Little by Little – CBSE NCERT Study Resources
All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern
Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.
Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.
- It spreads its roots deep into the soil.
- It grows its branches slowly upwards.
The poet compares an acorn to a person because both grow gradually with effort and time.
The poem teaches us that patience and small steps help achieve big goals.
The acorn changes from a tiny seed into a strong oak tree over time.
It means staying determined and not giving up even when growth is slow.
The oak tree is called mighty because it grows tall and strong from a small seed.
If we grow too fast, we may not become strong like the oak tree.
The poet describes the acorn as small and humble at the beginning.
The oak tree symbolizes strength and achievement through patience.
Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.
The main theme of the poem Little by Little is growth and patience. It teaches us that big achievements come from small, consistent efforts over time.
The poet of the poem Little by Little is Anonymous, as it is a traditional poem passed down through generations.
The phrase little by little means taking small steps or making gradual progress toward a goal. It emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence.
The poem inspires children by showing that small efforts can lead to big results. It encourages them to keep trying and not give up, even if progress seems slow.
The poem Little by Little follows a simple AABB rhyming pattern, where every two lines rhyme with each other, making it easy and fun to read.
One such line is: 'Little by little, the bird builds its nest.' This line shows perseverance as the bird works patiently to achieve its goal.
The poem is suitable for young children because it uses simple language and a clear message about patience and hard work, which are easy for them to understand and relate to.
We learn that consistent effort and patience are key to success. Even small steps, when taken regularly, can lead to great achievements over time.
The phrase 'little by little' means doing something slowly or gradually over time. It teaches us that small efforts can lead to big results.
The two characters are the little plant and the little boy. They both grow and learn step by step.
The little plant grows little by little by pushing its roots into the soil and stretching its leaves toward the sunlight. It shows patience and effort.
The boy learns that just like the plant, he can achieve big things by working slowly and steadily. Patience and persistence are important.
The title Little by Little highlights the theme of gradual progress. Both the plant and the boy achieve their goals through small, consistent steps.
The plant needs sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil. It also needs time to grow little by little.
The boy applies the lesson by practicing his skills daily, like reading or drawing. He understands that small efforts lead to improvement.
The main message is that consistent effort and patience help us achieve our goals. Big successes start with small steps.
The moral of the story Little by Little is that small efforts over time can lead to big achievements. It teaches us the importance of patience and persistence.
The two main characters are Raju, the little boy, and his grandfather, who teaches him the value of patience.
Raju felt disappointed because he couldn't grow a big plant quickly. He learned later that things take time to grow little by little.
Raju's grandfather compared the plant's growth to learning new things, showing that both require time and effort.
By the end, Raju became patient and understood that success comes from consistent small steps.
Raju learned that great things are achieved slowly and steadily, not all at once.
The title is suitable because it highlights the central theme of the story: progress happens step by step.
Raju planted a small seed, which grew into a plant over time, teaching him the value of patience.
The central theme of the poem Little by Little is gradual growth and patience. It teaches us that big achievements come from small, consistent efforts over time.
The phrase little by little signifies taking small steps consistently to achieve a bigger goal. It emphasizes patience and steady progress.
The poem relates to a student's life by teaching that learning and success come gradually. Just like a plant grows slowly, students must work patiently to achieve their goals.
The poem teaches that nature grows slowly and steadily, just like how an oak tree starts as a tiny acorn. It shows the beauty of gradual progress in nature.
You can apply the message by breaking big tasks into small steps and working on them daily. For example, learning a new word every day improves vocabulary over time.
The poem Little by Little is written by Anonymous, as it is a traditional poem passed down over generations.
Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.
The poet describes the growth of the oak tree as a slow and steady process.
First, the tiny acorn sprouts and pushes its root downward.
Then, it grows little by little, spreading its branches and leaves over time.
Finally, it becomes a strong and tall tree, showing how small efforts lead to big achievements.
The poet compares human life to the growth of an oak tree to emphasize the value of consistent effort and time. Just like the oak tree grows little by little, humans must also work patiently toward their goals. The comparison teaches us that success doesn’t happen overnight but through small, daily steps.
