Class 7 English Lesson “Three Days to See” Question and Answers

The Class 7 English lesson “Three Days to See” Questions and Answers designed to assist CBSE Class 7 students using the NCERT English textbook ‘Poorvi’ for Grade 7 are provided here. These NCERT Solutions cover in-text questions along with chapter-end exercises and questions.

Intext Questions: Three Days to See | Class 7 English Book Poorvi

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.’

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.

Intext-questions & Answers – (Page 28)

Let us do these activities before we read.

I. Work in pairs. Recall a visit to a place that you liked. Discuss the details of that place and write about the following:

1. Name of the place
2. The person(s) you went with
3. The things that you could:
   • taste, see, listen, smell, taste, touch, and feel

Answer:

About My Favorite Place I Visited

1. Name of the place: Zoo
2. Who I went with: My mom, dad, and little brother
3. What I could do there:
   • See: Lions, elephants, monkeys, and colorful birds
   • Listen: Birds chirping and the roar of the lion
   • Smell: The fresh scent of trees and grass
   • Taste: Ice cream from the snack counter

II. How does this memory make you feel?

Answer:

I felt very happy when I visited the zoo. I was excited to see the animals closely. I touched the elephant’s thick skin, and it felt very rough and strong.

III. Do you think your visit/experience would be different if you could not see or hear? Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
Did you know that our five senses are essential for us to experience and make sense of the world around us?

Answer:

Yes, my visit/experience would be different if you could not see or hear:

if I could not see, I would not be able to watch the animals and their colours.
If I could not hear, I would miss the lion’s roar and the birds’ sounds.

The experience would feel incomplete without seeing and hearing.

Yes, I Remember, our five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching—help us understand and enjoy the world around us.

(Page 31)

Let us discuss

I. Work in pairs. Identify the statements that are true from the ones given below. Share your answers with the teacher.

1. The author expresses a deep longing to experience the world through the sense of hearing.
2. The author would like exploring the city only to observe how people are suffering.
3. The author would spend the first day seeing the people whose kind-heartedness and friendship have enriched her life.
4. The author acknowledges that even in three days, she would not be able to see everything.
5. The author feels that everyone can find the greatest joy merely by the sense of touch.
6. The author advises those who can see to appreciate every moment as if they might lose their senses tomorrow.
7. On the third day, the author would like to observe people in their daily lives and understand their experiences.

Answers:

Here are the statements marked True or False, with simple reasons:

1. False.
   The author already hears well; her deep longing is to see, not to hear.
2. False.
   She explores the city to observe all human emotions—joy, pride, and suffering—not only suffering.
3. True.
   On the first day she wants to see the people whose kindness and friendship have made her life worth living.
4. True.
   Even after three days of sight, she says she would realize how much remained unseen.
5. False.
   She enjoys much from touch, but she believes sight would bring even more joy.
6. True.
   She advises us to use our senses today as if we might lose them tomorrow.
7. True.
   On the third day she goes to the city to watch people in their daily lives and understand their experiences.

II Complete the table given below with what Helen Keller wanted to do on the three days if she had sight.

Answer:

III. The author says that you need eyes to be able to ‘see’ the true self of a person. Therefore, she refers to the eye as ‘window of the soul’. How is the narrator able to understand the feelings of a person?

Answer:

The narrator, Helen Keller, understands a person’s feelings through touch. She can feel emotions like happiness, determination, or suffering by the expressions on their faces. Although she cannot see, she “reads” emotions through her sense of touch.

Another Answer:

The narrator, Helen Keller, is blind, so she cannot “see” people with her eyes. However, she is able to understand the feelings of a person through other means. She uses her sense of touch to feel the emotions of her friends. For example, she can tell if someone is happy by the way they smile, if they are determined by their serious expression, and if they are suffering by the way their face feels. She relies on these physical cues to understand emotions, even though she cannot see them. This shows that she can “read” a person’s feelings without using her eyes, relying on touch and the sense of connection with others.

