Class 7 Eng. Lesson ‘Animals, Birds, And Dr. Dolittle’- Question and Answers

Class 7 NCERT English questions and answers for the lesson ‘Animals, Birds, and Dr. Dolittle’ are provided here. You’ll find in-text questions with their answers, solutions to chapter-end exercises, and responses to other activity-related questions.

Intext Questions & Answers – Lesson ‘Animals, Birds, And Dr. Dolittle’ | NCERT Textbook ‘Poorvi’ for Grade 7

Intext questions appear either before or alongside the main text of the chapter. They are designed to enhance understanding of the chapter’s content, appearing periodically as one progresses through the chapter text material.

In the Grade 7 English textbook ‘Poorvi,’intext questions are presented under headings like ‘Let us do these activities before we read’ and ‘Let us discuss.’

PART – I

(Page 43)

Let us do these activities before we read

I. Do you have a pet or a domestic animal? If yes, why? If not, why not? How do people usually spend time with a pet or domestic animal? Share your thoughts with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans: Yes, I have a pet dog because I love animals.
(OR)
No, I don’t have a pet because my parents don’t allow it.

Q: How do people usually spend time with a pet or domestic animal?
A: People play with them, feed them, and take them for walks.

II. You must have read stories where animals and birds talk. If you had a chance to communicate with an animal or a bird, who would you like to speak to and why? Share your thoughts with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans: I would like to talk to a parrot because it can repeat words.
(OR)
I would like to talk to a dog to know what it feels when it is happy or sad.

III. If we closely observe the body language of animals and birds, we can understand what they want to tell us. Work in pairs and study the pictures given below. Find out what emotions these animals and birds are trying to convey. Share your observations with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans:

Given below is the analysis of the emotions shown by the animals and birds in the image:

1. Duck (Picture 1)
   • Emotion: Angry or upset
   • Body Language: Wings spread, beak open, eyebrows down.
   • Observation: The duck looks like it is angry or warning someone.
2. Cat (Picture 2)
   • Emotion: Scared or frightened
   • Body Language: Arched back, wide eyes, tail up and puffed.
   • Observation: The cat looks very scared or shocked.
3. Dog (Picture 3)
   • Emotion: Happy and playful
   • Body Language: Tongue out, tail up, relaxed body, ears up.
   • Observation: The dog looks cheerful and friendly.
4. Cockatoo (Bird in Picture 4)
   • Emotion: Curious or alert
   • Body Language: Standing tall, crest feathers raised, one foot up.
   • Observation: The bird looks curious or paying attention to something.

These body language cues help us understand how animals might be feeling even if they cannot speak like humans.

(Page 46)

Let us discuss

I. Complete the following sentence by selecting a suitable reason. The Cat’s-food-Man suggests to Doctor Dolittle that he should become an animal doctor because he believes that Dolittle
______________________________.
1. earns less fee by treating human patients
2. enjoys the company of animals as they speak less
3. dislikes spending time with human patients
4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians

Ans. 4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians.

II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the suitable option given in the brackets.

Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and _____ (certainty/curiosity). He rushes to _____ (write/memorise) the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.

Ans. Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and curiosity. He rushes to write the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.

III. Do you think Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Ans. Yes, Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor because he could understand and talk to animals. No other doctor could do that.
Animals would trust him and come to him for help.

Tip for students:
You can also say that he cared for animals more than people, and that made him special.

PART – II

(Page 49)

I. What became a common sight in Puddleby after Doctor Dolittle started treating animals?

1. Humans talking to farm animals
2. Farm animals wearing glasses
3. Farm animals learning bird language
4. Birds riding atop farm animals

Answer:
2. Farm animals wearing glasses

II. What challenges do you think Doctor Dolittle might face if more and more animals come to him for help

1. How might he overcome these challenges to ensure that he provides good treatment?

Answer:
Doctor Dolittle might face the problem of too many animals coming at once. It can be hard to treat all of them quickly.

How might he overcome these challenges to ensure that he provides good treatment?

Answer:
He can make special doors for different animals to organize them. He can also take help from others or work carefully to treat every animal well.

