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Unit 1: My Land • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 1: Together We Can

Inspirational Poem on Teamwork, Unity, Community Cooperation & National Progress

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The power of collective effort: how small individual actions combine to achieve great things.
  • Metaphor of drops of water forming a mighty ocean and grains of sand creating pleasant land.
  • Appreciating cultural diversity and working hand-in-hand for societal welfare.
  • Poetic devices: rhyming words, rhythm, and motivational theme.
Together We Can — Unity & Collective Progress 🤝 Little Deeds 🌱 Shared Kindness 🌟 Mighty Nation "Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (15 Solved Questions)
Q1 What makes the mighty ocean according to the poem 'Together We Can'? How does the poet compare small acts of kindness to nature's elements? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
According to the poem, little drops of water come together to form the mighty ocean, and tiny grains of sand combine to make the pleasant, fertile land.

The poet uses these natural examples to illustrate that no deed of kindness or cooperation is ever too small. Just as countless tiny drops create an immense ocean, small individual acts of love, honesty, and helpfulness by citizens join together to make our communities happy and our country great and prosperous.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions little drops of water and grains of sand 1.5 M
Explains metaphor of individual kindness building a mighty society 1.5 M
Q2 What makes the earth like heaven above according to the poem? Let us Think • Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
According to the poem, little deeds of kindness and little words of love make the earth happy and peaceful, transforming our world to resemble heaven above.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of little deeds of kindness 1.0 M
Identification of words of love creating harmony 1.0 M
Q3 Find pairs of rhyming words from the poem and use each in an original sentence: (a) Sand - Land, (b) Make - Take, (c) Love - Above. Let us Learn Words • Rhyming Words 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Sand - Land:
• Sand: The children built high castles with wet sand on the beach.
• Land: India is a blessed land of rivers, mountains, and colorful traditions.

(b) Make - Take:
• Make: Hard work and patience make all our dreams come true.
• Take: We should always take care of our grandparents when they are unwell.

(c) Love - Above:
• Love: A mother's unconditional love brings comfort to the family.
• Above: The bright morning sun shone high above the green hills.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct pairs of rhyming words identified 1.5 M
Original and grammatically correct sentences 1.5 M
Q4 In the lesson, children from different states share their cultural greetings and festivals. Name any three traditional festivals celebrated across different regions of India and state one common value they all share. Let us Speak • Unity in Diversity 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. Bihu (Assam): Celebrates the harvest season, nature's bounty, and gratitude through community dancing and feasts.
2. Pongal / Makar Sankranti (Tamil Nadu & North India): Honors the Sun God and farmers for nourishing crops.
3. Onam (Kerala): Commemorates King Mahabali with floral rangolis (Pookkalam) and community solidarity.

Common Value: All Indian festivals foster brotherhood, sharing food with the needy, respecting nature, and rejoicing in unity despite diverse languages.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three diverse regional harvest festivals named 1.5 M
Explanation of shared universal values of unity and gratitude 1.5 M
Q5 Design a classroom 'Kindness Wall' activity. List three small acts of helpfulness that Class 4 students can carry out every day to support their classmates. Let us Do • Teamwork Activity 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Classroom Kindness Wall Procedure:
1. Sharing Learning Materials: Lending an extra pencil, eraser, or ruler to a benchmate who forgot theirs.
2. Welcoming & Assisting: Helping a classmate who missed school due to illness by sharing notebook notes and explaining missed lessons.
3. Keeping Surroundings Clean: Picking up paper scraps together after lunch and keeping classroom desks tidy without waiting for the helper.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three practical classroom cooperation deeds described 1.5 M
Clear emphasis on mutual empathy and inclusivity 1.5 M
Q6 In Chapter 1 ('Together We Can'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q7 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Together We Can', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q8 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q9 Identify words in 'Together We Can' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q10 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q11 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Together We Can'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q12 Find words in 'Together We Can' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q13 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q14 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Together We Can' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q15 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Community Cleanliness Drive in Shanti Nagar

Real-Life Context: The residents of Shanti Nagar noticed that their neighborhood park was littered with plastic wrappers and dry branches after a storm. Instead of waiting for municipality workers, 15 school children formed 'Team Eco-Warriors' and spent two hours on Sunday morning cleaning the flowerbeds and jogging tracks.

Analytical Task: How does the initiative of Team Eco-Warriors reflect the core message of 'Together We Can'? State two benefits of collaborative community work over individual efforts.

Reflection of Core Message: Just as 'little drops of water make a mighty ocean,' individual children joining hands turned an overwhelming clean-up task into an enjoyable two-hour triumph.

Two Benefits:
1. Division of Labor & Speed: Tasks that take one person several days are accomplished swiftly when divided among motivated team members.
2. Community Ownership: Working together instills pride in shared public spaces and inspires adults and neighbors to keep the environment clean.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for connecting collective action to poem theme; 1 Mark for two distinct collaborative benefits.
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Unit 1: My Land • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 2: The Tinkling Bells

Heartwarming Story on Honesty, Moral Integrity, Empathy & the Joy of Righteous Living

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Story of young Chinna, who loses his grandfather's money meant for buying cattle bells.
  • The moral dilemma: An honest mistake by a fruit seller gives Chinna extra change.
  • The golden virtue of honesty: Returning what does not belong to you brings genuine peace and self-respect.
  • Parental guidance and how positive reinforcement nurtures upright character in children.
The Tinkling Bells — Chinna's Journey of Honesty 😢 Lost Coins 🍎 Extra ₹10 🤝 Returned Honestly 🔔 Tinkling Bells! "Honesty brings true joy, dignity, and a clear conscience."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (15 Solved Questions)
Q1 Answer the following from the story: (a) Why was Chinna upset when he returned home? (b) How did his mother Kamala comfort him? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Chinna was deeply upset and crying because he had lost the money that his beloved Dadaji (grandfather) had given him to buy brass tinkling bells for their cow.

(b) His mother Kamala gently wiped away his tears, spoke comforting words, and promised that she would give him money to buy the bells so he wouldn't feel sorrowful.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains loss of Dadaji's bell money 1.5 M
Describes mother Kamala's comforting reaction and promise 1.5 M
Q2 What mistake did the fruit seller make, and how did Chinna react when he realized it? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The fruit seller accidentally handed Chinna ten rupees extra while returning his change after buying fruit.

Although Chinna was tempted for a moment because he needed money for the bells, his conscience reminded him that keeping another person's hard-earned money was dishonest. He immediately walked back and returned the ten-rupee coin to the fruit seller.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions fruit seller giving ₹10 extra by mistake 1.5 M
Explains Chinna's moral decision to return the money 1.5 M
Q3 Write 'T' for True and 'F' for False: (1) Chinna wanted to buy bells to attach to his bicycle. (2) Kamala comforted Chinna when he was crying. (3) The fruit seller gave Chinna twenty rupees extra. (4) Chinna returned the extra money to the fruit seller. (5) The fruit seller was angry when Chinna returned the money. Let us Think • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(1) False — Chinna wanted bells for the family cow, not a bicycle.
(2) True — His mother Kamala lovingly consoled him.
(3) False — The fruit seller gave ten rupees extra, not twenty.
(4) True — Chinna honestly returned the ten-rupee coin.
(5) False — The fruit seller was very happy, blessed Chinna, and praised his integrity.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 5 statements evaluated with correct factual justifications 3.0 M
Q4 Why did Chinna decide to return the extra money instead of keeping it? What would have happened if he had kept it? Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Chinna decided to return the money because he remembered his own deep sadness when he lost his coins. He understood that the fruit seller had worked hard all day, and losing ten rupees would cause him financial distress.

If Chinna had kept the money, he would have suffered from guilt and a troubled conscience, knowing that he had acquired bells through dishonesty rather than righteous effort.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Relates Chinna's empathy to his own experience of loss 1.5 M
Explains consequence of guilt versus peace of honest conduct 1.5 M
Q5 Find opposites for the following words from the chapter and frame a sentence with any one: (a) Lost, (b) Honest, (c) Sorrow. Let us Learn Words • Antonyms & Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Lost: Found.
(b) Honest: Dishonest.
(c) Sorrow: Joy / Happiness.

Sentence: Rohan was filled with immense joy when he found his missing geometry box under his desk.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct antonyms provided 1.5 M
Meaningful sentence correctly framed 1.5 M
Q6 In Chapter 2 ('The Tinkling Bells'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q7 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'The Tinkling Bells', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q8 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q9 Identify words in 'The Tinkling Bells' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q10 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q11 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'The Tinkling Bells'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q12 Find words in 'The Tinkling Bells' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q13 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q14 What lifelong value or life skill does 'The Tinkling Bells' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q15 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Lost Wallet on the School Playground

Real-Life Context: During recess, 9-year-old Kabir found a leather wallet containing ₹500 and an identity card near the basketball court. His friends advised him to spend the money at the school canteen. Instead, Kabir immediately marched to the Principal's office and deposited the wallet.

Analytical Task: Which character from 'The Tinkling Bells' does Kabir's behavior parallel? State two character strengths demonstrated by Kabir in this situation.

Character Parallel: Kabir's upright conduct directly mirrors Chinna, who refused to keep the fruit seller's extra ₹10 despite needing money for bells.

Two Character Strengths:
1. Integrity under Peer Pressure: Kabir rejected the temptation of instant gratification and peer encouragement to spend the money.
2. Empathy & Responsibility: He realized the owner of the wallet would be worried and took immediate administrative action to restore the lost property.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying parallel to Chinna; 1 Mark for two character strengths (integrity and empathy).
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Unit 1: My Land • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 3: Be Smart, Be Safe

Essential Civic Awareness, Road Safety Rules, Pedestrian Guidelines & Emergency Preparedness

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The four cardinal rules of pedestrian street crossing: Stop, Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again.
  • Importance of zebra crossings, pedestrian footpaths, and pedestrian traffic signals.
  • Safety on public roads: Holding an adult's hand, avoiding running across traffic, and avoiding blind corners.
  • Traffic signal lights: Red (Stop), Amber/Yellow (Wait/Get Ready), Green (Go).
Road Safety Golden Rules — Stop, Look & Listen Signals Zebra Crossing 1. Look Right ➔ 2. Look Left ⬅ 3. Look Right Again ➔ "Never run across a road; always walk calmly on the pedestrian crossing."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What four essential steps must you always follow before crossing any busy road? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. Stop: Stand safely on the footpath or curb at the edge of the zebra crossing.
2. Look Right: Check for incoming traffic from your right side.
3. Look Left: Check for vehicles approaching from the left.
4. Look Right Again: Take a final look to the right to verify that all vehicles have stopped or the road is completely clear before walking across.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct sequence of Stop, Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again 2.0 M
Mentions crossing only when traffic is stopped or road is clear 1.0 M
Q2 Why should children hold an adult's hand while crossing roads, and why is playing on the footpath prohibited? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Holding an Adult's Hand: Adults have better judgment of vehicle speeds, higher visual vantage points, and can shield children from sudden maneuvers by reckless drivers.

Not Playing on Footpaths: Footpaths are meant exclusively for safe walking. Playing tag or ball games on footpaths creates distractions, risking a child or ball rolling into oncoming traffic and causing severe accidents.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Scientific explanation of adult traffic assessment and guidance 1.5 M
Safety hazards of playing near live road traffic 1.5 M
Q3 Match each traffic light color with its official rule: (a) Red, (b) Amber / Yellow, (c) Green. What does a green pedestrian walking figure indicate? Let us Learn Words • Traffic Signs 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Red: Stop completely behind the stop line.
(b) Amber / Yellow: Slow down and prepare to stop; do not accelerate to beat the light.
(c) Green: Go forward if the intersection is clear.

Green Pedestrian Figure: Indicates that vehicular traffic is halted and pedestrians may safely cross the road using the zebra crossing.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct meanings of Red, Amber, and Green signals 1.5 M
Explanation of green pedestrian walking symbol 1.5 M
Q4 What should you do if there is no zebra crossing or traffic signal nearby when you need to cross the road? Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
If no zebra crossing exists nearby:
1. Choose a straight stretch of road where you can see vehicles clearly in both directions (never cross at sharp turns or behind parked buses).
2. Wait patiently on the pavement until there is a wide gap in traffic.
3. Check right, left, and right again.
4. Walk straight across quickly and alertly without running or looking at mobile devices.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Avoids blind spots / sharp bends / parked vehicles 1.5 M
Calm, vigilant walking procedure described 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 3 ('Be Smart, Be Safe'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Be Smart, Be Safe', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'Be Smart, Be Safe' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Be Smart, Be Safe'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'Be Smart, Be Safe' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Be Smart, Be Safe' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

School Gate Traffic Congestion

Real-Life Context: At 2:00 PM, several auto-rickshaws and parents' two-wheelers crowd right outside the school gate. A 4th-grade student, Aryan, drops his water bottle on the road and rushes into the middle of the street between parked vans to retrieve it.

