Wit & Humour | Animals, Birds, And Dr. Dolittle | English | Poorvi | Class VII

Lesson Architecture

Theme

Lesson Summary

Word-Meanings

NCERT Solution

Competency Based Questions & Answers

Animals , Birds & Dr. Dolittle

Theme | Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle | Poorvi | Unit II | Class VII

Wit and Humour is a celebration of the lighter side of life. The stories in this unit highlight how clever thinking, wordplay, and good-natured humour can make ordinary situations enjoyable and memorable. Humour is not just about making people laugh—it’s also about understanding situations better, solving problems smartly, and bringing joy to others.

The unit teaches children how humour can be used responsibly and intelligently. In Part I, Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle, the story explores how a doctor who understands animal language uses his wit to connect with creatures in need.

In Part II, A Funny Man, the humour comes from the main character’s clever and amusing way of dealing with life and challenges. Part III, Say the Right Thing, brings out the importance of choosing our words wisely to create humorous yet meaningful communication.

Through these stories, students learn that wit is a powerful tool when blended with kindness, and humour has the ability to transform dull or difficult moments into opportunities for connection, understanding, and fun.

Lesson Summary | Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle

Summary of Part I

Part I introduces Dr. John Dolittle, a doctor who lives in a small town and becomes famous for his unique ability to speak with animals. Initially a physician treating human patients, Dr. Dolittle’s deep love for animals grows stronger over time. His home is filled with pets of all kinds—dogs, cats, parrots, monkeys, and even crocodiles. However, his patients stop coming because of the animals in his house. Left with no human patients, he starts learning animal languages with the help of Polynesia, his intelligent and talkative parrot.

Dr. Dolittle begins treating sick animals, and his fame spreads across the region. Animals from far and wide come to him for help. His ability to understand their language allows him to diagnose and treat them better than any ordinary veterinarian. The story shows his kindness, patience, and love for animals, which make him an exceptional doctor in their world.

This part highlights the value of empathy and the joy of communicating with nature. It also teaches that pursuing your passion—no matter how different it may be—can lead to remarkable outcomes. The gentle humour in the story makes it enjoyable while promoting love and respect for all living creatures.

Lesson Summary | Animals, Birds and Dr. Dolittle | Part II

Part II continues the story of Dr. Dolittle and focuses on his growing fame and humorous experiences while treating animals. By now, Dr. Dolittle is known far and wide as the man who can talk to animals. People bring their pets and farm animals to him from distant places. Birds fly to him for advice, and even forest animals trust him. His house becomes like a small zoo.

Despite the crowd and chaos, Dr. Dolittle remains patient and kind. He listens carefully to every animal’s problem, whether it is a cat with a toothache or a pig with a cold. He uses his understanding of their languages to cure them effectively. What makes this part humorous is the way the animals communicate just like people—complaining, chatting, and even giving suggestions.

The story also reflects on how others view him. While some think he’s odd, others admire him. Dr. Dolittle’s life becomes an adventure full of funny, clever, and heartwarming moments. The second part emphasizes that humour, intelligence, and compassion can create harmony between humans and animals.

Overall, the story celebrates being different, embracing one’s passion, and using knowledge creatively to make the world a better—and funnier—place.

Word Meanings

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Quirky	Unusual in a charming or interesting way	Dr. Dolittle was a quirky doctor who preferred animals to people.
Compassion	Sympathy and concern for others	He showed great compassion towards the injured squirrel.
Chattered	Spoke quickly and continuously	The monkey chattered with excitement when it saw the bananas.
Polynesia	Name of the parrot in the story	Polynesia taught Dr. Dolittle how to speak bird language.
Squeaked	Made a high-pitched sound	The mouse squeaked when it saw the cat approaching.
Beast	A large animal, especially a wild one	The doctor wasn’t afraid to treat even the fiercest beast.
Veterinarian	A doctor who treats animals	Dr. Dolittle was more than just a veterinarian—he was their best friend.
Hooted	A sound made by an owl or someone laughing	The owl hooted loudly from the tree branch.

Word	Meaning	Example Sentence
Remarkable	Worthy of attention; extraordinary	Dr. Dolittle had a remarkable gift—he could talk to animals.
Unusual	Not common or ordinary; different	People thought it was unusual to see a monkey wearing glasses.
Confidence	Trust or belief in someone or something	The animals had complete confidence in Dr. Dolittle’s ability to heal them.
Amusing	Funny or entertaining	The way the duck described his cold was very amusing.
Chattered	Talked quickly in a high-pitched voice	The parrot chattered non-stop about the doctor’s fame.
Bustling	Full of activity and movement	The doctor’s home was always bustling with animals coming and going.
Squawked	A loud, harsh sound made by a bird	The parrot squawked loudly when the cat stepped on its tail.
Affectionate	Showing fondness or love	Dr. Dolittle was affectionate to all his animal patients.
Interrupt	To stop someone while they are speaking or doing something	The pig tried to interrupt the doctor while he was examining a puppy.
Opinion	A personal view or belief	Each animal had its own opinion on how the medicine should taste.

