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What’s in the Mailbox? – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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What’s in the Mailbox?

Study Materials

3rd

3rd - English (Santoor)

What’s in the Mailbox?

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Overview of the Chapter

This chapter, titled "What’s in the Mailbox?", is part of the CBSE Grade 3 English textbook (Marigold). It introduces students to the concept of letters and communication through a simple, engaging poem. The chapter aims to develop reading skills, vocabulary, and an understanding of written communication.

Key Theme: The poem explores the excitement of receiving letters and encourages children to write letters to others to share joy.

Summary of the Poem

The poem describes a child's curiosity about the contents of a mailbox. The child observes that while they receive letters from others, they rarely send any in return. The poem gently encourages the idea of writing letters to friends and family to spread happiness.

Key Learning Objectives

  • To develop reading and comprehension skills.
  • To introduce the concept of letter-writing as a form of communication.
  • To enhance vocabulary related to mail and correspondence.
  • To encourage creative expression through writing.

Vocabulary Highlights

  • Mailbox - A box where letters are delivered and collected.
  • Letters - Written messages sent to someone.
  • Postman - A person who delivers mail.

Activities and Exercises

The chapter includes exercises such as:

  • Reading the poem aloud to improve fluency.
  • Answering questions based on the poem to test comprehension.
  • Writing a short letter to a friend or family member as a practical activity.

Message: The chapter emphasizes the joy of giving and receiving letters, fostering a sense of connection through written words.

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 is the name of the poem where a child talks about receiving letters?
Answer:
The poem is called What’s in the Mailbox?. It describes a child’s excitement about receiving letters.
Question 2:
Who writes letters to the child in the poem?
Answer:
The child’s friends and relatives write letters to them.
Question 3:
Why does the child feel happy when they receive letters?
Answer:
The child feels happy because letters bring love and messages from people they care about.
Question 4:
What does the child decide to do after receiving letters?
Answer:
The child decides to write back to their friends and relatives to share their own thoughts.
Question 5:
What is the main theme of the poem What’s in the Mailbox??
Answer:
The main theme is the joy of communication through letters and the happiness of staying connected.
Question 6:
What does the mailbox contain according to the child?
Answer:
The mailbox contains letters from friends and family, which make the child feel special.
Question 7:
How does the child describe the letters they receive?
Answer:
The child describes the letters as fun and exciting, filled with love and news.
Question 8:
What does the child learn from receiving letters?
Answer:
The child learns the importance of communication and the joy of staying in touch with loved ones.
Question 9:
Why is writing letters back important for the child?
Answer:
Writing back is important because it helps the child express their feelings and maintain relationships.
Question 10:
What emotion does the child associate with letters?
Answer:
The child associates happiness and excitement with receiving letters.
Question 11:
How does the poem show the bond between the child and their friends?
Answer:
The poem shows the bond through the exchange of letters, which keeps their friendship strong.
Question 12:
What is the child’s attitude toward the mailbox in the poem?
Answer:
The child is curious and eager to see what’s inside the mailbox, showing their excitement for letters.

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:
What does the child in the poem What’s in the Mailbox? wish to receive?
Answer:

The child wishes to receive letters from friends or family in the mailbox. The poem shows the child’s excitement about getting personal letters instead of just bills or advertisements.

Question 2:
Why does the child in the poem feel disappointed with the mailbox sometimes?
Answer:

The child feels disappointed because the mailbox often contains only bills or advertisements, not the personal letters they hope for.

Question 3:
What does the child decide to do to make the mailbox more exciting?
Answer:

The child decides to write letters to friends and family so that others may also receive happy letters in their mailboxes.

Question 4:
Name one emotion expressed by the child in the poem What’s in the Mailbox?
Answer:

The child expresses excitement when hoping for letters and disappointment when finding only bills or ads.

Question 5:
What is the main message of the poem What’s in the Mailbox??
Answer:

The poem teaches us that small acts of kindness, like writing letters, can bring joy to others. It encourages sharing happiness through communication.

Question 6:
How does the child plan to change what’s inside the mailbox?
Answer:

The child plans to send letters to others, hoping they will reply, so the mailbox will have more personal and happy messages.

Question 7:
What kind of letters does the child want to find in the mailbox?
Answer:

The child wants to find friendly letters from loved ones, not just official or boring mail like bills or ads.

Question 8:
Why is writing letters a good habit according to the poem?
Answer:

Writing letters is a good habit because it spreads happiness and keeps people connected. The poem shows how a simple letter can make someone’s day better.