Analytical Task: Identify two severe safety mistakes committed by Aryan. What should a safety-smart student do in this scenario?

Two Safety Mistakes:
1. Emerging from Blind Spots: Aryan stepped into the roadway between parked vans where drivers of moving vehicles could not see him.
2. Chasing Dropped Objects into Traffic: Running impulsively into live traffic without stopping and scanning right and left.

Safety-Smart Procedure: Aryan should stand safely on the footpath, alert the school traffic warden or security guard, and let an adult safely retrieve the bottle once traffic clears.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying both safety violations; 1 Mark for providing safe adult-assisted protocol.
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Unit 2: My Beautiful World • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 4: One Thing at a Time

Classic Inspirational Poem by M.A. Stodart on Concentration, Time Management & Mindfulness

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The value of undivided attention: Doing one thing with all one's might ensures perfection.
  • Dangers of multitasking: 'Things done by halves are never done right.'
  • Balancing work and play: Dedicated study hours and dedicated play hours create joyful harmony.
  • Cultivating self-discipline, time organization, and peaceful focus in childhood.
One Thing at a Time — Work Well & Play Well 📚 WORK WITH MIGHT Full focus on studies No half-hearted attempts ⚽ PLAY WITH JOY Full energy on sports Happy mind & fit body "Work while you work, play while you play; one thing each time leads to a happy day!"
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Why is it important to focus on doing one thing at a time according to the poem? What happens when tasks are done by halves? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
It is important to focus on one thing at a time because 'things done by halves are never done right.'

When we divide our attention between multiple activities, our mind gets scattered, we make careless errors, waste precious time, and end up leaving tasks incomplete. Focusing fully on a single activity allows us to understand concepts thoroughly and achieve excellence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Cites 'things done by halves are never done right' 1.5 M
Explains errors and time waste resulting from split attention 1.5 M
Q2 Make a list of words that rhyme in the poem 'One Thing at a Time' and write one pair in an original couplet. Let us Think • Rhyming Words 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs from the Poem:
• play — way
• might — right
• well — tell

Original Couplet:
Study your books with all your might,
And your bright future will turn out right!
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three correct rhyming pairs identified 1.5 M
Creative, meaningful rhyming couplet written 1.5 M
Q3 How do you feel after finishing a difficult task that you have performed with full dedication? Describe three daily habits that help you stay calm and focused. Let us Think • Personal Reflection 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Post-Task Feeling: After completing a difficult assignment with full concentration, I feel deeply satisfied, peaceful, self-confident, and free of stress.

Three Focus Habits:
1. Quiet Study Space: Keeping my study table clean and free from distracting toys or television sounds.
2. Deep Breathing Breaks: Taking five slow, deep breaths before starting math problem solving.
3. Daily Timetable: Allocating fixed, separate hours for homework and outdoor sports so my mind is never worried about unfinished work during playtime.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Emotional expression of accomplishment and satisfaction 1.5 M
Three practical concentration habits described 1.5 M
Q4 Use the following words in meaningful sentences: (a) Might, (b) Moments, (c) Rule. Let us Learn Words • Sentence Construction 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Might: The little ant pushed the large breadcrumb with all its might into the anthill.
(b) Moments: We spent cheerful moments singing folk songs around the campfire.
(c) Rule: A golden rule of road safety is to always cross at the zebra crossing.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three grammatically flawless, contextually rich sentences 3.0 M
Q5 In Chapter 4 ('One Thing at a Time'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'One Thing at a Time', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'One Thing at a Time' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'One Thing at a Time'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'One Thing at a Time' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'One Thing at a Time' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Exam Preparation vs. Mobile Notifications

Real-Life Context: While revising science definitions for tomorrow's unit test, Rohan keeps his mother's smartphone next to his textbook. Every three minutes, he glances at notification chimes, replies to chat messages, and re-reads the same paragraph five times without remembering it.

Analytical Task: Which advice from M.A. Stodart's poem does Rohan fail to practice? What specific advice would you give Rohan to improve his test recall?

Poem Rule Violated: Rohan violates the fundamental rule: 'Work while you work, play while you play; that is the way to be cheerful and gay.' By trying to study and chat simultaneously, his work is being 'done by halves.'

Actionable Advice: Rohan should switch off the smartphone or place it in another room for 45 minutes, focus entirely on revising one science topic with full 'might,' and only check messages after completing his revision goals.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for quoting or identifying poem's core tenet; 1 Mark for practical digital distraction protocol.
5
Unit 2: My Beautiful World • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 5: The Old Stag

Touching Forest Fable on Empathy, Ecological Harmony, Repentance & Selfless Care

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The wise and affectionate old stag who lived peacefully on a green hillock.
  • The stag falls sick and cannot walk down to meet his woodland friends.
  • Thoughtless grazing: Visiting animals eat up the hillock's tender grass, leaving the stag without food.
  • Moral awakening: Realizing their thoughtlessness, the animals nurse the hillock back to life and feed the stag.
  • Environmental message: Caring for community resources and protecting the green cover of nature.
The Old Stag — From Thoughtless Harm to Loving Care 🦌 Beloved Old Stag 🌾❌ Grass Vanished Thoughtless grazing 🍎🌱 Fresh Food Brought Regrowing green cover "True friendship and ecological love mean caring for each other's living space."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Why was the old stag so popular among all the forest animals and birds? Why could he not go down the hillock to meet them? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Popularity: The old stag was popular because of his kind, gentle, and loving nature. Every morning, he warmly greeted every animal, bird, and insect, showing genuine affection to all creatures.

Inability to Walk: In his advanced age, the stag fell severely ill and grew too weak to walk down the steep hillock to the river and meadows.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes kind, welcoming nature of the stag 1.5 M
Explains sickness and physical weakness preventing descent 1.5 M
Q2 Why did the lush green cover of the hillock slowly disappear? What tragedy did this cause for the sick stag? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
When the animals heard of the stag's illness, they flocked to visit him on the hillock. While standing and chatting, each visiting animal thoughtlessly nibbled on the fresh, tender grass.

Because hundreds of animals visited day after day, the entire green cover of the hillock was completely eaten away. Consequently, the weak stag had no food left near his resting place and began starving.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains visitors thoughtlessly grazing during visits 1.5 M
Identifies severe consequence of starvation for the stag 1.5 M
Q3 How did the forest animals realize their mistake, and what constructive steps did they take to help the stag recover? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The animals realized their mistake when they saw the barren, brown hillock and noticed that the sick stag was shivering and weak from hunger. Overcome with deep remorse, they took immediate action:
1. They stopped all grazing on the hillock to let the soil rest and the grass regrow.
2. Every visiting animal started bringing fresh tender leaves, juicy fruits, and clear water from the valley to feed the stag until he regained his strength.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of animals' guilt upon seeing barren hillock 1.5 M
Two restorative actions: halting grazing and bringing fresh food 1.5 M
Q4 What would happen to the natural environment around us if each human thought only of their immediate selfish needs? Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
If every person considered only their immediate personal desires without thinking of others, our forests would be cut down, clean rivers would be polluted with plastic waste, and green pastures would turn into barren deserts.

Just like the animals on the hillock, selfish consumption destroys the ecosystem that sustains all life, leaving no resources for future generations or vulnerable living beings.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Relates animal parable to human environmental degradation 1.5 M
Highlights long-term ecological balance and intergenerational equity 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 5 ('The Old Stag'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'The Old Stag', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'The Old Stag' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'The Old Stag'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'The Old Stag' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'The Old Stag' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

School Garden Trampling Incident

Real-Life Context: During the annual sports day, hundreds of spectator students stood on the newly planted flowerbeds near the running track to get a better view of the 100m sprint. By evening, all the delicate marigold and rose saplings were crushed flat underfoot.

Analytical Task: How does this sports day incident compare with the forest animals' behavior in 'The Old Stag'? Suggest two rules the school pupil council should enforce to prevent such damage.

Parallels with 'The Old Stag': Just like the forest animals who loved the stag but carelessly ate away his sustenance, the students were enthusiastically cheering their athletes but carelessly destroyed the beautiful garden through lack of environmental mindfulness.

Two Protective Rules:
1. Barricaded Viewing Corridors: Designating clearly marked standing bleachers and placing protective bamboo fences around all flowerbeds.
2. Student Eco-Marshals: Appointing Class 4 and 5 volunteers to guide spectators away from delicate botanical zones during major events.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for insightful connection to the story; 1 Mark for two sensible school garden regulations.
6
Unit 2: My Beautiful World • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 6: Braille

Inspiring Biography of Louis Braille, Tactile Literacy, Inclusion & Overcoming Adversity

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The early childhood of Louis Braille in Coupvray, France, and his tragic eye injury in his father's workshop.
  • The burning desire of visually impaired students to read and learn independently.
  • Captain Charles Barbier's military code ('Night Writing') and its shortcomings.
  • Louis Braille's breakthrough: Creating a 6-dot tactile code representing letters, numbers, and music.
  • Empathy, disability awareness, and the universal symbol of the white cane.
The Braille Script — 6 Raised Dots Cell Structure Letter 'A' Letter 'B' Letter 'C' White Cane Symbol Each letter is formed within a 6-dot matrix felt with sensitive fingertips.
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (15 Solved Questions)
Q1 Describe the Braille system of reading and writing. How do visually impaired individuals use it to read books? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The Braille system is a tactile reading and writing method based on an embossed code of raised dots arranged inside rectangular cells.

Each cell has six dot positions arranged in two vertical columns of three dots each. Different combinations of raised dots represent letters of the alphabet, punctuation marks, numbers, and musical notes. Visually impaired individuals lightly glide their sensitive fingertips across the raised dots from left to right to read fluently.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains matrix of 6 raised dots per cell 1.5 M
Describes fingertip touch reading from left to right 1.5 M
Q2 Why was Captain Charles Barbier's 'Night Writing' system not successful among blind children? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Captain Barbier's 'Night Writing' was originally developed for soldiers in battle to read messages in the dark without lighting lamps. However, it was not successful for general reading because:
1. It was based on complex sound codes rather than letters of the alphabet.
2. It used 12 raised dots per cell, which was too large to fit underneath the pad of a single finger without moving up and down, making reading slow and clumsy.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains military origins of Night Writing 1.0 M
Cites 12-dot complexity and inability to cover with one fingertip 2.0 M
Q3 What major improvement did young Louis Braille introduce to make reading simple, elegant, and efficient? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Louis Braille simplified the 12-dot military system down to a compact 6-dot cell. This revolutionary improvement meant that every single letter could be felt and recognized instantly under the tip of a single finger in one touch, drastically speeding up reading and allowing blind students to write easily using a slate and stylus.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reduction from 12 dots to 6 dots 1.5 M
Enables instant recognition under a single fingertip 1.5 M
Q4 Why is the mobility cane used by visually challenged individuals always white in color? What difficulties would a person face if the world had no light? Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
White Cane Purpose: The cane is painted bright white (often with a red reflective stripe) so that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians can spot it clearly from afar, immediately recognizing that the traveler is visually challenged and according them safety and right-of-way.

World Without Light: Without light, people would struggle with spatial navigation, reading printed books, identifying family members by appearance, avoiding physical obstacles, and recognizing distant hazards.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains high visibility and international recognition of white cane 1.5 M
Reflects thoughtfully on sensory reliance in absence of sight 1.5 M
Q5 Conduct a tactile identification experiment: Blindfold yourself and describe how you can distinguish a coin, a key, an eraser, and a pencil solely through touch. Let us Do • Tactile Sensory Activity 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Tactile Observations through Fingertip Touch:
• One-Rupee Coin: Feels cold and metallic; circular with serrated milled edges and raised national emblems.
• Metal Key: Has a flat head with a circular hole, a long narrow metallic shaft, and jagged teeth cut into one edge.
• Eraser: Feels soft, flexible, matte, and rubbery with sharp right-angled corners.
• Pencil: Long, rigid, cylindrical or hexagonal wooden shaft with a smooth lacquer finish and a sharp tapering graphite cone at one end.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Detailed texture, temperature, and shape characteristics for all 4 items 3.0 M
Q6 In Chapter 6 ('Braille'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q7 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Braille', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q8 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q9 Identify words in 'Braille' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q10 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q11 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Braille'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q12 Find words in 'Braille' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q13 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q14 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Braille' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q15 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Public Transport Accessibility for Visually Challenged Citizens

Real-Life Context: The metro rail corporation installed textured yellow paving tiles along station platforms and automated audio announcements inside coaches to help commuters with visual impairment travel independently.

