NCERT Solutions Class 7 English Unit 4 Travel and Adventure Chapter 10 The Tunnel (Story)

Question 1. How would you like to spend your weekends?
(i) Trying new activities
(ii) Reading a book
(iii) Spending time with friends
(iv) Learning something new
Answer: (iv) Learning something new

Exam Tip: These are suggestive answers. Your own choices are equally valid - write what appeals to you most.

Question 2. Which of these places would you prefer to explore?
(i) Dense forests and clear streams
(ii) Magical lands with fairies
(iii) Busy cities with interesting people
(iv) Quiet places to think and create
Answer: (iv) Quiet places to think and create

Exam Tip: Pick the option that matches your personality best - there is no single right answer here.

Question 3. Which one of these activities would you prefer to do?
(i) Climbing a mountain or exploring a jungle
(ii) Finding a hidden treasure or discovering a secret world
(iii) Solving puzzles or guessing riddles with friends
(iv) Making something creative or building a model
Answer: (iv) Making something creative or building a model

Exam Tip: Choose based on what excites you - your genuine answer shows self-awareness.

Question 4. What do you think about teamwork?
(i) I love leading the team
(ii) I enjoy working with others
(iii) I prefer sharing ideas with friends
(iv) I like working alone
Answer: (i) I love leading the team

Exam Tip: Your answer reveals your leadership style - leadership, collaboration, and independence are all valued qualities.

Question. You may add to the list as per your choices. Based on your choices, which of the following do you think applies the best to you? (Bold Explorer / Imaginative Dreamer / Energetic Planner / Thoughtful Creator)
Answer: I think I am a combination of a bold explorer, an energetic planner, and a thoughtful creator. I welcome challenges with a sense of curiosity and wonder. I arrange my thoughts and strategies with enthusiasm and energy. I express myself through creativity with care and depth. This blend of qualities lets me take on fresh experiences without fear, turn my dreams into action, and make meaningful contributions to the world around me.
In simple words: I mix adventure, planning, and creativity together. This helps me face new things, organize my ideas, and create things with meaning.

Exam Tip: When describing yourself, use specific examples from the story to show which personality type matches your traits.

Question 1. Suraj compares the train to a magical creature. Pick the phrases that convey the meaning.
Answer: The phrases showing Suraj's comparison of the train to a magical creature are:
(a) The railway lines were two straight black serpents vanishing into the tunnel in the hillside.
(b) The steam engine burst out of the tunnel, snorting and puffing like some green, black and gold dragon.
(c) It rushed straight at the tunnel, and into it roaring past Suraj like the beautiful dragon of his dreams.
In simple words: Suraj uses animal words to describe the train. He says the tracks look like snakes and the train looks like a dragon breathing smoke.

Exam Tip: Look for words that compare the train to animals - these are metaphors that make the train seem alive and magical.

Question 2. Suraj knew that the train was close by because __________.
Answer: He had heard, in the distance, the shrill whistle of the engine.
In simple words: The loud whistle sound told Suraj that a train was coming near.

Exam Tip: Always refer back to the text for proof - the whistle is mentioned as the key signal.

Question 3. What did Suraj see inside the tunnel?
Answer: The tunnel was very dark inside. The walls felt wet and slimy to touch. A bat flew by him, and a lizard moved quickly across the railway tracks.
In simple words: Inside the tunnel, it was pitch dark with damp walls. A bat and a lizard were there.

Exam Tip: Use sensory details from the text - dark, damp, and the creatures - to describe the atmosphere.

Question 4. Select the correct option. What does Sunder Singh convey about the tunnel?
(it is damp and sticky inside / he has lent it to the Government)
Answer: (b) He has lent it to the Government
In simple words: Sunder Singh jokes that he has given the tunnel to the Government to use, showing he takes care of it.

Exam Tip: Sunder Singh's statement shows his attachment to the tunnel - he feels responsible for it even though it belongs to the Government.

Question 5. The watchman has created a system through which he informs the locomotive driver about any danger in the tunnel. The following flow chart shows this system. Refer to the text and complete the flow chart.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Understanding this system shows how Sunder Singh keeps the tunnel safe - different signals for day (flag) and night (lamp).

Question 1. Sunder Singh knew that the leopard was in the tunnel because __________.
Answer: He could hear the soft padding footsteps of the leopard and the sound of dry leaves moving.
In simple words: Sunder Singh heard the leopard walking and rustling through the dead leaves.

Exam Tip: Sound is a key sense in this story - characters rely on listening to know what is near.

