Class 7 English: ‘My Brother’s Great Invention’ Questions and Answers

Here are the questions and answers for Anita Rau Badami’s story “My Brother’s Great Invention” from the NCERT Class 7 English textbook Poorvi. These NCERT solutions & Answers include the in-text questions as well as the end-of-the-text exercises from the textbook Poorvi for Class 7.

In-text Questions and Answers for ‘My Brother’s Great Invention’ from the NCERT English Textbook Poorvi for Grade 7

Page-91

Let us do these activities before we read.

1. I am a concept invented by ancient Indian mathematicians. I add value to numbers. Without me, calculations in the modern digital world would be impossible. Who am I?

Answer: Zero (0)
(Invented by ancient Indian mathematicians (like Āryabhaṭa and Brahmagupta.
Zero is one of the greatest Indian inventions. Without it, we can’t do proper maths or computer coding today. It “adds value” by allowing positional number systems (10, 20, 100…) and makes modern digital calculations possible.)

2. I am an ancient Indian practice, now popular globally. I focus on physical and mental well-being. What am I?

Answer: Yoga
(An ancient Indian practice for both physical and mental well-being.
Yoga keeps the body healthy and the mind calm. It is now followed all over the world.)

Suggested points for discussion:

  • Without inventions, we would have no electricity, no mobile phones, or internet.
  • Life would be slower and harder—no cars, buses, trains, or aeroplanes.
  • We would still be doing manual work instead of using machines.
  • Medical treatment would be limited—many people would not survive diseases.
  • Communication would be very difficult—letters would take weeks or months.

For more organised discussion points:

  • Communication:
    No telephones, internet, or computers → letters only, slower news, harder to stay in touch.
  • Transport:
    No wheels, engines, or airplanes → walking or animal transport only → much slower travel across the world.
  • Medicine:
    No vaccines, antibiotics, X-rays → many diseases would still be deadly, shorter life-span.
  • Electricity & Light:
    No lights, fans, refrigerators, or TVs → daily life limited to daylight; food would spoil quickly.
  • Education & Knowledge:
    No printing press or digital books → fewer people would learn to read; knowledge would spread very slowly.
  • Comfort & Safety:
    No modern buildings, water pumps, or washing machines → more manual labor and less convenience.
Class 7 'My brother's great invention' In-text Q&A Page - 91

C R E A T I V I T Y
C U R I O S I T Y
R I S K – T A K I N G
D E T E R M I N A T I O N
I M A G I N A T I O N

Words and Their Meanings (English + Hindi):

  1. Creativity – Ability to think of new ideas.
    (रचनात्मकता – नए विचार सोचने की क्षमता)
  2. Curiosity – Wanting to learn or know more.
    (जिज्ञासा – जानने या सीखने की इच्छा)
  3. Risk-taking – Ready to try new things even if they may fail.
    (जोखिम उठाना – नया करने का साहस, भले ही असफलता हो)
  4. Determination – Not giving up easily.
    (दृढ़ निश्चय – आसानी से हार न मानना)
  5. Imagination – Thinking about things that are not real yet.
    (कल्पना शक्ति – ऐसी चीज़ें सोच पाना जो अभी असली नहीं हैं)

PART – I
Page-94

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 94
CausesEffects
1. Anand set up his burglar alarm and rigged it to work when the door was opened softly.Papa opened the door gently and got soaked with water.
2. Anita was able to avoid any responsibility as Anand faced the consequences alone.She continued reading her novel and stayed out of trouble.
3. We watched the movie Back to the Future.Anand decided to make his own time machine.
4. Papa firmly said ‘NO’ to trying out the time machine.Anand felt sad and disappointed but promised not to use it.

No, Anand could not keep his promise. Even though he didn’t start the machine, the thief accidentally activated it when he entered the room.


PART – II
Page-98

Let us discuss

  1. The door swings open, and they see Boppa, standing there with an evil grin.
  2. Boppa is nowhere to be found, but his green scarf is lying near the time machine.
  3. Mrs. Sharma, her husband, and Dr. Mohan unlock the door and enter the house to help the children.
  4. Anita wakes Anand up, informing him that someone is trying to get into the house.
  5. Anand misleads Boppa into entering his room instead of his father’s room.