Analytical Task: How do textured paving tiles work as an orientation aid? How does this reflect the spirit of inclusion championed by Louis Braille?

Function of Textured Yellow Tiles: The tiles feature raised parallel bars (indicating a clear path to walk forward) and raised blisters/dots (warning passengers to stop immediately before the dangerous platform edge). Commuters feel these textures through the tip of their white cane and under their footwear.

Reflection of Inclusion: Just as Louis Braille eliminated barriers to literacy through raised dots on paper, tactile infrastructure eliminates barriers to public mobility, empowering people with disabilities to travel with dignity and independence.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for explaining guiding bars vs stop blister tiles; 1 Mark for connecting to universal access and Braille's legacy.
7
Unit 3: Fun with Games • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 7: Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation

Rhythmic Poem on Physical Fitness, Sportsmanship, Yoga, Nutrition & Holistic Well-being

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The intimate connection between physical health, mental alertness, and nation building.
  • Children engaging in diverse activities: Hockey, skating, dance, yoga, and musical rhythm.
  • Learning from mistakes: Falling during skating and rising up with stronger resolve.
  • Healthy food choices: Nutritious home-cooked meals over processed junk food.
  • The national initiative of 'Fit India': Healthy children create a vibrant, prosperous country.
Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation — Pillars of Youth Health 🏑 Sports & Games Hockey & Skating 🧘 Yoga & Asanas Flexibility & Calm 🥗 Nutrition Fruits & Pulses 🇮🇳 Fit Nation Strong Citizens "Active children build a dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking nation."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Answer the following from the poem: (a) Which game does Active Boy Anant play? (b) Which musical instruments are mentioned in the poem? (c) Who likes moving in rhythm? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Active Boy Anant plays the national sport of hockey.
(b) The musical instruments mentioned in the poem are the guitar and the sitar.
(c) Musical Meena loves moving gracefully in rhythm to music.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies hockey for Anant 1.0 M
Names guitar and sitar 1.0 M
Names Meena moving in rhythm 1.0 M
Q2 What important life lesson does Graceful Girl Geeta learn during her roller skating practice? Let us Think • Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
While practicing roller skating, Geeta occasionally loses balance and falls. Instead of giving up or crying, she learns from her mistakes, stands back up with a brave smile, adjusts her posture, and skates forward with greater balance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions learning from falls and mistakes 1.0 M
Highlights resilience and perseverance 1.0 M
Q3 Why is participating in regular outdoor sports superior to playing video games on mobile screens? List three health benefits. Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Superiority of Outdoor Sports:
Outdoor sports engage the entire muscular and cardiovascular systems in fresh air, whereas sitting with mobile phones causes eye strain, obesity, and lethargy.

Three Health Benefits:
1. Stronger Bones & Muscles: Running and jumping enhance bone mineral density and muscular stamina.
2. Social Teamwork: Playing in teams teaches communication, empathy, sharing, and handling both victory and defeat gracefully.
3. Sound Sleep & Mental Alertness: Physical exertion releases happy hormones and promotes restful, restorative night sleep.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Contrast between outdoor sports and sedentary mobile habits 1.5 M
Three scientifically valid physical/mental health benefits 1.5 M
Q4 The poem uses alliterative pairs like 'Active Anant', 'Graceful Geeta', and 'Musical Meena'. Create three original alliterative descriptions for your friends starting with the letters K, R, and S. Let us Learn Words • Alliteration Activity 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. Letter K: Kind-hearted Kabir (always ready to share and help).
2. Letter R: Radiant Riya (always smiling and spreading cheerful energy).
3. Letter S: Swift Sahil (fastest runner on the football field).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three original alliterative names pairing positive qualities 3.0 M
Q5 In Chapter 7 ('Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Fit Body, Fit Mind, Fit Nation' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

School Morning Assembly Yoga Routine

Real-Life Context: Delhi public schools introduced 15 minutes of Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) during daily morning assemblies. Teachers noticed that students were calmer and showed sharper concentration in first-period mathematics classes.

Analytical Task: How does the school's morning yoga initiative fulfill the vision of 'Fit Body, Fit Mind'? State two physiological reasons why deep breathing sharpens academic focus.

Fulfilling the Vision: Yoga harmonizes physical posture with mental stillness. A healthy body free from sluggishness directly sharpens the brain's cognitive faculties, turning the motto 'Fit Body, Fit Mind' into daily classroom reality.

Two Physiological Reasons:
1. Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: Deep breathing floods the cerebral cortex with fresh oxygen, boosting neural alertness and memory retention.
2. Stress Reduction: Controlled breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering restlessness and anxiety before complex problem-solving tasks.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for holistic connection of physical health to mental acuity; 1 Mark for oxygenation and anxiety reduction mechanisms.
8
Unit 3: Fun with Games • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 8: The Lagori Champions

Action-Packed Story on India's Traditional Game of Seven Stones, Strategy & Sportsmanship

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Rules and mechanics of Lagori (also known as Pitthu or Satoliya in different parts of India).
  • Equipment: Seven flat stones of decreasing size and a soft tennis ball.
  • The epic match between the Sundarpur Tigers and the Green Warriors.
  • Strategic role of team members: Strikers, agile runners, defenders, and stone stackers.
  • The crowning glory of true sportsmanship: Celebrating friendship, honest effort, and mutual respect.
Lagori (Satoliya) — Seven Flat Stones Game Strategy 7 Flat Stones Stack Sundarpur Tigers 1. Strike Stack with Ball 2. Rebuild 7 Stones Pile Green Warriors 1. Catch Rebound Ball 2. Tag Runners Below Knee "Shout 'LAGORI!' the moment all seven stones are restacked safely."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What is Lagori, and what equipment is needed to play this traditional Indian game? What are its other regional names? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Game Definition: Lagori is a traditional Indian tag-and-rebuild team game played in an open courtyard.

Equipment: It requires seven flat stones of graduating sizes stacked neatly on top of one another and a soft tennis ball.

Regional Names: It is called Pitthu in Northern India, Satoliya in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Ezhu Kallu in Southern India.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions 7 flat stones and tennis ball 1.5 M
Cites regional names: Pitthu / Satoliya 1.5 M
Q2 Answer the following from the story: (a) What was the name of Deepa's team and their opponents? (b) Why did Captain Imran select Prakash for the team? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Deepa's team was the Sundarpur Tigers, and their opponents were the Green Warriors.

(b) Captain Imran selected Prakash because Prakash was exceptionally swift on his feet, agile at dodging balls, and famous as the fastest runner in the village.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Names Sundarpur Tigers and Green Warriors 1.5 M
Explains Prakash's sprinting speed and agility 1.5 M
Q3 How does a team score a win in Lagori? What happened in the final thrilling seconds of the match? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Scoring a Win: After a striker knocks down the stone stack with the ball, the attacking team must restack all seven stones in descending order and shout 'LAGORI!' before the defending team tags any attacker with the ball.

Final Seconds: With six stones stacked and opponents aiming the ball directly at them, Prakash threw himself forward, dodged the ball with lightning reflexes, balanced the seventh top stone, and loudly cried 'LAGORI!' to clinch victory.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains complete rules of restacking and shouting 'Lagori' 1.5 M
Describes Prakash's heroic final stone placement 1.5 M
Q4 Why did the villagers clap for both teams, and why did the referee raise the hands of both captains? Do you agree with this gesture? Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The villagers applauded both teams and the referee raised both captains' hands because both sides played with extraordinary heart, honesty, discipline, and mutual respect.

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with this gesture. In authentic sports, honoring the spirited effort and sportsmanship of both teams matters far more than merely celebrating the winner.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains celebration of sportsmanship and honest effort 1.5 M
Justifies why mutual respect exceeds mere winning 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 8 ('The Lagori Champions'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'The Lagori Champions', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'The Lagori Champions' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'The Lagori Champions'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'The Lagori Champions' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'The Lagori Champions' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Reviving Traditional Outdoor Games in Modern Schools

Real-Life Context: A school physical education department decided to replace digital gaming periods with traditional Indian games like Lagori, Kho-Kho, and Gilli-Danda during Saturday sports.

Analytical Task: Give two reasons why traditional Indian games like Lagori are economically accessible to every school. How do they develop tactical spatial intelligence?

1. Economic Accessibility: Traditional games require zero expensive branded gear. Any open playground, 7 discarded flat river stones or wooden blocks, and a rubber ball are all that is needed, ensuring children from all economic backgrounds can play together equally.

2. Tactical Spatial Intelligence: Players must simultaneously calculate ball trajectory, estimate opponents' running distances, monitor teammates' positions, and plan defensive cover, training dynamic split-second decision-making under pressure.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for zero-cost equipment accessibility; 1 Mark for 360-degree spatial awareness and split-second tactical thinking.
9
Unit 3: Fun with Games • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 9: Hekko

Fascinating Indigenous Folk Game of Nagaland: Man vs. Tiger Strategy & Human Chain Defense

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Cultural heritage of Nagaland and its rich tradition of indigenous community games.
  • The linguistic root of 'Hekko': 'Hek' (to challenge) and 'Ko' (the tiger).
  • Two opposing teams: 'Aami' (The Humans / Man) and 'Aakho' (The Tigers).
  • Field setup: Eleven players in each team defending an inner circle through human chains.
  • The word 'Joko' (I surrender) and values of fair play, agility, and communal joy.
Hekko (Nagaland) — 'Challenging the Tiger' Game Field Aami Team (Man) 11 Players Human Chain 🐅 Aakho 1 (Tiger) 🐅 Aakho 2 (Tiger) "When tagged inside the circle, the tiger admits capture by shouting 'JOKO!'"
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What does the word 'Hekko' literally mean, and from which Indian state does this folk game originate? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The word 'Hekko' literally translates to 'Challenging the Tiger'. It is derived from the indigenous Naga roots 'Hek' (meaning to challenge) and 'Ko' (meaning tiger).

This thrilling traditional folk game originates from the northeastern state of Nagaland.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Translates 'Challenging the Tiger' ('Hek' = challenge, 'Ko' = tiger) 1.5 M
Identifies origin from Nagaland 1.5 M
Q2 What are the two competing teams called in Hekko, and how many players participate on each side? Let us Think • Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The two competing teams in Hekko are:
1. Aami: Representing 'Man' (Humans).
2. Aakho: Representing the 'Tiger'.

Each team consists of exactly eleven (11) players.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies Aami (Man) and Aakho (Tiger) 1.0 M
Specifies 11 players per team 1.0 M
Q3 How do the players of the Aami team defend their circle? What must an Aakho player say when caught? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Defense Strategy: The eleven players of the Aami team stand inside a large marked circular ring, link their hands tightly to form a defensive human chain, and coordinate their steps to block Aakho players from entering or pushing them out.

When Caught: When an attacking Aakho player steps into the circle and is tagged or encircled by the Aami defenders, he must loudly say 'Joko' (which means 'I surrender') to acknowledge capture.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains linked-hand human chain defense inside ring 1.5 M
Identifies surrender code 'Joko' 1.5 M
Q4 If you were playing Hekko, which team would you choose to join—Aami or Aakho? Give reasons based on team strategy. Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
If given the choice, I would prefer to join the Aami team.

Reasons: The Aami team requires intense collective coordination, interlocking communication, and mutual trust to maintain an unbroken human chain. While the tiger (Aakho) attacks as an individual runner, the Aami defenders prove that human solidarity and organized unity can overcome raw individual strength.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear team preference stated 1.0 M
Strategic justification highlighting teamwork versus solo agility 2.0 M
Q5 In Chapter 9 ('Hekko'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Hekko', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'Hekko' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Hekko'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'Hekko' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Hekko' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Inter-State Tribal Games Carnival

Real-Life Context: During the National Youth Festival, students from Punjab and Kerala were taught Hekko by Naga student delegates. The visiting students quickly observed that Hekko shared defensive chain concepts with Kabaddi.

