. What role does the river play in villages and towns?

A: The river gives drinking water to villages and towns. People use it for bathing, washing, and cooking. Farmers in villages depend on it for crops. Traders in towns use it for transport. It becomes a center of life for people living nearby. Villages and towns cannot survive without it. Thus, the river is central to both rural and urban life.

 

Q20. How does the river show unity in diversity?

A: The river begins as a small stream but grows by joining many streams. Different springs come together to form one river. It accepts all waters without discrimination. Together they flow as one body. This shows unity in diversity. It teaches humans to live in harmony. Just as streams unite, people should also unite.

 

Q21. How is the river compared to a teacher?

A: The river teaches humans many lessons. It teaches hard work by flowing endlessly. It teaches sacrifice by giving without expecting anything. It teaches unity by joining many streams. It also teaches responsibility by warning against pollution. The children learn to respect nature from it. In this way, the river acts as a teacher. Its message guides us in life.

 

Q22. What examples of selfish human behaviour are shown in the story?

A: Humans use rivers for water, food, and transport. But they pollute them without care. They throw garbage, chemicals, and waste into rivers. They dirty the very water they drink. They forget that their life depends on rivers. This selfishness makes the river sad. The story criticizes this behaviour strongly.

 

Q23. How does the river provide food for living beings?

A: The river is home to many fish and aquatic plants. These fish are food for humans and animals. Farmers use river water to grow crops. Animals drink its water and survive. Birds also depend on rivers for food. Thus, the river supports the food chain. It is truly the source of life for all beings.

 

Q24. Describe the feelings of the children after hearing the river.

A: At first, the children were joyful and curious. They enjoyed hearing about the river’s journey. But later, they felt sad and guilty. They realized humans had harmed a true friend. Their hearts were filled with respect. They promised to protect the river. Their feelings show innocence and responsibility.

 

Q25. Why must rivers be treated with respect?

A: Rivers are givers of life. They provide food, water, and transport. Without them, farming and civilization are impossible. They support animals, plants, and humans alike. Polluting them is equal to harming ourselves. Respecting rivers means respecting life. Therefore, we must protect them as sacred gifts of nature.

 

Q26. What happens when a river dries up?

A: If a river dries up, life becomes impossible. Farmers lose irrigation and crops fail. Animals and humans suffer without water. Trade and transport stop. The soil loses fertility and hunger spreads. Villages and towns die out without rivers. A dried river means the end of civilization. Thus, rivers are essential for survival.

 

Q27. How does the river remind humans of their duty?

A: The river tells the children not to pollute it. It warns them about the dangers of dirty water. It reminds humans that nature must be cared for. By speaking directly, it awakens their sense of responsibility. It explains that survival depends on clean rivers. The river reminds humans that they owe respect to their lifeline. This makes the story a lesson in duty.

 

Q28. Why is the story written in the form of a conversation?

A: The conversation style makes the story interesting. It allows the river to speak like a human. The children listen and respond, making it lively. This method helps the reader imagine nature as alive. It makes the message stronger and personal. Through dialogue, the moral is easily understood. This style creates a close bond between river and readers.

 

Q29. What do we learn about the bond between nature and humans?

A: The story shows that humans and nature are deeply connected. Nature gives water, food, and shelter. Rivers are essential for life and growth. But humans harm nature by polluting it. This weakens the bond. The story teaches us to restore love and respect for nature. Humans must protect nature as they protect themselves. The bond is one of care and responsibility.

 

Q30. Summarise the entire message of the lesson in your own words.

A: The Day the River Spoke is a story of love, care, and duty. It shows how rivers give life to humans, animals, and plants. It also shows how humans pollute and harm them. The river warns against misuse and demands care. The children realize their mistake and promise to keep the river clean. The story gives a strong message of nature conservation. Its moral is: protect rivers, protect life.