III. Arrange the following events in correct order according to the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Answer:

Correct Sequence of Events:

1. A man with a stomach-ache visits Doctor Dolittle and suggests he should treat animals instead of people. ✅ (This is already marked as (i))

2. The parrot, Polynesia, encourages Doctor Dolittle to become an animal doctor, revealing that animals can talk. ✅ (This is already marked as (ii))

3. Doctor Dolittle decides to stop being a doctor for people and becomes a doctor for animals.

4. Polynesia teaches Doctor Dolittle animal languages, and he starts understanding and communicating with animals.

5. A plough horse with vision problems visits Doctor Dolittle, who prescribes green spectacles, to improve the horse’s eyesight.

6. Doctor Dolittle installs special doors for different animals to enter his house for treatment.

7. Doctor Dolittle’s ability to communicate with animals helps him diagnose and treat their illnesses effectively.

8. Word spreads, and people start bringing their sick pets and farm animals to Doctor Dolittle for treatment.

9. Animals from near and far come to Doctor Dolittle for help, crowding his garden.

10. Doctor Dolittle gains fame among animals worldwide, and they come to him from various places for his help.

NCERT Textbook Question and Answers of the Lesson ‘Animals, Birds, And Dr. Dolittle’ – Book Poorvi for Grade 7

Let us think and reflect

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. “If I say, ‘Polly wants a cracker’, you understand me. But hear this: Ka ka oi-ee, fee-fee?”
   “Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor. “What does that mean?”
   “That means, ‘Is the porridge hot yet?’—in bird language.”
   “My! You don’t say so!” said the Doctor. “You never talked that way to me before.” “What would have been the good?” said Polynesia, dusting some cracker crumbs off her left wing. “You wouldn’t have understood me if I had.”

(i) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.
In the line, “Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor, the expression ‘Good Gracious’ can be replaced by ______________!
A. bravo   B. gosh   C. alas   D. hurray

Ans. ✅ B. gosh
(“Good Gracious” and “Gosh” both express surprise.)

(ii) Why had Polynesia never used bird language with the Doctor earlier?

Ans. Polynesia never used bird language with the Doctor earlier because she knew he wouldn’t have understood it.

(iii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
Polynesia had been munching on a food item while talking to Doctor Dolittle.

Ans. True
(She was dusting cracker crumbs off her left wing.)

(iv) How did Doctor Dolittle feel according to the extract?
A. anxious   B. surprised   C. angry   D. relaxed

Ans. ✅ B. surprised
(He cried “Good Gracious!” and said “You don’t say so!”, showing his surprise.)

2. “I would like a pair like yours,” said the horse—“only green. They’ll keep the Sun out of my eyes while I’m ploughing the field.”
   “Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Green ones you shall have.”
   “You know, the trouble is, Sir,” said the plough horse as the Doctor opened the front door to let him out—“the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals—just because the animals don’t complain. As a matter of fact, it takes a much cleverer man to be a really good animal doctor than it does to be a good people’s doctor.”

(i) Choose a word from the extract to complete the analogy.
digging: flower    bed:: ______________: field

Ans. ploughing
(Ploughing is done in a field just like digging is done in a flower bed.)

(ii) Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Doctor Dolittle’s attitude in the extract is ______________.
A. respectful   B. sentimental   C. understanding   D. careful

Ans. ✅ A. respectful
(He listens to the horse politely, answers gently, and agrees to his request.)

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Based on the extract, we can conclude that doctors take animals for granted because ______________.

Ans. they think animals do not complain or express pain like humans do.

(iv) Do you agree with the concluding sentence of the extract? Why/why not?

Ans. (sample Answer):
Yes, I agree. Treating animals is harder because they cannot speak or explain their pain. A good animal doctor must understand them well and be kind and smart.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?
2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.
3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?
4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.
5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?

Answers:
Three sets of answers are provided here to help students, and they can choose whichever they prefer.

Answer Set – 1 (Short Answers)

1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?
Ans. She taught slowly, clearly, and helped the Doctor understand bird words.

2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.
Ans. He made separate doors and listened to each animal carefully.