Question 2. Why do you think Suraj was unable to do any shouting in the tunnel in the beginning?
(i) He was afraid of the leopard
(ii) He didn't want to disturb the leopard
(iii) He was trying to listen for the leopard
(iv) He didn't really believe Sunder Singh
Answer: (iii) He was trying to listen for the leopard
In simple words: Suraj stayed quiet because he wanted to hear if the leopard was nearby and what it was doing.

Exam Tip: Suraj's silence shows his awareness and quick thinking in a dangerous situation.

Question 3. What made the leopard disappear into the darkness?
Answer: When both Suraj and Sunder Singh shouted loudly in the tunnel, their voices bounced off the walls and created echoes. Hearing these loud shouts, the leopard was frightened and thought that many people were coming after it. Because of this fear, it ran away into the darkness.
In simple words: The leopard got scared by the loud shouts and the echoes. It thought many humans were chasing it, so it ran away.

Exam Tip: This shows how the echo in the tunnel actually helped them - it made the leopard think there were more people than there really were.

Question 4. How did Suraj know Sunder Singh was at the tunnel?
Answer: Suraj knew that Sunder Singh was at the tunnel because, while traveling with his father to Delhi, he saw a lamp glowing inside the tunnel. Even though he could not see Sunder Singh's face clearly, he was certain that it was his friend Sunder who was guarding the tunnel at night.
In simple words: Suraj saw a lamp shining inside the tunnel and knew it had to be his friend Sunder Singh working there.

Exam Tip: This moment shows the friendship between Suraj and Sunder - Suraj recognizes his friend's presence even from a distance.

Question 5. Why did Suraj's father take him along to Delhi?
Answer: Suraj's father took him to Delhi because he thought it was the right time for Suraj to start learning about the business he was involved in.
In simple words: Suraj's father wanted to teach him about his work and business.

Exam Tip: This detail shows Suraj's father's intention to prepare his son for the family business.

Question 1 (i). Write whether the following statement is true or false: Suraj looked back at the opening of the tunnel to check if the train was coming.
Answer: False. He looked back to see if it was still daytime or evening outside the tunnel.
In simple words: Suraj turned around to check if there was still sunlight outside, not to see if a train was coming.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the exact reason given in the text - Suraj was reassuring himself about daylight, not checking for trains.

Question 1 (ii). Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: Suraj did not stop anywhere in the tunnel because ________.
(A) there was nothing to see in the tunnel
(B) the tunnel was damp and sticky
(C) he was in a hurry to get out of the tunnel
(D) it was time for another train to come
Answer: (A) There was nothing to see in the tunnel
In simple words: Suraj kept moving because there was nothing interesting for him to watch or examine.

Exam Tip: Suraj was curious but practical - he had already seen what he wanted to see by walking through.

Question 1 (iii). What does the sentence "Till then, the cutting belonged to the jungle again" mean?
Answer: This means that the path cut through the hill for the railway tracks would return to its natural state after the train passed. The jungle would grow back and reclaim the cleared space, making it part of the wild again until the next train came through.
In simple words: The jungle would take over the cleared tunnel path again until another train uses it.

Exam Tip: This phrase shows how nature can reclaim spaces humans have cut through - it's a poetic way to describe the cycle of nature.

Question 1 (iv). Suraj wanted to know the inside of the tunnel. What character trait of Suraj is highlighted here?
Answer: The character trait highlighted is that Suraj is bold and curious. His desire to walk through the tunnel and experience it firsthand shows his adventurous spirit and his eagerness to learn by direct experience rather than just hearing about things.
In simple words: Suraj is brave and wants to find out things for himself - he doesn't just listen to stories.

Exam Tip: Character traits are shown through actions and choices - Suraj's decision to enter the tunnel reveals his personality.

Question 2 (i). What was the watchman's concern?
Answer: Sunder Singh heard the noise of the leopard inside the tunnel. His worry was that if he did not drive the leopard out, the approaching train would hit it and kill the animal.
In simple words: Sunder Singh was worried the train would run over the leopard and hurt it.

Exam Tip: Sunder Singh's concern shows his care for the jungle animals - he wants to protect them.

Question 2 (ii). Complete the sentence with a suitable reason: Sunder Singh was sure that the leopard in the tunnel would not attack him and Suraj because __________.
Answer: Sunder Singh knew that the leopard has a weakness for goats and stray dogs, so it would not harm humans.
In simple words: The leopard only hunted goats and dogs, not people like them.

Exam Tip: This shows Sunder Singh's deep knowledge of the jungle animals and their feeding habits.