 

MCQS

 

Where did the river begin its journey?

a) Forest

b) Mountains ✅

c) Sea

d) Plains

 

What sound did the river make at the beginning?

a) Whispering

b) Bubbling and gurgling ✅

c) Silent

d) Roaring

 

Who joined the river as it flowed down?

a) People

b) Birds

c) Other streams ✅

d) Animals

 

What did the river bring to the fields during floods?

a) Sand

b) Stones

c) Silt ✅

d) Grass

 

Why did the river call itself a ‘friend’?

a) Because it gave gifts

b) Because it helped humans ✅

c) Because it could talk

d) Because it was happy

 

What made the river sad?

a) Floods

b) Pollution by humans ✅

c) Droughts

d) Children

 

What do farmers get from rivers?

a) Clothes

b) Fertile soil ✅

c) Medicines

d) Houses

 

Who were listening to the river’s story?

a) Birds

b) Children ✅

c) Villagers

d) Fishermen

 

Into what did the river finally flow?

a) Pond

b) Lake

c) Sea ✅

d) Well

 

What did the children promise to the river?

a) To build a dam

b) To pollute less

c) To keep it clean ✅

d) To stop floods

 

The river’s journey shows:

a) Anger

b) Growth and strength ✅

c) Weakness

d) Silence

 

Why is the river compared to a mother?

a) It punishes people

b) It gives life and care ✅

c) It cries

d) It scolds children

 

What does the river teach about unity?

a) Streams unite to become strong ✅

b) Streams fight each other

c) Streams are lazy

d) Streams are selfish

 

What do humans throw into the river?

a) Flowers

b) Garbage and chemicals ✅

c) Toys

d) Coins only

 

Which animals depend on rivers?

a) Deer

b) Cattle

c) Fish

d) All of these ✅

 

What does the river carry for trade?

a) Bags

b) Boats with goods ✅

c) Trees

d) Sand

 

Why is the river unhappy with humans?

a) They never visit it

b) They pollute it ✅

c) They ignore floods

d) They build houses

 

What is the moral of the story?

a) Play with rivers

b) Protect rivers, protect life ✅

c) Rivers are angry

d) Rivers are useless

 

What do rivers provide during drought?

a) Sand

b) Drinking water ✅

c) Clothes

d) Roads

 

What lesson did the children learn?

a) Rivers are dangerous

b) We must respect and care for rivers ✅

c) Rivers should be closed

d) We should avoid rivers

 

Rivers are called the lifelines of —

a) Animals

b) Civilizations ✅

c) Cities

d) Festivals

 

The story is written in which form?

a) Poem

b) Conversation ✅

c) Letter

d) Song

 

Why is the flood called a ‘blessing in disguise’?

a) It brings water for washing

b) It brings fertile silt ✅

c) It destroys houses

d) It carries boats

 

What did the children feel after hearing the river’s complaint?

a) Happy

b) Sad and guilty ✅

c) Angry

d) Careless

 

Who helps the river grow stronger?

a) Animals

b) Other streams ✅

c) People

d) Farmers

 

Which of these is not a use of rivers?

a) Irrigation

b) Transport

c) Giving fish

d) Building computers ✅

 

What kind of friend is the river?

a) Selfish

b) Silent

c) Selfless ✅

d) Angry

 

What happens when rivers dry up?

a) Crops fail ✅

b) Floods increase

c) Animals grow

d) Boats multiply

 

Why do towns and cities grow near rivers?

a) For safety

b) For water and trade ✅

c) For air

d) For sand

 

The children promised to tell others about —

a) Farming

b) Caring for rivers ✅

c) Fishing

d) Floods

 

What human quality does the river show?

a) Anger

b) Sacrifice and care ✅

c) Laziness

d) Greed

 

Which line best shows unity?

a) "Many streams joined me" ✅

b) "I was alone"

c) "I was tired"

d) "I dried up"

 

What happens to fish when water is polluted?

a) They grow bigger

b) They die ✅

c) They leave the river

d) They become stronger

 

What is the first gift of the river to humans?

a) Food

b) Drinking water ✅

c) Roads

d) Trees

 

The story encourages us to respect —

a) Teachers

b) Nature ✅

c) Friends only

d) Cities

 

Why is the sea important in the story?

a) It is the final destination ✅

b) It gives sand

c) It is clean

d) It has boats

 

What quality of children is shown in the story?

a) Innocence and responsibility ✅

b) Anger

c) Carelessness

d) Pride

 

Which of these is not pollution?

a) Throwing flowers ✅

b) Throwing garbage

c) Chemicals

d) Plastic

 

Why does the river warn the children?

a) To stop them from fishing

b) To make them aware of pollution ✅

c) To tell stories

d) To complain

 

What is the overall message of The Day the River Spoke?

a) Rivers are angry

b) We must conserve and protect rivers ✅

c) Children like rivers

d) Pollution is good