NCERT Solutions Class 7 English Unit 3 Dreams and Discoveries Chapter 08 Paper Boats (Poem)

Question 1. What comes to mind when you think about 'paper boats'?
Answer: When you think of paper boats, you picture folding paper into small boat shapes and setting them afloat on water - perhaps on a stream or puddle on a rainy day. It brings back memories of childhood play and simple, carefree moments of joy.
In simple words: Paper boats remind you of making little boats from paper and floating them in water when you were a child.

Exam Tip: Personal reflection questions value authentic responses - connect the question to your own experience and memories rather than giving a generic answer.

Question 2. What do you think someone might hope for when they send a paper boat down a stream?
Answer: When someone sends a paper boat down a stream, they might wish for it to travel far and wide, perhaps reaching someone they have never met. They may hope it carries a message or wish to a faraway place, connecting them with a stranger in a distant land.
In simple words: The person hopes their paper boat will float far away and reach someone new in another place.

Exam Tip: Show understanding of the child's imaginative thinking - emphasize the sense of wonder and hope that comes with sending something into the unknown.

Question 3. Read the title of the poem 'Paper Boats' and predict what the poem might be about.
Answer: Based on the title, the poem likely tells the story of a child who makes paper boats, launches them on a stream, and imagines where they will travel and who might discover them. It probably explores the child's feelings of wonder and curiosity about the journey of these little boats.
In simple words: The poem is probably about a child making paper boats and dreaming about where they will go.

Exam Tip: When predicting poem content from a title, consider both the literal meaning (paper boats) and the emotional or imaginative themes it might explore (wonder, adventure, connection).

Vocabulary Exercise – Matching Words with Meanings

Question. Read the given paragraph and match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.
Answer:
1. running - speedily flowing
2. skipping - bouncing
3. bulging - swelling
4. lading - loading
5. burying - putting
In simple words: These words describe actions and qualities seen in nature - water moving fast, things bouncing and growing fuller, and putting something somewhere.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to context clues in the sentence - they often reveal what a word means without needing a dictionary.

Question 1. Choose the correct words from the brackets to complete the summary of the poem.
Answer: The poet sends paper boats down a stream each day, writing his name and the name of his village on them. He wishes that someone in a strange land will discover them and learn who he is. The poet fills his boats with shiuli flowers from his garden, hoping they will be safely carried to another land at night. As he launches his boats, he pictures the clouds in the sky as like friends, racing with his boats. At night, he dreams that his paper boats keep floating on and on under the midnight stars, with the fairies of sleep sailing in them, their baskets full of dreams.
In simple words: The poet makes boats, puts his name on them, fills them with flowers, and imagines them floating far away while fairies carry dreams inside them.

Exam Tip: Context within the passage often signals the correct word choice - re-read the sentence with each option to determine what makes the most sense.

Question 2. Choose the correct option for the following. The theme of the poem is __________.
Answer: (iv) 1, 2 and 4 (innocence, imagination, and playfulness)
In simple words: The poem shows how children see the world with wonder and make-believe, and how they find joy in simple play activities.

Exam Tip: Identify multiple themes in poetry - a single poem often explores more than one idea; look for patterns in the language and imagery that reveal different layers of meaning.

Question 3. Identify whether the following statement is true or false. The setting of the poem is a natural, outdoor environment.
Answer: True. The poem takes place outside, featuring a stream, flowers, clouds, and stars - all elements of a natural outdoor setting.
In simple words: The poem happens outside in nature, not inside a building.

Exam Tip: Support true/false answers with specific evidence from the text - name the natural elements or details that prove your answer.

Question 4. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word given within the brackets. The tone is __________ and the mood is __________.
Answer: The tone is gentle and wishful and the mood is thoughtful.
In simple words: The poem speaks softly and with hope, and it makes you think deeply about things.

Exam Tip: Tone refers to the poet's attitude toward the subject, while mood describes the feeling the poem creates in the reader - distinguish between these two elements in your analysis.

Question 5. Identify the examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer: Examples of alliteration from the poem are:
1. Day by day
2. Big black
3. Strange land
4. Shiuli flowers
5. Baskets full of dreams
In simple words: These are groups of words that begin with the same sound, making the poem sound musical and pleasing to the ear.

Exam Tip: Alliteration is a literary technique where beginning sounds repeat - it adds rhythm and beauty to poetry and makes phrases more memorable.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the poem.
Answer: 1. The repetition of words "day by day" and "one by one" emphasises the passage of time. 2. The poet uses imagery like "little clouds setting the white bulging sails" and "midnight stars" to create a clear picture in the minds of the readers.
In simple words: Repeating the same phrases shows time passing slowly, and describing things in detail helps you see the pictures in your mind.