3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?
Ans. He followed Polynesia’s advice and it helped him treat animals better.

4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.
Ans. He was kind, patient, and could talk to animals in their own language.

5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?
Ans. Animals would be safer and better cared for, and people would be kinder to them.

Answer Set – 2

1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?

Answer:
Polynesia was a good trainer because she not only knew the animal languages herself, but she also taught Doctor Dolittle how to speak and understand them. Because of her help, the Doctor was able to treat animals better.

2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.

Answer:
Doctor Dolittle built special doors for different animals so they could enter his house easily. He also treated every animal kindly and carefully. Even the mice had their own little tunnel, showing that he cared for all animals, big or small.

3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?

Answer:
Doctor Dolittle listened to Polynesia, even though she was a bird. He did not ignore her. By following her advice, he discovered he could talk to animals and help them. This shows that listening to others, even if they are different, can bring great ideas and changes.

4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.

Answer:
Doctor Dolittle was kind, gentle, caring, and smart. He understood animals and treated them with love and respect. Because of this, animals from faraway places came to him for help. He became famous as a doctor who truly cared for them.

5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?

Answer (sample answer):
If people could talk to animals like Doctor Dolittle, they would treat them better. They would understand their needs, feelings, and pain. There would be more kindness to animals, and people might stop harming them or using them wrongly.

Answer Set – 3

1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?

Ans. She spoke slowly and clearly, giving Dr. Dolittle each bird word to write down. She showed him both human words and bird sounds, and explained their meanings.

2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.

Ans. He made special doors and tunnels for each kind of animal. He listened to every animal’s need in its own language and treated it carefully.

3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?

Ans. By trying Polynesia’s idea, he discovered a whole new way to help animals. It shows that good ideas can come from anyone—even a bird!

4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.

Ans.

• Curious and open-minded: He rushed to write down bird words.
• Kind and patient: He learned each animal’s language and took time to treat them.
• Smart and creative: He built special doors and prescribed green glasses for the horse.

5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?

Ans. People would know exactly what animals need and feel. We would treat animals more kindly, protect their homes, and stop cruelty.

Let us learn

I. Read the following words from the text. (see the book for the full question)

Complete the following table correctly by choosing words from the box given below. An example has been done for you.

Answer:

Explanation:

• Hyphenated: Words joined by a hyphen (-).
• Open: Words written with a space.
• Closed: Words written as one word with no space.

II. Create compound words from the table given below.

Answer:

Compound Word Pairs:

A. fun + loving → fun-loving
B. song + birds → songbirds
C. over + head → overhead
D. high + flying → high-flying
E. never + ending → never-ending
F. early + risers → early risers
G. tree + tops → treetops

Now, complete the paragraph with suitable compound words from the table. An example has been done for you.

Answer:

After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. songbirds’ chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. overhead, their ailments cured. D. High-flying eagles soared gracefully. E. Never-ending their health restored. F. Early risers among the G. treetops chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.

III. Underline the names of animals that are hidden in the sentences given below. Clues are given within the brackets. An example has been done for you.

1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect)
3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal)
4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal)
5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)

Answer:

1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
→ Hidden animal: goat

2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect)
→ Hidden animal: ant

3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal)
→ Hidden animal: horse

4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal)
→ Hidden animal: mice

5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)
→ Hidden animal: camel

IV. Read the following sentence from the text. Study the highlighted words. (See the book for the full questions)
Read the sentences below and identify the palindrome words and sentences.

1. Eva can I see bees in a cave?
2. Step on no pets.
3. Naman saw a race car at the show.
4. Nitin speaks in Malayalam.
5. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.
6. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.

Answer: Identifying Palindromes

1. “Step on no pets.”
   • This whole sentence is a palindrome.
2. “Naman saw a race car at the show.”
   • Naman (reads the same backwards)
   • race car (reads the same backwards, ignoring the space)
3. “Nitin speaks in Malayalam.”
   • Nitin (palindrome name)
   • Malayalam (palindrome word)
4. “The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.”
   • rotator (palindrome word)
   • level (Palindrome word)
5. “The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.”
   • radar (palindrome word)
6. “Eva can I see bees in a cave?”
   • This whole sentence is a palindrome (ignoring spaces and punctuation).