NCERT Solution

Let Us Discuss

I. Complete the sentence by selecting a suitable reason.

The Cat’s-food-Man suggests to Doctor Dolittle that he should become an animal doctor because he believes that Dolittle

Ans: ✅ 4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians.

II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the suitable option given in the brackets.

Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and curiosity. He rushes to write the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.

III. Do you think Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes, Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor because he can understand and talk to animals, unlike any regular veterinarian. His kindness, skill, and ability to diagnose problems by directly communicating with animals would make him well-known and respected among both animals and people.

Let Us Discuss ( P. 49)

I. What became a common sight in Puddleby after Doctor Dolittle started treating animals?

✅ 4. Birds riding atop farm animals

Birds sitting on cows, goats, and pigs became a common and funny sight, as animals from nearby villages started visiting Dr. Dolittle for treatment.

II. What challenges do you think Doctor Dolittle might face if more and more animals come to him for help?

Dr. Dolittle might face space problems, long queues of animals, noise, and difficulty managing different species with unique needs. He may also get tired or overwhelmed by the large number of patients.

1. How might he overcome these challenges to ensure that he provides good treatment?

Dr. Dolittle could set up proper appointment timings, take help from animal assistants like Polynesia, build a larger clinic, and stay calm and organized. His knowledge of animal languages and love for animals would help him manage things wisely.

III. Arrange the following events in correct order according to the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Correct Sequence of Events:

1. A man with a stomach-ache visits Doctor Dolittle and suggests he should treat animals instead of people.

2. Doctor Dolittle decides to stop being a doctor for people and becomes a doctor for animals.

3. The parrot, Polynesia, encourages Doctor Dolittle to become an animal doctor, revealing that animals can talk.

4. Polynesia teaches Doctor Dolittle animal languages, and he starts understanding and communicating with animals.

5. A plough horse with vision problems visits Doctor Dolittle, who prescribes green spectacles, to improve the horse’s eyesight.

6. Doctor Dolittle installs special doors for different animals to enter his house for treatment.

7. Doctor Dolittle’s ability to communicate with animals helps him diagnose and treat their illnesses effectively.

8. Word spreads, and people start bringing their sick pets and farm animals to Doctor Dolittle for treatment.

9. Animals from near and far come to Doctor Dolittle for help, crowding his garden.

10. Doctor Dolittle gains fame among animals worldwide, and they come to him from various places for his help.

Extract-Based Questions & Answers

Extract 1 :

“If I say, ‘Polly wants a cracker’, you understand me. But hear this: Ka ka oi-ee, fee-fee?”“Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor. “What does that mean?”“That means, ‘Is the porridge hot yet?’—in bird language.”“My! You don’t say so!” said the Doctor. “You never talked that way to me before.”“What would have been the good?” said Polynesia, dusting some cracker crumbs off her left wing. “You wouldn’t have understood me if I had.”

(i) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.

In the line, “Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor, the expression ‘Good Gracious’ can be replaced by:

✅ B. gosh

(ii) Why had Polynesia never used bird language with the Doctor earlier?

Polynesia had never used bird language with the Doctor earlier because he wouldn't have understood it before. She waited until he was curious and ready to learn.

(iii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

Polynesia had been munching on a food item while talking to Doctor Dolittle.

✅ True(She was dusting cracker crumbs off her wing.)

(iv) How did Doctor Dolittle feel according to the extract?

✅ B. surprised

He was amazed to hear actual bird language and surprised that Polynesia knew it all along.

EXTRACT 2

“I would like a pair like yours,” said the horse—“only green. They’ll keep the Sun out of my eyes while I’m ploughing the field.”

“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Green ones you shall have.”

“You know, the trouble is, Sir,” said the plough horse as the Doctor opened the front door to let him out—“the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals—just because the animals don’t complain. As a matter of fact, it takes a much cleverer man to be a really good animal doctor than it does to be a good people’s doctor.”

(i) Choose a word from the extract to complete the analogy.

Digging: flower bed :: _______ : field

✅ Answer: ploughing

(ii) Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

Doctor Dolittle’s attitude in the extract is ✅ C. understanding

He listens patiently to the horse and agrees to provide what it needs.

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.

Based on the extract, we can conclude that doctors take animals for granted because _____ Ans: animals cannot express their pain or dissatisfaction like humans do, so they are often ignored or treated casually.

(iv) Do you agree with the concluding sentence of the extract? Why/why not?