Exam Tip: Identify literary devices by their function - repetition emphasizes ideas, while imagery creates vivid mental pictures for readers.

Question 7. Match the descriptions in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.
Answer:

In simple words: Each symbol in the poem stands for something bigger - boats mean the child's hopes, flowers mean beauty, and stars mean big dreams that never end.

Exam Tip: Symbolism in poetry uses objects to represent larger ideas or emotions - always connect the symbol to the feeling or meaning it represents in the context of the poem.

Question 1. When night comes, I bury my face in my arms and dream that my paper boats float on and on under the midnight stars. The fairies of sleep are sailing in them, and the lading is their baskets full of dreams. (i) Select the option that is most likely to be the speaker as per the extract.
Answer: Option C is the correct answer (The phrase "bury my face in my arms" indicates someone curling up or resting).
In simple words: The speaker is someone who puts their face in their arms, which shows they are lying down or resting.

Exam Tip: Use physical descriptions and actions in the text to identify the speaker - movements and gestures reveal who is doing the speaking.

Question 2. (ii) What can be inferred about the speaker's feelings when night comes?
Answer: The speaker feels dreamy, peaceful, and imaginative when night arrives. This is shown through the language of floating boats, fairies, and dreams - all suggesting a calm, creative state of mind.
In simple words: When night comes, the speaker feels calm, happy, and full of imagination.

Exam Tip: Inferences require you to read between the lines - look at the imagery and tone to understand what emotions are being expressed without being directly stated.

Question 3. (iii) What kind of beings are the 'fairies of sleep' imagined as? Select the most appropriate option.
Answer: B. Gentle
In simple words: The fairies of sleep are thought of as soft and kind, not mean or scary.

Exam Tip: Understand poetic language by considering tone and context - "fairies of sleep" sailing gently with "baskets full of dreams" suggests softness and kindness, not mischief or danger.

Question 4. (iv) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets. The phrase "lading is their baskets full of dreams' suggests that the speaker imagines the fairies of sleep carefully __________ in their baskets.
Answer: carrying his dreams
In simple words: The fairies are thought of as gently holding and protecting the speaker's dreams in baskets.

Exam Tip: Choose words that fit the overall mood and meaning of the passage - "carrying" suggests care and safety, which matches the gentle, protective tone of this section.

Question 5. Why do you think the poet writes his personal details on the paper boats?
Answer: The poet writes his name and village name on the boats because he wants to share a part of himself with the wider world. This act shows a child's deep wish for connection, to be found and known by someone distant, and to bridge the gap between his small world and the vast unknown beyond.
In simple words: The poet puts his name on the boats so that if someone finds them far away, that person will know who he is.

Exam Tip: Analyze actions in poetry by considering what they reveal about the character's desires and emotions - writing personal details shows a yearning for connection and recognition.

Question 6. The poet talks about the imagination of a child. Support this view with examples from the poem.
Answer: The poet showcases a child's vivid imagination through several instances. He imagines that boats will reach a stranger in a far-off land. He personifies the clouds as friends, picturing them racing alongside his boats. He also dreams of supernatural beings - fairies of sleep - sailing the boats at night while carrying baskets of dreams. These details reveal how the child transforms ordinary paper boats into vessels of wonder and magic.
In simple words: The poet shows imagination by dreaming that boats reach strangers, clouds are friends, and fairies sail the boats at night.

Exam Tip: Support thematic claims with direct textual evidence - cite specific lines or images that demonstrate the theme you are discussing.

Question 7. How does the poet bring together imagination and reality to make the poem more interesting?
Answer: The poet grounds the poem in the real action of making and floating paper boats - something children actually do. He then layers imaginative elements onto this reality: boats reaching strange lands, clouds as playmates, and fairies carrying dreams. This blend of the tangible and the fantastical creates a richly layered narrative that engages readers on both practical and emotional levels, enhancing the poem's depth and charm.
In simple words: The poet starts with something real - paper boats in water - then adds magical ideas like clouds as friends, making the poem more exciting.

Exam Tip: Discuss literary technique by explaining how combining realistic and imaginative elements strengthens a poem's impact and appeal to readers.

Creative Language Exercise – Building Poetic Phrases

Question 1. The poet has used phrases like 'blooms of the dawn' and 'fairies of sleep' in the poem. In the same way we can create phrases. Now, select words from Column 1 and Column 2 and combine them with 'of'. Write as many phrases as possible in Column 3.
Answer:

In simple words: By combining words with "of", you can create new phrases that give everyday things more poetic and imaginative qualities.