Analytical Task: Compare the defensive human chain in Hekko with the corner-chain tackling in Kabaddi. What does this demonstrate about the cultural unity of Indian games?

Comparative Tactic: In both Hekko and Kabaddi, defenders hold hands in pairs or chains. Linking hands allows players to pivot around the attacker, generate collective pulling leverage, and prevent the raider/tiger from escaping back across the boundary line.

Cultural Unity: This structural similarity demonstrates that despite geographical distance and diverse languages, India's traditional games share universal core values of cooperative defense, strategic agility, and harmonious community play.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for mechanical comparison of linked-hand chain leverage; 1 Mark for thematic unity across regional Indian games.
10
Unit 4: Up High • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 10: The Swing

Classic Lyric Poem by Robert Louis Stevenson on Childhood Wonder, Flight & Perspective

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The delightful sensation of swinging high up into the blue sky.
  • Changing perspectives: Flying over the garden wall to view rivers, trees, and cattle across the countryside.
  • The rhythm of the poem mimicking the upward surge and downward swoop of a playground swing.
  • Appreciation of the natural landscape and the innocent joy of outdoor play.
The Swing — Up in the Air and Over the Wall 🧒 Vistas Seen High Up: 🌊 Rivers & Flowing Streams 🌳 Tall Trees & Green Cattle 🏡 Brown Countryside Roofs "Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing ever a child can do!"
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What does the poet consider the 'pleasantest thing ever a child can do'? Which lines express his absolute delight? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The poet considers swinging 'up in the air and over the wall' into the clear blue sky to be the most delightful experience a child can ever enjoy.

His delight is passionately captured in the opening lines:
'How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!'
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies swinging high in the blue air 1.5 M
Quotes or cites the opening stanza lines accurately 1.5 M
Q2 What wide panoramic sights does the child see when the swing rises high above the garden wall? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
When the swing ascends high above the garden wall, the child looks across the wide countryside and sees:
1. Rivers: Winding streams glistening in the sun.
2. Trees: Green treetops swaying in the breeze.
3. Cattle: Cows, goats, and horses grazing peacefully in the fields.
4. Country Roofs: Brown roofs of village houses stretching into the distance.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Lists rivers, trees, cattle, and countryside roofs 2.0 M
Explains bird's-eye perspective gained through height 1.0 M
Q3 Why does the poet describe the air as 'so blue'? What contrasting colors are seen when looking down? Let us Think • Poetic Analysis 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The poet describes the air as 'so blue' because soaring high up creates the illusion of diving directly into the vast, cloudless blue sky.

In contrast, when the swing swoops downward, the colors change vividly to the green garden beneath and the brown roof of the shed or house.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains blue sky illusion at peak of swing 1.5 M
Identifies contrasting downward view: green garden and brown roof 1.5 M
Q4 Have you ever swung on a tree swing or a park swing? Describe how your body feels as you rush up toward the sky and swoop down toward the grass. Let us Think • Think & Discuss 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
When I sit on the wooden plank of a swing and pump my legs, a cool breeze rushes against my face and ruffles my hair. As the swing surges upward, my stomach tickles with thrilling weightlessness, and for a fleeting second, I feel as free as a flying bird.

As the swing plunges downward, gravity pulls my feet back toward the lush green grass, filling me with joyful laughter.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Vivid description of sensory and bodily sensations 1.5 M
Expresses emotional joy of rising and swooping down 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 10 ('The Swing'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'The Swing', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'The Swing' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'The Swing'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'The Swing' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'The Swing' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Physics of the Playground Pendulum

Real-Life Context: During a Class 4 science activity, students observed that a swing behaves like a giant pendulum. When pushed higher, it travels further and faster before momentarily pausing at its peak height.

Analytical Task: How does Robert Louis Stevenson capture this scientific transition between upward flight and downward return in the poem's rhyme scheme?

Poetic Rhythm & Pendulum Motion: Stevenson uses an alternating ABAB musical rhyme scheme (swing/thing, blue/do; wall/all, wide/countryside). The buoyant, rising meter carries the reader 'Up, up, up' into the air, while the subsequent stanza gently eases downward ('Till I look down on the garden green, Down on the roof so brown'). The rhythm flawlessly mirrors the rhythmic kinetic acceleration and deceleration of a pendulum.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying alternating rhyme scheme; 1 Mark for matching meter cadence to physical swing motion.
11
Unit 4: Up High • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 11: A Journey to the Magical Mountains

Adventure Narrative in the Himalayas: Family Bonds, Mountain Ecology & Environmental Stewardship

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Young girl Minam and her grandfather, a retired Sherpa who loves the Himalayan peaks.
  • Preparing for a mountain trek: Packing essentials (rotis, achaar, water bottles, woolen caps).
  • Experiencing the changing altitude, crisp alpine air, crystal-clear glacial streams, and prayer flags.
  • First encounter with snow: Joy of building a snowman and touching powdery snowflakes.
  • The sacred pledge: Respecting fragile mountain ecosystems and leaving zero plastic litter behind.
Minam's Trek — Journey to the Magical Himalayas 👴 👧 "We carry away only memories, leave behind only footprints."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Who was Minam, and what special invitation did her grandfather give her one sunny morning? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Who Minam Was: Minam was an adventurous young girl who lived in a scenic village nestled at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas with her grandfather, who was once an experienced mountain Sherpa.

Grandfather's Invitation: One bright sunny morning, her grandfather noticed how strong and healthy she had grown and said: 'Minam, your legs are strong now. Today, I will take you on a magical journey high up into the heart of the mountains.'
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies Minam and grandfather's Sherpa background 1.5 M
Explains morning invitation to climb the Himalayas 1.5 M
Q2 What supplies did Minam pack in her rucksack, and where did they pause for their afternoon lunch? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rucksack Supplies: Minam thoughtfully packed freshly baked rotis wrapped in cloth, spicy homemade lemon pickle (achaar), two stainless steel water bottles, and crisp mountain apples.

Lunch Spot: They paused beside a bubbling, ice-cold mountain stream bordered by smooth river pebbles. Minam dipped her tired feet into the cool water and joyfully watched silver fish dart across the riverbed while eating her lunch.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Lists rotis, achaar, water bottles, and apples 1.5 M
Describes riverside lunch spot with cool glacial water 1.5 M
Q3 How did Minam react when she touched snow for the very first time in her life? What did she build with her grandfather? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
When Minam reached the snowline, she gasped in pure wonder. She scooped up a handful of powdery snow, delighted by its cool, soft texture, and laughed aloud with excitement.

Together with her grandfather, she rolled large snowballs and built a friendly little snowman, using pine twigs for its arms and small black river stones for its eyes and smiling mouth.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes wonder and sensory excitement of touching snow 1.5 M
Details building a snowman using twigs and river pebbles 1.5 M
Q4 What solemn promise did Minam make to her grandfather and the mountains before descending? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Before descending to their valley home, Minam looked up at the towering, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and placed her hand over her heart. She solemnly promised her grandfather that she would forever respect, love, and protect nature, and ensure that no traveler ever litters or harms the pristine beauty of the mountains.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions pledge of environmental respect and protection 1.5 M
Highlights preserving mountain purity and zero littering 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 11 ('A Journey to the Magical Mountains'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'A Journey to the Magical Mountains', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'A Journey to the Magical Mountains' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'A Journey to the Magical Mountains'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'A Journey to the Magical Mountains' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'A Journey to the Magical Mountains' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Eco-Tourism & Clean Himalayan Trails

Real-Life Context: Every summer, thousands of tourists leave discarded plastic bottles, chip bags, and aluminum cans along high-altitude trekking trails in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, endangering grazing mountain goats (Ibex) and contaminating melting glaciers.

Analytical Task: How does Minam's mountain promise oppose the habits of careless tourists? State two practical rules every eco-trekker must follow.

Contrast with Minam's Pledge: While careless tourists treat sacred peaks as dumping grounds, Minam internalized her grandfather's golden Sherpa ethos: nature must be revered and left untouched for future generations.

Two Eco-Trekker Rules:
1. Leave No Trace: Carry back 100% of non-biodegradable waste in personal trash bags to plains municipal recycling centers.
2. Use Reusable Canteens: Refill durable stainless steel water bottles from verified boiled/filtered spring points instead of buying single-use commercial plastic bottles.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for contrasting Minam's reverence with irresponsible tourism; 1 Mark for two actionable waste-mitigation trekking rules.
12
Unit 4: Up High • Class 4 English (New NEP 2020)

Chapter 12: Maheshwar

Historical & Cultural Travelogue: Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Narmada River Ghats & Handloom Weaving

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • The historic temple town of Maheshwar situated along the sacred Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Life and legacy of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar: A visionary, benevolent queen and administrator.
  • Architectural splendor: Overhanging balconies, carved stone temples, and red sandstone brought from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  • The guardian statue of Ahilyabai holding a Shiva Lingam at the fort palace gate.
  • The world-renowned Maheshwari handloom sarees and indigenous textile craftsmanship.
Maheshwar Fort — Heritage on the Banks of the Narmada Maheshwar Fort Overhanging Balconies 👑 Rani Ahilyabai Guardian of People Maheshwari Handlooms Silk & Cotton Weaving Traditional Zari Borders "Ahilyabai's legacy of peace, welfare, and art shines across centuries."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Who was Rani Ahilyabai Holkar? Name the historic town she ruled and the river on whose banks it is located. Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Who She Was: Rani Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795) was the noble and revered queen of the Malwa kingdom, belonging to the illustrious Holkar dynasty. She is celebrated across Indian history for her wisdom, simple living, justice, and generous patronage of public welfare.

Location: She ruled from her capital town of Maheshwar, located on the sacred, broad banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and her noble governance 1.5 M
Names Maheshwar and the Narmada River 1.5 M
Q2 What architectural features make the Maheshwar Fort unique? Where were the red building stones brought from? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Architectural Features: Maheshwar Fort is famous for its grand stone bastions overlooking the wide river ghats, delicate stone carvings of peacocks and elephants, and unique overhanging wooden balconies (jharokhas) that seem to float gracefully above the water.

Building Materials: The special durable red stones used to construct the palace gates and temples were quarried and transported from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes river ghat bastions, stone carvings, and overhanging balconies 1.5 M
Names Gujarat and Rajasthan as sources of red sandstone 1.5 M
Q3 What does the statue of Rani Ahilyabai in front of the palace depict, and what message does it symbolize? Let us Think • Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The life-size statue depicts Rani Ahilyabai sitting serenely on her royal throne, dressed in simple traditional attire and holding a sacred Shiva Lingam in her hands.

It symbolizes her devout spirituality, her belief that she ruled not as an autocrat but as a humble trustee of God, and her eternal guardian watch over the welfare of her citizens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes statue sitting with Shiva Lingam in simple attire 1.5 M
Explains symbolism of humble trusteeship and guardian care 1.5 M
Q4 What are Maheshwari sarees, and how did Rani Ahilyabai encourage the local handloom industry? Let us Think • Culture & Handlooms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Maheshwari sarees are world-renowned traditional handloom textiles woven with a delicate blend of fine silk and cotton, famous for their reversible zari borders inspired by temple wall carvings.

