Step 1: Formula for surface area of a sphere.
The formula for the surface area of a sphere is:
\[
\text{Surface area} = 4\pi r^2
\]
Step 2: Substitute the given values.
Given that $r = 7$ cm and $\pi = \dfrac{22}{7}$, we have:
\[
\text{Surface area} = 4 \times \dfrac{22}{7} \times (7)^2
\]
Step 3: Simplify the expression.
\[
\text{Surface area} = 4 \times \dfrac{22}{7} \times 49
\]
\[
\text{Surface area} = 4 \times 22 \times 7
\]
\[
\text{Surface area} = 616 \, \text{sq. cm.}
\]
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the surface area of the sphere is:
\[
\boxed{616 \, \text{sq. cm.}}
\]