North, South, East, West

This is an open-ended pair activity. Sample Answer:

I enjoyed travelling to Ooty, Tamil Nadu, with my family during the summer holidays. We travelled by train from Chennai to Mettupalayam and then took the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage toy train) up to Ooty. I learnt that the Nilgiris are home to the Toda tribe, who have a unique culture and lifestyle. I also learnt about tea cultivation — we visited a tea estate and saw how tea leaves are plucked, dried, and processed. The experience taught me that India has incredible natural beauty and rich cultural diversity even within a single state.

This is a personalised activity. A sample answer for Delhi (National Capital Territory) is given below:

1. Part of the country: North (Centre)
2. Its capital: New Delhi (Delhi itself is the NCT; New Delhi is the capital of India)
3. Language: Hindi (also Punjabi, Urdu)
4. River(s): Yamuna
5. Tourist attraction: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb
6. Food: Chole Bhature, Paranthas, Butter Chicken, Chaat

*(Students should fill in details relevant to their own state or Union Territory.)*

States with 'Pradesh' in their names:

| First Part of the Name | Second Part of the Name | Part of the Country | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uttar | Pradesh | North | Largest state by population; home to the Taj Mahal and Varanasi |
| 2. Madhya | Pradesh | Centre | Largest state by area; known for Khajuraho temples and Kanha Tiger Reserve |
| 3. Himachal | Pradesh | North | Known for snow-capped mountains, apple orchards, and hill stations like Shimla and Manali |
| 4. Arunachal | Pradesh | Northeast | Known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'; rich in biodiversity and tribal culture |
| 5. Andhra | Pradesh | South | Known for Tirupati temple, Chilika-like Pulicat Lake, and spicy cuisine |

*(Note: Students may also include Telangana if they recall it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, though it does not have 'Pradesh' in its current name. The five listed above are the primary ones.)*

Based on the postcards in the chapter, the completed table is:

| Places Visited | Interesting Descriptions and Activities |
|---|---|
| 1. Thajiwas glacier, Kashmir | White and blue glaciers; throwing snowballs |
| 2. Himachal Pradesh | Rafting in the river; pebbles and clear water; scenic mountains |
| 3. Assam / Northeast India (forest with tree house) | Walking through a thick forest to reach the tree house |
| 4. Gujarat | The Rann of Kutch; vast white salt desert; flamingos |
| 5. The Narmada river | Boat ride; seeing the river and its surroundings |
| 6. Chennai | Marina Beach; tasting local food; warm and humid weather |
| 7. Lakshadweep / Kerala backwaters (snorkelling/diving spot) | Floating and looking at the fish; Appa and Amma went for a dive |

*(Note: The exact details depend on the full text of the postcards in the textbook. Students should refer to the actual postcards in their book and fill in accordingly.)*

Correct Answer: D. wonder

Justification: The phrase 'I never knew such a place existed' expresses amazement and surprise at discovering something completely new and unexpected — the Sundarbans and mangrove trees growing in seawater. This feeling of amazement at something new is best described as wonder.

Amma is sad about the frequent flooding in Sundarbans because it threatens the unique ecosystem of the wetlands, including the mangrove forests and the wildlife that lives there, and could eventually destroy this rare and precious natural habitat.

The evidence from the text that reflects the speaker's slight nervousness is: "I hope they don't follow us home."

This line, said after seeing crocodiles and a snake while boating, shows that Shaana is slightly nervous or uneasy about the wild animals she encountered, even though she tries to express it in a light-hearted way.

Correct Answer: B. Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion.

Justification: The assertion is true — Shaana is missing her friends, as shown by her asking 'Are you missing me yet?' The reason is also true — she does wish to know how her friends are doing, as shown by 'How is everyone?' However, the reason (wishing to know their well-being) does not correctly explain why she is missing them. Missing friends is an emotional feeling of longing, not simply a desire to know about their well-being.

The speaker chooses to stay awake because she loves looking out of the window and enjoys the beautiful view of the plateaus, hills, and the landscape passing by in the night.

