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
These questions are provided before, alongside, or within the main text of the lesson to evaluate comprehension. They appear under headings like “Let us do these activities before we read” and “Let us discuss.” Answers and solutions to these in-text questions are given here (page wise) to assist students using the NCERT English textbook ‘Poorvi’ for Grade 7.
Page-91
Let us do these activities before we read.
I. Work in pairs and guess the invention.
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.)
II. Discuss in groups of four what you think the world today would have been like without inventions and discoveries.
Answer:
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.
III. Fill the grid given below with missing letters to complete the words. These words display qualities of an inventor.

Answer:
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):
- Creativity – Ability to think of new ideas.
(रचनात्मकता – नए विचार सोचने की क्षमता) - Curiosity – Wanting to learn or know more.
(जिज्ञासा – जानने या सीखने की इच्छा) - Risk-taking – Ready to try new things even if they may fail.
(जोखिम उठाना – नया करने का साहस, भले ही असफलता हो) - Determination – Not giving up easily.
(दृढ़ निश्चय – आसानी से हार न मानना) - Imagination – Thinking about things that are not real yet.
(कल्पना शक्ति – ऐसी चीज़ें सोच पाना जो अभी असली नहीं हैं)
PART – I
Page-94
I. Complete the cause-and-effect table given below.

Answer:
Causes | Effects |
---|---|
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. |
II. Do you think Anand was able to keep his promise regarding the time machine? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
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
Arrange the following events in the correct order of occurrence.
- The door swings open, and they see Boppa, standing there with an evil grin.
- Boppa is nowhere to be found, but his green scarf is lying near the time machine.
- Mrs. Sharma, her husband, and Dr. Mohan unlock the door and enter the house to help the children.
- Anita wakes Anand up, informing him that someone is trying to get into the house.
- Anand misleads Boppa into entering his room instead of his father’s room.
Answer:
Here is the correct sequence of events:
Order: 4 → 1 → 5 → 3 → 2
- Anita wakes Anand up, informing him that someone is trying to get into the house.
- The door swings open, and they see Boppa, standing there with an evil grin.
- Anand misleads Boppa into entering his room instead of his father’s room.
- Mrs. Sharma, her husband, and Dr. Mohan unlock the door and enter the house to help the children.
- 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.
These questions are provided at the end of the main text to encourage critical thinking, reasoning, responding, and analysing. They are presented under various headings, starting with ‘Let us think and reflect.’ Here, answers and solutions to these questions are offered (page-wise) to assist students studying the NCERT English textbook ‘Poorvi’ for Grade 7.
Page – 99
Let us think and reflect
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
- Before beginning this story, let me put you in the picture. I am Anita, fourteen years old. My brother Anand, one year younger than me, caused all that hoo-ha with his burglar alarm. The trouble with him is that he thinks he is a scientist. He loves tinkering with all sorts of electrical gadgets, tools, dynamos, planks of wood, and things like that. And he keeps creating ‘inventions’ that never work out as they are supposed to.
(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 was about to direct him upstairs, when Anand said quickly,
“The one next to this one.”
“You silly goose!” I said angrily as soon as the man had gone.
“That’s your room. He’ll come back as mad as mad can be.”
“At least it will give us some time to think of something,” Anand said. “He’ll take a while to locate the light switch. Let’s shout.” All of a sudden there was a crash followed by a loud scream.
More strange noises emerged from the next room—a few muffled thumps, an eerie whine, and a low, humming sound.
(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
II. Complete the table with the suitable traits of the characters based on evidence from the text. Choose the traits given in the box below.
An example has been done for you.

Answer:
The completed table of character traits based on evidence from the text:
Character | Trait | Evidence from the Text |
---|---|---|
Anand | 1. 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.” | |
Anita | 1. 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.
III. Answer the following questions.
- What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?
- How did Anand’s father become the target of the burglar alarm?
- How did Anand’s parents and sister react to his ideas?
- How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?
- Why did Mr. Sharma not believe Anand when he spoke about his time machine?
- Give an ending to this story, explaining what might have happened to Boppa.
Answers:
Answer Set – 1 (Short Answers)
- What prompted Anand to create the burglar alarm?
Ans. There were many thefts in the colony, so Anand decided to make an alarm. - 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. - 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. - How did Anand behave when he was on his ‘inventing binges’?
Ans. He made a mess, opened gadgets, made noise, and looked untidy. - 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. - 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!
Page – 101 to 104
Let us learn
I Read the highlighted word in the following sentence.
It’s quite simple. The moment the door opens, this alarm is tripped off and makes a clanging sound. Such words are called onomatopoeic words.
1. Read the sound words used in the story in Column 1. Complete Column 2 by matching expressions from the box given below.
An example has been done for you.

Answer:
Here’s the completed onomatopoeia matching table:
Column 1 | Column 2 |
---|---|
(i) Crash | sudden loud sound of breaking |
(ii) Humming | a continuous low and soothing sound |
(iii) Hissed | whispered angrily |
(iv) Hammering, sawing, clattering | constant 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.
II. Read the highlighted phrase in the following sentence from the text.
Well, that was the end of peace and quiet in the house.
The highlighted phrase displays a combination of two words generally used together in a fixed order.
Such phrases are called binomials.
1. Match the words in Column 1 with the correct pairs in Column 2 to make binomials.

