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Why? – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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Why?

Study Materials

4th

4th - English (Santoor)

Why?

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Overview of the Chapter

The chapter Why? from the CBSE Grade 4 English textbook explores the curious nature of children and their endless questions. It highlights how young minds seek answers to understand the world around them. The chapter encourages students to embrace their curiosity and develop a habit of questioning to enhance their learning.

Key Theme: The importance of curiosity and asking questions in the learning process.

Summary of the Chapter

The chapter begins with a child asking numerous "why" questions about everyday phenomena, such as why the sky is blue or why birds fly. These questions reflect the natural inquisitiveness of children. The narrative emphasizes that asking questions is a vital part of growing up and gaining knowledge.

Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something, often driving exploration and discovery.

The chapter also includes a short poem or rhyme that reinforces the idea of questioning. The playful tone of the poem makes learning enjoyable while subtly teaching the value of curiosity. The chapter concludes by encouraging students to keep asking questions and seeking answers, as this is how they learn and grow.

Key Takeaways

  • Children are naturally curious and ask many questions.
  • Asking "why" helps in understanding the world better.
  • Curiosity is essential for learning and development.

Learning through Questions: The process of gaining knowledge by inquiring and exploring answers.

Activities and Exercises

The chapter includes simple exercises where students are encouraged to think of their own "why" questions and discuss them with classmates or teachers. These activities aim to foster critical thinking and communication skills.

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:
Who is the author of the chapter Why??
Answer:

The author of the chapter Why? is Leo Tolstoy, a famous Russian writer.

Question 2:
Why does the child in the story keep asking questions?
Answer:

The child keeps asking questions because he is curious and wants to learn about everything around him.

Question 3:
What does the child ask about the birds in the story?
Answer:

The child asks why the birds fly and where they go.

Question 4:
How does the father respond to the child's questions?
Answer:

The father answers the child's questions patiently, showing his love and care.

Question 5:
What lesson does the chapter Why? teach us?
Answer:

The chapter teaches us that curiosity is important for learning and that adults should encourage children to ask questions.

Question 6:
Name one thing the child asks about in the chapter.
Answer:

The child asks about why the wind blows.

Question 7:
What is the child's attitude towards learning in the story?
Answer:

The child has a curious and eager-to-learn attitude.

Question 8:
How does the story show the relationship between the child and the father?
Answer:

The story shows a loving and patient relationship, as the father answers all the child's questions.

Question 9:
What does the child learn by asking questions?
Answer:

The child learns about the world and how things work by asking questions.

Question 10:
Why is it important to ask questions like the child in the story?
Answer:

Asking questions helps us learn new things and understand the world better.

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 does the poet ask so many questions in the poem Why??
Answer:

The poet asks many questions to show the curiosity of a child. Children are naturally curious and want to understand the world around them. The questions highlight how they wonder about simple things in life.

Question 2:
What does the line 'Why does the sun shine bright?' tell us about the child's thinking?
Answer:

This line shows that the child is observant and questions natural phenomena. The child wants to know the reason behind everyday things, showing a scientific curiosity.

Question 3:
Name two things the child wonders about in the poem Why?
Answer:
  • Why the sun shines bright
  • Why the wind blows so fast

These questions reflect the child's imagination and desire to learn.

Question 4:
How does the poem Why? encourage children to think?
Answer:

The poem encourages children to ask questions and explore the world. It teaches them that curiosity is good and helps in learning new things.

Question 5:
What is the main theme of the poem Why??
Answer:

The main theme is childhood curiosity. The poem shows how children are always eager to know why things happen, which is important for their growth.

Question 6:
Why do you think the poet chose the title Why? for the poem?
Answer:

The title Why? is chosen because it represents the endless questions children ask. It captures the essence of their inquisitive nature.

Question 7:
How does the child in the poem view nature?
Answer:

The child sees nature as something mysterious and full of wonders. The questions show a deep interest in understanding natural events.

Question 8:
What lesson can we learn from the poem Why??
Answer:

We learn that asking questions is important for learning. The poem teaches us to stay curious and never stop exploring the world around us.

Question 9:
What is the main theme of the chapter Why??
Answer:

The main theme of the chapter Why? is the curiosity of children and their endless questions about the world around them. It highlights how asking why helps in learning and understanding new things.

Question 10:
Name two characters from the chapter Why? who show curiosity.
Answer:

Two characters from the chapter Why? who show curiosity are:
1. The little girl who keeps asking questions.
2. Her mother who patiently answers her questions.

Question 11:
Why does the little girl in the chapter Why? keep asking questions?
Answer:

The little girl keeps asking questions because she is naturally curious and wants to understand how things work. Her questions show her eagerness to learn and explore the world.

