NCERT Solutions Class 7 English Unit 1 Learning Together Chapter 03 Three Days to See (Essay)

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Question 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: • see •listen •smell •taste •touch and feel
Answer:
1. Name of the place: Marina Beach in Chennai
2. The person(s) you went with: My parents and siblings
3. The things that we could:
• See: The vast blue ocean, kids building sandcastles, colorful kites in the sky, and the lovely setting sun.
• Listen: The loud waves hitting the beach, people laughing, and ice cream carts ringing their bells.
• Smell: The salty air of the sea and the sweet smell of roasted corn from food stalls.
• Taste: Hot, spicy corn on the cob, sour mango slices, and sweet ice cream.
• Touch: The soft, warm sand on my toes and the chilly water splashing on my feet.
• Feel: I felt glad, peaceful, and happy to walk on the shore with my family.
In simple words: We used our five senses to enjoy our trip to Marina Beach with family.

Exam Tip: Always write sensory descriptions using simple verbs like saw, heard, and felt to show clear actions.

Question II. How does this memory make you feel?
Answer: Thinking about this trip makes me feel happy and calm. I really want to visit the beach again soon.
In simple words: Remembering the beach trip brings me joy and peace.

Exam Tip: Use feeling words like happy, calm, or joyful when explaining personal memories.

Question 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, the trip would feel completely different. Without sight, I could not admire the sunset or the blue water. Without hearing, the sound of the waves and happy voices would be lost. This proves we need our senses to fully enjoy and know our world.
In simple words: We cannot enjoy things the same way if we lose our sight or hearing.

Exam Tip: Explain how both missing sight and missing hearing would affect the specific experience mentioned earlier.

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Question I. Work in pairs. Identify the statements that are true from the ones given below. Share your answers with the teacher.
(i) The author expresses a deep longing to experience the world through the sense of hearing.
(ii) The author would like exploring the city only to observe how people are suffering.
(iii) The author would spend the first day seeing the people whose kind-heartedness and friendship have enriched her life.
(iv) The author acknowledges that even in three days, she would not be able to see everything.
(v) The author feels that everyone can find the greatest joy merely by the sense of touch.
(vi) The author advises those who can see to appreciate every moment as if they might lose their senses tomorrow.
(vii) On the third day, the author would like to observe people in their daily lives and understand their experiences.
Answer:
(i) False. The writer wishes to see the world with her eyes, not hear it. She writes about her deep desire to look at things, because she is imagining having sight for three days.
(ii) False. The author does not walk around the city just to see sad things. On her third day, she watches all kinds of people. She sees happy smiles, strong wills, and sad moments. She wants to see all parts of human life.
(iii) True. She says that on day one, she wants to look at her dear friends. Their love and kindness have made her life beautiful. She wants to see their faces with her own eyes.
(iv) True. The writer admits this near the end. She says when the dark returns on the third night, she would know that she missed many beautiful things. Three days are not enough to see everything.
(v) False. She does not think touch is the best way for everyone to find joy. She loves touch because she cannot see, but she believes sight is the most wonderful sense of all.
(vi) True. This is the main lesson of the essay. She tells people who can see to use their eyes as if they would lose their sight tomorrow. She says the same for hearing, smelling, and tasting.
(vii) True. On day three, she wants to watch normal people in the city. She stands on a busy corner to look at their faces, feelings, and actions to understand how they live.
In simple words: We must value our senses of sight, hearing, and touch, because they help us understand other people and the beauty of nature.

Exam Tip: When giving reasons for True or False answers, use short details from the chapter to back up your choice.

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

In simple words: On the first day she wants to see people, on the second day she wants to see nature, and on the third day she wants to see the city.

Exam Tip: When summarizing text in a table, keep your points short and focus on the main events of each day.

Question 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 sould’. How is the narrator able to understand the feelings of person?
Answer: The writer feels the faces of people with her fingers to know their emotions. She can feel when they laugh or feel sad. But she says this only gives her a small hint. Seeing them with eyes would give a much deeper understanding.
In simple words: She touches people's faces to feel if they are happy or sad, but she knows sight would show her much more.

Exam Tip: Mention both the ability to touch faces for feelings and the limitations of touch compared to actual sight.

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Question 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
Answer:
(i) It represents the beautiful balance and design in nature. The author can feel this balance through touch even though she cannot see.
(ii) "Smooth skin of a silver birch" and "rough, shaggy bark of a pine"
(iii) the coming of the spring season when trees and plants start growing leaves and flowers after sleeping in winter.
(iv) C. admiring
In simple words: Even without eyes, she can feel how beautiful and alive nature is in the spring.

Exam Tip: For extract questions, quote exact words from the text when asked for phrases describing texture.

Question II. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
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?
Answer:
(i) C. knowledge
(ii) She uses this term to describe the dark, quiet earth before sunrise. It makes the earth seem like a sleeping person who wakes up when the sun shines.
(iii) she wants to see how humans have progressed over time and learn about the history of our planet.
(iv) She uses "should" to show what she plans to do. It highlights that these are imaginary actions she would take if she had sight for three days.
In simple words: She uses descriptive words to show her dream of seeing the sunrise and learning about history.