Now, create your own palindrome and share it with your classmates and the teacher.

Answer:

Below are given a few fun and easy palindromes for dear students.

Words:

1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Pop
4. Wow
5. Level
6. Noon
7. Refer
8. Civic

Short Sentences:

1. Madam, in Eden, I’m Adam.
2. A Santa at NASA.
3. Was it a rat I saw?
4. Do geese see God?
5. Never odd or even.
6. No lemon, no melon.

V. Underline the verbs and identify the tense form in the following sentences from the text.

1. He is asking you a question.
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
3. I am going blind in one eye.
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.

Answer:

1. He is asking you a question.
Verb: is asking
Tense: Present Continuous

2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
Verb: are
Tense: Simple Present

3. I am going blind in one eye.
Verb: am going
Tense: Present Continuous

4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.
Verbs: is, thinks, can doctor
Tense: Simple Present

VI. Read the following sentences from the text. (See the book for the full questions)
Fill in the blanks using the correct form of verbs (present perfect) given within brackets.

Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. _____ (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. _____ (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, 3. _____ (teach) him bird-language, and he 4. _____ (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. _____ (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. _____ (become) renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.

Answer:

1. has learned
2. has treated
3. has taught
4. has written
5. have brought
6. has become

Complete passage:

Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle has learned to communicate with all animals and birds. He has treated countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, has taught him bird-language, and he has written books about his adventures. Many people have brought their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle has become renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.

Let us listen

I You will listen to an announcement. As you listen, state whether the following statement is true or false. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 88)

Dr. Dolittle’s new clinic presents an offer of free medicines.

Ans. False
(There is no mention of free medicines in the announcement.)

II. You will listen to the announcement again. As you listen, complete the details given below with one or two exact words you hear.

1. The new clinic is located in the town of ____.
2. The address is 12, ____ Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from _____ a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for ____ are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the ____.
6. All animals—horses, cows, ____, wild animals, and others are welcome.

Answer:

1. The new clinic is located in the town of Woodstock.
2. The address is 12, Rose Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for birds are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the best (care).
6. All animals—horses, cows, pets, wild animals, and others are welcome.

Let us speak

Answer:

To help students we are giving here sample conversations based on the cue cards on every problem given in the question.

• Problem 1: Cough and cold,
• Problem 2: Dry lips
• Problem 3: Sore throat
• Problem 4: Fatigue

Doctor–Patient Conversation:
Problem 1: Cough and Cold

Doctor: Good morning!
Patient: Good morning, doctor.

Doctor: How can I help you today?
Patient: I have a bad cough and cold since yesterday.

Doctor: I see. Can you tell me more about your symptoms?
Patient: I have a blocked nose and I keep sneezing. I feel tired too.

Doctor: It seems like a cough and cold. I suggest you take a mix of ginger and honey.
Patient: Okay, doctor. Can you tell me how to take it?

Doctor: Take one spoon of the ginger and honey mix twice a day. Also, drink warm fluids and get plenty of rest.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. That sounds helpful. When should I come for the next check-up?

Doctor: If you don’t feel better in three days, visit me again.
Patient: Alright, doctor. Thank you very much!

Problem 2: Dry Lips

Doctor: Hello! How are you today?
Patient: Hello, doctor. My lips are very dry and rough.

Doctor: Hmm. Do you drink enough water every day?
Patient: Not really. I often forget to drink water.

Doctor: You should stay hydrated. For now, apply some ghee on your lips.
Patient: Okay, doctor. Can I apply it more than once a day?

Doctor: Yes, apply it 2–3 times a day. Also, avoid licking or wetting your lips.
Patient: Got it. When should I come again?

Doctor: If it doesn’t get better in 2 days, come back.
Patient: Thank you, doctor!

Problem 3: Sore Throat

Doctor: Good morning! What brings you here?
Patient: Good morning. My throat hurts when I swallow.

Doctor: Do you also have a cold or fever?
Patient: No, just pain in my throat.