Three Days to See – NCERT Textbook Exercises, Questions and Answers | Class 7 English Book Poorvi

The questions and exercises at the end of the chapter ‘Three Days to See’ by Helen Keller are provided here with simple yet detailed solutions. These answers are designed for Class 7 students studying the NCERT English textbook Poorvi for Grade 7.

Three Days to See – Chapter-end Exercises, Questions and Answers
You may get more than one answer set to some questions.

Let us think and reflect

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

1. I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf. I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough, shaggy bark of a pine. In spring, I touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud, the first sign of awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep. Occasionally, I am very fortunate; I place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song.

(i) What does the ‘delicate symmetry of a leaf’ symbolise?
(ii) List two phrases from the extract that describe the texture of objects in nature.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase ‘awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep’ refers to ______.
(iv) What is the tone of the writer in this extract?
A. nostalgic     B. proud
C. admiring     D. celebratory

Answers:

(i) What does the ‘delicate symmetry of a leaf’ symbolise?
Ans. It symbolises the natural beauty and perfect design of nature that Helen Keller can feel even without sight.

(ii) List two phrases from the extract that describe the texture of objects in nature.
Ans. 1. “smooth skin of a silver birch”
2. “rough, shaggy bark of a pine”

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase ‘awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep’ refers to
Ans. the beginning of spring when plants start to grow again after winter.

(iv) What is the tone of the writer in this extract?
Ans. C. admiring
(Because Helen Keller expresses wonder and appreciation for the beauty and feel of nature.)

2. The next day I should arise with the dawn and see the thrilling miracle by which night is transformed into day. I should behold with awe the magnificent panorama of light with which the sun awakens the sleeping earth. This day I should devote to a hasty glimpse of the world, past and present. I should want to see the pageant of man’s progress, and so I should go to the museums.

(i) The word ‘thrilling’ has been used with ‘miracle’.
Which of the following words does not match with the word ‘thrilling’?
A. experience   B. tale   C. knowledge   D. adventure
(ii) Why does the writer refer to the earth as ‘sleeping earth’?
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The writer wishes to dedicate the day to a brief look at the present and past world because ______.
(iv) Why does the writer use ‘should’ multiple times in the extract?

Answers:

(i) The word ‘thrilling’ has been used with ‘miracle’.
Which of the following words does not match with the word ‘thrilling’?
Ans. C. knowledge
(Because thrilling means something exciting or full of emotion, and knowledge is not usually described as thrilling.)

(ii) Why does the writer refer to the earth as ‘sleeping earth’?
Ans. She calls it the sleeping earth because everything is quiet and still during the night, just like sleep. In the morning, when the sun rises, the earth wakes up with light and life.

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The writer wishes to dedicate the day to a brief look at the present and past world because
Ans. she knows she has very little time and wants to learn and see as much as possible in one day.

(iv) Why does the writer use ‘should’ multiple times in the extract?
Ans. Because she is imagining what she would do if she had sight. The word “should” shows her plans or wishes in an imaginary situation.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. The sense of touch makes up for the loss of sight and hearing. Explain this statement with reference to the text.
2. Why does the author believe that the sense of sight is the most wonderful?
3. How might the author’s opinion on making the most of our senses guide us to be kinder towards people with special abilities?
4. What is the significance of imagining the loss of a sense, according to the author?
5. How does the author encourage people to approach their everyday
   sensory experiences?
6. What do the author’s choices for the three days tell us about her values and priorities?

Answers:

Answer Set – 1 (Short Answers)

1. Touch helps Helen Keller feel the world—like leaves, bark, and birds—even though she cannot see or hear. It becomes her way to connect with nature.

2. She feels sight is most wonderful because it shows the full beauty of people, nature, colors, and light that touch and hearing cannot give.

3. It reminds us to value our senses and be more caring and understanding towards people who live without them.

4. Imagining the loss of a sense helps us not take it for granted and enjoy it fully while we have it.

5. She encourages us to enjoy every sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste as if it might be our last day using that sense.