Question 2 (iii). Select the sentences that are true from those given below:
(A) Suraj wants to see leopards in the jungle
(B) Suraj is concerned about Sunder Singh's safety
(C) The leopard in the tunnel attacks goats and stray dogs
(D) Sunder Singh wants to protect Suraj
(E) Sunder Singh knows all about the animals in the jungle
Answer: Sentences B, C, D and E are true
In simple words: Suraj cares about his friend's safety. The leopard hunts small animals. Sunder Singh takes care of Suraj and knows the jungle well.

Exam Tip: Read each statement against the text carefully - only those directly supported by the story are true.

Question 2 (iv). Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: Sunder Singh decides to take his axe with him. This tells us that he was __________.
(A) violent
(B) cautious
(C) bold
(D) afraid
Answer: (B) Cautious
In simple words: By bringing an axe, Sunder Singh shows he is careful and ready for any danger - not that he is violent or scared.

Exam Tip: Being cautious means preparing ahead - Sunder Singh is smart and protective, not violent.

Question 1. What does Sunder Singh convey by saying that he has lent his tunnel to the Government?
Answer: By saying this, Sunder Singh wants to show that since the tunnel is in the middle of the jungle where no one visits or checks on it, he is the person who actually looks after it. Even though he knows the tunnel belongs to the Government, he feels a sense of ownership and responsibility for it.
In simple words: Sunder Singh jokes that the tunnel is his because he takes care of it every day, even though the Government owns it.

Exam Tip: This statement shows Sunder Singh's pride and attachment to his job - he feels the tunnel is his responsibility.

Question 2. According to Sunder Singh, "It is safer in the forest than in the town". What example does Sunder Singh give to support his opinion? What does this tell us about him?
Answer: Sunder Singh backed up his statement by sharing an example - he was almost run over by a bus when he went to town last month.

This shows that Sunder Singh is happy with his simple life, far from the noise and chaos of cities. He values his peaceful life in the forest where he is close to nature. He prefers the calm and quiet of the jungle to the busy and dangerous life of towns and cities.
In simple words: A bus almost hit him in town, so he feels safer in the quiet forest.

Exam Tip: Sunder Singh's preference for forest life reveals his values - he chooses peace and nature over city excitement.

Question 3. Sunder Singh has become part of the jungle life. Support the view with a suitable reason.
Answer: Sunder Singh has become part of the jungle because he understands its complexity deeply. He knows the habits of all the jungle animals. For example, he is aware that the leopard does not hunt humans but prefers to hunt goats and wild dogs for food. When he entered the tunnel to drive the leopard out, he first tried to reason with it without force. He only decided to bring an axe for protection after Suraj pointed out that the leopard might harm them. This shows how well he has adapted to jungle life.
In simple words: Sunder Singh knows all the jungle animals and how they behave - he lives like a real part of the forest.

Exam Tip: Support your answer with specific examples from the story - knowledge of animals and cautious behavior are key evidence.

Question 4. Sunder Singh and Suraj form an unlikely friendship. What draws them together?
Answer: Suraj and Sunder Singh form a special friendship because they share a love for nature and the quiet beauty of forest life. Suraj is curious and adventurous - he comes from the city to visit the tunnel and explore the jungle. Sunder Singh, in contrast, loves the peace and simplicity of the forest more than city life. Even though they come from different worlds, their shared respect for nature and the jungle brings them together. They both value the wild animals and the natural world, and this common ground creates a bond between them despite their different backgrounds and ages.
In simple words: Suraj loves adventure in nature. Sunder Singh loves the peaceful forest. Both love nature, so they become friends.

Exam Tip: Explain both similarities and differences when discussing friendships - this shows deeper understanding.

Question 5. Why is Sunder Singh referred to as a 'firefly'?
Answer: Sunder Singh is called a firefly because, just like a firefly gives light in darkness, he serves as a guiding light to train drivers traveling through the lonely jungle at night. As a watchman with his lamp, he is always present to help and guide travelers passing through the dark tunnel. His presence brings comfort and a sense of safety to those journeying through the unknown and mysterious jungle terrain. He is a small but important light in the darkness, always watching and protecting those who pass through.
In simple words: Like a firefly glowing in the dark, Sunder Singh lights the way and keeps travelers safe at night.

Exam Tip: The firefly comparison is poetic - it shows Sunder Singh's role as a protector and guide in the darkness.

