Travel and Adventure Class 7 English Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

"The Tunnel" from CBSE Class 7 English Chapter 4 takes students on an adventure set in a quiet jungle with a railway embankment cutting through evergreen trees.

The story revolves around two main characters—Suraj, a young and curious boy, and Sunder Singh, an experienced railway watchman. 

Suraj's fascination for trains and his adventurous spirit push the narrative, while Sunder Singh's wisdom and calmness guide the events, especially when danger lurks nearby.

Setting and Characters The story opens around noon in a very still jungle where railway tracks disappear into a dark tunnel through a hill. Suraj is introduced as someone who loves to observe trains and the natural surroundings. 

Sunder Singh, who lives and works near the tunnel, is portrayed as a watchful and responsible railway employee. He cares deeply about the local animals and the safety of the trains that pass through.

Before Reading Activities Before getting into the story, students are encouraged to consider various adventure activities, how they might spend their weekends, the kinds of places they want to explore, their preferred activities, and how they feel about teamwork. These activities help students relate personally to the themes of adventure and exploration present in the story.

Story Summary Suraj eagerly waits near the tunnel to see a train go by. He imagines the train as a magical creature, noticing details such as "two straight black serpents" (the railway lines) and the smoke of the engine. 

As the train approaches, its sound grows louder, and Suraj senses its arrival before seeing it. He compares its coming to the roar of a wild animal making its way through the forest.

Once the train passes, Suraj explores the tunnel, though he is aware of the dangers. The story’s suspense arises when Sunder Singh informs Suraj that a leopard has been spotted inside the tunnel. 

This leopard, usually harmless, seeks shelter there. Sunder Singh cares about the animal and is concerned the train may harm it unless it is driven out in time.

The narrative captures the risks and beauty of life near the railway tunnel. Sunder Singh and Suraj work together—one with experience, the other with enthusiasm—to alert the leopard and avoid disaster. 

In a tense moment, Suraj finds himself inside the tunnel, trying to help, but is also afraid. Sunder Singh’s presence and guiding voice reassure him. Eventually, the leopard leaves the tunnel, and the story ends with the train moving safely through.

Glossary and New Words The chapter provides a helpful glossary for important words found in the story. For example, "shimmered" means to shine with a moving light; a "railway embankment" is a wall made to carry the railway over low ground; "instinctively" means acting without plan; and "plume of smoke" refers to a long, thin cloud of smoke. Knowing these words helps students understand and enjoy the narrative better.

Comprehension and Discussion Questions After reading, students are asked questions that develop comprehension and analytical skills. Examples include identifying the similes used by Suraj, summarizing what he saw in the tunnel, and understanding Sunder Singh’s role and methods. Flowcharts and tables help clarify Sunder Singh’s system for checking the tunnel for safety and alerting train drivers of danger.

Themes of Teamwork and Responsibility The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork—Suraj and Sunder Singh coordinate to ensure the safety of both wildlife and the trains. Sunder Singh’s care for the animals and his sense of responsibility as a watchman are highlighted in several dialogues, such as when he mentions he has "lent his tunnel to the Government," showing a sense of stewardship and respect for both nature and duty.

Sunder Singh believes it is "safer in the forest than in the town," using examples from his own life to teach Suraj about balance in nature and how animals and people can coexist. Suraj’s bravery, curiosity, and love for adventure are also important themes, as is the unlikely friendship between the boy and the watchman.

Language Skills and Activities Students learn to recognize sound words such as "creaking," "chatter," "rustle," "hissing," and "puffing," all of which appear in the story or are linked to train travel and the jungle environment. There are matching exercises, examples in context, and fill-in-the-blank questions to reinforce these concepts.

Another focus is grammar—specifically the correct use of "would" and "used to" to talk about past routines or habits. Students practice by filling in blanks with either form and seeing them used in example sentences taken from daily life or the chapter context.

Punctuation is also addressed, especially the use of colons and semicolons to connect related ideas and lists. A descriptive passage about exploring the lanes of Charminar serves as a real-life example for students to analyze and learn from.

Writing and Creative Thinking The chapter encourages students to write about their own train journey experiences. Guidance focuses on starting with their first impressions, describing the sights and sounds of travel, and reflecting on their emotions during the trip. This activity helps students connect literature with real life and develop expressive writing skills.

Extension Activities and Exploration To deepen understanding, students explore topics like India’s Atal Tunnel and the early history of Indian railways. The Atal Tunnel, under Rohtang Pass, is highlighted as the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. Information about the country’s first passenger train and important railway stations is also included. 

This section connects the story’s railway setting with real-world Indian engineering achievements.

Key Takeaways

• "The Tunnel" uses simple storytelling to discuss adventure, teamwork, and our relationship with nature.
• Suraj and Sunder Singh work together to protect both the train and wildlife, showing courage and responsibility.
• Glossary, grammar, vocabulary, and creative thinking activities are integrated throughout for learning and practice.
• Historical and real-life explorations expand the chapter beyond the story, developing a broader understanding of travel and railways in India.

Preparing these points and understanding both the story and activities in Chapter 4 will help students build strong reading, comprehension, and writing skills, as well as develop curiosity about the world around them.

Class 7 English Chapter 4 Notes – The Tunnel | Well-Formatted HTML Content Blueprint

These Class 7 English Chapter 4 notes summarise "The Tunnel" and all textbook activities in an easy, visual format. Using the well-formatted HTML content blueprint, students can quickly review important glossary words, story events, and exercise answers—all organized for fast revision and digital reading.

These notes cover everything from grammar, vocabulary, and language skills to creative extension activities around tunnels and Indian Railways. This structured summary helps students practise for exams, reinforce reading skills, and connect classroom learning to the real world.