Rani Ahilyabai personally invited master weavers from Surat, Mandu, and Hyderabad to settle in Maheshwar, designed several border motifs herself, and established royal patronage to ensure stable livelihoods for weaver artisan families.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes silk-cotton blend and reversible zari temple borders 1.5 M
Explains Ahilyabai's invitation of weavers and royal patronage 1.5 M
Q5 In Chapter 12 ('Maheshwar'), what is the central theme of the story/poem, and what challenges did the main character encounter? Reading is Fun • Textual Understanding 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Theme and Challenges:
The chapter highlights courage, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. The characters encounter an unexpected hurdle and successfully overcome it through teamwork, empathy, and active observation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Central theme explained 1 M
Challenge and resolution described 1 M
Q6 Discuss in your classroom: If you faced a similar situation to that in 'Maheshwar', how would you handle it? Talk Time • Speaking Skills 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Model Response:
I would stay calm, discuss ideas with my friends or teachers, and break the difficult task into smaller manageable steps instead of panicking.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful practical response 2 M
Q7 Add suitable prefixes (un-, dis-, im-) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to create new words:
(a) Happy → ___
(b) Possible → ___
(c) Care → ___
(d) Agree → ___. Word Building • Prefixes & Suffixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Word Formation:
• (a) Happy + un- = Unhappy
• (b) Possible + im- = Impossible
• (c) Care + -ful / -less = Careful / Careless
• (d) Agree + dis- = Disagree.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 word formations correct 2 M
Q8 Identify words in 'Maheshwar' that have silent letters (e.g. 'k' in knight, 'w' in write). List three examples. Let us Listen • Sound Identification 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Silent Letter Words:
1. Know (silent 'k')
2. Listen (silent 't')
3. Doubt (silent 'b').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid words with silent letters identified 3 M
Q9 Complete the degrees of comparison:
(a) Fast — ___ — Fastest
(b) Bright — Brighter — ___
(c) Good — ___ — Best. Grammar & Language • Adjectives & Degrees of Comparison 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Degrees of Comparison:
• (a) Fast — Faster — Fastest
• (b) Bright — Brighter — Brightest
• (c) Good — Better — Best (irregular comparison).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Faster, Brightest, Better correct 3 M
Q10 Write a short 3-sentence paragraph describing the main setting of 'Maheshwar'. Let us Write • Paragraph Writing 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Descriptive Paragraph:
The story takes place in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood filled with shady trees and lively courtyards. Children gather there every afternoon after completing their studies to share ideas and explore nature. The peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal background for discovery and lasting friendship.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear 3-sentence paragraph with rich descriptive vocabulary 3 M
Q11 Find words in 'Maheshwar' that mean the same as: (a) Courageous (b) Tremendous (c) Promptly. Vocabulary • Contextual Synonyms 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Synonyms:
• (a) Courageous — Brave / Bold.
• (b) Tremendous — Huge / Enormous.
• (c) Promptly — Quickly / Immediately.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 3 synonyms correct 3 M
Q12 Punctuate correctly using quotation marks: the teacher said children always remember to be kind to animals Punctuation • Speech Marks (Direct Quotes) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Punctuated Sentence:
The teacher said, "Children, always remember to be kind to animals."
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Capital letters, comma, quotation marks, full stop 2 M
Q13 What lifelong value or life skill does 'Maheshwar' impart to young learners? Think & Reflect • Moral Value 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Value Imparted:
It teaches us honesty, self-discipline, and compassion. True success comes from dedicated hard work and respecting the feelings of others in our community.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear life skill / moral explained 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Listening attentively is an essential part of good communication.
(b) In the English alphabet, every vowel always produces only one sound.
(c) A paragraph should revolve around a single central topic. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Listening is key to mutual understanding.
• (b) False: Vowels have short and long sounds (e.g. 'a' in cat vs 'a' in cake).
• (c) True: A coherent paragraph focuses on one core idea.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, False, True with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Preserving India's Traditional Handloom Heritage

Real-Life Context: Modern automated power looms can produce synthetic polyester sarees at one-fourth the price of authentic Maheshwari silk handlooms, causing many younger generation weavers to abandon their traditional wooden handlooms.

Analytical Task: Why is it vital for Indian citizens to value and support genuine handloom weavers like those in Maheshwar? State two measures to sustain handloom heritage.

Why Support Handlooms: Handloom weaving represents centuries of living cultural art, sustainable organic fibers, and decentralized rural livelihoods. Power looms produce uniform plastic copies, while handlooms embody human soul, regional identity, and exquisite craftsmanship.

Two Sustainability Measures:
1. Direct Handloom Exhibitions & Fair Pricing: Eliminating middlemen so that weaver cooperatives receive fair remuneration directly from consumers.
2. GI Tag (Geographical Indication) Awareness: Educating citizens to check for authentic Handloom Mark and GI certifications when purchasing heritage weaves.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for cultural and ecological value of handlooms; 1 Mark for fair-trade market access and GI certification enforcement.
1
Unit 1: Morning Delights • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 1: Wake Up! & Neha's Alarm Clock

Poem by C. Fletcher & Classic Story on Internal Biological Clock and Waking Up Joyfully

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Wake Up!': Singing birds, buzzing bees, morning breeze, washing and getting ready early.
  • Story 'Neha's Alarm Clock': Neha's wish for the clock to forget its ring, chirping birds, warm morning sunbeam.
  • The discovery: Even when the clock is broken and birds are quiet, the body's internal biological clock wakes us on time.
  • Grammar: Past continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing), opposites, and daily routine vocabulary.
Neha's Alarm Clock — Who Wakes Neha in the Morning? ⏰ Alarm Clock (6 AM) 🐦 Chirping Birds ☀️ Warm Sunbeam ❤️ Internal Body Clock "There is a clock inside you which tells you when to sleep, eat, and wake up!"
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What do you think birds say to each other in the morning according to the poem? Name four creatures who wake up before the child does. Reading is Fun • Poem 'Wake Up!' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
In the morning, the birds chirping on the green branches say 'Good morning! Wake up and enjoy this lovely day!' to each other.

Four creatures who wake up early before the child does are:
1. The singing birds in the trees.
2. The buzzing bees in the flowers.
3. The cows, horses, and ducks on the farm.
4. The tiny chirping chickens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains birds' morning greeting call 1.5 M
Names four early-waking animals/birds accurately 1.5 M
Q2 Answer the following from 'Neha's Alarm Clock': (a) What time did Neha's clock ring every morning? (b) What did the birds say to Neha? (c) What is the 'clock inside you' that mother explains to Neha? Reading is Fun • 'Neha's Alarm Clock' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Neha's alarm clock rang at 6 o'clock every single morning.

(b) The tiny birds that came to the window sill chirped warmly: 'Wake up! Wake up, fast! You will miss the school bus!'

(c) Mother explained that every human body has a natural internal biological body clock. This natural rhythm subconsciously monitors our daily routine and signals our mind when it is time to wake up, when to feel hungry for lunch, and when to feel sleepy at night.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions 6 o'clock and birds' morning call 1.5 M
Explains mother's description of natural internal body clock 1.5 M
Q3 Fill in the blanks with 'was' or 'were': (a) The cows, horses, and sheep ___ grazing in the meadow. (b) The little alarm clock ___ ticking on the side table. (c) The birds ___ singing melodiously in the green trees. (d) Neha ___ smiling happily under her blanket. Word Building • Past Tense 'was' or 'were' 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) The cows, horses, and sheep were grazing in the meadow. (Plural subject uses 'were').
(b) The little alarm clock was ticking on the side table. (Singular subject uses 'was').
(c) The birds were singing melodiously in the green trees. (Plural subject uses 'were').
(d) Neha was smiling happily under her blanket. (Singular subject uses 'was').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct grammatical selection for all 4 blanks (0.5 M each) 2.0 M
Q4 What is your morning routine? List four activities you do in sequence after getting out of bed to reach school on time. Talk Time • Morning Routine 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. Brushing & Washing: Brush teeth thoroughly and wash face with cool water to feel alert and fresh.
2. Morning Bath: Take a refreshing bath and dress neatly in clean, ironed school uniform and polished shoes.
3. Nutritious Breakfast: Eat a wholesome breakfast like warm porridge, milk, or idlis with parents.
4. Bag Verification: Check the school timetable to verify that all required notebooks, textbooks, and water bottle are packed.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four logical morning sequential steps described clearly 3.0 M
Q5 In Unit 1 ('Wake Up! & Neha's Alarm Clock'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 1, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Wake Up! & Neha's Alarm Clock'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 1. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 1 ('Wake Up! & Neha's Alarm Clock')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Hygiene

Real-Life Context: Medical doctors explain that staying up late looking at bright tablet screens confuses the brain's pineal gland, delaying the release of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and making it difficult to wake up feeling refreshed at 6 AM.

Analytical Task: How does medical science support the mother's explanation of the 'internal body clock' in Neha's Alarm Clock? State two healthy bedtime habits.

Scientific Connection: Mother's advice reflects the biological circadian rhythm. Our brain naturally adjusts to cycles of daylight and dark. When regular sleep schedules are maintained, the internal body clock automatically wakes us on time even without mechanical alarms.

Two Healthy Habits:
1. Screen-Free Hour: Shutting off all phones, tablets, and TVs at least 45 minutes before sleep.
2. Consistent Bedtime: Going to sleep at the exact same hour every night to train the body clock.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for connecting circadian rhythm to the story; 1 Mark for two valid sleep hygiene protocols.
2
Unit 2: Nature & Acceptance • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 2: Noses & The Little Fir Tree

Humorous Poem by Aileen Fisher & Story on Self-Acceptance and Gratitude for Natural Gifts

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Noses': The funny appearance of the nose sticking out in the middle of the face with two little breathing holes.
  • Story 'The Little Fir Tree': Magician Shetty grants four wishes to a little fir tree that disliked its needle-like leaves.
  • The four wishes: Green leaves (eaten by goat), golden leaves (stolen by thief), glass leaves (shattered by wind), and back to needles.
  • The moral: Nature designs every living creature with perfection; self-acceptance brings true peace.
  • Grammar: Prefixes 'un-' and 'im-' to form opposites.
The Little Fir Tree — The Four Wishes & Self-Acceptance 🍃 1. Green Leaves Eaten by Goat 🐐 ✨ 2. Gold Leaves Stolen by Thief 🥷 💎 3. Glass Leaves Broken by Wind 💨 🌲 4. Needles Back! Safe, Happy & Best "Nature made our original form the safest and most suited for our life."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Why does the poet think the nose is a funny thing? Why is a nose important for our body? Reading is Fun • Poem 'Noses' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The poet thinks the nose is funny because it sticks out right in the middle of our face like a handle, showing everything plainly with two little breathing holes right where the breathing goes.

The nose is essential because it acts as our respiratory airway. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air we inhale, while its olfactory receptors enable us to smell delicious food and detect dangerous smoke.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Cites handle comparison and two breathing holes 1.5 M
Explains respiration and smell functions 1.5 M
Q2 Answer the following from 'The Little Fir Tree': (a) Why was the little fir tree sad? (b) Who was Shetty and what reward did he grant the fir tree? Reading is Fun • 'The Little Fir Tree' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) The little fir tree was sad because it had prickly, needle-like leaves instead of broad green leaves, which made it feel unattractive, and birds never built nests in its branches.

(b) Shetty was a friendly magician who took shelter under the fir tree during a sudden rainstorm. Because the tree kept him completely dry, Shetty rewarded it by granting four wishes.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains unhappiness over needle leaves and lack of nests 1.5 M
Identifies magician Shetty and rain shelter reward 1.5 M
Q3 What happened to the fir tree's three temporary leaf transformations? What did the fir tree finally request for its fourth wish? Reading is Fun • Four Wishes 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. Broad Green Leaves: A hungry goat came along and ate all of them up.
2. Sparkling Gold Leaves: A greedy thief crept in at night and stole all the gold leaves.
3. Shining Glass Leaves: A strong evening wind blew, crashing the brittle glass leaves into shattered pieces.

Final Request: For its fourth wish, the fir tree begged to have its original sharp needle-like leaves back, realizing no goat would eat them, no thief could steal them, and no wind could break them.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct fates for green, gold, and glass leaves 1.5 M
Wise final return to natural needles explained 1.5 M
Q4 Add prefixes 'un-' or 'im-' to form opposites of: (a) Happy, (b) Polite, (c) Kind, (d) Possible. Word Building • Opposites with Prefixes 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Happy: Unhappy.
(b) Polite: Impolite.
(c) Kind: Unkind.
(d) Possible: Impossible.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four correct prefix transformations (0.5 M each) 2.0 M
Q5 In Unit 2 ('Noses & The Little Fir Tree'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 2, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Noses & The Little Fir Tree'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 2. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 2 ('Noses & The Little Fir Tree')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Pine Needles in Alpine Snowstorms

Real-Life Context: Botanists explain that fir and pine trees evolved needle-shaped leaves coated in thick waxy cuticle to withstand sub-zero Himalayan winters, shedding snow easily and minimizing water loss through transpiration.

Analytical Task: How does biological science confirm the moral lesson learned by the Little Fir Tree? Why would broad leaves have killed the fir tree in winter?

Biological Confirmation: The fable demonstrates that natural adaptations are evolutionary masterpieces. Broad leaves would accumulate heavy snow, breaking branches under sheer weight, and transpire water rapidly in freezing frozen soil, killing the tree through dehydration.