Children can learn the lesson of patience and the importance of small efforts. The poem shows that just like the oak tree, they should keep working hard every day without giving up.
It also teaches them to appreciate gradual progress in learning, skills, or personal growth.
This line means that the acorn did not become a big tree suddenly.
It grew slowly, step by step, over a long time.
The poet wants us to understand that great things take time and effort, just like the acorn’s journey to becoming a strong oak tree.
The poem inspires readers by showing that even small, consistent actions lead to big results.
It encourages them to:
- Be patient and not rush.
- Keep trying every day.
- Believe in gradual progress.
The poet repeats little by little to emphasize the idea of gradual progress. It shows that small, consistent efforts lead to big results. The repetition also makes the poem rhythmic and memorable.
The poem compares the growth of a tree to a child's learning by showing that both require time and effort.
1. Just as a tree grows little by little, a child learns step by step.
2. Both start small but can achieve greatness with patience and persistence.
The rhyming words in the first stanza are:
- earth and birth
- grows and shows
Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.
The poem Little by Little beautifully describes how a tiny acorn grows into a strong oak tree over time. The process starts with the acorn being planted in the soil. With sunlight, water, and care, it slowly develops roots and a small shoot. As days pass, the shoot grows taller, leaves appear, and the roots spread deeper into the earth. Over many years, the tiny acorn transforms into a mighty oak tree, providing shade and shelter.
The life lesson we learn from this is that patience and consistent effort lead to great results. Just like the oak tree, big achievements happen little by little. We should never give up, even if progress seems slow, because every small step counts.
In the poem, the oak tree symbolizes strength, patience, and steady growth. Similarly, in our lives, personal development happens gradually through small, consistent efforts. For example:
- Learning a new skill: Just like the oak tree grows slowly, mastering a skill like swimming or drawing takes practice every day.
- Building good habits: Brushing teeth daily or reading for 10 minutes may seem small, but over time, these habits make us healthier and wiser.
- Overcoming challenges: Facing fears, like speaking in class, becomes easier with patience and courage, just like the oak tree withstands storms.
The poem teaches us that growth takes time, and we should celebrate every small step toward our goals.
The poet in Little by Little uses the example of a plant growing slowly to teach us that patience and consistent effort are key to achieving big goals. Just like a tiny seed grows into a big tree by taking small steps every day, we too can achieve great things if we work steadily.
For example, the poem mentions how the plant 'spreads its branches wide' over time, showing that growth happens gradually. Similarly, in life, we must keep trying little by little without giving up. The poet also compares this to learning new things, like how we start with small words and slowly become better readers.
This lesson is important because it teaches us not to rush but to trust the process. Whether it's studying, playing a sport, or learning a skill, progress comes with consistent effort over time.
The poem Little by Little inspires children to develop good habits by showing how small, daily efforts lead to big results. The poet uses simple examples to teach the value of regular practice and patience.
- First, the poem describes how a plant grows 'little by little' every day. This teaches children that habits like studying daily or keeping their room tidy may seem small, but over time, they make a big difference.
- Second, the poem mentions how the plant 'spreads its leaves' slowly. This can relate to learning a new skill, like riding a bicycle. At first, it may be hard, but with daily practice, children improve gradually.
In real life, this means children should focus on doing small tasks regularly, like reading a few pages every day or practicing math problems. The poem reminds us that success doesn't happen overnight but comes from steady effort.
The poem Little by Little beautifully describes how a tiny acorn seed grows into a mighty oak tree over time. The poet explains that the seed first sends out a little root to anchor itself in the soil. Then, it slowly grows a little shoot that reaches upward toward the sunlight. As years pass, the tree grows taller and stronger, developing thick branches and lush leaves.
This process teaches us an important life lesson: great achievements happen gradually. Just like the oak tree, we must be patient and persistent in our efforts. Small, consistent steps lead to big results. The poem encourages us to keep working hard, even if progress seems slow, because every little effort adds up over time.
Additionally, the poem highlights the importance of foundation. The oak tree's strong roots support its growth, just as our basic learning and values support our future success.