Question 6. Do you think Suraj is an adventure-loving boy? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, Suraj is clearly an adventure-loving boy. He rode his bicycle from the city to a village, left it there, and walked all the way to explore the jungle and the tunnel. Along his journey, he saw the train creating a cloud of smoke and saw cinders flying everywhere. He watched tree leaves moving, bats flying, and a lizard crawling between the tracks. Inside the tunnel, he observed the dark and wet walls. He encountered a leopard in the jungle, shared tea with the watchman, and helped chase the leopard away to save it from the train. All these actions show how much he enjoys exploring and facing new challenges.
In simple words: Suraj went alone to explore the tunnel and jungle. He faced a leopard and helped save it. He loves adventure.

Exam Tip: Use specific examples from the story to prove a character trait - this makes your answer stronger.

Question 1. Complete the following sentences using suitable phrases from the text:
(1) We could hear the __________ of the train long before it came into view at the station.
(2) The street was completely dark but the little boy walked to his house guided by the __________ from the houses.
(3) The __________ from the carpenter's workshop grew louder every hour.
(4) From the balcony, she watched the __________ from her neighbour's chimney float across the backyard.
Answer:
(1) approaching engine
(2) flickering lights
(3) sawing sound
(4) drifting smoke

Exam Tip: These phrases use sensory language to make descriptions more vivid and interesting.

Question 2. The text has many 'sound words'. Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct form of the sound words given:
(1) The steam engine reached the station __________ black smoke into the sky.
(2) Suddenly the snake raised its hood and made a __________ noise.
(3) When the wind blew, I heard the __________ of the wooden roof.
(4) He heard a __________ of leaves behind him when he was walking in the woods.
(5) I get disturbed by the continuous __________ of the monkeys in the neighbourhood.
Answer:
(1) puffing
(2) hissing
(3) creaking
(4) rustling
(5) chattering
In simple words: Sound words help us hear the story in our minds - they make writing more interesting and alive.

Exam Tip: Onomatopoeia (sound words) add life to your writing - try using them in your own sentences.

Question. Read what the watchman Sunder Singh did regularly at the tunnel as part of his duty. Notice the use of 'would'. Why is the word 'would' used here?
(i) to make a polite request
(ii) to express a desire
(iii) to talk about a habit in the past
Answer: (iii) to talk about a habit in the past

The word "would" is used in these sentences to describe actions that happened again and again over a period of time in the past. These are called "habitual or routine actions". Both "would" and "used to" describe actions that happened regularly in the past. However, "used to" is often used for past habits or situations that no longer happen.

Examples:
She used to sing when she was in standard 6.
Arun used to eat a lot of chocolates, but he stopped last month.
In simple words: "Would" tells us about things someone did many times in the past, like a routine or habit.

Exam Tip: Remember the difference - "would" and "used to" both show past habits, but "used to" emphasizes that the habit has now stopped.

Question. Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets with the correct form of 'used to' or 'would':

When I was a child we used to live in a village near a forest. Back then, we (i) __________ (grow) vegetables in our back garden. Every day we (ii) __________ (get up) early and go for a walk. The weather in summer (iii) __________ (be) really nice. There was a lake near the house and we (iv) __________ (go) there every Sunday for a picnic. Winters (v) __________ (be) rather cold. In the evenings, my father (vi) __________ (tell) us incredible stories and we (vii) __________ (listen) with admiration.
Answer: (i) used to grow
(ii) would get up
(iii) used to be
(iv) would go
(v) used to be
(vi) would tell
(vii) would listen
In simple words: Use "used to" for situations that were true (like weather), and "would" for repeated actions (like getting up or going).

Exam Tip: Both forms work for past habits, but choose carefully based on whether it is a state or an action.

Question. We use punctuation marks to make our writing clear. You already know how to use full stops and commas. Let us look at three more punctuation marks - brackets, semicolon, and colon.
Punctuation Guide:

Colon (:) is used to introduce a list or an explanation.
Examples:
You need the following ingredients to make Ela Ada: ghee, coconut, jaggery, and rice flour.
He has one goal: to win the championship.

Semicolon (;) is used to connect two clauses which are closely related without a conjunction.
Examples:
She loves reading; he prefers watching movies.
Suraj followed close behind; but he found he was unable to do any shouting.

Now, use semicolons and colons to punctuate the following paragraph.

Corrected Paragraph: We explored the busy by-lanes of Charminar, the heart of Hyderabad; it was an exciting day. We wanted to do a few things: buy bangles, taste biryani, and purchase pearl earrings, which are special to this area. As we walked through the lanes, we saw stalls selling spices, clothes, and jewellery; the market was full of colours. We visited some famous spots: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and Chowmahalla Palace; each place was beautiful.
In simple words: Use a colon before a list. Use a semicolon to join two related ideas without "and" or "but".