6. Her choices show she values love, learning, nature, and understanding people’s real lives and emotions.

Answer Set – 2

1. The sense of touch makes up for the loss of sight and hearing. Explain this statement with reference to the text.
Ans. Helen Keller could not see or hear, but she used her sense of touch to feel things like leaves, trees, faces, and even birds.
She could understand the world by touching it, which gave her joy and knowledge, just like sight or sound would.

2. Why does the author believe that the sense of sight is the most wonderful?
Ans. Because through sight, we can see the beauty of nature, people, colours, light, and life.
Helen feels that sight brings the most happiness out of all five senses.

3. How might the author’s opinion on making the most of our senses guide us to be kinder towards people with special abilities?
Ans. The author teaches us to respect and value what we have.
When we understand how difficult life can be without sight or hearing, we may become more helpful, caring, and kind to people who live with such challenges every day.

4. What is the significance of imagining the loss of a sense, according to the author?
Ans. If we imagine losing a sense (like sight), we will start appreciating it more.
It reminds us to use our senses wisely and not take them for granted.

5. How does the author encourage people to approach their everyday sensory experiences?
Ans. She says we should use all our senses — see, hear, touch, smell, and taste — fully and joyfully, as if we might lose them tomorrow. This helps us to enjoy life more and notice the beauty in little things.

6. What do the author’s choices for the three days tell us about her values and priorities?
Ans. Her first wish is to see the people she loves, the second is to learn from nature and history, and the third is to watch everyday life of people.
This shows she values love, learning, beauty, and understanding people’s lives.

Answer Set – 3

1. The sense of touch makes up for the loss of sight and hearing. Explain this statement with reference to the text.
Ans.
Helen Keller could neither see nor hear, but she describes how touch lets her experience many things. For example, she feels the smooth bark of a birch tree or the rough bark of a pine. She can sense a bird’s quiver in the tree branch by feeling the tiny vibrations. Touch helps her know shapes, textures, and even a bird’s song by its movement. In this way, her sense of touch gives her a way to “see” and “hear” the world even though her eyes and ears do not work.

2. Why does the author believe that the sense of sight is the most wonderful?
Ans.
Because sight opens up so much more beauty and detail than any other sense can. Helen Keller says that just by touch she already feels great joy, so seeing must reveal even more—colors, shapes, smiles, and scenes she can only imagine. She calls sight the “most delightful” because it shows the sunrise, colors in a museum, and people’s faces and expressions. In short, sight brings the fullest, richest experience of the world.

3. How might the author’s opinion on making the most of our senses guide us to be kinder towards people with special abilities?
Ans.
Helen Keller asks us to imagine losing a sense and then to use each sense as if it could be taken away tomorrow. This idea helps us realize how precious our senses are. By thinking about how difficult life would be without seeing, hearing, or touching, we become more understanding of people who already live without one or more senses. We learn to be patient, helpful, and respectful toward those who rely on different ways (like touch or sign language) to experience the world.

4. What is the significance of imagining the loss of a sense, according to the author?
Ans.
Imagining the loss of a sense makes us truly appreciate it. Helen Keller says that if we think “tomorrow I might be deaf,” we will listen more closely today. If we think “tomorrow I might be blind,” we will look at everything carefully now. In other words, by picturing what we would miss, we learn not to take our senses for granted. It teaches us gratitude and helps us notice small wonders we might otherwise ignore.

5. How does the author encourage people to approach their everyday sensory experiences?
Ans.
She encourages us to use each sense fully and joyfully, as if it could vanish the next day. For example:

• Look at colors, shapes, and people’s faces as if you might not see again.
• Listen to a bird’s song or a voice as if you might go deaf.
• Touch a flower petal or someone’s hand as if your sense of touch might fail.
• Smell a flower’s fragrance or taste food with excitement, as if these pleasures could end.
  By doing this, we learn to notice little things, feel grateful, and take delight in simple moments every day.

6. What do the author’s choices for the three days tell us about her values and priorities?

Ans.