Answer:
Matching to form binomials
Column 1 | Conjunction | Column 2 | Binomial |
---|---|---|---|
(i) safe | and | E. sound | safe and sound |
(ii) odds | and | F. ends | odds and ends |
(iii) make | or | A. break | make or break |
(iv) pros | and | B. cons | pros and cons |
(v) now | or | C. never | now or never |
(vi) give | and | D. take | give and take |
2. Complete the following sentences with suitable binomials from 1.
(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 _____.
Answer:
(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.
3. Complete the paragraph by using the phrasal verbs given in the box below.

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.
Answer:
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.
III. Read the highlighted expressions in the following sentence from the text.
See the book for the full question)
And this is not the first time he’s got on Papa’s nerves or frightened someone half to death in the house.
The highlighted expressions are called idioms.
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with suitable idioms from the text given in the box below.

- Shekhar knew he would ___________ for breaking his mother’s favourite flower vase.
- We ___________ trying to help the injured dog and get it to the vet as quickly as possible.
- Faizy distracted Kanchan, ___________ for us to get inside the room to prepare the birthday surprise.
- The constant power fluctuations during meetings can ___________.
- When I am alone at home, any unexpected loud noise in the night can ___________.
Answer:
- Shekhar knew he would get a shelling for breaking his mother’s favourite flower vase.
- We fell over ourselves trying to help the injured dog and get it to the vet as quickly as possible.
- Faizy distracted Kanchan, leaving the coast clear for us to get inside the room to prepare the birthday surprise.
- The constant power fluctuations during meetings can get on our nerves.
- When I am alone at home, any unexpected loud noise in the night can frighten me half to death.
IV. Read the highlighted words in the given sentence.
It was indeed the fellow who had recently begun sweeping out the compounds in our row of houses.
1. Underline the verbs in simple past and past perfect tense for the following sentences from the text.
(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
2. Fill in the blanks with the simple past or past perfect form of the verbs given in brackets.
(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.
Answers:
(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.
3. Combine the pairs of sentences using the time expressions in the boxes given below and rewrite them using the past perfect tenses. An example has been done for you.

Answer:
Old Action | Time Expression | New Sentence |
---|---|---|
(i) Rohan packed his suitcase. | before he left for the airport | Rohan had packed his suitcase before he left for the airport. |
(ii) We started work. | when he arrived in the morning | We had started work when he arrived in the morning. |
(iii) They set up the tents. | before the others brought food | They had set up the tents before the others brought food and medicine. |
(iv) The students became quiet. | when they heard the teacher coming | The students had become quiet when they heard the teacher coming. |
(v) The villagers left the village. | before the flood submerged the area | The villagers had left the village before the flood submerged the area. |
Page – 105
Let us listen
I. You will listen to a conversation between Anita and Toby. Toby is a Martian and is stranded on Earth. He has become Anita’s friend. As you listen, choose the true statements from 1–5 given below. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 136)
- Toby misses his school.
- Anita accepts Toby as her friend.
- Anita asks Toby about one of his facial features.
- Toby tells Anita that she had a banana for breakfast.
- Toby shares that he can see much clearer with a closed eye.
Answer:
True Statements: 2, 3 and 5
- Toby misses his school. ❌ False (he misses his people and home)
- Anita accepts Toby as her friend. ✔ True
- Anita asks Toby about one of his facial features. ✔ True
- Toby tells Anita that she had a banana for breakfast. ❌ False (he mentions an apple)
- Toby shares that he can see much clearer with a closed eye. ✔ True
II. Listen to the conversation again and fill in the blanks with the exact words you hear.
- Toby: I miss my _____ and home.
- Toby: Well, we _____ don’t need to eat anything. We get our _____ from the Sun.
- Anita: Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice creams and _____?
- Anita: Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see with only_________________ eye?
- Toby: I can see beyond mountains and _____, woods and even _____.
Answers:
- Toby: “I can see beyond mountains and clouds, woods and even metals.”
- Toby: “I miss my people and home.”
- Toby: “Well, we Martians don’t need to eat anything. We get our energy from the Sun.”
- Anita: “Oh! Don’t you ever feel like having ice creams and chocolates?”
- Anita: “Okay, tell me one thing. How are you able to see with only one eye?”
Page – 105
Let us speak
I. Read the following sentences from the text.
(see the book for the full question)
Answer: Do Yourself.
Now, work in pairs. Pronounce these words out loud and put them in the correct boxes given below.

Answer:
Completed Table: –ough Words Grouped by Sound
Sounds like ‘oo’ | Sounds like ‘off’ | Sounds like ‘o’ | Sounds like ‘ow’ | Sounds like ‘aw’ |
---|---|---|---|---|
through | cough | dough | plough | thought |
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’ |
---|---|---|---|---|
you | scoff | go | cow | saw |
II. Read the story given below aloud. Check the correct pronunciation with the teacher.

Answer: Do yourself
III Now try saying this tongue twister fast as many times as you can clearly.

Answer: Do yourself
Page – 106
Let us write

Answers:
We are giving here Sample – paragraph on all the 5 (electrician, mechanic, chef, nurse, graphic designer) vocations to help students.
First my own choice for Girls:
Paragraph on the Vocation – Nurse
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.
Now the other vocations:
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.
A few more vocations:
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.