Here is the correct sequence of events:

Order: 4 → 1 → 5 → 3 → 2

  1. Anita wakes Anand up, informing him that someone is trying to get into the house.
  2. The door swings open, and they see Boppa, standing there with an evil grin.
  3. Anand misleads Boppa into entering his room instead of his father’s room.
  4. Mrs. Sharma, her husband, and Dr. Mohan unlock the door and enter the house to help the children.
  5. Boppa is nowhere to be found, but his green scarf is lying near the time machine.

End-of-the-text questions and answers for “My Brother’s Great Invention” from the NCERT English textbook Poorvi for Grade 7.

Let us think and reflect

(i) Complete the following sentence suitably by choosing the correct option from those given in the brackets.
When Anita says, “…let me put you in the picture”, she wants to _____ (introduce/summarise) the situation for the benefit of the readers.

Ans. introduce

(ii) Anand loves ‘tinkering’ with all sorts of electrical gadgets. This means that he enjoys ____ gadgets.
    A. dismantling and creating   B. labelling or naming
    C. repairing or improving       D. collecting and displaying

Ans. C. repairing or improving

(iii) Which of the following options most suitably describes Anand’s personality?
     A. methodical and cautious   B. creative and experimental
     C. energetic and hasty           D. shy and reserved

Ans. B. creative and experimental

(iv) Based on the extract, compare what Anita thinks of her brother Anand with what he thinks of himself.

Answer:
Anita thinks Anand is a troublemaker whose inventions never work properly and often cause problems.
Anand thinks he is a smart scientist and a great inventor whose ideas are important and exciting.

(i) Complete the sentence given below with a suitable reason.
     Anita was angry with Anand because _____.

Ans. Anita was angry with Anand because he misled the thief into entering his own room where the time machine was kept, instead of sending him upstairs to their father’s room.

(ii) Which action of Anand shows his presence of mind?

Ans. Anand showed his presence of mind by quickly sending the thief into his own room (where the time machine was), to buy them some time and confuse the thief.

(iii) What might be the cause of the strange noises emerging from the next room?
      A. The intruder moving furniture around
      B. Anand’s time machine getting activated
      C. The intruder locating the light switch
      D. Anand’s invention malfunctioning

Ans. B. Anand’s time machine getting activated

(iv) Which of the following best describes the atmosphere in this extract?
      A. relaxing   B. peaceful   C. tense   D. sad
      E. suspenseful F. joyful
      (a) A, D and E (b) B and F (c) C and E (d) Only D

Ans. (c) C and E — tense and suspenseful

Class 7 'My brother's great invention 'Q&A Page-100

The completed table of character traits based on evidence from the text:

CharacterTraitEvidence from the Text
Anand1. Bothersome“And this is not the first time he’s got on Papa’s nerves or frightened someone half to death in the house.”
2. Curious“He loves tinkering with all sorts of electrical gadgets, tools, dynamos, planks of wood… and he keeps creating ‘inventions’…”
3. Confident“Nothing will go wrong this time. I’ve planned it out carefully. See the blueprint.”
Anita1. Responsible“We’re old enough to look after ourselves, Ma…”
2. Careful“But how does the alarm know that a burglar is opening the door?”
3. Creative“Now clean up this mess before anyone gets home.”
(She quickly organizes and solves problems.)

Note:

  • “bothersome” shows how Anand’s inventions annoy people.
  • “curious” describes Anand’s love of experimenting.
  • “confident” reflects Anand’s self-assurance in his plans.
  • “responsible” shows Anita taking charge.
  • “careful” describes Anita’s cautious questioning.
  • “creative” (for Anita) highlights her quick problem-solving in the moment.
  1. What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?
  2. How did Anand’s father become the target of the burglar alarm?
  3. How did Anand’s parents and sister react to his ideas?
  4. How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?
  5. Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand when he spoke about his time machine?
  6. Give an ending to this story, explaining what might have happened to Boppa.

