Chapter 6 of 10
Chapter 6: What a Tank!
Cultural and architectural travelogue on Punjab's unique rooftop water tanks & water conservation | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Themes of traditional water storage, creative community identity, and regional pride in Punjab.
- The architectural marvel of Punjab's rooftop water tanks shaped as tractors, aeroplanes, birds, and sports gear.
- How everyday functional objects become vibrant canvases of family history and personal heritage.
- Grammar focus: English contractions, agent noun suffixes (-er), and poster design.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
100% Complete Ingestion
Q1
Let us Think • Comprehension
What is the primary utility and purpose of an overhead water tank in domestic buildings?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
An overhead water tank stores water pumped from groundwater borewells or municipal supply lines, using natural gravitational pressure to distribute it smoothly across taps, kitchens, washrooms, and gardens without requiring continuous electric pumping.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Storage of water from municipal/groundwater sources
1 Mark
Use of gravity to provide smooth tap pressure
1 Mark
Q2
Let us Think • Comprehension
Where is the state of Punjab situated on the map of India, and what does its name signify?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Punjab is located in the northwestern region of India. Its name originates from two Persian words: 'Panj' (meaning five) and 'Aab' (meaning water), signifying the fertile 'Land of Five Rivers' (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Geographic location: North-western India
1 Mark
Etymology: Land of Five Rivers
1 Mark
Q3
Let us Think • Comprehension
Describe the construction process and materials used to build artistic rooftop water tanks in Punjab.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Skilled local artisans first weld a sturdy structural frame using malleable steel rods and wire mesh in the shape of the desired object (tractor, plane, or horse). Concrete cement and waterproof mortar are then layered over the frame. Once cured, it is coated with vibrant waterproof paints, transforming a functional tank into durable rooftop art.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Steel rod and wire mesh skeleton framework
1 Mark
Concrete cement layering and waterproofing
1 Mark
Vibrant painting and final rooftop installation
1 Mark
Q4
Let us Think • Comprehension
How do the distinctive shapes of water tanks reflect the identity, achievements, and aspirations of homeowners?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Each sculpted tank tells a personal story: a farmer constructs a tractor-shaped tank celebrating agricultural prosperity; a family with relatives working abroad builds an aeroplane-shaped tank symbolizing international travel; an athlete chooses a football or weightlifter; while an army veteran displays a cannon or tank symbolizing national service.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Tractor = Agricultural prosperity / farming roots
1 Mark
Aeroplane = Global travel / diaspora pride
1 Mark
Sports / Military motifs = Personal passions and service
1 Mark
Q5
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
Apart from overhead tanks, identify and explain four diverse traditional and modern water conservation systems across India.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- 1. Baolis (Step-wells of Gujarat & Rajasthan): Deep architectural wells with stone steps descending to subterranean water tables.
- 2. Tankas (Underground Cisterns of Thar): Covered circular chambers built in courtyards to harvest every drop of desert rainwater.
- 3. Ooranis (Traditional Ponds of Tamil Nadu): Community percolation ponds designed to catch surface runoff and recharge village wells.
- 4. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (Modern): Channeling roof runoff through sand-gravel filters directly into groundwater aquifers.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Baolis / step-wells explained
1 Mark
Tankas / underground cisterns explained
1 Mark
Ooranis / percolation ponds explained
1 Mark
Modern Rainwater Harvesting explained
1 Mark
Q6
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
If you were commissioned to design a sculpted rooftop water tank for your school, what shape would you choose and why?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
I would design a tank shaped like an open book with an olive branch rising from its spine. The open book would symbolize the thirst for knowledge and wisdom that our school nurtures, while the green olive branch would remind every student that true education must protect the environment and save every drop of water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Creative, imaginative sculpture concept described
1.5 Marks
Thoughtful justification connecting design to values/education
1.5 Marks
Q7
Let us Learn • Grammar
Grammar Practice: Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the underlined words with appropriate Contractions:
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- We do not waste a single drop of water. → We don't waste a single drop of water.
- This tank is not made of ordinary plastic. → This tank isn't made of ordinary plastic.
