CBSETUTOR.aiCBSETUTOR.ai
India's #1 AI Tutorworksheet · English — Honeycomb · Chapter 1

CBSE Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 1 Three Questions / The Squirrel Worksheet with Answers

NCERT Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 1 pairs a timeless moral story with a charming nature poem. Leo Tolstoy's 'Three Questions' explores the theme of wisdom through a king's quest, while 'The Squirrel' sharpens your powers of observation. This printable worksheet offers structured practice across six sections, mirroring CBSE examination patterns. Print it, set a timer for 60 minutes, and work through MCQs, blanks, short answers, and higher-order thinking questions before checking the detailed answer key at the end.

Your child's private AI tutor — trained on NCERT.
3-day free trial · ₹1 to start · Cancel anytime.
Start 3-day free trial →

Key takeaways

  • ✓'Three Questions' is a Tolstoy parable teaching that the most important time is NOW, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important work is to do them good.
  • ✓'The Squirrel' is a playful eight-line poem describing the physical traits and behaviour of a squirrel, emphasising keen observation of nature.
  • ✓The worksheet contains 30+ graded questions: MCQs test recall, fill-blanks check vocabulary, short answers assess comprehension, and HOTS questions develop critical thinking.
  • ✓A case-study question applies the three-questions philosophy to a real-life student scenario, preparing you for CBSE competency-based items.
  • ✓The complete answer key includes brief explanations for every MCQ, blank, and descriptive answer, making self-study effective.
  • ✓Difficulty level is moderate; suggested time is 60 minutes; ideal for weekly revision or pre-exam practice at home or in class.
  • ✓CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI tutoring at ₹999/month (all classes 6-12) with photo-upload doubt solving and instant explanations — start your 3-day free trial today.

Quick Chapter Recap: Three Questions & The Squirrel

Three Questions is a parable by the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. A king believes that knowing three answers will guarantee success: What is the right time to do something? Who are the most important people? What is the most important thing to do? Wise men offer conflicting advice, so the king visits a hermit. While helping the hermit dig, he saves a wounded man who turns out to be an enemy. Through this act of compassion, the king learns that the most important time is NOW, the most important person is whoever you are with, and the most important work is to do them good. This theme of mindfulness and living in the present resonates across cultures and ages. The Squirrel, by Mildred Bowers Armstrong, is a short descriptive poem celebrating the grey squirrel. The poet highlights its striped tail, nut-eating habits, playful antics, and quick escapes up trees. Both pieces teach keen observation — one of human behaviour and wisdom, the other of the natural world around us.
  • Three Questions author: Leo Tolstoy (adapted from his 1903 short story)
  • Central theme: wisdom through selfless action and presence in the moment
  • The Squirrel poet: Mildred Bowers Armstrong
  • Poem focus: physical traits (grey coat, striped tail), behaviour (sits upright, eats nuts, teases, runs)

Worksheet Information & Instructions

This worksheet is designed for CBSE Class 7 students following the latest NCERT syllabus. Difficulty level is MODERATE, suitable for mid-term or final revision. Suggested time is 60 minutes under exam conditions. You will need a printed copy, a pen, and a quiet workspace. Read each question carefully; for MCQs, choose the single best answer. Fill-in-the-blanks require exact words from the text or grammatically correct synonyms. Short answers should be 30-40 words; long answers and HOTS questions need 80-100 words with examples from the text. The case-study is worth 5 marks and tests application of the chapter's moral to a new scenario. After completing all sections, turn to the Answer Key section, award yourself marks honestly, and review explanations for any mistakes. This self-assessment habit builds exam confidence and highlights gaps before the real test.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Suggested time: 60 minutes
  • Total marks: 50 (Section A: 6 marks, B: 5 marks, C: 5 marks, D: 15 marks, E: 14 marks, Case-study: 5 marks)
  • Materials: printed worksheet, pen, NCERT Honeycomb textbook for reference (optional)
  • Self-marking: use the Answer Key and award partial credit for HOTS answers that show reasoning even if wording differs