Lesson: Just like the fir tree, every living organism has physical traits shaped by nature to survive its environment. Trying to imitate others leads to vulnerability, while embracing one's natural design ensures strength.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for snow shed and transpiration explanation; 1 Mark for connecting adaptation to self-acceptance.
3
Unit 3: Energy & Wittiness • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 3: Run! & Nasruddin's Aim

Exuberant Poem by Mary Daunt & Humorous Folklore Story on Witty Archery Boasts

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Run!': Escaping the crowded city to run in the rain, under trees, through meadows, and down hillsides.
  • Story 'Nasruddin's Aim': Nasruddin boasts of his unbeatable archery skills to his friends.
  • The missed shots: Attributing his first miss to 'aiming like the chief guard' and second miss to 'the general'.
  • The accidental bullseye: On the third lucky shot, hitting the center and proudly claiming: 'That was MY aim!'
  • Grammar: Compound words, rhyming words, and dialogue punctuation.
Nasruddin's Aim — The Three Archery Shots Shot 1: Missed! "That wasn't my aim! It was the Guard's!" Shot 2: Missed! "That wasn't me! It was the General's!" Shot 3: Bullseye! 🎯 Hits target center! "That was MY aim!" "Nasruddin's quick wit turned an embarrassing miss into witty humor."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Where does the poet urge us to run? Why does she tell us to run away from the city into the countryside? Reading is Fun • Poem 'Run!' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The poet urges us to run:
1. Away from the crowded city and into the sun.
2. Out to the country, into the raindrops, beneath trees, down hillsides, and through meadows.

She encourages this so we can escape stuffy, polluted concrete streets, breathe crisp open air, and experience pure, joyful, energetic freedom in nature.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Lists destinations: out to country, raindrops, trees, meadows 1.5 M
Explains contrast between crowded city and healthy nature 1.5 M
Q2 What was Nasruddin boasting about to his friends? Why did his friends burst into loud laughter after his first shot? Reading is Fun • 'Nasruddin's Aim' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nasruddin was proudly boasting that no archer could match his skill with the bow and arrow, claiming that the moment he strung the bow and took aim, the arrow never missed its mark.

His friends burst into loud laughter because on his very first attempt, the arrow fell far short of the target and landed harmlessly on the grass.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes boast of unmatched archery precision 1.5 M
Explains humiliating miss on first arrow shot 1.5 M
Q3 How did Nasruddin cleverly defend himself after his first two missed shots? What did he say when the third arrow struck the bullseye? Reading is Fun • 'Nasruddin's Aim' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
First Miss: Nasruddin coolly declared: 'It wasn't my aim! It was the aim of the Chief Guard!'
Second Miss: He waved his hand and exclaimed: 'That was not my aim either; it was how the Chief of Army shoots!'

Third Shot (Bullseye): When luck struck and the third arrow hit dead center, he looked around triumphantly and exclaimed with supreme pride: 'Did you see that? That was MY aim!'
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Quotes defenses for guard and army chief misses 1.5 M
Quotes triumphant claim of ownership on bullseye 1.5 M
Q4 Combine two words to create meaningful compound words: (a) Play + ground, (b) Sun + beam, (c) Water + fall, (d) Rain + drop. Word Building • Compound Words 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Play + ground = Playground.
(b) Sun + beam = Sunbeam.
(c) Water + fall = Waterfall.
(d) Rain + drop = Raindrop.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four correct compound words formed (0.5 M each) 2.0 M
Q5 In Unit 3 ('Run! & Nasruddin's Aim'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 3, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Run! & Nasruddin's Aim'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 3. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 3 ('Run! & Nasruddin's Aim')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Boasting vs. True Competence

Real-Life Context: During sports trials, a student claims he can easily score 10 penalty goals in a row. When he misses the first four kicks, he blames the wet grass, the goalkeeper's gloves, and the referee's whistle.

Analytical Task: How does this student's behavior resemble Nasruddin's wit? What is the healthy difference between witty storytelling and genuine accountability in sports?

Resemblance to Nasruddin: Both deflect responsibility by attributing personal errors to external individuals or conditions to protect their pride.

Difference between Wit & Accountability: In Nasruddin's folklore, deflecting excuses is humorous theater meant to entertain friends. However, in real sports, honest accountability (analyzing technique, admitting mistakes, practicing humbly) is essential to develop true skill and character.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying parallel excuse-making; 1 Mark for distinguishing humorous fiction from authentic athletic accountability.
4
Unit 4: Curiosity & Fantasy • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 4: Why? & Alice in Wonderland

Inquisitive Poem on Scientific Curiosity & Classic Lewis Carroll Fantasy Journey down the Rabbit Hole

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Why?': The curious little boy who always asks why wood swims, why lead sinks, and why stars shine.
  • Story 'Alice in Wonderland': Alice resting on a riverbank spots a White Rabbit with pink eyes wearing a waistcoat.
  • The rabbit pulls out a watch from its pocket and mutters: 'Oh dear, I will be late!'
  • Alice tumbles down the deep rabbit hole into a world of enchanted talking animals and magical adventures.
  • Grammar: Question words (Why, What, Where, When, Who, How) and vivid descriptive adjectives.
Alice in Wonderland — Down the Rabbit Hole 👧 Alice Listening Riverbank dreams 🐇⏰ White Rabbit Waistcoat & watch RABBIT HOLE Tumbling down deep "Curiosity opened the doorway into the realm of pure wonder."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What kind of person is the little boy in the poem? Name three scientific questions that puzzle his inquisitive mind. Reading is Fun • Poem 'Why?' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The little boy is deeply curious, observant, and inquisitive, always wondering about the natural mechanisms of the world.

Three questions that puzzle him are:
1. Why does wood float and swim on water, while marble and lead sink like stones?
2. Why does the sun sink behind the hills in the evening?
3. Why does the wind blow, and why do clouds fly across the sky?
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Characterizes boy as curious and observant 1.0 M
Three specific scientific questions listed 2.0 M
Q2 What was so extraordinary and peculiar about the White Rabbit that made Alice jump to her feet and follow it? Reading is Fun • 'Alice in Wonderland' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The White Rabbit was extraordinary because:
1. It had striking pink eyes and could speak English aloud, fretting: 'Oh dear! I shall be too late!'
2. It was dressed in an elegant waistcoat and pulled out a pocket watch from its waistcoat pocket to check the time, a sight Alice had never seen a rabbit do before.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mentions talking ability and pink eyes 1.5 M
Details wearing a waistcoat and checking a pocket watch 1.5 M
Q3 Describe Alice's fall down the rabbit hole. What did she wonder about as she drifted downward? Reading is Fun • 'Alice in Wonderland' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Alice tumbled into a deep, vertical well whose walls were lined with cupboards, bookshelves, and maps. She fell so slowly that she had plenty of time to look around.

As she floated downward, she wondered how many miles she had fallen, whether she would fall right through the center of the earth, and whether people on the other side walked with their heads hanging downward.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes slow fall past cupboards and maps 1.5 M
Details thoughts of earth's center and antipodean people 1.5 M
Q4 Fill in the blanks with the correct question words (Why, What, Where, Who, When): (a) ___ is the White Rabbit hurrying? (b) ___ is the name of your English teacher? (c) ___ does the school bell ring for recess? (d) ___ placed the books on the shelf? Grammar & Word Building • Question Words 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Why is the White Rabbit hurrying?
(b) What is the name of your English teacher?
(c) When does the school bell ring for recess?
(d) Who placed the books on the shelf?
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four correct question words selected (0.5 M each) 2.0 M
Q5 In Unit 4 ('Why? & Alice in Wonderland'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 4, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Why? & Alice in Wonderland'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 4. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 4 ('Why? & Alice in Wonderland')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Encouraging Scientific Inquisitiveness in Children

Real-Life Context: Albert Einstein famously declared: 'I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.'

Analytical Task: How does the poem 'Why?' showcase the foundation of scientific discovery? Why should parents and teachers never discourage children from asking endless questions?

Foundation of Science: Every scientific breakthrough—from Archimedes discovering buoyancy to Newton discovering gravity—began with asking simple 'Why' questions: Why does wood float? Why do apples fall downward?

Why Never Discourage: When children's inquiries are answered patiently, their neural curiosity thrives, fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving. Dismissing questions stifles creative exploration and turns learning into mechanical memorization.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for connecting poem's queries to genuine scientific inquiry; 1 Mark for cognitive benefits of encouraging children's curiosity.
5
Unit 5: Courage & Triumphs • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 5: Don't be Afraid of the Dark & Helen Keller

Poem by Ruskin Bond on Overcoming Fear of Night & Historic Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Don't be Afraid of the Dark': The earth must rest after the busy day; darkness brings twinkling stars that shine forever.
  • Story of Helen Keller: A severe babyhood fever leaves her deaf and blind.
  • Miss Anne Sullivan: A compassionate teacher who spells words into Helen's hand using the manual alphabet.
  • The water breakthrough: Water flowing over Helen's hand illuminates the truth that words are names for living things.
  • Values of perseverance, patience, inclusion, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Helen Keller — From Darkness to Language & Light 👧🌑 Blind & Deaf Trapped in dark 👩‍🏫🤝 Miss Sullivan Spelling on hand 💧 W-A-T-E-R ! The Breakthrough 📖✨ World Unlocked "Words opened Helen's soul to knowledge, love, and world connection."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What advice does Ruskin Bond give to children about the night? Why must the earth become dark? Reading is Fun • Poem 'Don't be Afraid of the Dark' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Ruskin Bond advises children never to be afraid of the dark night, because night is simply nature's way of allowing the tired earth to rest after the bright sun has labored all day.

He reminds us that while the harsh sun must set, the gentle stars twinkle and shine forever and ever, making night a peaceful time to rest our minds and think about our friends.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Cites earth resting after daily labor 1.5 M
Mentions comforting eternal starlight and mental peace 1.5 M
Q2 What happened to Helen Keller when she was an infant? How did her personality change before Miss Sullivan arrived? Reading is Fun • 'Helen Keller' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
As a baby, Helen suffered from a high fever that left her permanently deaf and blind.

Unable to see or hear the world, she became angry, frustrated, and unruly. She threw tantrums, refused to wash or comb her hair, and locked her mother in rooms because she had no language to express her thoughts and feelings.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes severe illness causing loss of sight and hearing 1.5 M
Explains wild tantrums caused by lack of communication 1.5 M
Q3 How did Miss Anne Sullivan teach Helen her very first word? Describe the magical moment at the water pump. Reading is Fun • 'Helen Keller' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Miss Sullivan took Helen out to the garden water pump and pumped cool water over one of Helen's open hands while quickly finger-spelling W-A-T-E-R into Helen's other hand.

Instantly, a spark of understanding lit up Helen's mind. She realized that W-A-T-E-R was the name of the wonderful, cool, living liquid splashing over her skin. That moment unlocked the world of language for Helen.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains water flowing over one hand while spelling on the other 1.5 M
Captures revelation that words represent real things 1.5 M
Q4 Identify the descriptive adjectives in: 'The kind teacher held Helen's little hand and spelled words with gentle patience.' Grammar & Vocabulary • Adjectives 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. kind: Describing the teacher's compassionate nature.
2. little: Describing Helen's hand size.
3. gentle: Describing the quality of her patience.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies 'kind', 'little', and 'gentle' accurately 2.0 M
Q5 In Unit 5 ('Don't be Afraid of the Dark & Helen Keller'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 5, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Don't be Afraid of the Dark & Helen Keller'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 5. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 5 ('Don't be Afraid of the Dark & Helen Keller')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Teacher Mentorship and Special Education

Real-Life Context: Before Anne Sullivan arrived, Helen's relatives thought she should be placed in an asylum because she was unmanageable. Miss Sullivan believed that Helen's wildness was merely locked-up intelligence seeking an outlet.

Analytical Task: What qualities made Anne Sullivan an extraordinary educator? What does this teach us about supporting neurodiverse or disabled children in inclusive classrooms?

Qualities of Anne Sullivan: She possessed extraordinary patience, empathy, creative pedagogical insight, and unwavering belief in her student's potential when everyone else gave up.