Answer Set – 1 (Short Answers)

  1. What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?
    Ans. There were many thefts in the colony, so Anand decided to make an alarm.
  2. How did Anand’s father become the target of the burglar alarm?
    Ans. Papa opened the door softly, which set off the alarm and made the water fall on him.
  3. How did Anand’s parents and sister react to his ideas?
    Ans. Papa got angry, Ma stayed calm and warned him, and Anita stayed out of trouble.
  4. How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?
    Ans. He made a mess, opened gadgets, made noise, and looked untidy.
  5. Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand when he spoke about his time machine?
    Ans. He thought the time machine was just imagination, not real.
  6. Give an ending to this story, explaining what might have happened to Boppa.
    Ans. Maybe Boppa disappeared into the past through the time machine and never returned.

Answer Set – 2

1. What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?

Ans. Anand made the burglar alarm because there had been many thefts in the colony, and he wanted to protect his house.

2. How did Anand’s father become the target of the burglar alarm?

Ans. Anand set the alarm to go off when someone opened the door softly. His father opened the door gently, and the water bag fell on him by mistake.

3. How did Anand’s parents and sister react to his ideas?

Ans. His father got angry and did not like his inventions. His mother tried to stay calm and sometimes supported him. His sister Anita felt annoyed but still helped him.

4. How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?

Ans. Anand became busy and excited. He didn’t care about anything else, didn’t clean up, and even forgot to comb his hair.

5. Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand when he spoke about his time machine?

Ans. Mr. Sharma thought Anand was just a child with a big imagination and didn’t believe that a real time machine could exist.

6. Give an ending to this story, explaining what might have happened to Boppa.

Ans. Maybe Boppa accidentally activated the time machine and travelled to the past or future. Since no one saw him leave and only his scarf was left behind, he might be stuck in another time!

Answer Set – 3

1. What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?

Ans. There had been a rush of thefts in their colony, so Anand thought they needed a burglar alarm to catch thieves.

2. How did Anand’s father become the target of the burglar alarm?

Ans. Anand rigged the alarm so it would ring only when the door was opened gently. Papa always opened the door softly—so he triggered the alarm and got soaked.

3. How did Anand’s parents and sister react to his ideas?

Ans.

  • Papa was angry and scolded Anand for making dangerous gadgets.
  • Ma soothed Papa, supported Anand cautiously, but warned him to be careful.
  • Anita was skeptical, tried to stay out of trouble, and often helped clean up Anand’s mess.

4. How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?

Ans. He became single-minded, took apart every gadget in the house, made a terrible noise (hammering, sawing), and let his hair grow messy.

5. Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand when he spoke about his time machine?

Ans. Because a time machine sounds impossible, and when they entered the room they saw no thief—only strange noises—so he thought it was imagination, not a real machine.

6. Give an ending to this story, explaining what might have happened to Boppa.

Ans. Perhaps Boppa really travelled into the past in Anand’s time machine and was never found again. Or maybe he returned years later, much older, telling tales of ancient times—though no one believed him!


Let us learn

Class 7 'My brother's great invention 'Q&A Page-101

Here’s the completed onomatopoeia matching table:

Column 1Column 2
(i) Crashsudden loud sound of breaking
(ii) Humminga continuous low and soothing sound
(iii) Hissedwhispered angrily
(iv) Hammering, sawing, clatteringconstant and loud construction noises
  • Crash: the loud sound when something breaks.
  • Humming: the soft, steady, low sound (like a machine running).
  • Hissed: speaking in a quiet, angry whisper.
  • Hammering, sawing, clattering: noisy, repeated sounds of building or breaking things.
Class 7 'My brother's great invention 'Q&A Page-102

Matching to form binomials

Column 1ConjunctionColumn 2Binomial
(i) safeandE. soundsafe and sound
(ii) oddsandF. endsodds and ends
(iii) makeorA. breakmake or break
(iv) prosandB. conspros and cons
(v) noworC. nevernow or never
(vi) giveandD. takegive and take

(i) This project will be a _____ moment for our team’s success.
(ii) After a long journey, we were relieved to arrive home _____ .
(iii) Every friendship works well when there is a balance of _____ .
(iv) She organised all the _____ in the cupboard, to make space for new clothes.
(v) Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the _____ carefully.
(vi) This is our final chance to perform on stage, it is _____.

(i) This project will be a make-or-break moment for our team’s success.
(ii) After a long journey, we were relieved to arrive home safe and sound.
(iii) Every friendship works well when there is a balance of give and take.
(iv) She organised all the odds and ends in the cupboard, to make space for new clothes.
(v) Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
(vi) This is our final chance to perform on stage, it is now or never.