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Answer the following six MCQs by selecting the most appropriate option. Each correct answer earns 1 mark. These questions test your recall of plot details, character actions, and poetic imagery from both Three Questions and The Squirrel. Read all four options before choosing; often two options may seem plausible, but only one is textually accurate. Write the question number and your chosen letter (A/B/C/D) clearly. No negative marking, so attempt every question even if unsure. Review the answer key to understand why the correct option is best and why distractors are incorrect — this sharpens exam technique.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the chapter. Answers must match NCERT terminology or be contextually accurate synonyms. Spelling and grammar count, so write neatly. These five blanks assess your grasp of key vocabulary, character names, and thematic statements. If a blank requires a quoted phrase, use quotation marks. Do not leave any blank unanswered; educated guesses based on context often succeed. After self-marking, note any vocabulary you missed and add it to your revision list. This section bridges reading comprehension and writing skills — both vital for CBSE English exams.

Section C: Match the Following / True or False (1 mark each)

This section contains five statements. Mark each as TRUE or FALSE. Read carefully: a single incorrect word can flip the truth value. These statements cover plot sequence, character motivations, and poetic descriptions. Justify your answer mentally by recalling the exact line or event in the text. True/False questions often appear easy but demand precise memory. They are excellent for quick revision and for identifying minor misreadings. After checking answers, revisit any FALSE statements and write the corrected version in the margin — this active correction embeds the right information. If you scored less than four out of five, re-read the relevant pages in your NCERT Honeycomb textbook before your next practice session.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Answer each of the following five questions in 30-40 words. Each carries 3 marks, so structure your response into two to three sentences covering the key point, a supporting detail, and, where possible, a brief quote or reference. These questions test comprehension of themes, character actions, and the moral of the story. Write in complete sentences; bullet points are not acceptable here. Focus on clarity and relevance — examiners award marks for accurate content, not decorative language. If the question asks 'why,' provide a reason; if it asks 'what,' list facts; if it asks 'how,' describe the process or method. Practice writing concise answers under timed conditions to match the 60-minute target for this entire worksheet.

Section E: Long Answer & HOTS Questions (4–5 marks each)

This section contains three questions requiring 80-100 word answers. Two are long-answer comprehension items (4 marks each), and one is a Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) question (6 marks) that asks you to analyse, infer, or relate the text to real life. Structure each answer with an introduction, two to three body points with evidence or examples, and a concluding sentence. Use paragraphs if the answer is lengthy. HOTS questions reward originality, critical thinking, and the ability to connect textual themes to broader human experience. Quote the text where relevant, but also bring your own reasoning. These questions mirror CBSE Class 7 term-end formats and prepare you for higher classes. Plan your answer in rough before writing the final version to ensure logical flow and completeness.
  • Long-answer tip: Begin with a topic sentence that directly addresses the question.
  • HOTS tip: Show that you understand why the author chose certain events or images; explore alternate perspectives.
  • Use connectors: 'Firstly,' 'Moreover,' 'For instance,' 'Thus,' to guide the examiner through your argument.
  • Check word count: 80-100 words is roughly half a page of average handwriting.

Case-Study Question (5 marks)

Case-based questions are part of the competency-focused CBSE assessment framework introduced in recent years. Read the short scenario below, which applies the moral of Three Questions to a modern school setting, then answer the sub-questions. Marks are distributed across recall, understanding, and application. Write brief, focused answers; each sub-part typically carries 1-2 marks. This format tests whether you can transfer a textual lesson to a new context — a skill valued in both literature and life. After self-marking, reflect on whether your answers showed genuine application or mere repetition of the story. Strong students explain the 'why' behind their choices, linking scenario details to chapter themes.