The poet makes the growth of an oak tree fascinating for young readers by using simple language and relatable comparisons. For example, the poet calls the acorn a 'little seed', which helps children imagine something small and familiar. The process of growth is described step-by-step, making it easy to follow:
- The seed 'opens its eyes' – a playful way to describe germination.
- It sends out a 'little root' and a 'little shoot' – these repeated words make the poem rhythmic and memorable.
- The tree grows 'taller and taller' – this repetition emphasizes gradual progress.
The poet also uses nature's elements like sunlight, rain, and soil to show how the tree depends on them, teaching children about the environment in a fun way. By comparing the tree's growth to a child's own growth, the poet makes the poem relatable and inspiring.
Lastly, the poem's message—small efforts lead to big results—is presented in a way that encourages young readers to appreciate patience and hard work.
The poet uses the example of an oak tree in the poem Little by Little to teach us that great things take time and patience to grow. Just like the tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak tree over many years, our small efforts and hard work can lead to big achievements.
In the poem, the poet mentions how the oak tree grows 'little by little', showing that progress happens slowly but surely. This teaches us not to rush but to keep working steadily toward our goals. For example, the poet says, 'Each day it grows a little more', which means even small steps matter.
This lesson is important because it encourages us to be patient and persistent in life, whether it's learning a new skill or achieving a big dream.
The poem Little by Little inspires children to develop good habits by showing how small, consistent actions lead to big results. The poet compares this to how tiny drops of water fill a pot over time or how a small seed grows into a big tree.
For example, the poem says, 'Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.' This means that even small efforts, like studying daily or being kind, add up to great achievements.
The poem teaches us that good habits, such as:
- Practicing regularly
- Being patient
- Working hard
can help us succeed in life. It encourages children to start small and stay consistent, just like the examples in the poem.
The poet in Little by Little beautifully compares the growth of a tiny seed into a big tree to teach us an important life lesson. Just like the seed starts small and grows gradually with patience, care, and time, we too achieve big things by taking small steps consistently.
The poem highlights that every great achievement begins with small efforts. The seed doesn't become a tree overnight; it needs sunlight, water, and time. Similarly, we must work little by little to succeed in life. This teaches us the value of perseverance and not giving up, even if progress seems slow.
For example, learning to read or write starts with small words and practice. Over time, these small efforts lead to big accomplishments, just like the mighty oak tree from a tiny seed!
The poem Little by Little inspires children by showing how small, consistent efforts lead to big results. The poet uses the example of a seed growing into a tree to explain that success doesn't happen quickly but comes with patience and hard work.
Here’s how the poem teaches patience and persistence:
- Step-by-step growth: Just as a seed takes time to sprout, grow roots, and become a tree, children learn that their efforts will bear fruit slowly but surely.
- Never give up: The poem encourages children to keep trying, even if they don't see immediate results, because every small effort counts.
- Celebrate small wins: Like the seed growing little by little, children learn to appreciate small improvements in their studies or skills.
The poem’s message is clear: big dreams are achieved through steady, patient work. This helps children stay motivated and not feel discouraged by challenges.
Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.
The story Little by Little teaches us that big achievements happen through small, consistent efforts. Just like the tiny seed grew into a mighty oak tree by taking one step at a time, we can also achieve our goals by being patient and persistent.
In the story, the seed didn't become a tree overnight. It grew little by little, just like how we learn new things step by step. For example, when we learn to read, we start with alphabets, then words, and finally sentences.
In real life, if you want to become good at football, you practice every day. You don't become a champion in one day, but with regular practice, you improve gradually. This is the lesson the story gives us - small steps lead to big success!
The poem describes the growth of a seed in these stages:
- Seed stage: The tiny seed lies hidden underground. This is important because it's gathering strength to grow.
- Root stage: The seed sends down a little root to drink water. Roots are vital as they help the plant get nutrients.
- Shoot stage: A small shoot comes up to see the sunlight. Shoots need light to make food through photosynthesis.
- Leaf stage: The plant grows leaves that spread wide. Leaves help the plant breathe and make more food.
- Tree stage: Finally it becomes a big oak tree that gives shade and shelter.