Class 7 'My brother's great invention 'Q&A Page-102

It had been raining and we (i) _____ time to set up for the function, so we quickly (ii) _____ some decorations using whatever materials we had. We accidentally (iii) _____ the fire alarm because of the smoke from the bonfire. Thankfully, the rain (iv) _____ just as the guests were arriving, and despite all the chaos, the function (v) _____ to be a huge success.

It had been raining and we (i) ran out of time to set up for the function, so we quickly (ii) rigged up some decorations using whatever materials we had. We accidentally (iii) tripped off the fire alarm because of the smoke from the bonfire. Thankfully, the rain (iv) let up just as the guests were arriving, and despite all the chaos, the function (v) turned out to be a huge success.

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 103
  1. Shekhar knew he would ___________ for breaking his mother’s favourite flower vase.
  2. We ___________ trying to help the injured dog and get it to the vet as quickly as possible.
  3. Faizy distracted Kanchan, ___________ for us to get inside the room to prepare the birthday surprise.
  4. The constant power fluctuations during meetings can ___________.
  5. When I am alone at home, any unexpected loud noise in the night can ___________.
  1. Shekhar knew he would get a shelling for breaking his mother’s favourite flower vase.
  2. We fell over ourselves trying to help the injured dog and get it to the vet as quickly as possible.
  3. Faizy distracted Kanchan, leaving the coast clear for us to get inside the room to prepare the birthday surprise.
  4. The constant power fluctuations during meetings can get on our nerves.
  5. When I am alone at home, any unexpected loud noise in the night can frighten me half to death.

(i) Ma had rushed in to see what the racket was all about and found Papa standing there, sopping wet and scowling.

Ans. Ma had rushed in to see what the racket was all about and found Papa standing there, sopping wet and scowling.

  • Past perfect: had rushed
  • Simple past: found

(ii) Anand had vanished by this time and reappeared only after dinner when Papa had cooled down.

Ans. Anand had vanished by this time and reappeared only after dinner when Papa had cooled down.

  • Past perfect: had vanished, had cooled
  • Simple past: reappeared

(i) After Rohan A. ____ (finish) his homework, he B. ____ (decide) to go for a walk. He C. ____ (leave) the house and D. ____ (realise) he E. ____ (forget) his keys inside.

(ii) By the time we A. ____ (reach) the station, the train B. ____ (already/leave). We C. ____ (wait) for the next one to arrive.

(i) After Rohan A. had finished (finish) his homework, he B. decided (decide) to go for a walk. He C. left (leave) the house and D. realised (realise) he E. had forgotten (forget) his keys inside.

(ii) By the time we A. reached (reach) the station, the train B. had already left (already/leave). We C. waited (wait) for the next one to arrive.

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 104
Old ActionTime ExpressionNew Sentence
(i) Rohan packed his suitcase.before he left for the airportRohan had packed his suitcase before he left for the airport.
(ii) We started work.when he arrived in the morningWe had started work when he arrived in the morning.
(iii) They set up the tents.before the others brought foodThey had set up the tents before the others brought food and medicine.
(iv) The students became quiet.when they heard the teacher comingThe students had become quiet when they heard the teacher coming.
(v) The villagers left the village.before the flood submerged the areaThe villagers had left the village before the flood submerged the area.

Page – 105

Let us listen

  1. Toby misses his school.
  2. Anita accepts Toby as her friend.
  3. Anita asks Toby about one of his facial features.
  4. Toby tells Anita that she had a banana for breakfast.
  5. Toby shares that he can see much clearer with a closed eye.

True Statements: 2, 3 and 5

  1. Toby misses his school. ❌ False (he misses his people and home)
  2. Anita accepts Toby as her friend. ✔ True
  3. Anita asks Toby about one of his facial features. ✔ True
  4. Toby tells Anita that she had a banana for breakfast. ❌ False (he mentions an apple)
  5. Toby shares that he can see much clearer with a closed eye. ✔ True
  1. Toby: I miss my _____ and home.
  2. Toby: Well, we _____ don’t need to eat anything. We get our _____ from the Sun.
  3. Anita: Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice creams and _____?
  4. Anita: Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see with only_________________ eye?
  5. Toby: I can see beyond mountains and _____, woods and even _____.
  1. Toby: “I can see beyond mountains and clouds, woods and even metals.”
  2. Toby: “I miss my people and home.”
  3. Toby: “Well, we Martians don’t need to eat anything. We get our energy from the Sun.”
  4. Anita: “Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice creams and chocolates?”
  5. Anita: “Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see with only one eye?”