Exam Tip: Identify figures of speech like personification when analyzing descriptions such as "sleeping earth".

Question 1. The sense of touch makes up for the loss of sight and hearing. Explain this statement with reference to the text.
Answer: Helen Keller shows that touch helps her live a full life without seeing or hearing. She can feel the shape of a leaf and the skin of trees. She can even feel a bird singing on a branch. Touch helps her recognize her friends and feel their happiness or sadness. But she still knows that touch cannot show her as much as sight can.
In simple words: Touching things helps her feel nature and understand people, even though she is blind and deaf.

Exam Tip: List specific examples from the story, like touching tree bark or feeling a bird's song, to explain how touch works for her.

Question 2. Why does the author believe that the sense of sight is the most wonderful?
Answer: She believes sight is the best because it lets people look into each other's eyes and see their inner feelings. Sight shows the beauty of a sunrise, historical items in museums, and expressions on human faces. She feels that if touching things brings her so much joy, then actually seeing them would be even more beautiful.
In simple words: Sight lets us see beautiful things like sunrises and people's faces, which are hard to fully understand just by touch.

Exam Tip: Quote her final words about sight being the most "delightful" sense to strengthen your answer.

Question 3. How might the author’s opinion on making the most of our senses guide us to be kinder towards people with special abilities?
Answer: Her words show us how hard it is to live without some senses, but also how well people can adapt. She wants us to value our own senses. This helps us feel what others go through. It teaches us to be helpful, patient, and friendly. We learn to respect people with special needs instead of just feeling sorry for them.
In simple words: Understanding how others experience the world helps us treat them with love and respect.

Exam Tip: Focus on the shift from feeling pity to having real respect for the skills of people with special abilities.

Question 4. What is the significance of imagining the loss of a sense, according to the author?
Answer: The author says that if we imagine losing a sense, we will value it much more. Thinking that we might go blind or deaf tomorrow makes us enjoy today's sights and sounds. It keeps us from ignoring our gifts and teaches us to live happily in the moment.
In simple words: Imagining that we might lose our sight or hearing tomorrow makes us enjoy them more today.

Exam Tip: Explain how this thought exercise helps us live more mindfully and gratefully every day.

Question 5. How does the author encourage people to approach their everyday sensory experiences?
Answer: She wants us to enjoy every sight, sound, and smell as if it were our last time. She says we should look at things as if we might go blind tomorrow. We should listen to music as if we might go deaf. This makes normal, everyday moments feel very special and wonderful.
In simple words: We should use our senses fully every day, as if we might lose them tomorrow.

Exam Tip: Mention her specific advice about using sight, hearing, touch, and smell as if they would end tomorrow.

Question 6. What do the author’s choices for the three days tell us about her values and priorities?
Answer: Her plans show that she cares deeply about people, nature, history, and daily life. Seeing her friends first shows that human relationships matter most to her. Looking at the sunrise and visiting museums shows she loves nature and human history. Watching people on the street shows she wants to understand how others live. She is a person who loves learning and connecting with the world.
In simple words: Her three-day plan shows she values love, nature, history, and ordinary human life.

Exam Tip: Break down her values day-by-day: relationships on day one, history and nature on day two, and daily human life on day three.

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Question 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:

In simple words: Sensory words describe how we experience our surroundings through our five main senses.

Exam Tip: Use a combination of sensory words in your essays to make your descriptions more vivid and interesting.

Question 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:
• 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...
Here, "should" is the helper word (modal verb), and the second underlined word is the main action word.
In simple words: Modal verbs are helping words like "should" that come before the main action word.

Exam Tip: Remember that "should" is a modal verb, and it always goes right before the main action verb.

Question III. Identify the modal verbs in the following sentences. Choose the functions they express from those given in the box below.
possibility, necessity, polite request, ability, moral obligation
(i) You can learn a lot from this experience.
(ii) They might arrive late due to traffic.
(iii) She must finish her homework before dinner.
(iv) They ought to apologise for their mistake.
(v) He would like to have some lassi, please.
Answer:
(i) Modal verb: can - Function: ability
(ii) Modal verb: might - Function: possibility
(iii) Modal verb: must - Function: necessity
(iv) Modal verb: ought to - Function: moral obligation
(v) Modal verb: would - Function: polite request
In simple words: Modal verbs tell us if something is possible, necessary, or a polite request.

Exam Tip: Match each modal verb with its correct job, like "can" for things we are able to do and "must" for things we have to do.

Question 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:

In simple words: We use different modal verbs depending on whether we are asking for permission, giving a suggestion, or talking about a rule.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the function column to choose the exact modal verb that fits the sentence.