Exam Tip: Poetic phrases use the preposition "of" to create unexpected and creative combinations that add beauty and depth to language.

Question 2. The poet uses words like 'dawn', 'night' and 'midnight' to show different parts of the day. The box given below has some more words. Write the words in the appropriate columns.
Answer:

In simple words: Different words are used to describe different times of day - some describe the start of the day, some the middle, some the end, and some the night hours.

Exam Tip: Understanding vocabulary that describes time periods helps you appreciate how poets use precise language to create specific moods and settings.

Question 3. Match the words from the text given in Column 1 with their opposites in Column 2.
Answer:

In simple words: These pairs are opposites - they mean the exact opposite of each other, like starting and stopping, or full and empty.

Exam Tip: Understanding antonyms expands vocabulary and helps you grasp the full range of meaning a word can have by knowing what it is not.

Listening Comprehension Exercise

Question 1. You will listen to a conversation between a girl and her father about the art of paper folding called origami. As you listen, select the true statements from 1-7. Sai was trying to make an origami boat.
Answer: False. Sai says she is trying to make an origami crane, not a boat. The boat idea comes later when her father suggests it.
In simple words: Sai was making a crane, not a boat, when the conversation started.

Exam Tip: In listening comprehension, distinguish between what is explicitly stated and what happens later - careful attention to the sequence of events is key.

Question 2. Sai's father used to do origami as a child.
Answer: True. Her father says, "I remember doing that when I was your age," which shows he did origami when he was young like Sai is now.
In simple words: Sai's father made origami when he was a child too.

Exam Tip: Direct quotes from speakers provide clear evidence for true/false statements - use these quotations to support your answer.

Question 3. Paper was very expensive so it was used only for special occasions.
Answer: True. The father explains, "Back then, paper was really expensive, so it was only used for special occasions, like religious ceremonies," confirming this statement.
In simple words: Long ago, paper was rare and costly, so people only used it for important events.

Exam Tip: Historical context provided in listening passages helps explain why things were different in the past - listen for these explanatory details.

Question 4. People have been making paper cranes for thousands of years.
Answer: False. The father says origami started over a thousand years ago, but people did not begin making designs like cranes for fun until the seventeenth century - that is hundreds of years ago, not thousands. Sai's own question, "So, people have been making paper cranes for hundreds of years?" aligns with this correct timeline, not thousands.
In simple words: Paper cranes have been made for hundreds of years, not thousands of years.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to numbers and time periods in listening passages - small differences (hundreds vs. thousands) can make a statement true or false.

Question 5. There is a belief that if you make a thousand paper cranes, your wish will come true.
Answer: True. The father states, "There's even a belief that if you fold a thousand paper cranes, you can make a wish, and it will come true," directly confirming this statement.
In simple words: There is an old belief that folding one thousand paper cranes makes your wish come true.

Exam Tip: Statements about beliefs, legends, and cultural traditions are often marked as significant in listening passages - listen carefully for these special pieces of information.

Question 6. The art of origami is about enjoying the process.
Answer: True. The father says, "Origami isn't just about the final shape - it's about the process, the patience and the creativity involved," which directly indicates that origami is about enjoying the process itself.
In simple words: Origami is more about having fun while folding than about the finished shape.

Exam Tip: Thematic statements in listening passages often come directly from main speakers - these capture the deeper meaning or lesson being communicated.

Question 7. Sai's father suggests making a paper bookmark next time.
Answer: False. The father suggests, "How about we make origami paper boat next?" not a bookmark. There is no mention of a bookmark anywhere in the conversation.
In simple words: Sai's father wants to make a paper boat next, not a bookmark.

Exam Tip: When statements are false, identify what the actual correct information is - this shows you were listening carefully and understand the passage thoroughly.

Question 8. True Statements from the listening passage (Selected from 1-7):
Answer: The true statements are:
2. Sai's father used to do origami as a child.
3. Paper was very expensive so it was used only for special occasions.
5. There is a belief that if you make a thousand paper cranes, your wish will come true.
6. The art of origami is about enjoying the process.
In simple words: Four out of the seven statements were true - they matched what the father actually said in the conversation.

Exam Tip: After completing individual true/false items, review them together to identify all correct statements - this helps verify your understanding of the entire passage.

