

Mr Nuttel travelled to the countryside to rest his nerves. He carried a letter of introduction to Mrs Sappleton, a cheerful lady who lived in a big house surrounded by fields. While waiting, he met her fifteen-year-old niece Vera, bright and imaginative. To pass time, Vera told him a sad story. She said her aunt’s husband and two brothers had gone hunting three years earlier and never returned. Her aunt, she explained, still kept the large window open every evening, hoping they would come back. Mr Nuttel felt sorry for her. Soon Mrs Sappleton entered, talking cheerfully about her husband’s return from shooting that very day. Mr Nuttel was confused. A few minutes later, three men appeared in the garden carrying guns with a dog beside them. Thinking they were ghosts, Mr Nuttel grabbed his hat and fled in terror. The aunt was puzzled by his strange behaviour. Vera calmly said, “He’s afraid of dogs.” In truth, she had invented the entire story for fun. The narrator ends, “Romance at short notice was her specialty.” The tale shows how imagination can amuse yet mislead if used carelessly.
Reading comprehension helps students understand language in real contexts. For Class 7 learners, this worksheet is important because:
1. It builds vocabulary related to imagination, deceit, and humour.
2. It teaches how to recognize the importance of truth in storytelling.
3. It promotes critical thinking by analyzing how imagination can mislead.
4. It enhances comprehension by connecting emotions and actions in the story.
This worksheet includes multiple exercises to assess understanding, reflection, and analysis:
🧠 Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice Questions
Students answer questions about Mr Nuttel’s visit, Vera’s story, and his reaction to the ghostly sight.
✏️ Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions
Learners describe what Vera told Mr Nuttel, how the story unfolded, and why he reacted the way he did.
📋 Exercise 3 – Deep Thinking Questions
Students explore the theme of imagination vs. truth, why honesty is essential, and how humour and surprise make the story memorable.
Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Option
1. Why did Mr Nuttel visit Mrs Sappleton?
- a. For rest and recovery.
2. What story did Vera tell him?
- d. That her aunt’s relatives were lost while hunting.
3. What did Vera say after Mr Nuttel ran away?
- b. He’s afraid of dogs.
Exercise 2 – Short Answers
1. She said the men never returned from hunting.
2. He panicked and ran away in fear.
3. She was clever but used imagination carelessly.
Exercise 3 – Extended Thinking
1. Imagination is powerful but needs honesty.
2. By ending with an unexpected twist and wit.
3. Lies can hurt even when meant for fun.
4. “prank” – playful trick or act.
This worksheet encourages students to reflect on the importance of truth and the role of imagination in stories.
It motivates learners to predict, question, and reason while reading.
They make readers look for hints and tone changes that reveal the story’s twist.
It strengthens logical thinking and reading confidence through engaging stories.