Question 9:
Why does the child in the poem feel happy when letters arrive?
Answer:

The child feels happy because letters bring love, care, and special messages from loved ones. It makes the child feel connected and important.

Question 10:
What does the child compare the mailbox to in the poem?
Answer:

The child compares the mailbox to a magic box because it holds surprises like letters, just like a magical container.

Question 11:
How does the child describe the sound of letters falling into the mailbox?
Answer:

The child describes it as a flutter or a soft sound, like something light and exciting dropping in.

Question 12:
What does the child do when they find a letter in the mailbox?
Answer:

The child quickly opens the letter with excitement and reads it to feel the joy of the sender's words.

Question 13:
Why is receiving a letter special compared to other things?
Answer:

Letters are special because they carry personal thoughts and emotions from someone who cares, making them more meaningful than ordinary objects.

Question 14:
What lesson does the poem What’s in the Mailbox? teach us?
Answer:

The poem teaches us the joy of communication and how small gestures like sending letters can bring happiness and strengthen relationships.

Question 15:
How can you make someone happy like the child in the poem?
Answer:

You can write and send letters or kind notes to friends or family, just like the child, to spread love and joy.

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 does the child in the poem What’s in the Mailbox? feel sad when checking the mailbox?
Answer:

The child feels sad because no one sends letters to them. The mailbox is always empty, making them feel lonely.
In the poem, the child wishes to receive letters like grown-ups do, showing their desire for connection and attention.

Question 2:
What does the child decide to do to make the mailbox less empty?
Answer:

The child decides to write letters themselves and send them to friends.
This shows their creativity and kindness in trying to solve the problem instead of just feeling sad.

Question 3:
Name two things the child might write in the letters to friends, as suggested in the poem.
Answer:
  • The child might write about their day, like playing games or going to school.
  • They could also share happy wishes or draw small pictures to make the letters special.
Question 4:
How does the poem show that letters can make people happy?
Answer:

The poem shows that letters bring joy because the child smiles thinking about friends receiving them.
Letters help people feel connected even when they are far apart, which is a happy feeling.

Question 5:
What is the difference between the child’s mailbox at the start and the end of the poem?
Answer:

At the start, the mailbox is empty, making the child sad.
By the end, the child fills it with letters they write, turning it into a place of hope and happiness.

Question 6:
Why do you think the poet chose a mailbox as the main idea of the poem?
Answer:

A mailbox symbolizes communication and waiting. The poet uses it to show how children also want to feel important and loved through small gestures like letters.

Question 7:
Why does the child in the poem What’s in the Mailbox? feel sad when they check the mailbox?
Answer:

The child feels sad because they never receive any letters in their mailbox. They see letters coming for others, like their mother and father, but none for them. This makes them feel left out and disappointed.

Question 8:
What does the child decide to do to solve their problem of not receiving letters?
Answer:

The child decides to write letters to their friends so that they can receive letters in return. They believe that by sending letters, their friends will reply, and their mailbox will no longer be empty.

Question 9:
Name two people mentioned in the poem who receive letters regularly.
Answer:

The two people who receive letters regularly are the child's mother and father. The poem mentions that letters come for them every day, which makes the child envious.

Question 10:
How does the child describe the letters they plan to write to their friends?
Answer:

The child describes the letters as small and sweet. They want to write friendly and kind messages to their friends, hoping to make them happy and encourage them to reply.

Question 11:
What lesson does the poem What’s in the Mailbox? teach us about communication?
Answer:

The poem teaches us that communication is a two-way process. If we want to receive letters or messages, we should also take the initiative to send them. It encourages us to be proactive in staying connected with others.

Question 12:
How would you feel if you were in the child’s place and never received any letters?
Answer:

If I were in the child’s place, I would feel lonely and left out, just like the child in the poem. Not receiving any letters while others do would make me sad, but I would also try to solve the problem by writing letters to my friends, just as the child did.

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:
In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the poet describes receiving letters from different people. How does the poet feel about receiving these letters, and what does it teach us about communication?
Answer:

In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the poet feels excited and happy when receiving letters from different people. The poet mentions letters from a grandmother, a friend, and even a cousin, which shows how special and personal handwritten letters can be.

This teaches us that communication through letters is a meaningful way to stay connected with loved ones. Unlike quick messages, letters carry emotions, effort, and thoughtfulness. The poem also highlights the joy of anticipation—waiting for a letter and the surprise of seeing who it’s from.