• Day 1 (Friends and Kindness): She values personal relationships most of all. She wants to see the people whose friendship and kindness have made her life happy. This shows she prioritizes love and companionship.
• Day 2 (Nature and History): She dedicates the second day to watching the sunrise and then visiting museums to learn about Earth’s past and human progress. This shows she values learning, knowledge, and the beauty of nature.
• Day 3 (Everyday People): She spends the third day standing in a busy city corner to watch people’s daily lives—smiles, determination, and suffering. This shows she cares about understanding people, feeling compassion, and seeing life as it really is.

Together, these choices reveal that Helen Keller values love and friendship first, then knowledge and beauty, and finally empathy for all people.

Let us learn

I Sensory words are descriptive—they describe how we experience the world: how we see, hear, smell, taste or feel something.
Complete the following table with sensory words from the text in Column 2 for the five senses in Column 1. Add new words in Column 3.

Answer:

Below is the completed table with sensory words for Column 3

II. Read the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.

• I should divide the period into three parts.
• On the first day, I should want to see…
• The next day I should arise with the dawn…
• I should behold with awe…

Answer:

Below are the sentences with the verbs underlined:

1. I should divide the period into three parts.
2. On the first day, I should want to see…
3. The next day I should arise with the dawn…
4. I should behold with awe…

III. Identify the modal verbs in the following sentences. Choose the functions they express from those given in the box below.

III. Identify the modal verbs in the following sentences. Choose the functions they express from those given in the box below.

1. You can learn a lot from this experience.
2. They might arrive late due to traffic.
3. She must finish her homework before dinner.
4. They ought to apologise for their mistake.
5. He would like to have some lassi, please.

Answer:

1. Sentence: You can learn a lot from this experience.
   • Modal verb: can
   • Function: ability (shows someone is able to do something)
2. Sentence: They might arrive late due to traffic.
   • Modal verb: might
   • Function: possibility (shows something could happen)
3. Sentence: She must finish her homework before dinner.
   • Modal verb: must
   • Function: necessity (shows something is required)
4. Sentence: They ought to apologise for their mistake.
   • Modal verb: ought to
   • Function: moral obligation (shows it is the right or responsible thing to do)
5. Sentence: He would like to have some lassi, please.
   • Modal verb: would (in “would like”)
   • Function: polite request (softens the request or invitation)

Summary Table:
modal verbs and their functions:

IV. Read the situations in Column 1 and functions in Column 2. Fill in the blanks in the sentences in Column 4 with appropriate modal verbs from Column 3. After filling in the blanks, explain the function of each modal verb you used to your classmates and the teacher.

Answer:

Below is the completed table for the modal verbs activity (IV):

Let us listen

You will listen to a conversation between a mother and son. As you listen, select four true statements from 1–7 given below. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 41).

Answer:

Correct Four True Statements:

3. True

4. True

6. True

7. True

Brief Explanations (True Statements):

• 3. True: Anuj says, “Digital India! That’s about being computer literate, isn’t it?” This shows he initially thinks Digital India is just about learning to use computers.
• 4. True: Mother describes how a screen reader “helps people who are visually impaired use computers and smartphones” and how it “makes a big difference in their daily lives.” This means she believes screen readers are very effective.
• 6. True: Anuj asks, “What is a screen reader, Ma?” He wants to understand how assistive technology works for people who are visually impaired, so he is curious about its effectiveness.
• 7. True: At the end, Mother says, “Inclusion is not just about having the right tools, but also about having the right mindset.” This shows she believes a good attitude (mindset) is the best support for someone who is visually impaired.

Let us speak

Work in pairs. Take turns to speak for a minute on any one of the senses you value the most. Use the given prompts to frame your response before you speak. (See the book for the full question)

Answer:
Here are a few Sample speeches for students on the sense of sight:. You can choose any one of the five senses:

Sense Chosen: Sight

Speech -1

I value my sense of sight the most because I can see everything around me—my family, my books, and my friends.

