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A Little Fish Story – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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A Little Fish Story

Study Materials

3rd

3rd - English (Marigold)

A Little Fish Story

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Overview of the Chapter

The chapter A Little Fish Story from the CBSE Grade 3 English textbook (Marigold) is a delightful tale about a small fish who learns an important lesson about contentment and the value of what one has. The story is engaging and teaches young readers about gratitude and perspective.

Summary of the Story

The story revolves around a little fish who is unhappy with its size. It wishes to be bigger like the other fish in the pond. One day, the little fish gets caught in a fisherman's net but manages to escape because of its small size. This incident makes the fish realize that being small has its own advantages, and it learns to appreciate its size.

Key Lesson: The story teaches children the importance of being happy with what they have and understanding that every size or situation has its own benefits.

Characters in the Story

  • The Little Fish: The protagonist who initially dislikes being small but later understands its advantages.
  • The Bigger Fish: Other fish in the pond who are larger in size, making the little fish feel inadequate.
  • The Fisherman: A minor character whose net traps the little fish, leading to the realization of the little fish.

Vocabulary and Meanings

  • Pond: A small body of still water.
  • Net: A device made of threads or ropes woven together, used for catching fish.
  • Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.

Moral of the Story

The moral of A Little Fish Story is that one should not compare themselves to others and should appreciate their own unique qualities. Being small or different can sometimes be an advantage.

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.

Question 1:
What did the little fish wish for in the story?
Answer:
The little fish wished to be bigger and stronger like the other fish in the sea.
Question 2:
Why was the little fish unhappy?
Answer:
The little fish was unhappy because it felt small and thought it couldn't do anything important.
Question 3:
How did the little fish feel after escaping from the net?
Answer:
The little fish felt happy and grateful for being small, as its size helped it escape the net.
Question 4:
Who caught the little fish in the net?
Answer:
The fishermen caught the little fish in their net.
Question 5:
What did the little fish realize about its size after the incident?
Answer:
The little fish realized that being small was actually helpful and saved its life.
Question 6:
Why couldn't the bigger fish escape from the net?
Answer:
The bigger fish couldn't escape because they were too large to fit through the holes in the net.
Question 7:
What was the little fish's initial opinion about being small?
Answer:
The little fish initially thought being small was a disadvantage and made it unimportant.
Question 8:
What changed the little fish's mind about its size?
Answer:
Escaping the net made the little fish see that its size was actually a blessing.
Question 9:
How did the other fish react when the little fish shared its experience?
Answer:
The other fish agreed and realized that every size has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Question 10:
What is the moral of the story 'A Little Fish Story'?
Answer:

The moral is that everyone is unique and valuable in their own way, and we should appreciate what we have.

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.

Question 1:
Why did the little fish feel unhappy in the beginning of the story?
Answer:

The little fish felt unhappy because it thought it was too small compared to the other fish. It believed being bigger would make life easier and more exciting.

Question 2:
What lesson did the little fish learn by the end of the story?
Answer:

The little fish learned that being small has its own advantages. It realized that its size helped it escape from the fisherman's net, unlike the bigger fish.

Question 3:
How did the little fish escape from the fisherman's net?
Answer:

The little fish escaped because it was small enough to slip through the holes in the net, while the bigger fish got trapped.

Question 4:
What did the little fish wish for at the start of the story?
Answer:

The little fish wished to be as big as the other fish in the sea, thinking that would make its life better.

Question 5:
Why were the bigger fish unable to escape the net?
Answer:

The bigger fish couldn't escape because their size made them too large to fit through the holes in the fisherman's net.

Question 6:
What is the main message of the story 'A Little Fish Story'?
Answer:

The main message is that everyone is special in their own way. Being small or big has its own benefits, and we should be happy with who we are.

Question 7:
How did the little fish's opinion about its size change by the end?
Answer:

At first, the little fish disliked being small, but later it felt grateful because its size helped it survive and escape danger.

Question 8:
What would have happened if the little fish had been bigger?
Answer:

If the little fish had been bigger, it would have been trapped in the fisherman's net just like the other large fish and couldn't escape.

Question 9:
How did the little fish escape from the net?
Answer:

The little fish escaped because it was small enough to slip through the holes in the net, while the bigger fish got caught.

Question 10:
Why were the big fish caught in the net?
Answer:

The big fish were caught because they were too large to slip through the holes in the net, unlike the little fish.

Question 11:
What made the little fish change its mind about being small?
Answer:

The little fish changed its mind when it saw the big fish struggling in the net, while it could swim away freely due to its small size.

Question 12:
Describe one advantage of being small, as shown in the story.
Answer:

One advantage of being small is the ability to escape danger easily, like slipping through a net, which bigger fish cannot do.