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Question. You will listen to a conversation between a mother and a son. As you listen, select four true statements from 1-7 given below.
1. Anuj finds the concept of Braille fascinating and wants to learn more about it.
2. Mother is unsure of the school’s efforts to include students with visual impairment.
3. Anuj initially thinks the Digit India is only about learning how to use computers.
4. Mother believes that screen readers are very effective for persons who are visually impaired.
5. Anuj already knew that persons who are visually impaired can use computers and smart phones.
6. Anuj wants to know about the effectiveness of assistive technologies for persons who are visually impaired.
7. Mother believes a right mindset is the best support for persons who are visually impaired.
Answer:

In simple words: We must mark which statements are true and which are false based on the conversation.

Exam Tip: Listen carefully to the audio to check if the statement matches what the speakers actually say.

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Question. 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:
Title: A Visit to the Qutub Minar
A few weeks ago, my family and I went to see the Qutub Minar in Delhi, and it was amazing. When we walked inside, the huge tower stood tall against the sky with beautiful carvings on it. The bright sun made the red stone walls shine warmly in the light. I heard birds singing and felt a gentle breeze blowing against the old ruins. The smell of green grass in the park felt very clean and fresh. We rested on the grass while drinking cold juice and eating tasty, spicy snacks. I touched the rough, old stones and thought about the people who built them long ago. The best part was looking up at the high tower and seeing how grand it was. I think everyone should visit this historical place to see its beauty and history.
In simple words: Write about a trip by sharing what you saw, heard, felt, and tasted to make your writing interesting.

Exam Tip: Use adjectives like "tall", "bright", and "rough" to help your reader picture the place in their minds.

Question I. Do you know how persons with visual challenges are able to read and write? They read through touch with the help of Braille, a code of raised dots that represents the letters of the alphabet. This tactile code was developed over a period of nine years by Louis Braille, who became blind at a very young age due to an accident. 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: Students can look at the Braille alphabet chart to write down their own names using dots. For example, if your name is "ANUJ", the Braille letters are:
A - ⠁
N - ⠝
U - ⠥
J - ⠚
In simple words: You can make the letters of your name with raised dots like bindis or small seeds.

Exam Tip: Learn how the six-dot grid works in Braille to represent different letters of the alphabet.

Question 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:
Date: December 3rd
How it is celebrated in India:
Schools and colleges host special talks and games that everyone can play. Helpful groups and the government organize fun events, stage plays, and meetings to make sure disabled people are included. TV and newspapers share inspiring stories about people who succeeded despite challenges. Some places hold fun activities like races in wheelchairs, games where people wear blindfolds, and basic lessons in sign language. This special day helps everyone learn to respect and support people with disabilities.
In simple words: On December 3rd, India celebrates disabled people by holding events, games, and campaigns to teach empathy.

Exam Tip: Always write the correct date, December 3rd, and mention at least two ways schools and communities raise awareness.

Chapter Summary

"Three Days to See" is a touching essay by Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing when she was a baby. In this essay, she talks about how she explores the world using only her touch. She can feel the smooth bark of a birch tree or the song of a bird. She wonders how much more beautiful the world would look if she could see. She imagines what she would do if she were given sight for just three days. On the first day, she wants to see her kind friends who made her life happy. On the second day, she wants to watch the sunrise and visit museums to see human history. On the third day, she wants to walk through the busy city and see how ordinary people live their lives. At the end of the third day, she knows she will return to darkness, but she is grateful. She advises everyone who can see to appreciate their senses every day and never take them for granted.

Chapter Word Meanings

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. What is “Class 7 English Poorvi Chapter 3 Three Days to See” about?
Answer: This essay is about what Helen Keller would do if she had sight for three days. On the first day, she wants to see the faces of her friends. On the second day, she wants to see the sunrise and look at history in museums. On the third day, she wants to explore the city and see how normal people live. She reminds us to use our eyes, ears, and other senses happily every day.
In simple words: The story shows what Helen Keller would look at if she had three days of sight, teaching us to appreciate our own senses.

Exam Tip: Remember the three main areas she visits: her friends, museums/nature, and the busy city.

Question 2. Who wrote English Chapter 3 Three Days to See in Class 7 Poorvi?
Answer: The essay was written by Helen Keller, a famous author who was both deaf and blind.
In simple words: Helen Keller is the author of this essay.

Exam Tip: Always spell Helen Keller's name correctly in your exams.

Question 3. What does Helen Keller mean when she calls the eye the “window of the soul”?
Answer: She means that looking into someone's eyes can show you their true inner feelings, character, and thoughts.
In simple words: Eyes tell us what a person is really feeling inside.

Exam Tip: Explain that "soul" represents a person's inner feelings and true self.

Question 4. What is the central message of Class 7 English Poorvi Chapter 3 Three Days to See?
Answer: The key message is that we should never take our senses for granted. Helen Keller tells us to use our sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell to enjoy every moment of life, because we never know when we might lose them.
In simple words: We should use all our senses every day to enjoy the beauty around us.

Exam Tip: Focus on the word "gratitude" and the idea of not taking our senses for granted.