Lesson for Inclusive Classrooms: Frustration and anger in children with disabilities are often symptoms of communication barriers, not malice. When educators provide accessible tools (tactile signs, Braille, speech aids), every child can flourish intellectually and emotionally.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying Sullivan's patience and belief; 1 Mark for insights on inclusive education and accessibility.
6
Unit 6: Lore & Wit • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 6: Hiawatha & The Scholar's Mother Tongue

Poem by H.W. Longfellow on Nature Lore & Mughal Court Tale of Birbal Discovering Mother Tongue

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Hiawatha': The young Native American boy raised by grandmother Nokomis who learned the language of all birds and animals.
  • Calling birds 'Hiawatha's Chickens' and beasts 'Hiawatha's Brothers'.
  • Story 'The Scholar's Mother Tongue': A learned pundit challenges Akbar's courtiers to identify his mother tongue.
  • Birbal's nocturnal trick: Whispering and tickling the pundit's ear with a dry grass straw during deep sleep.
  • The psychological truth: In moments of sudden fright or emergency, a person always speaks their true mother tongue.
Birbal's Test — The Scholar's Mother Tongue 👳‍♂️📜 Pundit's Challenge Speaks many languages 😴 Deep Sleep Guards down 🌾👂 Birbal's Tickle Tickles ear with straw 🗣️ TELUGU! Truth Revealed Sudden distress reflex "In times of sudden crisis, nature instinctively speaks its mother tongue."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Who was Hiawatha, and what wonderful secrets did he learn from the birds and animals of the forest? Reading is Fun • Poem 'Hiawatha' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Hiawatha was a young Native American boy who lived with his wise grandmother Nokomis in a forest wigwam.

He learned all the intimate secrets of the wilderness:
1. How the birds built their nests in spring and where they hid themselves in winter.
2. How the beavers built their river lodges, how squirrels hid their acorns, and how the reindeer ran so swiftly.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies Hiawatha and grandmother Nokomis 1.0 M
Details secrets of birds' nests, beaver lodges, and squirrels' acorns 2.0 M
Q2 What challenge did the learned Pundit present to Emperor Akbar's royal court? Why was it difficult to guess his mother tongue? Reading is Fun • 'The Scholar's Mother Tongue' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The Pundit challenged Emperor Akbar and his courtiers to identify his real mother tongue within one day.

It was extraordinarily difficult because the scholar was a master linguist who spoke multiple languages—including Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and Hindi—with such flawless fluency and native accent that no one could tell which language was his original mother tongue.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
States 24-hour court challenge to identify mother tongue 1.5 M
Explains scholar's flawless multilingual fluency 1.5 M
Q3 How did Birbal discover the scholar's mother tongue? What was the scholar's actual mother tongue? Reading is Fun • 'The Scholar's Mother Tongue' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
At dead of night when the scholar was sound asleep, Birbal quietly entered his bedchamber and gently tickled the scholar's ear with a dry grass straw. Half-awake and startled, the scholar cried out sudden curses and shouts in Telugu.

Next morning, Birbal announced to Emperor Akbar that the scholar's mother tongue was Telugu, which the astonished scholar humbly admitted was true.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes midnight straw tickle provoking subconscious reaction 1.5 M
Identifies Telugu as the scholar's true mother tongue 1.5 M
Q4 Add '-ly' to convert the following adjectives into adverbs and write one sentence: (a) Fluent, (b) Quiet, (c) Sudden. Word Building • Adding '-ly' Adverbs 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Fluent: Fluently.
(b) Quiet: Quietly.
(c) Sudden: Suddenly.

Sentence: The clever Birbal walked quietly into the dark room without making any noise.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three correct adverbs formed 1.5 M
One grammatically accurate sentence 0.5 M
Q5 In Unit 6 ('Hiawatha & The Scholar's Mother Tongue'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 6, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Hiawatha & The Scholar's Mother Tongue'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 6. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 6 ('Hiawatha & The Scholar's Mother Tongue')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Psycholinguistics of the Mother Tongue

Real-Life Context: Modern psychologists confirm that our first acquired native language (mother tongue) is deeply encoded in the subconscious limbic system of the brain, making it our automatic involuntary response during fright or pain.

Analytical Task: How did Birbal leverage this subconscious psychological reflex? Why are mother tongues so vital to cultural identity?

Birbal's Insight: Birbal understood that conscious intellect and learned accents drop their guard when startled out of deep sleep. An involuntary reflexive shout will always emerge from the earliest childhood linguistic memory.

Vital to Identity: The mother tongue is not just words; it carries our emotional intimacy, childhood folklore, cultural heritage, and maternal bonding. Preserving native languages safeguards community identity and linguistic diversity.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for subconscious reflex mechanism; 1 Mark for cultural and emotional preservation significance.
7
Unit 7: Green Wisdom & Altruism • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 7: A Watering Rhyme & The Giving Tree

Poem on Plant Biology by P.A. Ropes & Shel Silverstein's Classic Tale on Sacrificial Love of Nature

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'A Watering Rhyme': Proper timing for watering plants (early morning or evening, never midday).
  • Botany: Watering the roots where plants keep their 'mouths' to nourish leaves and stems.
  • Story 'The Giving Tree': The lifelong bond between an Apple Tree and a young boy.
  • Stages of sacrifice: Giving apples for money, branches for a house, trunk for a boat, and finally a stump for old-age rest.
  • Environmental ethics: Selfless generosity of Mother Nature versus human consumerism.
The Giving Tree — Lifelong Sacrifices of Nature 🍎 1. Apples For boy to sell 🌿 2. Branches To build a house ⛵ 3. Trunk To sail away 🪑 4. Old Stump A quiet seat to rest "The tree was happy to give everything it had to bring comfort to the boy."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What is the best time to water plants according to the poem? Which time should be strictly avoided and why? Reading is Fun • Poem 'A Watering Rhyme' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Best Times: The best times to water plants are early in the morning or late in the evening when the air is cool.

Time to Avoid: Watering at noonday when the sun is blazing hot must be strictly avoided. Midday watering causes water to evaporate rapidly before roots can absorb it, and hot water drops on leaves can scorch and kill the delicate foliage.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Names early morning and evening as ideal watering times 1.5 M
Explains evaporation and scorching risks of midday watering 1.5 M
Q2 How did the boy spend his childhood with the tree? What gifts did the tree give the boy as he grew from youth to middle age? Reading is Fun • 'The Giving Tree' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Childhood Play: As a child, the boy loved the tree dearly. He made crowns from her leaves, climbed her trunk, swung from her branches, ate her sweet apples, and slept under her cool shade.

Gifts in Later Years:
1. Youth: Gave her apples for the boy to sell in the market to earn money.
2. Adulthood: Offered her thick branches so the young man could build a home for his family.
3. Middle Age: Allowed him to cut down her massive trunk to hollow out a sailing boat.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes childhood games and sweet connection 1.5 M
Chronicles sequence of apples, branches, and trunk 1.5 M
Q3 What remained of the tree in the end, and how did she still bring comfort to the old, weary boy? Reading is Fun • 'The Giving Tree' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
In the end, nothing remained of the magnificent tree except an old, weathered, mossy stump close to the ground.

When the boy returned as a frail, bent old man with no teeth to eat apples and no strength to swing or sail, the tree joyfully invited him: 'Come, old boy, sit down and rest.' The old man sat on the stump, and the tree was peaceful and truly happy.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies remaining weathered stump 1.5 M
Describes tree providing peaceful seat to comfort the weary old man 1.5 M
Q4 Why is Mother Nature compared to 'The Giving Tree'? What should humanity do in return for trees? Let us Think • Environmental Reflection 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Mother Nature is like the Giving Tree because trees selflessly give us oxygen, sweet fruits, timber, shade, and rain without demanding anything in return.

Instead of greedily cutting down forests, humans should express gratitude by planting new saplings, nurturing existing trees, preventing deforestation, and protecting green wildlife reserves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Highlights unconditional ecological benefits of trees 1.5 M
Advocates afforestation, conservation, and reciprocal gratitude 1.5 M
Q5 In Unit 7 ('A Watering Rhyme & The Giving Tree'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 7, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'A Watering Rhyme & The Giving Tree'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 7. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 7 ('A Watering Rhyme & The Giving Tree')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Sustainable Forestry and Tree Conservation

Real-Life Context: The Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand witnessed village women hugging ash and pine trees to prevent commercial loggers from felling them, demonstrating that trees are living family members that sustain Himalayan hill life.

Analytical Task: How does the spirit of the Chipko Movement contrast with the boy's relentless taking in 'The Giving Tree'? What lesson must modern industry learn?

Contrast: The boy in the story represents one-sided extraction, taking wood and fruit until the living tree is reduced to a stump. In contrast, the Chipko women protected trees at the risk of their lives, recognizing that living trees preserve water springs, prevent landslides, and sustain community life.

Industry Lesson: Human civilization cannot treat forests as infinite, disposable commodities. Sustainable development requires circular conservation—replanting two saplings for every tree responsibly harvested.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for contrasting extractivism with ecological guardianship; 1 Mark for sustainable circular forestry principles.
8
Unit 8: Literacy & Imagination • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 8: Books & Going to Buy a Book

Rhyme on Library Treasures & Story of a Brother and Sister Choosing Books at a Bookshop

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'Books': Library doors opening wide to reveal tall skinny books, fat books that stand by themselves, and picture books.
  • Story 'Going to Buy a Book': Grandfather gifts money to a young girl and her brother to buy books.
  • The choice: Big bookshop vs. small neighborhood bookshop; right now vs. later.
  • Browsing and selecting: Finding quiet corners, flipping through colorful illustrations, and savoring stories.
  • Grammar: Conjunctions (and, but, or) and reading comprehension.
Going to Buy a Book — The Joy of Reading 👴💵 Grandfather's Gift Money to buy books 🏪📚 Small Bookshop Friendly bookseller Girl's Choice 📖 Fat Picture Book Rich illustrations Boy's Choice 📚 Big Story Book Many adventures "Books open doors to infinite lands of imagination, courage, and wisdom."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What types of books did the child see when the library door opened wide? What made the picture book so delightful? Reading is Fun • Poem 'Books' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Inside the library, the child saw:
1. Tall, skinny books standing upright high on the top shelves.
2. Little fat books that were broad enough to stand up all by themselves without falling.

The picture book was especially delightful because the pictures told the entire wonderful story by themselves without needing many words.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes tall skinny books and fat standalone books 1.5 M
Explains picture book storytelling appeal 1.5 M
Q2 Why were the children happy when Grandfather gave them money? What decisions did they debate before visiting the shop? Reading is Fun • 'Going to Buy a Book' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The children were ecstatic because they loved reading books more than anything else.

Before setting off, they debated several exciting choices:
1. Should they go right now or wait until tomorrow?
2. Should they go to the huge commercial bookstore downtown or their cozy neighborhood bookshop?
3. Should they go by themselves or ask someone to accompany them?
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Highlights love for reading books 1.0 M
Details debates: when to go, big vs small shop, alone vs accompanied 2.0 M
Q3 Which book did the sister choose, and which book did the brother pick? Where did they read their new books? Reading is Fun • 'Going to Buy a Book' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sister's Choice: A fat, colorful book packed with enchanting picture illustrations.
Brother's Choice: A big book containing dozens of thrilling adventure stories.

Reading Spot: They rushed home, climbed into their grandfather's big, soft bed, nestled happily beside him, and read their beloved books together for hours.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies picture book for girl and adventure book for boy 1.5 M
Describes reading beside grandfather on his big bed 1.5 M
Q4 Join the sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'or': (a) I wanted to buy the picture book. It was very expensive. (b) We can go to the big shop. We can go to the small shop. Grammar • Conjunctions (and, but, or) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) I wanted to buy the picture book, but it was very expensive.
(b) We can go to the big shop, or we can go to the small shop.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct usage of 'but' for contrast 1.0 M
Correct usage of 'or' for choice 1.0 M
Q5 In Unit 8 ('Books & Going to Buy a Book'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 8, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'Books & Going to Buy a Book'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 8. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 8 ('Books & Going to Buy a Book')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

School Library Reading Culture

Real-Life Context: A 4th-grade student told his teacher that he finds reading books boring and prefers 30-second video clips on video sharing apps.

Analytical Task: How does the habit of browsing and reading physical books in a library build sustained attention span and deep empathy compared to short video clips?

Cognitive Superiority of Books: Short video clips deliver hyper-stimulating dopamine spikes every 30 seconds, fragmenting attention spans and creating mental fatigue.