By saying 'You won't believe how nice the plateaus look', the speaker means that the plateaus are so strikingly beautiful and impressive that it is hard to imagine or believe without seeing them in person. She is expressing her amazement and trying to convey the extraordinary beauty of the landscape to the person she is writing to.

Correct Answer: A. from fear to comfort

Justification: The speaker clearly states, 'I used to be afraid of tunnels, but I'm not any more.' This shows a change from being scared (fear) to being at ease with them (comfort).

The speaker's wish to share the experience of touring the plateaus with others indicates her sense of connection as well as the value she places on shared experiences with her peers.

Explanation: Shaana's desire to take everyone on a tour of the plateaus shows that she feels emotionally connected to her friends and family, and she believes that experiencing things together makes them more meaningful and enjoyable.

Given: Shaana says, 'I used to be afraid of tunnels, but I'm not any more.'

Answer: The most likely reason for Shaana's fear of tunnels could be the sudden darkness and enclosed space that one experiences when a train enters a tunnel. Tunnels are dark, narrow, and the sound of the train becomes very loud inside them. For a child, this sudden shift from light to complete darkness, combined with the loud echoing noise and the feeling of being enclosed underground, can be quite frightening. This type of fear is known as claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or nyctophobia (fear of darkness). Over the course of her travels, Shaana experienced many tunnels and gradually overcame this fear.

Yes, Shaana's Appa and Amma enjoyed themselves just as much as children do, if not more.

Evidence from the text:
- Appa and Amma went for a dive in the sea (at the place where Shaana was floating and looking at fish), which shows they were enthusiastic about adventure activities.
- Amma was knowledgeable and excited enough to explain about wetlands and mangroves to Shaana, showing her own deep interest in nature.
- The family travelled across the entire country — from glaciers in Kashmir to beaches in Chennai — which shows that the parents planned and participated in a wide variety of experiences with great enthusiasm.
- The fact that Amma and Appa are described as 'fast asleep' after a long day of travel shows they were actively engaged throughout the journey, tiring themselves out just like children do after a fun day.

Thus, the parents clearly enjoyed the journey with the same spirit of curiosity and adventure as children.

Given: Shaana observes less snow in the glaciers and more flooding in the Sundarbans.

These observations indicate the effects of climate change and global warming:

1. Less snow in the glaciers: Glaciers are melting at a faster rate due to rising global temperatures caused by climate change. The reduction in snow and ice in places like the Thajiwas glacier in Kashmir is a direct consequence of global warming. This is alarming because glaciers are a major source of freshwater for rivers.

2. More flooding in the Sundarbans: The Sundarbans, a coastal wetland, is experiencing increased flooding due to rising sea levels (caused by melting glaciers and polar ice caps) and more intense rainfall patterns — both consequences of climate change. Amma's sadness about this reflects concern for the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans, which is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and unique mangrove forests.

Together, these observations highlight the urgent environmental crisis facing our planet and the need for conservation and climate action.

Statement: Shaana's travels highlight the geographical diversity of India.

Evidence from the text:

1. Glaciers in Kashmir (North): Shaana visits the Thajiwas glacier, showing India's snow-covered, icy terrain in the Himalayan region.
2. Forests in the Northeast: She walks through a thick forest to reach a tree house, highlighting India's dense tropical and subtropical forests.
3. Wetlands — the Sundarbans: She visits the mangrove wetlands of the Sundarbans, a unique ecosystem where trees grow in seawater.
4. Deserts in Gujarat: The Rann of Kutch represents India's vast arid desert landscape.
5. Plateaus in Goa/Western Ghats: She describes beautiful plateaus and hills in the southwest, representing India's Deccan Plateau region.
6. Rivers — the Narmada: The mention of the Narmada river highlights India's great river systems.
7. Coastal areas — Chennai and Lakshadweep: Beaches and the sea represent India's long coastline and island territories.

Thus, from snow-capped mountains to deserts, from wetlands to plateaus, and from forests to beaches, Shaana's journey captures the remarkable geographical diversity of India.

Shaana uses simple, lively, and expressive language in her postcards to convey a range of emotions:

1. Excitement: She uses exclamatory expressions like 'I can't believe we travelled across the whole country!' and 'You won't believe how nice the plateaus look.' These show her enthusiasm and joy.