Doctor: You have a sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water.
Patient: Okay, how many times should I do it?

Doctor: Three times a day. Also, drink herbal teas and avoid cold drinks.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. That’s easy to follow.

Doctor: Come back if it doesn’t improve in 2 days.
Patient: Sure, thank you!

Problem 4: Fatigue (Feeling tired)

Doctor: Hello! What seems to be the problem?
Patient: Hello, doctor. I feel tired all the time.

Doctor: Are you sleeping well at night?
Patient: Not really. I sleep late and wake up tired.

Doctor: You may be tired because of less sleep. Eat healthy food and sleep on time.
Patient: Okay, I’ll try. What else can I do?

Doctor: Take short walks during the day. It will help you feel fresh.
Patient: Thank you. That’s very helpful.

Doctor: Visit again if you still feel tired after a week.
Patient: Sure, doctor. Thanks a lot!

Let us write

A notice is a means of formal communication for a particular group of persons. It informs them about some important event, such as an invitation to a meeting, an announcement, to give instructions, make appeals, etc.

Write a notice in about 50 words about the Annual Health Check-up for students of Grades 6–8. Remind students to collect their health check-up cards from the class teacher. Include all other necessary details about date, time, and venue.

Complete the draft of the notice by using the words and phrases given in the box below.

Answer:

Here are few examples of the completed notice draft using the given clues and within almost 50 words:

Notice Example – 1

Example – 2

Name of the School
NOTICE

12 July 20XX

Annual Health Check-up

This is to inform all the students of Grades 6–8 about the Annual Health Check-up.
Date: Thursday and Friday, 27 and 28 July 20XX
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Venue: Assembly Hall

All students are requested to bring their health card for the check-up.
For queries or further details, please contact the undersigned.

Asma
In-charge

Example – 3

Name of the School
NOTICE

12 July 20XX

Annual Health Check-up

This is to inform all the students of Grades 6–8 about the Annual health check-up.
Date: Thursday and Friday, 27 and 28 July 20XX
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Venue: Assembly Hall

All students are requested to bring their health card for the check-up.
For any queries, please contact the undersigned.

Asma
In-charge

Let us explore

I. The word ‘goshala’ translates to ‘cowshed’ in English. It is a Sanskrit word that is made up of the words ‘go’, which means ‘cow’, and śālā, which means ‘shed’ or ‘hall’.

Plan a visit with the teacher to a ‘goshala’ and find out how the cows are looked after.

Answer:

This is an activity that students need to do themselves. Here are few suggestions:

Activity Suggestion for Children:
Plan a visit to a goshala with your teacher. When you go there, observe:

• How cows are fed and given water
• Where they sleep
• How they are cleaned
• Talk to the workers—ask how often cows are milked and checked by a vet.
• If any cows are old or sick, how they are treated
• Do a diary entry about your visit the goshala.

II. Ayurveda is the oldest existing medical system in India. Animals received good medicinal care in ancient India. Indian medical treatises like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Harita Samhita contain references of care of animals. Find out names of different organisations that work for the welfare of animals with the help of the teacher.

Answer:

Animal Welfare Organisations in India

Here are some well-known groups that help animals:

• People for Animals (PFA)
• Blue Cross of India
• World For All Animal Care & Adoptions
• Friends of Animals India
• PETA India
• Stray Relief and Animal Welfare (STRAW)

(Ask your teacher for more local organisations in your area.)

III. What is the best way to take care of stray and abandoned animals?

Answer:

The best way to take care of stray and abandoned animals

1. Provide food and water
Reason: They stay healthy and strong.
This is easy and helpful. Hungry and thirsty animals suffer a lot. Giving them clean water and some food shows care and kindness.

2. Take them to an animal shelter
Reason: They get medical care and a safe place to live.
A shelter can give medical help, safety, and love. It’s a good place for animals who have no home.

3. Adopt them
Reason: They become part of your family and receive love.
This is the best way if you and your family can take care of a pet. They will get a loving home forever.

💡 My choice:
I would first give food and water. If the animal is hurt or lost, I will take it to a shelter. If my parents agree, I would love to adopt it.