Speaking Exercise

Question. Create any craft item using eco-friendly materials. Make a presentation in front of your classmates and teacher about the craft item you have made.
Answer: Today, I'm going to show you a paper boat I made. This boat is made of recycled paper from an old notebook. It is small, white, and triangle shaped with sharp edges. It can be used to float on water or as a decoration. First, I started by cutting a square piece of paper. Then, I used my hands to fold it step - by - step into a boat shape. The most difficult part was to make the edges sharp so it floats well. This boat is special to me because it reminds me of the poem 'Paper Boats' and my childhood. I hope you enjoyed seeing my craft and learning about it. Thank you for your attention.
In simple words: I made a boat from old paper. I cut and folded it carefully. It looks like the boats in the poem we read and reminds me of happy times.

Exam Tip: A strong presentation follows the structure given - introduce your craft, describe how you made it, explain why it matters to you, and thank your audience. This organized approach keeps listeners engaged.

Writing Exercise - Diary Entry

Question. Write a diary entry expressing your joy experiencing a rainy day. You may begin as given below.
Answer: Friday, 15 July 2025, 6:30 pm
Dear Diary,
It was quite humid today. On my journey back from school, I wished that it would rain. And it did! The sky turned grey, and soon, raindrops started tapping on my umbrella. I could not resist - I ran home, grabbed some old paper, and made paper boats like the ones in the poem we read. I floated them in a puddle outside, watching them drift with the water. The cool breeze, the sound of rain, and the little boats made me so happy. It felt like an exciting adventure! I hope it rains again tomorrow. Good night, Shaana
In simple words: Today it rained and made me happy. I made paper boats and played with them in puddles. The rain and boats reminded me of the poem we read in class.

Exam Tip: A good diary entry includes the date and time, opens with a greeting, describes events and feelings, and ends with a closing - follow this structure to create a complete and personal piece of writing.

Exploration Exercise - Cultural and Literary Connection

Question 1. Shiuli flowers often find a mention in Rabindranath Tagore's poems. These flowers are found in many parts of our country. Look at the pictures of shiuli flowers and recall what you call them in your language.
Answer: In Hindi, shiuli flowers are called "Parijat" or "Harsingar."
In simple words: Shiuli flowers have different names in different Indian languages - in Hindi they are called Parijat or Harsingar.

Exam Tip: Connect literary works to cultural knowledge - understanding the original names and significance of flowers or plants in the author's culture enriches your appreciation of the poem.

Question 2. Find out names of some more trees or plants in your locality which have fragrant flowers. Write their names in your language and English language. Draw any two flowers and colour them.
Answer: In our locality some plants of fragrant flowers are:
Jasmine (English) - Chameli (Hindi)
Rose (English) - Gulab (Hindi)
Marigold (English) - Gainda (Hindi)
In simple words: Many flowers around us have beautiful smells and are called by different names in English and Hindi.

Exam Tip: Connecting literature to real life - discovering flowers in your own surroundings mentioned in poetry deepens your understanding of the poem's setting and imagery.

Question 3. I have water that you cannot drink, People come to see how in me the Sun sinks. I can be rough, I can be calm, I hold within myself plenty of charm. My depths tell a never-ending tale. Who am I with dolphins and the whale?
Answer: Ocean
In simple words: This riddle describes a large body of salty water where sun sets, waves move, and sea animals live.

Exam Tip: Solve riddles by identifying key clues - water you cannot drink, the sun sinks, depths, dolphins, and whales - each clue narrows down to one answer.

Question 4. I sit in stillness, but move with the wind, My surface mirrors the world you are in. The trees around me live happily, In me, you can take a dip daily. Home to ducks, frogs, fish, and all, Can you guess what I am, after all?
Answer: Lake
In simple words: This is a body of still water surrounded by trees where birds, frogs, and fish live and people can swim.

Exam Tip: In riddles, descriptive phrases point toward the answer - "mirror" suggests reflection, "ducks, frogs, fish" suggest freshwater, and "can take a dip" suggests a safe swimming place.

Question 5. I gently travel through valleys deep, My soft murmur can make you sleep. Little paper boats float on me in rain, The merry laughter of the kids I gain. You may sit beside me without any fear, Who am I who skips along, crystal clear?
Answer: Stream
In simple words: A stream is a small moving body of water where paper boats float and children laugh and play safely.

Exam Tip: This riddle directly connects to the poem 'Paper Boats' - the mention of "little paper boats float on me in rain" is the key clue that identifies a stream.

Question 6. I have a bed, but I do not sleep. I have a bank, but no money I keep. I carry stories, old and new, High mountains to the oceans blue. I journey far to meet the sea, Can you guess, who I can be?
Answer: River
In simple words: A river flows from mountains to the ocean, carrying water and stories, and has banks and a bed like other features.

Exam Tip: Riddles about nature use wordplay - "bed" and "bank" have different meanings for rivers than for sleeping or money, so consider multiple meanings of each word.