Each stage is like a step in our learning - we start small and keep growing with time and care!
As a big oak tree, I help everyone around me! My strong branches give shade to tired travelers on hot days. Birds build their nests safely in my arms, and squirrels find homes in my trunk. Children play under my leaves, and I give them oxygen to breathe fresh air. My acorns become food for animals, and when my leaves fall, they make the soil rich. I'm happy that growing little by little has made me able to help so many creatures!
The poet describes how a tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak tree over time. The process involves:
- The seed first sends a rootlet down into the soil to absorb water and nutrients.
- Then, a shoot emerges upwards, reaching for sunlight.
- Over years, the tree grows taller and stronger, developing branches and leaves.
The phrase 'little by little' is emphasized because growth happens slowly and steadily. Just like the oak tree, big achievements in life also require patience and consistent effort.
The poem teaches us that great things take time and that small, consistent efforts lead to big results. This is called patience and perseverance.
For example, if you want to become good at reading:
- Start by reading a few pages every day.
- Gradually, you will finish books and improve your vocabulary.
- Over time, you will become a confident reader.
Just like the oak tree, your skills will grow little by little if you keep trying.
The poet compares the growth of an oak tree to learning because both require time, effort, and patience.
- Just as the oak starts as a small seed, learning begins with small steps, like learning the alphabet.
- As the tree grows roots and shoots, we practice and improve our skills.
- Finally, just like the oak becomes strong, we gain knowledge and confidence.
For example, when learning math, you start with counting, then addition, and slowly move to bigger problems. Little by little, you become better, just like the tree!
The poem Little by Little beautifully describes the gradual growth of an acorn into a mighty oak tree. Here’s how it happens:
- Step 1: The tiny acorn falls to the ground and settles in the soil.
- Step 2: It absorbs water and nutrients from the soil, helping it sprout a small root.
- Step 3: A tiny shoot emerges from the acorn, pushing upwards towards the sunlight.
- Step 4: Over time, the shoot grows taller, developing leaves and branches.
- Step 5: Slowly, the small plant becomes a strong oak tree, standing tall and proud.
This teaches us that big achievements happen little by little, just like the oak tree’s growth!
The comparison in the poem teaches us an important life lesson:
- Just like the oak tree grows slowly and steadily, learning also takes time and patience.
- Small efforts every day, such as reading a little or practicing a skill, add up over time.
- Mistakes are like the small hurdles the oak tree faces while growing—they help us learn and become stronger.
For example, if a student practices writing one page daily, over time, their handwriting and creativity will improve little by little. This shows that consistency is the key to success!
Nature provides essential support for the acorn’s growth. Here are three key elements:
- Soil: The soil gives the acorn a place to grow and supplies nutrients needed for its development.
- Water: Rainwater helps the acorn soften, sprout roots, and stay hydrated as it grows.
- Sunlight: Sunlight provides energy through photosynthesis, helping the tiny shoot grow leaves and become stronger.
Without these natural helpers, the acorn wouldn’t be able to grow into a mighty oak tree. This shows how everything in nature is connected!
'Little by little, an acorn grows into a mighty oak.'
What does this line teach us? Explain with an example from daily life.
The line teaches us the importance of patience and consistent effort. Just like an acorn takes time to grow into a big oak tree, we must also work little by little to achieve big goals.
For example, when learning to ride a bicycle, we start with small steps like balancing, then pedaling slowly, and finally riding confidently. It doesn’t happen in one day, but with practice, we improve.
To write neatly, I would follow these steps little by little:
- Start by practicing individual letters slowly and carefully.
- Focus on keeping the letters the same size and shape.
- Write short sentences daily to improve consistency.
- Gradually increase the length of my writing as my neatness improves.
Just like the oak tree grows slowly, my handwriting will become better with steady practice.
Another example from nature is the formation of a river. Small streams of water join together over time to form a big river. This shows how tiny efforts, like drops of water, can create something huge when combined.
This connects to the chapter’s lesson because it teaches us that small, continuous actions (like saving money daily or studying regularly) can lead to great achievements (like buying something special or scoring well in exams).