One of my favourite experiences was going to the zoo. I saw colorful birds and big animals like elephants.

I feel happy when I can see beautiful things like flowers, rainbows, and smiling faces.

If I lost my sight, I would feel very sad. I wouldn’t be able to read, draw, or see my parents’ faces.

I thank God every day that I can see this beautiful world.

Speech -2

I value my sense of sight the most because it helps me see the beautiful world around me.
One of my favourite experiences is watching the sunrise in the morning.
This is so because I love the way the sky changes colour, and it makes me feel happy and peaceful.

I appreciate being able to see the faces of my family and friends, read books, and enjoy nature.

God forbid, if I were to lose the sense of sight, it would make me feel very sad and scared.
I would not be able to see colours, pictures, or even read my schoolbooks.

I thank God that I am able to see and enjoy all the beautiful things in life.

Speech -3

1. I value my sense of sight the most because…
   I can see all the colors, shapes, and faces around me. When I look at things, I learn more about the world.
2. One of my favourite experiences is…
   Visiting a flower garden in spring. I saw bright red roses, yellow marigolds, and purple lavender all together. The sight of so many colors made me very happy.
3. This is so because…
   The flowers looked like a rainbow on the ground. Their colors made me feel calm and joyful. I could notice tiny details—like how each petal had a different shade.
4. I appreciate being able to see…
   • My friends’ smiles when they greet me.
   • My mother’s face when she waves goodbye in the morning.
   • The blackboard in class and the pictures in my storybooks.
5. God forbid, if I were to lose the sense of sight, it would make me feel…
   • Very scared and sad at first.
   • I would miss seeing my family’s faces and my pet dog playing in the yard.
   • I would worry about walking alone or reading my favorite books.
6. I would not be able to…
   • Paint pictures of sunsets.
   • Watch my brother score a goal in a football match.
   • See my teacher’s board in class without help.
7. I thank God that I am able to see.
   Every morning, when I open my eyes, I feel grateful. Seeing the sunlight on my window and the tree outside fills me with hope.
   ____________________________________________

Note for students:
You can create similar versions for other senses like sound, touch, smell, or taste. Let me know if you want examples for those too!

Tips for Your Own Speech

• Speak in short, clear sentences. Don’t rush.
• Glance at your notes instead of reading each line.
• Make eye contact with your partner or teacher.
• Use simple gestures (for example, point to your eyes when you say “I value my sight”).
• Pronounce slowly so everyone can understand you.

Let us write

A descriptive paragraph describes a person, place, object or event to create a memorable experience for the reader. Write a descriptive paragraph describing a place that you visited recently.

Follow the guidelines given below to draft this paragraph.

1. In the opening line, begin with something interesting to capture the reader’s attention. Introduce the place you visited.
2. In the supporting lines, describe the place using adjectives and specific details that appealed to your five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. You may include alliterations, similes, and personifications to hold the reader’s attention.
3. In the concluding lines, summarise the description to provide a final impression. Mention what was the most important thing about that place which others should also experience.

Answer:

Here are 4 Samples of descriptive paragraph for students:

Para 1: A Visit to Green Park

Last Sunday, I went to Green Park with my family. The park was full of tall green trees, colourful flowers, and singing birds. I loved the fresh smell of grass and the soft breeze that touched my face. Children were laughing and playing, and I could hear the rustling of leaves. I tasted sweet corn from a food stall—it was warm and tasty. Sitting on the soft grass felt peaceful. The best part was watching butterflies dance around the flowers. Green Park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Para 2: A Visit to the Flower Garden

Last Sunday, I visited a beautiful flower garden that looked like a colourful painting come to life. The garden was full of bright flowers—roses, sunflowers, lilies, and marigolds—all dancing gently in the breeze like happy children at play. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air and made me feel fresh and joyful. I could hear birds chirping sweet songs and bees buzzing busily from one flower to another. I touched the soft petals of the flowers and felt the cool grass beneath my feet. There was also a small juice shop where I tasted fresh orange juice—it was sweet and refreshing.