Yes, I agree. Treating animals requires more observation and understanding because they can't explain their symptoms. It takes intelligence, empathy, and skill to be a good animal doctor, often more than treating humans.

II. Answer the following questions ( P51-52)

1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?

Polynesia patiently taught Doctor Dolittle animal language by starting with bird words. She knew how to guide him step by step and encouraged him to learn, proving herself to be both wise and an effective teacher.

2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.

Doctor Dolittle listened carefully to every animal’s problem. He built special doors for them, understood their language, and treated each one based on its specific need, whether it was an eye problem or a cold, showing fairness and empathy.

3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?

Doctor Dolittle trusted Polynesia, listened with curiosity, and acted on her suggestion. This shows that being open to others’ ideas—no matter how different—can lead to valuable knowledge and new possibilities, like learning to talk to animals.

4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.

Doctor Dolittle was kind, patient, understanding, and respectful. He learned their language, treated their illnesses seriously, and created a welcoming space. Animals trusted him because he listened and cared more than most humans did.

5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?

If humans could understand animals, there would be greater empathy and responsibility toward their care. People would treat them with respect, protect their habitats, reduce cruelty, and possibly solve environmental issues through direct communication.

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 Let us learn

Read the following words from the text.

Cat’s-food-Man, bird language, flowerpots

Are all the words that are combined to form another word written the same way?

Compound words are formed by combining two words of different parts of speech to create a new word that has an entirely new meaning. They are of three types─hyphenated (Cat’s-food-Man), open compound words (bird language) and closed compound words (flowerpots).

Complete the following table correctly by choosing words from the box given below. An example has been done for you.

 sailor song harvest mice teatime check-in plough horse windowsill well-bred

Hyphenated Words	Open Compound Words	Closed Compound Words
check-in	sailor song	teatime
well-bred	plough horse	windowsill
	harvest mice

II. Create compound words from the table given below

Answer

Column A	Column B	Compound Word
1. fun	(iv) loving	fun-loving
2. high	(ii) flying	high-flying
3. never	(vii) ending	never-ending
4. early	(v) risers	early-risers
5. song	(vi) birds	song-birds
6. over	(i) head	overhead
7. tree	(iii) tops	tree-tops

Now, complete the paragraph with suitable compound words from the table. An example has been done for you. After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. _______________ chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. _______________, their ailments cured. D. ______________ eagles soared gracefully E. _______________ their health restored. F. _______________ among the G. _______________ chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.

Ans: Paragraph Completion with Suitable Compound Words

After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. never-ending chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. overhead, their ailments cured. D. high-flying eagles soared gracefully E. restored, their health restored. F. early-risers among the G. treetops chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.

 III Underline the names of animals that are hidden in the sentences given below. Clues are given within the brackets. An example has been done for you. 1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal) 2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect) 3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal) 4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal) 5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)

Ans:

1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast.

2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets

3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals.

4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age.

5. The patients who came late didn't know where to go .

 IV Read the following sentence from the text. Study the highlighted words.

But that stupid man over the hill never even looked at my eyes. The highlighted words spell and read the same backwards too.

A word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backwards as forwards is a palindrome.

Some of the common palindromes include ‘Was it a car or a cat I saw?’, ‘Madam, I’m Adam’ and ‘A man, a plan, a canal—Panama’.

Read the sentences below and identify the palindrome words and sentences.

1. Step on no pets.

2. Naman saw a race car at the show.

3. Nitin speaks in Malayalam.

4. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.

5. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.

6. Eva can I see bees in a cave? Now, create your own palindrome and share it with your classmates and the teacher.

Answers

Palindromes Identified:

1. Step on no pets.➡️ Entire sentence is a palindrome.

2. Naman saw a race car at the show.➡️ Palindromes: Naman, race car

3. Nitin speaks in Malayalam.➡️ Palindromes: Nitin, Malayalam

4. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.➡️ Palindrome: rotator

5. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.➡️ Palindrome: radar

6. Eva can I see bees in a cave?➡️ The sentence "Eva can I see bees in a cave?" is a palindrome.

   
   

   Here are five examples of palindromes (words and sentences that read the same forwards and backwards):

   1. Madam

   2. Level

   3. Able was I, ere I saw Elba.

   4. Do geese see God?

   5. Was it a car or a cat I saw?

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Grammar ( Page 53)

V Underline the verbs and identify the tense form in the following sentences from the text.

1. He is asking you a question.

2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.

3. I am going blind in one eye.

4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.

Answers

Sentence	Verb(s)	Tense Form
1. He is asking you a question.	is asking	Present Continuous Tense
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.	are	Simple Present Tense
3. I am going blind in one eye.	am going	Present Continuous Tense
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.	is, thinks, can doctor	Simple Present & Modal Auxiliary

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VI.  Fill in the blanks using the correct form of verbs (present perfect) given within brackets.

Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. _________ (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. _________ (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care. The parrot, Polynesia, 3. _________ (teach) him bird-language, and he 4. _________ (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. _________ (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. _________ (become) renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.

Sentence Part	Verb (Base Form)	Correct Present Perfect Form
1. Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle __________ to communicate with all animals and birds.	learn	has learned
2. He __________ countless farm animals and pets with care.	treat	has treated
3. The parrot, Polynesia, __________ him bird-language.	teach	has taught
4. He __________ books about his adventures.	write	has written
5. Many people __________ their sick animals to his door.	bring	have brought
6. Over the years, Dolittle __________ renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.	become	has become

 Let us listen I P 55

You will listen to an announcement. As you listen, state whether the following statement is true or false. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 88) Dr. Dolittle’s new clinic presents an offer of free medicines.

II You will listen to the announcement again. As you listen, complete the details given below with one or two exact words you hear. 1. The new clinic is located in the town of ______________. 2. The address is 12, ______________ Lane. 3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from ______________ a.m. to 5 p.m. 4. Special timings for ______________ are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the ______________. 6. All animals—horses, cows, ______________, wild animals, and others are welcome.

Answers

II. Complete the details with one or two exact words you hear:

Question	Answer
1. The new clinic is located in the town of ___________.	Woodstock
2. The address is 12, ____________ Lane.	Rose
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from __________ a.m. to 5 p.m.	9
4. Special timings for ____________ are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.	birds
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the ____________.	best care
6. All animals—horses, cows, ____________, wild animals, and others are welcome.	pets

 Let us speak ( P 55-56)

Conversation between a doctor and a patient

• Read the information about the problems 1–4.

• Use the cue cards provided to guide your conversation.

• Take turns to play parts of doctor and patient.

Problem 1: Cough and cold

Solution:

Ginger and honey mix 55

Additional Advice: Drink warm fluids and rest.

Sample Conversation

Problem 1: Cough and Cold

Doctor: Good morning! What brings you here today?

Patient: Good morning, Doctor. I have been coughing a lot and feel a little feverish.

Doctor: I see. Could you tell me more about your symptoms?

Patient: I have a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and I sneeze often.

Doctor: It seems like you have a common cold. I suggest you take a mix of ginger and honey.

Patient: Oh! Can you tell me how often I should take it?

Doctor: Twice a day. Also, drink warm fluids and take rest.

Patient: Thank you, Doctor. When should I come again?

Doctor: If symptoms don’t improve in 3 days, come back.

Patient: Sure, Doctor. Thank you so much.

Problem 2: Dry Lips

 • Solution: Apply ghee

• Additional Advice: Stay hydrated and avoid wetting your lips.

Sample Conversation 

Doctor: Hello! What problem are you facing today?

Patient: Hello, Doctor. My lips are dry and cracked.

Doctor: When did this start? Any pain or bleeding?

Patient: It started last week. No pain, but they feel very dry.

Doctor: It’s likely due to dryness in the air. Apply ghee regularly.

Patient: Should I avoid licking my lips too?

Doctor: Yes. Stay hydrated and avoid wetting your lips.

Patient: Thank you. When should I visit again?

Doctor: Come back in a week if the problem persists.

Patient: I will. Thanks, Doctor.

Problem 3: Sore Throat

• Solution: Gargle with warm salt water.

• Additional Advice: Drink herbal teas and avoid cold drinks.

Sample Conversation 

Doctor: Hi! What seems to be the issue?

Patient: Doctor, my throat hurts and I find it hard to swallow.

Doctor: Any fever or cough along with it?

Patient: A slight fever and irritation while speaking.

Doctor: You have a sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water.

Patient: Should I avoid anything specific?

Doctor: Yes. Drink herbal teas and avoid cold drinks.

Patient: Alright. When should I return?

Doctor: If it doesn’t improve in 3–4 days, come back.

Patient: Got it, Doctor. Thanks a lot.

Problem 4: Fatigue

 • Solution: Ensure adequate sleep and a balanced diet.

• Additional Advice: Take short walks to increase energy levels.

Sample Conversation 

Doctor: Hello! You look tired. What’s bothering you?

Patient: Doctor, I feel exhausted all the time.

Doctor: How’s your sleep and diet lately?

Patient: I’ve been sleeping late and skipping meals.

Doctor: That’s the reason. You must get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet.

Patient: Is there anything else I should do?

Doctor: Yes. Take short walks daily to boost energy.

Patient: Thanks, Doctor. When should I check back in?

Doctor: Let’s review your health in two weeks.

Patient: Thank you. I’ll follow your advice.