Additionally, the poem encourages us to appreciate traditional ways of communication, like writing letters, which can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

Question 2:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? talks about different senders of letters. Compare how the poet describes the letters from a grandmother and a friend. What do these differences tell us about relationships?
Answer:

In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the poet describes letters from a grandmother and a friend differently, showing the unique nature of each relationship.

  • Grandmother’s Letter: The poet mentions that the grandmother’s letter is full of love and care, often containing stories or advice. This shows that grandparents share wisdom and affection, making their letters warm and comforting.
  • Friend’s Letter: The friend’s letter is described as fun and exciting, filled with jokes or updates about shared experiences. This reflects the playful and lively bond between friends.

These differences tell us that relationships shape how we communicate. Grandparents often express love through guidance, while friends connect through shared joy. Both types of letters are valuable, showing how different people bring different kinds of happiness into our lives.

Question 3:
In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the child eagerly checks the mailbox every day. Why do you think the child is so excited about receiving letters? Explain with examples from the poem.
Answer:

The child in the poem What’s in the Mailbox? is excited about receiving letters because they bring joy, love, and a sense of connection. The poem mentions that the child receives letters from friends and family, which makes them feel special and loved. For example, the line 'Mostly, letters come for me' shows that the child feels important when they get personal letters. Letters also carry surprises, like news or small gifts, which add to the excitement. The child’s eagerness reflects how handwritten letters create happiness and strengthen relationships.

Question 4:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? describes the joy of receiving letters. How can writing letters to others spread happiness? Explain with reference to the poem and real-life examples.
Answer:

Writing letters spreads happiness because it shows care and thoughtfulness, just like in the poem What’s in the Mailbox?. When the child says, 'I too will write letters', it means they want to make others happy too.

In real life, letters can:

  • Make someone feel loved, like writing to a grandparent.
  • Share good news, such as telling a friend about a fun event.
  • Cheer up someone who is lonely, like sending a letter to a sick classmate.
Letters are personal and lasting, unlike quick messages, which is why they bring so much joy.

Question 5:
In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the child wonders about the letters they receive. Imagine you are the child in the poem. Write a letter to your friend describing how you feel when you receive a letter and what you would like to write back.
Answer:

If I were the child in the poem, I would feel very excited and happy to receive a letter. It would make me feel special because someone took the time to write to me. I would carefully open the envelope and read the letter with a big smile.


In my reply, I would thank my friend for writing to me and tell them how much I enjoyed their letter. I would share some fun things I did recently, like playing a game or going to the park. I might also ask them questions about their life, such as what their favorite toy is or what they like to do for fun.


I would end the letter with a warm closing, like Your friend or With love, and maybe even draw a small picture to make it extra special. Writing back would make me feel connected to my friend, even if we are far apart.

Question 6:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? talks about the joy of receiving letters. Why do you think sending and receiving letters is special? Explain with examples from the poem and your own experiences.
Answer:

Sending and receiving letters is special because it shows someone cares enough to take the time to write. In the poem, the child feels happy and curious about the letters in the mailbox, wondering who they are from and what they say. This shows how exciting it is to get a personal message.


Letters are also special because they can be kept and read again later, unlike a quick phone call or text. For example, in the poem, the child might save the letters to read whenever they feel lonely or need a smile.


From my own experience, getting a letter from a grandparent or friend makes me feel loved. I once received a letter from my cousin who lives far away, and it made me so happy that I kept it under my pillow. Letters create memories and help us stay connected with people we care about.

Question 7:
In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the child eagerly waits for letters. Why do you think receiving letters is special? Explain with examples from the poem and your own experiences.
Answer:

Receiving letters is special because they carry personal messages and emotions from someone who cares about us. In the poem, the child feels excited to see letters in the mailbox because they bring love and happiness from friends or family. For example, the poem mentions letters from a grandmother or a friend, which make the child feel connected to them even when they are far away.

In my own life, I remember feeling happy when I got a birthday card from my cousin. The colorful drawings and sweet words made me feel loved. Letters are like little surprises that show someone is thinking about us. They are more special than texts or emails because they are tangible—we can hold them and keep them as memories.

Question 8:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? describes the joy of receiving letters. Imagine you are writing a letter to your best friend. What would you include in it to make them smile? Explain with reasons.
Answer:

If I were writing a letter to my best friend, I would include:

  • A funny story: Sharing something silly that happened recently would make them laugh, like the time my dog chased its tail and fell over.
  • A drawing or sticker: Adding colorful pictures or their favorite cartoon character would make the letter more fun to open.
  • Kind words: I would write how much I miss them and remind them of our happy memories, like our picnic in the park.