Empathy & Deep Focus: Reading physical books requires sustained imaginative construction. The reader must visualize characters' faces, hear their tone of voice, and live inside another human being's shoes for days, building deep emotional empathy, cognitive patience, and sophisticated vocabulary.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for contrast with attention fragmentation of micro-videos; 1 Mark for imaginative empathy and deep focus cultivated by books.
9
Unit 9: Whimsy & Conscience • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 9: The Naughty Boy & Pinocchio

John Keats' Whimsical Verse & Carlo Collodi's Classic Puppet Tale of Honesty and Integrity

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'The Naughty Boy': An English boy runs away to Scotland only to discover ground is as hard, cherries as red, and lead as heavy as in England.
  • Story 'Pinocchio': Old carpenter Gepetto carves a talking wooden puppet and names him Pinocchio.
  • The mischievous puppet: Pulling wigs, laughing impudently, and running away from school.
  • The magical consequence: Every time Pinocchio tells a lie, his wooden nose grows longer, longer, and longer.
  • Moral: Deception cannot be concealed; truthfulness brings true humanity and freedom.
Pinocchio — The Consequence of Telling Lies 🪵🪚 Gepetto's Puppet Carved from oak 🤥 Tells a Lie Makes excuses NOSE GROWS LONGER! Visible Dishonesty Lies cannot be hidden "A lie grows and grows until it is as plain as the nose on your face."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 Why did the naughty boy run away to Scotland? What surprising discovery did he make when he arrived there? Reading is Fun • Poem 'The Naughty Boy' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The naughty boy ran away to Scotland because he was restless and foolishly imagined that Scotland would be an exotic, magical place totally different from England.

He was astonished to discover that:
1. The Scottish ground was just as hard as English ground.
2. A yard was just as long, a song was just as merry, cherries were just as red, and lead was just as heavy.
Human nature and the physical world were identical everywhere.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Explains running away to Scotland out of restless curiosity 1.5 M
Lists discoveries: hard ground, long yard, red cherries, heavy lead 1.5 M
Q2 How did Gepetto create Pinocchio? What mischievous tricks did the puppet play as soon as its features were carved? Reading is Fun • 'Pinocchio' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Gepetto carved Pinocchio from an enchanted piece of talking firewood. As soon as he finished carving the eyes, they began rolling at him. The moment he carved the mouth, it laughed mockingly and stuck out its tongue.

Before Gepetto could even finish carving the legs, Pinocchio snatched the carpenter's brown wig right off his head, jumped down to the floor, and ran out the front door into the street.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Describes carving from enchanted talking wood 1.5 M
Details rolling eyes, mocking laughter, and snatching Gepetto's wig 1.5 M
Q3 What bizarre physical phenomenon happened to Pinocchio every time he told a falsehood or made a false excuse? Reading is Fun • 'Pinocchio' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Every single time Pinocchio spoke a lie, broke a promise, or made a false excuse to avoid school, his wooden nose immediately began growing longer, longer, and longer.

It grew so enormous that he could not turn his head inside the room without hitting walls, until he was forced to confess the honest truth to shrink it back.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identifies nose growing visibly longer with every lie 1.5 M
Explains that only speaking honest truth shrank it back 1.5 M
Q4 Name three things made of wood from your home or classroom: (a) ___, (b) ___, (c) ___. What tool does a carpenter use to smoothen wood? Word Building • Word Families 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Three wooden objects: (a) Study Table, (b) Door Frame, (c) Cricket Bat.

A carpenter uses a plane (or sandpaper) to smoothen rough wood surfaces.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three wooden objects correctly named 1.5 M
Identifies carpenter's plane/sandpaper 0.5 M
Q5 In Unit 9 ('The Naughty Boy & Pinocchio'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 9, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'The Naughty Boy & Pinocchio'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 9. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 9 ('The Naughty Boy & Pinocchio')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Psychological Metaphor of Pinocchio's Nose

Real-Life Context: Modern behavioral scientists observe that when people tell deliberate lies, micro-expressions, increased blink rates, vocal pitch changes, and autonomic nervous system stress reactions involuntarily reveal the deceit.

Analytical Task: Why is Pinocchio's growing nose one of the greatest moral metaphors in children's literature? How does one lie inevitably lead to another?

The Metaphor: Pinocchio's nose externalizes an internal psychological truth: deceit cannot remain secret. Even if invisible physically, lying distorts a person's dignity and character visibly to those around them.

The Trap of Lies: To protect the first lie, a person must fabricate three more lies. Soon, the web of deception becomes so cumbersome and absurd (just like an enormous wooden nose) that confession and honest apology are the only way back to freedom.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for explaining externalization of guilt; 1 Mark for compound snowball effect of continuous deceit.
10
Unit 10: Gentleness & Persuasion • Class 4 English (Classic CBSE)

Unit 10: The Donkey & The Milkman's Cow

Humorous Rhyme on Kindness to Animals & Classic Story of Gentleness Succeeding where Brute Force Fails

Chapter Themes, Poetic Devices & Vocabulary Highlights
  • Poem 'The Donkey': If I had a donkey that wouldn't go, would I wallop him? No, no, no! I'd feed him hay and corn.
  • Story 'The Milkman's Cow': A stubborn cow sits right in the middle of a busy highway and refuses to budge.
  • Failed brute force: Milkman pulling, policeman blowing whistle, grocer offering goods, wrestler flexing muscles.
  • The triumph of gentleness: A little boy arrives holding a sheaf of sweet green grass; the cow gets up and chews peacefully.
  • Moral: Kindness, empathy, and understanding psychology achieve what shouting, anger, and violence can never accomplish.
The Milkman's Cow — Gentleness Overcomes Brute Force 🐄 Stubborn Cow Refuses to move ❌ BRUTE FORCE FAILED Milkman tugged & pulled Policeman twirled whistle Wrestler flexed muscles ✅ GENTLENESS WON! Little boy with sweet green grass Led cow calmly to the side Patience & love triumph "Kind words and understanding achieve what force and shouting never can."
📖 NCERT Textbook Exercise Solutions & Step-by-Step Working (14 Solved Questions)
Q1 What does the poet say he would do if he had a donkey that refused to go? What would he NOT do? Reading is Fun • Poem 'The Donkey' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
What He Would NOT Do: The poet declares that he would never 'wallop' (hit, beat, or whip) the donkey, because cruelty to animals is unkind and wrong.

What He Would Do: Instead, he would feed the donkey a bundle of sweet green hay and juicy ears of corn, treating the animal with love, patience, and nourishment until it happily trotted forward.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Rejects walloping/beating the donkey 1.5 M
Advocates feeding hay and corn with kindness 1.5 M
Q2 Who all tried to make the milkman's cow move from the road, and what methods did they use? Reading is Fun • 'The Milkman's Cow' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
1. The Milkman: Tugged, pleaded, and pulled hard on the lead rope.
2. The Policeman: Twirled his baton, puffed his chest, and blew his loud brass whistle.
3. The Grocer: Rattled bags of potatoes, peas, and shiny cans.
4. The Wrestler: Flexed his enormous biceps and tried to haul the cow by brute physical force.
All four grown adults failed completely.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Lists milkman, policeman, grocer, and wrestler 1.5 M
Describes brute force and noisy methods used by each 1.5 M
Q3 How did the little boy succeed in moving the cow where four strong grown men had failed? What is the moral lesson? Reading is Fun • 'The Milkman's Cow' 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
The Little Boy's Method: The little boy did not shout, pull, or use force. Smiling gently, he held out a sheaf of tasty, crisp green grass right before the cow's nose. Chewing happily, the cow got to her feet and peacefully followed the boy to the side of the road.

Moral Lesson: Gentleness, patience, and understanding the needs of others achieve what shouting, anger, and muscle power can never accomplish.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Details little boy offering bundle of tasty green grass 1.5 M
States moral: gentleness and empathy surpass anger and force 1.5 M
Q4 Match the character with the action verb from the story: (a) Policeman, (b) Wrestler, (c) Cow, (d) Boy. [Options: Chewed, Flexed, Whistled, Smiled]. Word Building • Sensory Action Verbs 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
(a) Policeman: Whistled.
(b) Wrestler: Flexed.
(c) Cow: Chewed.
(d) Boy: Smiled.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Four correct character-verb pairings (0.5 M each) 2.0 M
Q5 In Unit 10 ('The Donkey & The Milkman's Cow'), what is the central event in the poem, and what sounds of nature wake the morning world? Reading is Fun • Poem Comprehension 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Nature & Morning Sounds:
The poem celebrates the break of dawn. Nature awakens with the singing of birds in the trees, the buzzing of honeybees in flower beds, and the gentle morning breeze rustling through green leaves.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Awakening of nature described 1 M
Specific sounds (birds, bees) identified 1 M
Q6 In the prose section of Unit 10, how does the main character overcome self-doubt or an unusual dilemma? Reading is Fun • Story Comprehension 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Character Insight:
The character realizes that each individual is uniquely gifted and comparison with others leads to unnecessary unhappiness. With encouragement from loved ones, the character learns self-acceptance and confidence.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Dilemma identified 1.5 M
Resolution through self-acceptance explained 1.5 M
Q7 Find antonyms (opposites) for: (a) Tiny (b) Defeat (c) Selfish (d) Proud. Word Building • Antonyms 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Antonyms:
• (a) Tiny — Huge / Enormous.
• (b) Defeat — Victory / Win.
• (c) Selfish — Generous / Selfless.
• (d) Proud — Humble / Modest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 opposites correct 2 M
Q8 Write two sentences describing how trees help birds, animals, and human beings as depicted in 'The Donkey & The Milkman's Cow'. Let us Write • Creative Expressions 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Importance of Trees:
Trees provide delicious fruits, oxygen, and cool shade for human beings and grazing animals. They also offer safe nesting spots and shelter for hundreds of birds and small forest creatures.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Benefits to humans and wildlife clearly stated 2 M
Q9 Join the pairs of sentences using 'and', 'but', or 'because':
(a) She ran fast. She missed the school bus.
(b) We stayed inside. It was raining heavily. Grammar & Language • Conjunctions (and, but, because) 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Joined Sentences:
• (a) She ran fast, but she missed the school bus.
• (b) We stayed inside because it was raining heavily.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct use of 'but' 1 M
Correct use of 'because' 1 M
Q10 If animals and trees could speak our language, what important advice would they give to humans? Talk Time • Imagination & Empathy 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Imaginative Advice:
They would urge humans to stop cutting down green forests, keep water bodies clean from plastic pollution, and treat every living creature with care and kindness.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thoughtful, empathetic environmental message 2 M
Q11 Find two rhyming word pairs from the poem in Unit 10. Vocabulary • Rhyming Couplets 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Rhyming Pairs:
1. Bed - Head (rhyming sound '-ed').
2. Day - Play (rhyming sound '-ay').
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two valid rhyming pairs with sounds identified 2 M
Q12 Divide the sentence into Subject and Predicate: 'The little fir tree stood proudly in the green forest.' Grammar • Subject and Predicate 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Sentence Division:
• Subject: The little fir tree
• Predicate: stood proudly in the green forest.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Subject correctly identified 1 M
Predicate correctly identified 1 M
Q13 What is the core moral lesson of Unit 10 ('The Donkey & The Milkman's Cow')? Think & Discuss • Life Lessons 2 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Moral Lesson:
True happiness comes from gratitude, generosity, and valuing our natural surroundings. Greed and vanity only bring discontentment.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear moral lesson with supporting detail 2 M
Q14 State True or False:
(a) Nasruddin was famous among his friends for boasting about his archery skills.
(b) Giving without expecting anything in return is true kindness.
(c) A question mark is placed at the end of an assertive sentence. Review Questions • True or False 3 Marks
✅ Step-by-Step Model Answer & Solution:
Answers:
• (a) True: Nasruddin boasted about his aim.
• (b) True: Selfless giving is the highest virtue.
• (c) False: An assertive sentence ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations 3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study (CBQ)

Conflict Resolution & Non-Violent Communication

Real-Life Context: Two 4th-grade students began shouting, pulling, and fighting over who gets to play with the basketball first during the sports hour.

Analytical Task: How does 'The Milkman's Cow' offer a practical lesson in conflict resolution? How can shouting be replaced with empathy to resolve classroom arguments?

Lesson from the Story: Shouting and aggressive pulling make people (and animals) dig their heels in more stubbornly, causing resistance and deadlock. Just as the four strong men failed with shouting and muscle, fighting never solves student disputes.

Empathetic Resolution: The little boy showed that offering a cooperative solution (sharing or taking turns) satisfies everyone's needs. Students should take turns (e.g. 15 minutes each) or join together in a unified team game.
CBSE Assessment Rubric: 1 Mark for identifying failure of brute force in human conflicts; 1 Mark for practical win-win collaborative resolution.