Exam Tip: Semicolons and colons improve your writing style - they show maturity in punctuation.

Question. A famous museum in your town is organising a treasure hunt in the museum premises. You and your friends decide to participate in it. Upon arrival, you find that there are many other teams. Each team is given an audio guide and a map to the museum. Listen to the audio recording and as you listen, mark your map with the route to take to find the treasure. To help you, the names of a few rooms in the museum are given below: library, auditorium, weapon room, art gallery, musical instruments hall.
Answer: This is a listening comprehension task. Students should listen to the audio guide and mark the various rooms on their museum map as they follow the directions given. The transcript for this activity is provided on NCERT Page 176 for the teacher's reference.
In simple words: Follow along with the audio and mark each room on your map in the order they are mentioned.

Exam Tip: Listen carefully to the sequence of rooms mentioned - order matters in a treasure hunt.

Question. Anju is going on a trekking trip with her family during the summer vacation. They have reached the railway station. Anju calls the tour manager for directions to the trekking site. Work in pairs and have this conversation. Student A will play the role of Anju and mark the route on the map. Student B will play the role of the tour manager. Looking at the map, give directions to reach the trekking site from the railway station.
Answer: Conversation between Student A (Anju) and Student B (Tour Manager)

Student A (Anju): Hello! We've just arrived at the railway station. Could you please tell me how to reach the trekking site?

Student B (Tour Manager): Sure, Anju! I'll guide you. Start from the railway station - first turn left and then turn right.

Student A (Anju): Okay, I see Lassi Corner and a school on the way.

Student B (Tour Manager): Exactly! Turn left from the crossing and keep going straight till you reach the roundabout.

Student A (Anju): I've reached the roundabout. Which way should I go now?

Student B (Tour Manager): Great! Now, take the third exit at the roundabout.

Student A (Anju): Alright, taking the third exit.

Student B (Tour Manager): Just go straight from there and you'll see the Trekking Site on your right, opposite to the Lake and Bird Sanctuary.

Student A (Anju): Perfect, thank you so much!
In simple words: The tour manager gives clear step-by-step directions to help Anju find the trekking site from the station.

Exam Tip: When giving directions, use clear landmarks (school, roundabout) and simple instructions (turn left, go straight).

Question. Write a descriptive paragraph about your experience of a train journey. Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings you experienced during the journey. Include details about the people around you, the scenery outside, and the atmosphere inside the train to make your paragraph vivid and engaging.
Answer: A Memorable Train Journey

My train journey began on a bright morning as I boarded the train with excitement bubbling inside me. After finding my window seat, I settled in and looked around. The station was buzzing with activity - passengers rushing, hawkers selling snacks, and announcements echoing over the loudspeaker. As the train started moving, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the track filled my ears. The whistle of the engine sounded like a song calling me to adventure.

Looking out the window, I watched the scenery change from busy cities to peaceful villages and fields full of green crops. Children waved at the passing train, and cattle rested lazily in the distance. Inside the train, people chatted and laughed - families shared food, children played games, and travelers told stories to each other. The experience of watching the world go by from a moving window was magical and special. It was more than just a trip - it was a journey filled with wonderful sights, interesting sounds, and feelings I will always treasure.
In simple words: Describe what you see, hear, and feel on a train using interesting details that paint a picture in the reader's mind.

Exam Tip: Use sensory words (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to make your writing come alive and engage your reader.

Question. The Nation's pride Atal Tunnel is 9.02 kilometres long. It runs under the Rohtang Pass. It was constructed on the Manali - Leh Highway under the challenging conditions of freezing temperatures in extremely difficult terrain. The Atal Tunnel has officially been certified by World Book of Records as the 'World's Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet'!
Answer: Students Do It Yourself
In simple words: This is an inspiring real-world example of Indian engineering - a tunnel high in the mountains that connects people and places.

Exam Tip: Research this tunnel further and note how it connects communities and helps trade - real-world examples of infrastructure engineering.

Question. The history of Indian Railways spans over 165 years. On 16 April 1853, the first passenger train ran between Bori Bunder (Mumbai) and Thane, covering 34 kilometres. It was operated by three locomotives named Sahib, Sultan, and Sindh and had thirteen carriages. In 1864, the North received its first station, Delhi Junction, near Chandni Chowk.
Answer: Students Do It Yourself
In simple words: Indian Railways has a long and proud history - the first train ran in 1853 and has grown ever since.

Exam Tip: Research and remember key dates in Indian Railway history - these facts help you understand India's progress and development.