Answer Key with Explanations

Below is the complete answer key for all sections. Award yourself marks honestly. For MCQs and fill-blanks, answers are exact. For short and long answers, compare your response with the model; award full marks if all key points are covered, partial marks if one point is missing or explanation is weak. Review every question you got wrong and write a one-line note on why you missed it (careless reading, vocabulary gap, didn't recall the text, misunderstood the question). This reflective practice is more valuable than the mark itself. If you score below 35/50, revise the chapter once more, then re-attempt the worksheet after two days. Consistent practice with self-assessment is the proven path to CBSE exam success. For personalised help, CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI tutoring across all Class 7 subjects at a flat ₹999/month for classes 6-12 — upload a photo of any question and get instant step-by-step solutions. Start your 3-day free trial and never get stuck on homework again.
  • Section A (MCQs): 6 marks
  • Section B (Fill-blanks): 5 marks
  • Section C (True/False): 5 marks
  • Section D (Short answers): 15 marks
  • Section E (Long/HOTS): 14 marks
  • Case-study: 5 marks
  • Total: 50 marks | Pass: 20 | Good: 35+ | Excellent: 45+

How to Use This Worksheet for Maximum Benefit

Print this worksheet and solve it in one sitting to simulate exam pressure. Start a timer for sixty minutes and work section by section without peeking at answers. This builds time-management skills essential for CBSE board exams in higher classes. After completing, take a ten-minute break, then self-mark using the answer key. Calculate your total and subtotal for each section to identify weak areas — for instance, if you scored poorly in Section E, you need practice writing structured long answers. Re-read the chapter focusing on parts you got wrong, then re-attempt only those questions after two days. Repeat this cycle weekly with different question sets. Share your score with a study partner or parent; discussing answers aloud reinforces learning. For immediate doubt resolution, platforms like CBSETUTOR.ai let you photograph any question and receive step-by-step explanations instantly, making self-study as effective as tuition at a fraction of the cost.
  • Solve under timed conditions (60 min) for realistic exam practice.
  • Self-mark honestly; partial credit teaches you what 'almost correct' looks like.
  • Maintain an error log: note recurring mistakes (e.g. vocabulary, skipping question parts).
  • Re-attempt incorrect questions after revision, not immediately.
  • Discuss HOTS answers with classmates or teachers to see alternate viewpoints.
  • Use CBSETUTOR.ai's photo-upload feature for instant explanations of tricky questions — ₹999/month, all classes, 3-day free trial.

Scoring Guide & Next Steps

Total marks: 50. Score interpretation: 0-19 (Needs Improvement) — re-read the chapter carefully, make notes, and solve NCERT textbook questions before re-attempting this worksheet. 20-34 (Satisfactory) — you have basic understanding; focus on writing complete sentences in short answers and expanding long answers with examples. 35-44 (Good) — strong grasp; polish HOTS reasoning and vocabulary. 45-50 (Excellent) — top-tier performance; challenge yourself with previous years' CBSE sample papers and advanced comprehension passages. Whatever your score, growth comes from reflection, not just repetition. Identify your weakest section, dedicate extra practice there, and track improvement over multiple worksheets. Pair this worksheet with NCERT Honeycomb textbook exercises, your school notes, and mock tests. Regular, focused practice transforms average students into toppers. Keep a positive mindset: every mistake today is one fewer mistake in your actual exam tomorrow.
  • 0-19: Re-read chapter, make summary notes, solve NCERT back exercises.
  • 20-34: Practice writing 30-40 word answers daily; expand vocabulary.
  • 35-44: Work on HOTS and case-study application; read model answers.
  • 45-50: Attempt CBSE sample papers; help classmates (teaching reinforces learning).
  • Track scores over time in a notebook to visualise progress and stay motivated.

