NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us / EVS • Classic CBSE Track

Chapter 17: Across the Wall

Afsana Mansuri, Gender Stereotypes, NBA Mumbai, Team Spirit & Sports Equality | CBSE Session 2026–27

Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
  • Afsana Mansuri, a young girl from a poor Mumbai slum household who washed utensils, broke gender barriers to become a star basketball player for NBA (Nagpada Basketball Association).
  • Gender discrimination: societal prejudice that girls should only cook, do household chores, and not participate in sports.
  • True team spirit means playing for the collective victory of the team rather than individual glory, encouraging teammates during errors.
  • Coach Noor Khan provided equal training, discipline, and emotional encouragement to boys and girls alike.

All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)

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Q1 Textbook Exercise
What social 'wall' did Afsana Mansuri have to cross to become a successful basketball player?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The 'wall' was the invisible wall of gender discrimination, poverty, and societal prejudice. Her mother worked as a domestic help and initially opposed her playing, telling her that girls from poor families are meant to do household chores, wash utensils, and study quietly, not run around in shorts on sports grounds. Afsana overcame this resistance through sheer determination, discipline, and the support of her coach.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explanation of gender barrier and poverty constraints 1.5 Marks
Overcoming parental and societal prejudice through dedication 1.5 Marks
Q2 Textbook Exercise
What is 'team spirit'? Why is mutual respect and unity more important in a team than individual talent?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Team Spirit is the feeling of togetherness, mutual respect, and shared purpose among all players in a sports squad.
Even if a team has extraordinarily talented individual players, they will lose if they argue, boast, or blame each other. True team spirit means celebrating each other's points, covering up for a teammate's mistake without shouting, and playing for the team's victory rather than personal statistics.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Definition of team spirit as collective unity and mutual trust 1.5 Marks
Why cooperation surpasses isolated individual skill 1.5 Marks
Q3 Textbook Exercise
How did Coach Noor Khan inspire and train the young girls of the Nagpada Basketball Association?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Coach Noor Khan treated girls and boys with complete equality and professional discipline:
  • He taught them foundational dribbling, passing, and shooting drills with rigorous physical conditioning.
  • He constantly boosted their confidence, telling them: "Play like a player, not like a girl."
  • He convinced skeptical, orthodox parents that girls from modest slum households could excel in competitive sports and bring pride to their families and community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Equal training and professional athletic discipline 1.5 Marks
Building psychological confidence and convincing parents 1.5 Marks
Q4 Textbook Exercise
What life skills and psychological strengths do children develop by actively participating in team sports?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Participating in sports develops essential lifelong competencies:
  1. Physical Fitness & Stamina: Strengthens bones, heart, and motor coordination.
  2. Discipline & Time Management: Balancing rigorous practice schedules with school homework.
  3. Resilience & Emotional Control: Learning to accept defeat gracefully, analyzing mistakes, and persevering to win.
  4. Cooperation: Working harmoniously with diverse individuals towards a shared team goal.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Physical fitness and discipline 1.5 Marks
Emotional resilience, handling defeat, and cooperative teamwork 1.5 Marks
Q5 Textbook Exercise
Why is it unfair to treat boys and girls differently at home regarding household chores and sports opportunities?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Treating boys and girls unequally restricts human potential and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes:
  • Both boys and girls have equal mental, intellectual, and physical capabilities to achieve excellence in athletics, sciences, and arts.
  • Household duties like cooking, cleaning, and washing are essential life skills that every person must learn regardless of gender.
  • Denying girls the opportunity to play outside hampers their health, independence, and career horizons.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Equal capabilities of boys and girls in all fields 1.5 Marks
Household chores as universal life skills for everyone 1.5 Marks
Q6 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q7 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q8 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q9 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q10 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q11 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q12 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q13 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q14 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q15 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q16 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q17 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q18 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q19 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q20 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q21 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q22 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Across the Wall
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'Across the Wall', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Across the Wall, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study

Nagpada Basketball Association & Breaking Gender Barriers

Afsana Mansuri, a young girl from a poor Mumbai slum whose mother worked as a domestic help, faced intense social opposition when she wanted to play basketball. With coach Noor Khan's guidance, Afsana and her teammates broke social stereotypes to become district champions.

Analytical Task: What social and family obstacles do young girls from underprivileged backgrounds face in sports, and how does team sports empower young women?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Obstacles Faced by Young Girls: 1. Gender Stereotypes: Society often expects girls to focus exclusively on cooking, cleaning, and sibling care, viewing competitive sports as a male domain. 2. Safety Concerns & Lack of Equipment: Families worry about sports attire (shorts), late evening practices, and lack of money to buy professional sports shoes. Empowerment Through Team Sports: - Confidence and Leadership: Sports teach girls to voice their opinions, strategize under pressure, and lead teams fearlessly. - Team Spirit over Ego: Playing together teaches mutual respect, cooperation, and resilience against failure. - Breaking Social Taboos: Their success inspires entire communities to encourage daughters to pursue sports and higher education.
Rubric: 2.5 Marks for identifying socio-cultural obstacles + 2.5 Marks for leadership and community transformation impact = 5 Marks