Question 13:
What was the little fish's initial wish?
Answer:

The little fish initially wished to be bigger and more colorful like the other fish in the sea.

Question 14:
How did the little fish feel after escaping the net?
Answer:

After escaping the net, the little fish felt happy and grateful for being small, as it saved its life.

Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.

Question 1:
Why was the little fish unhappy in the beginning of the story?
Answer:

The little fish was unhappy because he thought he was too small and ordinary. He saw other fish with beautiful colors and big sizes and felt inferior. He wished to be bigger and more special like them.

Question 2:
How did the little fish feel when he saw the other fish in the sea?
Answer:

The little fish felt sad and jealous when he saw the other fish. They were bigger and had beautiful colors, which made him feel unimportant. He wished he could be like them.

Question 3:
What happened to the big fish in the story?
Answer:

The big fish got caught in a fisherman's net because of their size. They couldn't escape like the little fish, who swam through the holes in the net. This showed that being small can sometimes be helpful.

Question 4:
Why is the story titled A Little Fish Story?
Answer:

The story is titled A Little Fish Story because it focuses on a small fish who learns an important lesson. The story teaches us that size doesn't matter, and everyone has their own unique strengths.

Question 5:
How did the little fish's attitude change after escaping the net?
Answer:

After escaping the net, the little fish felt happy and proud of himself. He no longer wished to be bigger because he realized his small size saved him. He became confident and grateful for who he was.

Question 6:
Describe the setting of the story A Little Fish Story.
Answer:

The story is set in a vast ocean where many fish live. The little fish swims among colorful corals and bigger fish, feeling out of place at first. The ocean is full of life and movement, making it a lively place.

Question 7:
Why do you think the fisherman could not catch the little fish?
Answer:

The fisherman couldn't catch the little fish because the holes in his net were too big for such a tiny fish. The little fish's size allowed it to swim through the net freely, unlike the larger fish.

Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.

Question 1:
Describe the main events in the story A Little Fish Story and explain what lesson the little fish learned by the end.
Answer:

The story A Little Fish Story is about a little fish who was unhappy with its size. It wished to be bigger like the other fish in the pond. One day, it got caught in a fisherman's net along with many other fish. The little fish, being small, slipped out of the net easily while the bigger fish struggled. This event made the little fish realize that being small was actually an advantage.

The lesson the little fish learned was that everyone is special in their own way. Instead of wishing to be like others, it understood that its small size helped it survive. The story teaches us to appreciate what we have and not compare ourselves to others.

Additionally, the little fish felt grateful for its size and swam away happily, knowing it was perfect just the way it was.

Question 2:
How did the little fish's attitude change from the beginning to the end of the story? Explain with examples from A Little Fish Story.
Answer:

At the beginning of the story, the little fish was unhappy and discontent with its small size. It kept thinking about how life would be better if it were bigger like the other fish. For example, it admired the larger fish swimming freely and wished to be like them.

However, by the end of the story, the little fish's attitude changed completely. When it got caught in the fisherman's net, its small size allowed it to escape easily, while the bigger fish were trapped. This experience made the little fish grateful for its size. It realized that being small was a blessing in disguise.

The little fish's change in attitude shows how experiences can teach us valuable lessons. It went from feeling inferior to appreciating its uniqueness, proving that self-acceptance is important.

Question 3:
In the chapter A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels unhappy about his size. Describe why the little fish was unhappy and how he learned to appreciate himself by the end of the story.
Answer:

In the story A Little Fish Story, the little fish was unhappy because he thought being small made him unimportant. He compared himself to bigger fish and felt left out.

However, by the end of the story, he realized that his small size was actually an advantage. When a big fish tried to catch him, he quickly swam away through tiny spaces where the big fish couldn't follow. This made him understand that being small helped him survive and stay safe.

The little fish learned to appreciate himself because he saw that every size has its own strengths. The story teaches us that we should be happy with who we are and not compare ourselves to others.

Question 4:
Explain the moral of the story A Little Fish Story and how it can be applied in real life with an example.
Answer:

The moral of A Little Fish Story is that everyone is special in their own way, and we should not feel bad about our differences. Instead, we should focus on our strengths.

For example, in real life, a student might feel sad because they are not as tall or as fast as their classmates. But they might be very good at drawing or solving puzzles. Just like the little fish, they should recognize their own talents and be proud of them.

The story teaches us that comparing ourselves to others can make us unhappy, but when we accept and appreciate our uniqueness, we can lead happier and more confident lives.