These things would make my friend smile because letters with personal touches show that I put effort into making them happy. Just like in the poem, where letters bring joy, my letter would remind my friend that they are important to me.

Question 9:
In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the child eagerly waits for letters. Why do you think receiving letters is special for the child? Explain with examples from the poem.
Answer:

In the poem What’s in the Mailbox?, the child finds receiving letters very special because they bring joy, love, and a sense of connection. The child mentions that letters are written by loved ones, like parents or friends, which makes them precious. For example, the child says, 'Mostly it’s bills or some circulars, but sometimes there’s a letter for me.' This shows that even though the mailbox usually has ordinary things, a personal letter stands out and makes the child happy.

Letters also carry emotions and thoughts from someone far away, making the child feel closer to them. The excitement of opening a letter and reading handwritten words is something the child cherishes. This teaches us how small gestures, like writing letters, can bring big smiles!

Question 10:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? describes the child’s routine of checking the mailbox. How does this routine reflect the child’s hope and curiosity? Support your answer with lines from the poem.
Answer:

The child’s routine of checking the mailbox every day shows hope and curiosity about receiving something special. The line 'Every day I see the postman come, and every day I hope there’s a letter for me.' proves that the child eagerly waits, hoping to find a letter despite usually getting bills or circulars. This routine reflects the child’s belief that something wonderful might arrive any day.

Curiosity is seen when the child wonders, 'What’s in the mailbox today?' This question shows the child’s excitement to discover what the postman has brought. Even if most days are disappointing, the child never stops hoping, teaching us the value of patience and optimism in small everyday moments.

Question 11:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? teaches us about communication. How does writing letters help in expressing feelings better than other ways? Give reasons based on the poem.
Answer:

Writing letters helps in expressing feelings better because they are personal and thoughtful. In the poem, the child writes letters to share their emotions, which shows that letters allow time to think and choose the right words. Unlike quick messages or calls, letters can be kept and read again, making them more special. The line 'I write letters to my friends, I post them every day' shows the child’s effort to stay connected. Letters also carry a physical touch, like handwriting, which makes them unique. This way, feelings are expressed more deeply and remembered longer.

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:
Mini receives a letter from her friend Riya. The letter talks about Riya's new pet dog. Based on the chapter What’s in the Mailbox?, what are the different parts of a friendly letter that Mini can identify in Riya's letter?
Answer:

A friendly letter has five main parts that Mini can identify in Riya's letter:

  • Heading: This includes the sender's address and the date.
  • Greeting: This is how the letter starts, like Dear Mini.
  • Body: This is the main part where Riya talks about her new pet dog.
  • Closing: This is how the letter ends, like Your friend or Love.
  • Signature: This is Riya's name at the end.

Mini can also look for envelopes with addresses and stamps, as mentioned in the chapter.

Question 2:
In the chapter What’s in the Mailbox?, the poet describes how letters bring joy. Imagine you receive a letter from your grandparents. Write two feelings you might experience and explain why letters are special compared to messages on a phone.
Answer:

If I receive a letter from my grandparents, I might feel:

  • Excitement: Because holding a letter is like opening a surprise gift.
  • Love: Because their handwriting and words feel personal and warm.

Letters are special compared to phone messages because:

  • They are tangible—I can keep them and read them again.
  • They show effort and care, as writing and posting a letter takes time.

Just like in the chapter, letters bring a unique happiness that quick messages cannot.

Question 3:
The poem What’s in the Mailbox? talks about receiving letters. Suppose you want to write a letter to your best friend inviting them to your birthday party. List the steps you would follow to write and send the letter, just like in the chapter.
Answer:

To write and send a letter to my best friend, I would follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Take a clean sheet of paper and write my address and the date at the top (heading).
  • Step 2: Write Dear [Friend's Name] as the greeting.
  • Step 3: Write the body of the letter, inviting them to my party and sharing details.
  • Step 4: End with a closing like Your friend and sign my name.
  • Step 5: Fold the letter, put it in an envelope, and write my friend's address on it.
  • Step 6: Stick a stamp on the envelope and drop it in a mailbox.

Just like in the chapter, sending a letter is a special way to communicate!

Question 4:
Meena receives a letter from her grandmother every month. She loves reading them but notices that some words are difficult to understand. What should Meena do to understand these words better?
Answer:

Meena can follow these steps to understand difficult words in her grandmother's letters:

  • First, she can try to guess the meaning from the rest of the sentence.
  • She can use a dictionary to look up the word and learn its meaning.
  • She can ask her teacher or parents to explain the word to her.
  • Finally, she can write down the new words in a notebook to remember them.