Question 12:
What lesson do we learn from the chapter Why??
Answer:

The lesson we learn from the chapter Why? is that curiosity is important for learning. Asking questions helps us gain knowledge and understand the world better.

Question 13:
How does the mother respond to the little girl's questions in the chapter Why??
Answer:

The mother responds to the little girl's questions with patience and kindness. She answers each question to satisfy her child's curiosity and encourages her to keep learning.

Question 14:
What is the significance of the title Why? for this chapter?
Answer:

The title Why? is significant because it represents the endless curiosity of children. It captures the essence of the chapter, which is about asking questions to learn and grow.

Question 15:
Give an example of a question the little girl asks in the chapter Why?.
Answer:

An example of a question the little girl asks is, 'Why is the sky blue?' This shows her curiosity about natural phenomena.

Question 16:
How does the chapter Why? encourage children to ask questions?
Answer:

The chapter Why? encourages children to ask questions by showing that curiosity is a good thing. It teaches that asking questions helps in learning and that adults are there to support and guide them.

Question 17:
Why does the teacher encourage students to ask questions in the chapter Why??
Answer:

The teacher encourages students to ask questions because curiosity helps in learning. By asking why, students explore new ideas and understand things better.

Question 18:
How does the chapter Why? show the importance of curiosity?
Answer:

The chapter Why? shows the importance of curiosity by depicting how children learn new things by asking questions. It emphasizes that curiosity leads to discovery and learning.

Question 19:
What is one question Rahul asks in the chapter Why??
Answer:

One question Rahul asks in the chapter Why? is, 'Why do birds fly?' This shows his curiosity about nature.

Question 20:
How does Meena feel when she gets answers to her questions in the chapter Why??
Answer:

Meena feels happy and satisfied when she gets answers to her questions. It makes her more eager to learn and ask more why questions.

Question 21:
Why is the chapter titled Why??
Answer:

The chapter is titled Why? because it revolves around children's habit of asking why to satisfy their curiosity. The title reflects the theme of questioning and learning.

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 poet in the chapter Why? keep asking questions?
Answer:

The poet keeps asking questions because he is curious about the world around him. Children often wonder about things they see and experience, just like the poet. His questions show his eagerness to learn and understand how things work. For example, he asks why wood floats and lead sinks, showing his interest in science.

Question 2:
Give an example from the poem Why? where the poet shows curiosity about nature.
Answer:

In the poem, the poet asks, "Why do we eat and drink?" This shows his curiosity about basic human needs and nature. He also wonders why flowers bloom and why clouds float in the sky, which are examples of his interest in natural phenomena.

Question 3:
How does the poet describe the wind in the poem Why??
Answer:

The poet describes the wind as something that "blows where it wishes", showing its free and unpredictable nature. He wonders why the wind cannot be seen but can be felt, which reflects his curiosity about invisible forces in nature. This question helps us think about how some things in nature are mysterious yet fascinating.

Question 4:
Why does the poet in Why? keep asking questions?
Answer:

The poet keeps asking questions because he is curious about the world around him. Children often wonder about things they see every day, like why wood floats or why clouds drift. The poem shows how curiosity helps us learn new things.

Question 5:
Give an example from the poem Why? where the poet questions nature.
Answer:

In the poem, the poet asks, "Why does the wind blow so wild?" This shows his curiosity about natural forces. He also wonders why the sun shines and why flowers bloom, showing his interest in nature's mysteries.

Question 6:
Why do you think the poet chose the title Why? for this poem?
Answer:

The poet chose the title Why? because the poem is full of questions starting with why. It highlights a child's endless curiosity and the importance of questioning to gain knowledge.

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 chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions out of curiosity. How does curiosity help in learning? Explain with examples from the chapter.
Answer:

Curiosity is the strong desire to learn or know something. In the chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions because he is curious about the world around him. This helps him learn new things every day.

For example:

  • When the child asks Why should I eat vegetables?, he learns that they keep him healthy.
  • When he asks Why do birds fly?, he discovers that birds have wings and light bodies.

Curiosity makes learning fun and helps us understand how things work. It encourages us to explore, ask questions, and find answers, just like the child in the chapter.

Question 2:
The chapter Why? shows a child who is always curious. Do you think asking too many questions can be annoying? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer:

Asking questions is a good habit because it helps us learn, but sometimes, asking too many questions can be annoying for others.

Reasons why it can be annoying:

  • If someone is busy, they may not have time to answer all questions.
  • Repeating the same question many times can frustrate others.

However, curiosity is important:

  • Asking questions helps us gain knowledge.
  • It shows that we are interested in learning.