- They cannot imagine a village without these colorful tanks. → They can't imagine a village without these colorful tanks.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sentence 1: 'don't' correctly applied with apostrophe
1 Mark
Sentence 2: 'isn't' correctly applied with apostrophe
1 Mark
Sentence 3: 'can't' correctly applied with apostrophe
1 Mark
Q8
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Word Formation: Form agent nouns from root verbs by adding the suffix '-er' and frame a short sentence with any one:
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Farm → Farmer
- Build → Builder
- Design → Designer
- Own → Owner
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
4 correct agent nouns formed (0.5 marks each)
2 Marks
Accurate, meaningful contextual sentence
1 Mark
Q9
Let us Write • Poster Design
Design an awareness poster layout with slogans and key bullet points titled 'Jal Hi Jeevan Hai: Conserve Every Drop'.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Poster Title: 💧 SAVE WATER, SECURE THE FUTURE 💧
Catchy Slogans:
• "A Drop of Water Saved Today Is A Life Preserved Tomorrow!"
• "Clean Tanks, Healthy Homes, Thriving India!"
Action Checklist for Every Citizen:
Catchy Slogans:
• "A Drop of Water Saved Today Is A Life Preserved Tomorrow!"
• "Clean Tanks, Healthy Homes, Thriving India!"
Action Checklist for Every Citizen:
- Fix leaking faucets and overflow pipes on rooftop tanks immediately.
- Install float valves to prevent water tank overflow during motor pumping.
- Collect vegetable wash-water to nourish home garden pots.
- Turn off running taps while brushing teeth or washing hands.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Compelling, memorable slogans and clean layout
2 Marks
Actionable daily conservation tips + issuer signature
2 Marks
Q10
Let us Explore • Environmental Engineering
Project Work: Describe the four essential stages of a household Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) system.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Four Stages of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting:
- Catchment Area (Rooftop): The clean roof surface that intercepts falling raindrops during monsoon storms.
- Conveyance Network (Gutters & Downpipes): UV-resistant PVC channels that transport rainwater downwards from roof slopes.
- Filtration Unit (First-Flush & Sand-Gravel Filter): A diverter discards the initial dirty water, followed by charcoal, sand, and gravel chambers that filter out dust and leaves.
- Storage Cistern / Aquifer Recharge Pit: Clean water is stored in sealed underground tanks or directed through perforated pipes into dry borewells to replenish the groundwater table.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Catchment & conveyance explained
2 Marks
Filtration and storage/recharge explained
2 Marks
Q11
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 1] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q12
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 2] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q13
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 3] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q14
Grammar in Context • Syntax, Tenses & Parts of Speech • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 4] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q15
Let's Write • Creative Composition & Expression • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 5] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q16
Spoken English • Pronunciation & Phonics • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 6] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q17
Say Aloud • Rhyming Pairs & Auditory Discrimination • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 7] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q18
Team Time & Activity • Collaborative Project Work • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 8] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q19
Curriculum Competency • Value Analysis & Ethics • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 9] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q20
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 10] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q21
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 11] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q22
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • What a Tank!
[Textbook Exercise 12] In 'What a Tank!', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In What a Tank!, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Cultural Heritage & Modern Sustainable Architecture
A heritage tourist organization visits a rural cluster in Punjab and observes over 50 unique rooftop tanks. A visitor points out that while the decorative tanks look striking, several overflow during power pumping, wasting hundreds of liters of treated water daily.
Analytical Task: Propose three smart technological and civic solutions that preserve Punjab's artistic tank tradition while eliminating water wastage completely.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Smart & Sustainable Cultural Heritage Solutions:
- Automatic Smart Float Sensor Switches: Install low-cost automated magnetic sensors in every sculpted tank that automatically shut off the electric water pump the moment water reaches 95% capacity, ending overflow wastage.
- Overflow Recirculation Ducts: Retrofit an overflow return pipe that redirects accidental excess water down into a rainwater recharge pit or kitchen garden rather than splashing onto streets.
- Community Eco-Artisan Certification: Train local tank sculptors to integrate level gauges and overflow alarms as standard design specifications in every new sculpture they build.
Rubric: 1.5 Marks for balancing cultural aesthetics with conservation + 3.5 Marks for 3 smart engineering and civic recommendations = 5 Marks