Page – 105

Let us speak

Answer: Do Yourself.

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 105

Completed Table: –ough Words Grouped by Sound

Sounds like ‘oo’Sounds like ‘off’Sounds like ‘o’Sounds like ‘ow’Sounds like ‘aw’
throughcoughdoughploughthought

Explanation with Pronunciation Hints:

  • through → sounds like “throo”
  • cough → sounds like “coff”
  • dough → sounds like “doe”
  • plough → sounds like “plow”
  • thought → sounds like “thawt”

More Examples You Can Add:

Like ‘oo’Like ‘off’Like ‘o’Like ‘ow’Like ‘aw’
youscoffgocowsaw
Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 106

Answer: Do yourself

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 106

Answer: Do yourself


Page – 106

Let us write

Class 7 'My brother's great invention' Q&A Page - 106

We are giving here Sample – paragraph on all the 5 (electrician, mechanic, chef, nurse, graphic designer) vocations to help students.

I would like to become a nurse because I love helping sick people and taking care of them. To become a nurse, one needs to study nursing courses and get proper training in hospitals. Nurses use tools like thermometers, stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, and first-aid kits. My co-workers would be doctors, other nurses, and hospital staff. A nurse must work in a team, especially during emergencies. I would treat all patients kindly and talk to them with respect and care. I would always try to make them feel better with a smile. I will do this job with honesty and pride, because I believe nurses make a big difference in people’s lives.

Electrician

I want to be an electrician because I like fixing lights, fans, and wires. Electricians make homes and buildings bright and safe. To become an electrician, I will need technical training in wiring and safety. I will use tools like screwdrivers, pliers, testers, and wires. I will work with other electricians, builders, and engineers. Teamwork is important so that we can finish the work fast and safely. I will listen to customers carefully and solve their problems politely. I will do this work with pride because electricity makes our life easy.

Chef

I would like to become a chef because I enjoy cooking different dishes. I want to make tasty food for people. To become a chef, I will need training in cooking, baking, and hygiene. I will use tools like knives, pans, ovens, and spoons. My co-workers will be other chefs, helpers, and waiters. We will work as a team to serve food on time. I will greet the customers politely and try to make food the way they like. I will feel proud to cook with love and care.

Mechanic

I wish to become a mechanic because I like opening and fixing machines. Mechanics help people by repairing their vehicles. I will go to a mechanic training school to learn how to fix bikes and cars. I will use tools like spanners, wrenches, oil cans, and jacks. My co-workers will be other mechanics and garage helpers. Teamwork will help us repair fast and safely. I will talk kindly to customers and explain what needs to be fixed. I will do this job with pride because machines need care too.

Teacher

I dream of becoming a teacher because I love teaching and helping children learn. A teacher needs a good education and training in how to teach different subjects. My tools will be books, blackboard, chalk, and charts. My co-workers will be other teachers and school staff. We will work together to guide and support students. I will be patient and friendly with my students. I will feel proud to shape the future of the country by teaching with love and honesty.

Firefighter

I want to become a firefighter because I want to save people from fire and danger. Firefighters are brave and help in emergencies. To become a firefighter, I will get special training in fire safety and rescue work. I will use tools like hosepipes, axes, fire suits, helmets, and fire engines. My co-workers will be other firefighters and rescue team members. We must work as a team to put out fires quickly and save lives. I will stay calm and strong and help people without fear. I will be proud to be a firefighter who helps others.

Graphic Designer

I would love to become a graphic designer because I enjoy drawing and using computers. Graphic designers make posters, books, websites, and more. I will need training in design software and learn how to use colours and images. I will use tools like computers, drawing tablets, and design apps. My co-workers will be writers, editors, and other designers. We will work as a team to make creative things. I will listen to what clients want and make beautiful designs for them. I will do this work with joy and pride because design makes everything look better.


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