In the chapter Why?, the child asks many questions, but his parents answer patiently because they want him to learn. The key is to ask questions at the right time and in a polite manner.

Question 3:
In the chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions. Explain why curiosity is important for learning and give two examples from the chapter where the child's questions lead to understanding something new.
Answer:

Curiosity is important for learning because it helps us explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover answers. When we are curious, we become active learners and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. In the chapter Why?, the child's questions show how curiosity leads to knowledge.

  • One example is when the child asks why the sky is blue. This question helps them learn about light scattering and how sunlight interacts with the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Another example is when the child asks why we need to sleep. This question teaches them about the importance of rest for the body and mind, helping them understand how sleep repairs and refreshes us.

By asking questions, the child gains new knowledge and grows smarter every day!

Question 4:
The poem in the chapter Why? shows the child's endless questions. Describe how asking questions helps in building confidence and creativity, and relate it to the child's behavior in the poem.
Answer:

Asking questions helps build confidence because it shows that we are eager to learn and not afraid to seek answers. It also boosts creativity by encouraging us to think differently and imagine new possibilities. In the poem Why?, the child's behavior reflects this perfectly.

  • The child confidently asks questions like Why is the grass green? or Why do birds fly?, showing no fear of being wrong or judged.
  • Their creative thinking is seen when they wonder about things like why the wind blows or why the moon shines, which opens up discussions about nature and science.

By constantly questioning, the child becomes more confident in expressing their thoughts and more creative in exploring the world. This habit makes learning fun and exciting!

Question 5:
In the chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions out of curiosity. Explain why curiosity is important for learning, and give two examples from the chapter where the child's questions lead to understanding something new.
Answer:

Curiosity is important for learning because it helps us explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover answers. When we are curious, we become active learners and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. In the chapter Why?, the child's questions show how curiosity leads to knowledge.

  • One example is when the child asks why the sky is blue. This question helps them learn about light scattering and how sunlight interacts with the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Another example is when the child asks why we need to sleep. This question teaches them about the importance of rest for our body and mind to function properly.

By asking questions, the child gains new knowledge and satisfies their curiosity, which is a key part of learning.

Question 6:
The chapter Why? shows how adults sometimes avoid answering a child's questions. Do you think adults should always answer children's questions? Give reasons to support your answer with examples from the chapter.
Answer:

Adults should try their best to answer children's questions because it encourages learning and builds confidence. When adults answer patiently, children feel valued and motivated to explore more. However, sometimes adults may not know the answer or may be busy, which is understandable.

  • In the chapter, when the child asks why stars twinkle, the adult replies, "Because they are happy." This is a playful answer but doesn't explain the scientific reason (light passing through Earth's atmosphere). A better response would be to find the correct answer together.
  • Another example is when the child asks why we have to go to school. Instead of dismissing the question, adults can explain how school helps us learn important skills and make friends.

While adults may not always have time, they should encourage curiosity and help children find answers, as it strengthens their knowledge and thinking abilities.

Question 7:
In the chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions. How does this curiosity help in learning? Explain with examples from the chapter.
Answer:

In the chapter Why?, the child's constant questioning shows how curiosity is important for learning. When we ask questions, we try to understand things better. For example, the child asks why the stars shine and why the wind blows. These questions help the child learn about nature and science.

Curiosity makes us explore and find answers. In the chapter, the child's questions lead to discussions with elders, who explain things like the sun giving light or trees growing from seeds. This shows that asking why helps us gain knowledge and think deeply.

Additionally, curiosity makes learning fun. Instead of just memorizing facts, the child enjoys discovering new things. This is why teachers encourage students to ask questions in class—it helps everyone learn together!

Question 8:
The chapter Why? teaches us the importance of asking questions. How can asking good questions improve our understanding of the world? Support your answer with examples from daily life.
Answer:

Asking good questions helps us understand the world clearly. In the chapter Why?, the child asks about rain, birds, and other natural things. Similarly, in daily life, when we ask questions like Why is the sky blue? or How do plants make food?, we learn science and nature better.

Good questions also help in solving problems. For example, if a toy is not working, asking Why is it broken? helps us find the issue and fix it. This improves our thinking skills.

  • Questions make us observe carefully—like noticing why leaves fall in autumn.
  • They encourage discussions—teachers and parents explain things when we ask.
  • They build confidence—when we get answers, we feel smarter!

So, just like the child in the chapter, we should always ask questions to grow our knowledge.