2. Curiosity: Phrases like 'I never knew such a place existed' and 'I just love looking out of the window' show her eagerness to learn and discover new things. She describes new geographical features (mangroves, wetlands, plateaus) with genuine interest.

3. Fear/Nervousness: She expresses mild fear humorously, saying 'I hope they don't follow us home' after seeing crocodiles and a snake. She also admits, 'I used to be afraid of tunnels,' showing honesty about her fears.

4. Personal and conversational tone: By addressing her letters to friends and asking 'How is everyone? Are you missing me yet?', she makes her writing warm and relatable.

5. Vivid descriptions: She describes glaciers as 'white and blue', which creates a visual image for the reader.

Overall, Shaana's language is child-like yet observant, making the reader feel as if they are travelling alongside her.

Shaana's travels across India would have taught her many valuable lessons:

Geographical knowledge:
- She learnt about different landforms — glaciers, wetlands, deserts, plateaus, forests, rivers, and coastlines — all within one country.
- She learnt about unique ecosystems like the Sundarbans and the mangrove forests.

Environmental awareness:
- She became aware of environmental issues like glacial melting and flooding in the Sundarbans, which are signs of climate change.

Cultural diversity:
- By travelling across different states, she would have encountered different languages, foods, customs, and traditions, helping her appreciate India's rich cultural diversity.

Personal growth:
- She overcame her fear of tunnels, showing that travel builds courage and confidence.
- She developed a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

Impact on her understanding:
Shaana's travels would give her a deeper, more personal understanding of India — not just as lines on a map, but as a living, breathing country full of diversity, beauty, and challenges. She would grow up with a broader perspective, greater empathy for different communities, and a stronger sense of national identity and environmental responsibility.

The author's purpose of presenting the text in the form of postcards is multi-fold:

1. Child-friendly and relatable format: Postcards are written in a personal, informal, and conversational tone. This makes the text easy and enjoyable for young readers to connect with, as they can imagine themselves writing similar letters.

2. First-person perspective: The postcard format allows the author to present Shaana's personal observations, feelings, and reactions directly, making the descriptions of places more vivid and emotionally engaging.

3. Episodic structure: Each postcard covers a different place, allowing the author to take the reader on a journey across India in short, digestible segments — from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

4. Authenticity: Postcards are a real-world form of communication that travellers use. Using this format makes the story feel authentic and realistic.

5. Educational purpose: Through Shaana's postcards, the author subtly educates young readers about India's geography, ecology, and diversity without making it feel like a textbook lesson.

6. Emotional connection: The personal address ('Dear...') and questions like 'Are you missing me yet?' create an emotional bond between the narrator and the reader, making the reading experience more immersive.

*(Note: The actual pictures are not visible in the OCR. The matching is based on the standard descriptions of these geographical/natural features.)*

1. glaciers → The picture showing large masses of ice and snow on mountains (likely image iii or i).
2. treehouse → The picture showing a small house built among the branches of a tree (likely image ii).
3. wetlands → The picture showing marshy land with water and mangrove-type vegetation (likely image iv).
4. plateaus → The picture showing flat-topped elevated land (likely image v).
5. pebbles → The picture showing small, smooth, rounded stones (likely image vi).
6. rafting → The picture showing people on a raft/boat navigating through river rapids (likely image i).

*(Students should match based on the actual pictures in their textbook.)*

| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. In the middle of the night, the little boy heard a loud noise. He felt so afraid that he couldn't sleep. | scary |
| 2. There used to be a bookstore near my house. But it is now shifted to the town. | used to be (or: once) |
| 3. The flashes of light from the car made her suddenly close and open her eyes several times. | blinded (or: blinking) |
| 4. The children jumped into the pool and threw water at each other with loud noises. | splashing |
| 5. My grandmother's place is so beautiful with all green paddy fields and palm trees. It was a great experience. | lovely (or: breathtaking) |
| 6. When I looked up at the sky, the clouds were not staying at one place. They were moving across the sky. | drifting |

*(Note: The exact words depend on the word box provided in the textbook. Students should choose from the given options in their book.)*