Question 5:
In the chapter A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels unhappy about his size. Why does he feel this way, and what lesson does he learn by the end of the story?
Answer:

The little fish in A Little Fish Story feels unhappy because he thinks being small makes him unimportant. He compares himself to bigger fish and believes they are luckier and more respected. He wishes to be big to escape dangers and gain admiration.

However, by the end of the story, he learns a valuable lesson: size does not determine worth. When a fisherman's net catches the big fish but leaves him free, he realizes that being small saved his life. The little fish understands that every size has its own advantages and that he should be happy with who he is.

This teaches us the importance of self-acceptance and not comparing ourselves to others. Everyone is unique and special in their own way.

Question 6:
Describe how the little fish's perspective changes from the beginning to the end of the story A Little Fish Story. Support your answer with examples from the text.
Answer:

At the beginning of A Little Fish Story, the little fish is dissatisfied with his small size. He feels jealous of the bigger fish, thinking they are stronger and safer. For example, he believes that if he were bigger, he wouldn’t have to worry about being eaten or ignored.

However, his perspective changes when he witnesses a fisherman’s net capturing the larger fish while he escapes unharmed. This event makes him realize that being small is actually an advantage. He understands that his size helped him avoid danger, while the big fish could not.

By the end, the little fish learns to appreciate himself and stops wishing to be bigger. The story highlights how our perceptions can change when we see the benefits of our own unique qualities.

Question 7:
Describe the main events in the story A Little Fish Story and explain the lesson it teaches us.
Answer:

The story A Little Fish Story is about a little fish who feels unhappy because he is small. He wishes to be bigger like the other fish in the sea. One day, he gets caught in a fisherman's net along with many other fish. Because of his small size, he slips out of the net and escapes, while the bigger fish are trapped. This makes him realize that being small is actually a blessing.

The lesson we learn from this story is that everyone is special in their own way. We should not compare ourselves with others or feel unhappy about what we lack. Instead, we should appreciate our unique qualities and strengths. Sometimes, what seems like a weakness can turn out to be an advantage, just like the little fish's small size helped him survive.

Question 8:
Imagine you are the little fish from the story A Little Fish Story. Write a short paragraph describing your feelings before and after the incident with the fisherman's net.
Answer:

Before the incident with the fisherman's net, I always felt sad and left out because I was so small. I wished I could be big and strong like the other fish in the sea. I thought being small meant I was weak and unimportant.

However, after the incident, my feelings changed completely. When the fisherman's net caught all the big fish, I was able to slip out because of my tiny size. I felt relieved and grateful for being small. I realized that my size was actually a gift, not a weakness. Now, I am proud of who I am and understand that everyone has their own unique strengths.

Question 9:
Describe the feelings of the little fish in the story A Little Fish Story when it was caught in the net. How did it escape?
Answer:

The little fish in the story A Little Fish Story felt scared and helpless when it was caught in the net. It realized that it was trapped and couldn't swim freely anymore. The fish thought about its family and friends and wished to be back in the water.

To escape, the little fish used its smart thinking. It noticed that the net had a small hole, and with all its strength, it wriggled and squeezed through the hole. The fish was finally free and swam back to its home, feeling relieved and happy.

This story teaches us that even in difficult situations, quick thinking and determination can help us find a way out.

Question 10:
Explain the moral lesson of the story A Little Fish Story and how it can be applied in real life.
Answer:

The moral lesson of A Little Fish Story is that cleverness and courage can help us overcome challenges. The little fish didn't give up when it was trapped; instead, it stayed calm and found a way to escape.

In real life, this lesson can be applied in many ways:

  • When facing a problem, we should think smartly and not panic.
  • Even if something seems difficult, we should try our best to find a solution.
  • Being brave and confident helps us tackle tough situations.

For example, if a student finds a math problem hard, they can break it into smaller steps instead of giving up. Just like the little fish, we should always look for opportunities to solve our problems.

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.

Question 1:
In A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels sad because he is small. What lesson does the story teach us about being happy with who we are?
Answer:

The story teaches us that everyone is special in their own way, and we should be happy with who we are. The little fish initially feels sad because he is small, but later he realizes that being small helps him escape from danger when bigger fish cannot. Self-acceptance and gratitude are important lessons from the story.

Additionally, the story shows that comparing ourselves to others can make us unhappy. Instead, we should focus on our own strengths and be confident in ourselves.

Question 2:
How does the little fish in A Little Fish Story use his size to his advantage? Explain with an example from the story.
Answer:

The little fish uses his small size to escape from a big fish that tries to catch him. Since he is tiny, he can swim into narrow spaces where the big fish cannot follow. This shows that being small can sometimes be an advantage.

For example, when the big fish chases him, the little fish quickly hides between rocks or in small gaps, keeping himself safe. This proves that size does not always determine success—sometimes, what seems like a weakness can actually be a strength.