This garden felt like nature’s own playground. The most special thing about the garden was how peaceful and happy it made me feel. I think everyone should visit such a place to enjoy nature’s beauty and feel relaxed.

Para 3: Visit to Crystal Lake

Last weekend, I visited Crystal Lake and it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The bright blue water was crystal clear, and the sun sparkled on it like tiny diamonds. Gentle waves lapped at the soft sandy shore, and I could hear birds chirping in the tall pine trees. The fresh pine smell filled the air, and the cool breeze brushed my skin like a soft blanket. I tasted the cold, sweet lemonade I carried, and it was very refreshing under the warm sun. I touched the smooth stones by the water and felt their cool surface. The trees seemed to dance in the gentle wind, and the waterfall nearby sang a sweet song. Crystal Lake is a peaceful place that makes my heart feel calm. I think everyone should visit and enjoy its quiet beauty.

Para 4: The Sunny Sandy Shore

Last weekend, I visited Sunny Beach, and the moment I stepped onto the warm golden sand, I felt as if I had entered a bright, happy painting. The clear blue water stretched out like a sparkling ribbon, and tiny waves danced on the shore, making a soft, soothing sound. The salty breeze smelled fresh and clean, mixing with the sweet scent of coconut ice cream I tasted as I walked. My toes sank into the soft sand, and I could feel it gently shifting under my feet. Seagulls flew overhead, their cheerful cries echoing across the sky. In one corner, smooth seashells lay scattered like little treasures waiting to be found. The sun warmed my skin, and cool gusts of wind played through my hair as I built a small sandcastle. By the time I left, I felt calm and happy, as if the beach had given me a big, peaceful hug. Everyone should visit Sunny Beach at least once to feel the soft sand, hear the relaxing waves, and taste the sweet sea air—because nothing is more special than standing where the sky and the ocean meet.

Let us explore

I. Study the code given below and write your name using it. You may use bindis or grains of daal to make the dots that you can touch and feel.

Answer:
This activity is to be done by students, but we are helping you here with few examples of names:

Here are the names “Ajeet Sir, Poonam Negi, Reena, Sarita” written using the Braille code from the chart:

Ajeet Sir

A – ⠁
J – ⠚
E – ⠑
E – ⠑
T – ⠞
(Space)
S – ⠎
I – ⠊
R – ⠗

Poonam Negi

P – ⠏
O – ⠕
O – ⠕
N – ⠝
A – ⠁
M – ⠍
(Space)
N – ⠝
E – ⠑
G – ⠛
I – ⠊

Reena

R – ⠗
E – ⠑
E – ⠑
N – ⠝
A – ⠁

Sarita

S – ⠎
A – ⠁
R – ⠗
I – ⠊
T – ⠞
A – ⠁

Here is a chart with a few more words & names

II. Have you heard about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
Find out when and how it is observed in India. Write your findings on a sheet and put it up on the class board.

Answer:
This activity is to be done by students, but we are helping you here with few examples:

Sheet Poster 1

Poster 2

Poster 3

III. Do you want to know about sign language? Go to the link given below to learn about the Indian sign language.
https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/accessibility/ISL_200word_v15.pdf

📘 Learn About Indian Sign Language (ISL)

The link (https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/accessibility/ISL_200word_v15.pdf) shared is a great resource to begin learning Indian Sign Language (ISL). It leads to a PDF developed by NCERT that shows 200 commonly used words in ISL with visual signs.

🔹 What is ISL?
Indian Sign Language (ISL) is a visual language used by people with hearing and speech difficulties to communicate using hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements.

🔹 Why Learn ISL?
Learning basic signs helps us become more inclusive and respectful towards people with hearing disabilities.

🔹 Where to Start?
Visit this official NCERT link to learn 200 basic words in Indian Sign Language:
👉 ISL – 200 Common Words (PDF)

🔹 Try These Signs in Class
Words like Thank You, Sorry, Good Morning, and Friend are easy and useful to learn.