The six travel-related words hidden in the grid are:

1. BOAT — found horizontally in Row 1: B-O-A-T
2. DROVE — found horizontally in Row 2: D-R-O-V-E
3. TRAIN — found horizontally in Row 5: T-R-A-I-N
4. WALKED — found horizontally in Row 7: W-A-L-K-E-D
5. TOUR — found vertically in the grid
6. TREK (or HIKED) — found vertically in the grid

*(Note: Students should carefully scan the grid horizontally and vertically in their textbook to circle all six words. The words are: BOAT, DROVE, TRAIN, WALKED, TOUR, and one more travel word visible in the grid.)*

1. Amma and Appa *(subject — plural, two nouns joined by 'and')* are *(verb — plural)* fast asleep.

2. It *(subject — singular pronoun)* 's (is) *(verb — singular)* hot, dry, and there is sand everywhere. *(Here 'sand' is the subject after 'there', and it is singular, so 'is' is used.)*

3. There are *(verb — plural)* so many hills *(subject — plural, comes after the verb when sentence begins with 'there')* here, and beaches too.

Answer: is

Reason: When 'pair of' is placed before a plural noun (sunglasses), the subject is 'pair', which is singular. A singular subject takes a singular verb.

$$\text{A pair of sunglasses } \underline{\text{is}} \text{ essential when travelling to sunny destinations.}$$

Answer: have

Reason: When subjects are joined by 'either...or', the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Here, the subject closer to the verb is 'tourists' (plural), so we use the plural verb 'have'.

$$\text{Either the tour guide or the tourists } \underline{\text{have}} \text{ to arrive first at the meeting point.}$$

Answer: is

Reason: 'Information' is an uncountable (singular) noun. Even though the phrase 'on travel expenses' comes between the subject and the verb, the subject 'information' is singular and takes a singular verb.

$$\text{The information on travel expenses } \underline{\text{is}} \text{ useful for first-time travellers.}$$

Answer: was

Reason: When subjects are joined by 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Here, the subject closer to the verb is 'the pilot' (singular), so we use the singular verb 'was'.

$$\text{Neither the flight crew nor the pilot } \underline{\text{was}} \text{ aware of the delay.}$$

Answer: makes

Reason: 'News' is a noun that looks plural (ends in 's') but refers to one thing and is treated as singular. It always takes a singular verb.

$$\text{The news about the heavy rains } \underline{\text{makes}} \text{ many people reconsider their vacation plans.}$$

Answer: is

Reason: When 'pair of' precedes a plural noun (binoculars), the subject is 'pair', which is singular. A singular subject takes a singular verb.

$$\text{A pair of binoculars } \underline{\text{is}} \text{ useful for spotting wildlife on a safari.}$$

Answer: remain

Reason: The subject 'hill stations' is plural (more than one hill station). A plural subject takes a plural verb. The phrase 'in India' comes between the subject and the verb but does not change the subject.

$$\text{The hill stations in India } \underline{\text{remain}} \text{ a popular travel destination during winter.}$$

Answer: is

Reason: A gerund phrase (verb + -ing used as a noun) like 'Keeping accounts' acts as a singular subject and takes a singular verb.

$$\text{Keeping accounts } \underline{\text{is}} \text{ important for spending money wisely during travel.}$$

Answer: need

Reason: When subjects are joined by 'either...or', the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Here, the subject closer to the verb is 'the bus passes' (plural), so we use the plural verb 'need'.

$$\text{Either the ticket or the bus passes } \underline{\text{need}} \text{ to be used for travelling in the tourist bus.}$$

Answer: was

Reason: When subjects are joined by 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Here, the subject closer to the verb is 'the taxi driver' (singular), so we use the singular verb 'was'.

$$\text{Neither the passengers nor the taxi driver } \underline{\text{was}} \text{ aware of the best route to the hotel.}$$

Correct Answer: (i) under the agar tree

The word 'Agartala' is derived from 'agar' (the agar tree) and 'tala' (meaning 'under' or 'below'). So Agartala means 'under the agar tree'.