Question 3:
In A Little Fish Story, the little fish learns an important lesson by the end. How does this lesson apply to real-life situations for children?
Answer:

The little fish learns that being small is not a disadvantage but can be helpful in many ways. This lesson applies to children in real life because it teaches them to appreciate their uniqueness and not feel bad about things they cannot change.

  • For example, a child who is shorter might be better at hiding in games.
  • A child who is quiet might be a great listener and friend.

The story encourages children to focus on their strengths and be confident, just like the little fish.

Question 4:
In the chapter A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels sad because he is small. What lesson does the story teach us about being different?
Answer:

The story teaches us that everyone is special in their own way, and being different is not a bad thing. The little fish initially feels sad because he is small compared to others, but later he realizes that his size helps him escape from danger when bigger fish cannot. Self-acceptance and confidence are important lessons here. Just like the little fish, we should appreciate our unique qualities because they can be our strength.

Question 5:
How does the little fish in A Little Fish Story help the big fish in the end? Explain with reference to the story.
Answer:

In the story, the little fish helps the big fish by warning them about the fisherman's net. Because of his small size, he can swim quickly and alert the bigger fish to stay away.

This shows that even though the little fish thought he was unimportant, his size actually allowed him to save others. The story highlights that teamwork and helping others are valuable, no matter how small or big you are.

Question 6:
The little fish in A Little Fish Story learns an important lesson by the end. Describe how his feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story.
Answer:

At the beginning, the little fish feels sad and left out because he is small and thinks he cannot do much. He compares himself to the bigger fish and feels inferior.

However, by the end, he realizes that his small size helps him swim faster and escape danger, which even the big fish cannot do. This makes him feel proud and confident. The change in his feelings teaches us that self-worth comes from recognizing our own strengths, not from comparing ourselves to others.

Question 7:
In the chapter A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels unhappy about his size. What lesson does the story teach us about accepting ourselves?
Answer:

The story teaches us that everyone is unique and special in their own way. The little fish felt sad because he thought being small made him unimportant. However, when he got caught in a net, his small size helped him escape easily. This shows that even what we think is a weakness can be a strength. Self-acceptance is important because:

  • We all have different qualities that make us special.
  • Comparing ourselves to others can make us unhappy.
  • Our differences help us in ways we may not realize at first.

Just like the little fish, we should learn to appreciate ourselves for who we are.

Question 8:
In A Little Fish Story, the little fish faces a problem when he gets caught in a net. How does he solve his problem, and what does this tell us about handling difficulties?
Answer:

The little fish solves his problem by using his small size to slip through the holes in the net and escape. This shows us that:

  • Every problem has a solution if we think carefully.
  • Our unique qualities can help us overcome challenges.
  • Staying calm in difficult situations is important.

This part of the story teaches us about problem-solving and resourcefulness. Instead of panicking, the little fish used what he had (his small size) to get out of trouble. We can apply this lesson in our lives by looking for creative solutions when we face problems.

Question 9:
At the end of A Little Fish Story, the little fish feels happy about being small. How does his attitude change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Answer:

At the beginning, the little fish is unhappy and wishes to be bigger like the other fish. He thinks being small is a disadvantage. But by the end, after his adventure with the net, he realizes:

  • Being small helped him escape danger.
  • His size was actually a blessing in disguise.
  • He doesn't need to be like others to be happy.

This change shows character development and self-discovery. The fish learns to appreciate himself instead of wanting to be someone else. The story teaches us that happiness comes from accepting and valuing ourselves as we are.

Question 10:
How does the little fish in A Little Fish Story help the big fish? What does this tell us about teamwork?
Answer:

The little fish helps the big fish by warning them about the fisherman's net. Because of his small size, he can swim quickly and alert the bigger fish to escape danger. This shows that teamwork is important, and everyone, no matter how small, can contribute in meaningful ways.

  • The little fish uses his speed to help others.
  • The big fish listen to his warning, showing trust and cooperation.

This part of the story teaches us that working together and valuing each other's strengths leads to success. Even the smallest member of a team can make a big difference!

Question 11:
In A Little Fish Story, the little fish learns a valuable lesson by the end. Describe how his feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story.
Answer:

At the beginning of the story, the little fish feels sad and left out because he is small. He thinks being bigger would make him happier and more important. However, by the end of the story, his feelings change completely.


After he helps the big fish escape the net, he realizes that his small size is actually a strength. He feels proud and confident because he understands that everyone has unique abilities. This change in feelings shows the importance of self-worth and not underestimating oneself.


The story highlights how our perspective can change when we recognize our own value, no matter how different we may seem.

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