Frequently asked questions

What is the moral of the story Three Questions?+
The moral is that the most important time is the present moment (now), the most important person is whoever you are with right now, and the most important work is to do good to that person. Success and wisdom come from mindful, compassionate action in the present, not from worrying about the future or past.
Who wrote Three Questions and The Squirrel?+
Three Questions is adapted from a parable by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, written in 1903. The Squirrel is a poem by Mildred Bowers Armstrong. Both pieces appear together in NCERT Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 1.
How should I prepare for worksheet-based assessments in Class 7 English?+
Read the chapter thoroughly, underline key events and quotes, and solve NCERT back-exercise questions first. Then attempt worksheets under timed conditions. Self-mark using answer keys, note mistakes, and revise weak areas. Repeat weekly with different worksheets to build speed and accuracy.
What is the recommended time to complete this 50-mark worksheet?+
The suggested time is 60 minutes under exam-like conditions. Allocate roughly 1 minute per MCQ and fill-blank, 3 minutes per short answer, 8 minutes per long answer, and 10 minutes for the case-study. Keep 5 minutes at the end to review your answers.
Why does the hermit not answer the king directly at first?+
The hermit wanted the king to learn through experience, not lectures. By having the king help him dig and then save the wounded man, the hermit ensured the king would understand the answers deeply and remember them. Actions teach wisdom better than words.
What does the question-mark tail symbolise in The Squirrel poem?+
The tail 'like a question mark' is a vivid image capturing the squirrel's curved, bushy tail. It suggests curiosity, alertness, and the playful, inquisitive nature of the animal. The poet uses this visual detail to make the description memorable and child-friendly.
How are marks distributed in CBSE Class 7 English for such chapters?+
Typically, prose and poetry together carry 15-20 marks in term exams. Questions include MCQs (1 mark each), short answers (2-3 marks), and one long/analytical question (5-6 marks). Worksheets like this mirror that pattern to give realistic exam practice.
Can I use this worksheet for group study with classmates?+
Absolutely. Each student should solve it individually first, then compare answers and discuss reasoning, especially for HOTS and case-study questions. Group discussion exposes you to different interpretations and strengthens understanding. Just ensure everyone attempts it independently before the discussion.
Where can I find more NCERT-based worksheets and instant doubt-solving help?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers hundreds of worksheets, chapter notes, and 24×7 AI tutoring for classes 6-12. Upload a photo of any question and get step-by-step solutions instantly. One flat fee of ₹999 per month covers all subjects. Start with a 3-day free trial to see how it transforms your study routine.
What if I score low on this worksheet? Does it mean I will fail the exam?+
Not at all. Worksheets are practice tools, not predictions. A low score simply shows where you need more work. Use the answer key to understand mistakes, revise those topics, and re-attempt after a few days. Improvement over time is what counts. Most toppers initially struggled with worksheets but used them to learn and improve systematically.

Related resources

Important Questions: CBSE Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 1 Three Questions / The SquirrelClass 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 1 Three Questions / The Squirrel — Formulas & Key PointsThree Questions / The Squirrel for Class 7: The Complete CBSE Guide (2026-27)A Gift of Chappals / The Rebel for Class 7: The Complete CBSE Guide (2026-27)AI Tutor for Class 7: The Smart Alternative to TuitionAI Tutor for Class 7 Science: Learn Faster with Instant HelpClass 9 English Honeycomb Chapter 1: Three Questions & The Squirrel — 13 Solved Previous Year Questions (2020–2025)CBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems Worksheet with Answers

Keep learning — related guides

Class 7English — Honeycomb
CBSE Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 12 Writing Skills Worksheet with Answers
Class 7English — Honeycomb
Important Questions: CBSE Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 12 Writing Skills
Class 7English — Honeycomb
Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 12 Writing Skills — Formulas & Key Points
Class 7English — Honeycomb
CBSE Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 11 Grammar Toolkit Worksheet with Answers
Class 7English — Honeycomb
Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 9 Garden Snake / A Bicycle in Good Repair — Formulas & Key Points
Class 7English — Honeycomb
Class 7 English — Honeycomb Chapter 11 Grammar Toolkit — Formulas & Key Points

Ready to give your Class 7 child the tutor that never sleeps?

CBSETUTOR.ai covers every chapter in the Class 7 NCERT syllabus — Maths, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi and more. 24×7. Patient. Unlimited. 3-day free trial.

Start your child's 3-day free trial →