Correct Answer: (i) gharuwood

Agarwood trees are also known as gharuwood. They are famous for producing a dark, fragrant resinous wood used in perfumes and incense.

Correct Answer: (ii) woody and flowery

Agarwood is known for its distinctive woody and flowery fragrance, which makes it highly valued in the perfume and incense industry.

Correct Answer: (iii) when the tree gets infected

Agarwood is formed when the agar tree gets infected by a specific type of mould or fungus. The tree produces a dark, fragrant resin in response to the infection, and this resin-saturated wood is called agarwood.

Correct Answer: (ii) perfumes and wood carvings

Agarwood is primarily used to make perfumes (owing to its rich, distinctive fragrance) and wood carvings (owing to its dense, beautiful wood). It is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world.

This is a pair speaking activity. A sample response using the given phrases is provided below:

Sample Conversation:

Student A: I prefer travelling by train to travelling by bus because trains are more comfortable and I can see the scenery through the window.

Student B: I would rather go on a school trip than a family trip because I get to spend time with my friends and learn together.

Student A: Beaches appeal to me more than mountains as I love swimming and building sandcastles.

Student B: I like sightseeing better than adventure activities as I enjoy learning about history and culture.

Student A: I prefer travelling in winter to summer because the weather is pleasant and cool.

Student B: Wildlife sanctuaries appeal to me more than historic monuments as I love animals and nature.

Student A: Given a choice, I would go for a long trip over a short one as I like to explore a place thoroughly.

*(Students should use the given phrases and express their own genuine preferences in class.)*

Sample Application:

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42, Rose Garden Colony
Jaipur
Rajasthan
15 November 20XX

The Principal
Sunrise Public School
Jaipur
Rajasthan

Subject: Request for leave for 4 days

Dear Madam,

I am writing to request 4 days leave with effect from 18 November to 21 November in order to attend my cousin's wedding ceremony at our hometown in Ajmer. This is an important family event, and my parents would like me to be present for the celebrations.

I would like to assure you that I would complete all the pending classwork and homework during the leave period. I will also request my classmates to share their notes with me so that I do not miss any important lessons. I will ensure that I am fully prepared when I return to school.

I would be grateful if you could grant me the leave.

Yours sincerely,
Riya Sharma
Class VII, Section B, Roll Number 15

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Note for students: Replace the details (name, address, dates, event, class, section, roll number) with your own information. Make sure the tone is formal and polite throughout.

Across:

1. Pangong Lake → LADAKH (Union Territory; the famous high-altitude lake is located in Ladakh)
2. Thar Desert → RAJASTHAN (The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, is in Rajasthan)
3. Serenity Beach → PUDUCHERRY (Serenity Beach is a popular beach in Puducherry/Pondicherry)
4. Hampi → KARNATAKA (Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, is in Karnataka)
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam → TELANGANA / ANDHRA PRADESH (The dam is on the border of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh)
6. Thangka Paintings → SIKKIM (Thangka is a traditional Buddhist scroll painting associated with Sikkim and other Himalayan states)
7. Rann of Kutch → GUJARAT (The Rann of Kutch is the famous salt marsh in Gujarat)
8. Nalanda University → BIHAR (The ancient Nalanda University ruins are in Bihar)

Down:

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve → MIZORAM (Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in Mizoram)
2. Cellular Jail → ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS (The Cellular Jail, also called Kala Pani, is in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
3. Double Decker Living Root Bridge → MEGHALAYA (These unique bridges made from living tree roots are found in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya)
4. Dudhsagar Falls → GOA (Dudhsagar Falls is located on the Goa–Karnataka border, primarily in Goa)
5. Gangotri Glacier → UTTARAKHAND (Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganga river, is in Uttarakhand)
6. Chilika Lake → ODISHA (Chilika Lake, Asia's largest coastal lagoon, is in Odisha)
7. Chota Nagpur Plateau → JHARKHAND (The Chota Nagpur Plateau is the defining geographical feature of Jharkhand)
8. Kurukshetra → HARYANA (Kurukshetra, the site of the Mahabharata war, is in Haryana)

*(Note: Students should fill these answers into the crossword grid in their textbook. The exact grid layout should be followed as given in the book.)*