This way, Meena will improve her vocabulary and enjoy her grandmother's letters even more!

Question 5:
Rahul wants to write a letter to his friend who lives in another city. He is unsure about the format of a friendly letter. Help Rahul by explaining the correct format with an example.
Answer:

A friendly letter has five main parts:

  • Heading: The sender's address and date (e.g., '123 Park Street, Mumbai
    10th June 2026').
  • Greeting: A friendly opening like 'Dear Friend,' or 'Hello Rahul,'.
  • Body: The main message, written in paragraphs.
  • Closing: A polite ending like 'Your friend,' or 'Take care,'.
  • Signature: The sender's name (e.g., 'From,
    Rahul').

Here's an example:

45 Green Park, Delhi
15th June 2026

Dear Arjun,

How are you? I miss playing cricket with you. Let’s meet soon!

Your friend,
Rahul

Question 6:
Priya receives a postcard from her cousin with a picture of a beach. She wants to reply but doesn’t know what to write. Suggest three things Priya can include in her reply postcard.
Answer:

Priya can write these three things in her reply postcard:

  • She can thank her cousin for the beautiful postcard and say how much she liked the beach picture.
  • She can share one fun activity she did recently, like a school event or a family outing.
  • She can ask a question about her cousin's trip to the beach, such as 'Did you swim in the sea?' or 'What was your favorite part of the trip?'

This will make her reply interesting and keep the conversation going!

Question 7:
Meena received a letter from her friend Riya. The letter had a red stamp and a handwritten address. What are the different parts of a letter that Meena can identify from this description?
Answer:

Meena can identify the following parts of the letter:

  • Stamp: The red stamp is used to show that postage has been paid for the letter.
  • Handwritten address: This is the address of the receiver (Meena) written by the sender (Riya).
  • Sender's address: Usually written on the top-left corner or the back of the envelope.
  • Receiver's address: Written clearly on the front of the envelope.

Letters often bring joy and help people stay connected with friends and family.

Question 8:
Rahul wants to send a birthday card to his grandmother. What steps should he follow to ensure the card reaches her safely?
Answer:

Rahul should follow these steps:


1. Write a sweet birthday message inside the card.
2. Write his grandmother's full address clearly on the envelope.
3. Add his own address as the sender's address in case the card needs to be returned.
4. Stick the correct postage stamp on the envelope.
5. Drop the card in a postbox or take it to the post office.

Sending letters or cards shows love and care for others.

Question 9:
Priya found a letter in her mailbox, but it was addressed to her neighbor. What should Priya do in this situation?
Answer:

Priya should follow these steps:

  • Check the address carefully to confirm it is not hers.
  • If the letter belongs to her neighbor, she should not open it as it is private.
  • She can return it to the postman or place it in her neighbor's mailbox.

Respecting others' mail is important because everyone has the right to privacy.

Question 10:
Meena loves receiving letters from her grandmother. She notices that every letter has a stamp and an address. Why are these important for sending a letter?
Answer:

The stamp and address are very important for sending a letter.

1. The stamp acts like a small payment to the post office so they can carry the letter to the right place. Without it, the letter won’t be delivered.

2. The address tells the postman exactly where to take the letter. It includes the receiver’s name, house number, street, city, and pin code. If the address is wrong or missing, the letter might get lost!

Question 11:
Rahul writes a letter to his friend but forgets to put it in an envelope. What problems could this cause? How does an envelope help?
Answer:

If Rahul forgets to use an envelope, his letter could face these problems:

1. The letter might get torn or dirty while traveling because it has no protection.

2. The address or stamp could fall off, making it hard for the postman to deliver.

An envelope helps by:

  • Keeping the letter safe and clean.
  • Holding the stamp and address securely so they don’t get lost.
  • Making sure the letter stays private because no one can read it without opening the envelope.

Question 12:
Priya receives a letter from her cousin, but the handwriting is messy, and she can’t read some words. What should she do to avoid this when writing her own letters?
Answer:

Priya can follow these steps to make her letters clear and easy to read:

1. Write neatly: Use clear and big letters so the words don’t mix up.

2. Leave space: Keep gaps between words and lines to avoid crowding.

3. Check spelling: If she’s unsure about a word, she can ask an adult or use a dictionary.

4. Practice: The more she writes, the better her handwriting will become!

Remember, a neat letter makes the receiver happy and avoids confusion.

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