Question 9:
In the chapter Why?, the child keeps asking questions. How does this show the child's curiosity? Explain with examples from the chapter.
Answer:

The child in the chapter Why? shows a strong sense of curiosity by constantly asking questions about everything around them. This curiosity is natural for children as they try to understand the world. For example:

  • The child asks Why the wood swims and the lead sinks, showing interest in how objects behave differently.
  • They question why we eat and drink, which reflects their curiosity about basic human needs.
  • The child also wonders why the sun shines, indicating their fascination with nature.

These questions highlight how children are eager to learn and explore. Their curiosity helps them grow and understand the world better. The chapter teaches us that asking questions is a good way to gain knowledge.

Question 10:
The poem Why? shows the child's endless questions. How do these questions help in learning? Explain with reference to the poem.
Answer:

The child's endless questions in the poem Why? play a very important role in learning. Here’s how:

  • Questions help the child understand the reasons behind things, like why clouds float or why wind blows.
  • By asking, the child learns about cause and effect, such as why we need food to grow.
  • Questions encourage thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for learning.

The poem shows that asking Why is a way to explore and discover new things. It teaches us that curiosity leads to knowledge. When children ask questions, they build a habit of seeking answers, which helps them throughout their lives.

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:
Read the following situation: Riya keeps asking 'Why?' to her mother about everything she sees. Her mother patiently answers but sometimes feels tired. Based on the chapter Why?, explain why Riya's curiosity is important and how her mother can handle it better.
Answer:

Riya's curiosity is important because asking 'Why?' helps her learn and understand the world around her. Just like in the chapter, children are naturally curious, and this curiosity helps them grow smarter and more confident.

Her mother can handle it better by:

  • Being patient and encouraging Riya's questions.
  • Giving simple and clear answers.
  • If she doesn't know the answer, she can say, 'Let’s find out together!' and look it up in a book or online.

This way, Riya will feel valued and keep her love for learning alive.

Question 2:
In the chapter Why?, the child asks many questions about nature. Imagine you are the child and write two questions you would ask about the sky and clouds, along with their possible answers.
Answer:

Two questions about the sky and clouds with answers:

  • Question: 'Why is the sky blue?'
    Answer: The sky looks blue because sunlight scatters in all directions when it hits the tiny molecules in the air. Blue light scatters more than other colors, so we see the sky as blue.
  • Question: 'Why do clouds float?'
    Answer: Clouds float because they are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that are very light. Air currents keep them up in the sky, just like how a feather floats in the wind.
Question 3:
The chapter Why? shows how asking questions helps in learning. Suppose your friend is shy to ask questions in class. Write a short paragraph advising your friend why asking questions is good and how it can help in studies.
Answer:

Asking questions is very good because it helps you understand things better. When you ask, you clear your doubts and learn new things. Even if the question seems simple, it might help others too! Teachers like when students ask questions because it shows they are paying attention. Don’t be shy—everyone learns by asking. Remember, no question is silly, and asking makes you smarter!

Question 4:
Read the following situation:

Riya keeps asking 'Why?' about everything she sees—clouds, rain, birds flying. Her mother smiles but sometimes finds it hard to answer.

Question: Why do you think Riya asks so many questions? How does this help her learn?
Answer:

Riya asks 'Why?' because she is curious about the world around her. Curiosity helps children explore and understand new things.

  • Asking questions improves her thinking skills.
  • It helps her learn cause-and-effect relationships, like why clouds bring rain.
  • Her mother's answers build her knowledge and vocabulary.

Remember, asking questions is a natural way to grow smarter!

Question 5:
Read the lines from the chapter:

'Why should the sun go to bed? Aren’t the stars awake all night?'

Question: What does this show about the child’s imagination? How is it different from an adult’s thinking?
Answer:

The child uses imagination to compare the sun going to bed like humans, showing creative thinking.

  • Children see nature as alive (e.g., stars 'awake').
  • Adults think scientifically (e.g., sunset is Earth’s rotation).

This difference makes childhood special—it’s full of wonder!

Question 6:
Imagine you see a rainbow after rain. Write a short dialogue (4 lines) between you and a friend, using 'Why?' questions like in the chapter.
Answer:

Dialogue:
You: 'Why are there so many colors in the rainbow?'
Friend: 'Because sunlight splits in raindrops!'
You: 'Why doesn’t it appear every day?'
Friend: 'We need both rain and sunshine to make magic!'

This shows how questions lead to fun, learning conversations!

Question 7:
Read the following situation: Ria keeps asking 'Why?' about everything she sees, like why the sky is blue or why birds fly. Her mother smiles and answers patiently.

Based on the chapter Why?, explain why Ria's behavior is important for learning. Also, suggest two ways her curiosity helps her grow.

Answer:

Ria's behavior of asking 'Why?' shows her curiosity, which is essential for learning. Curiosity helps children explore the world, understand new concepts, and develop critical thinking skills.

  • It encourages her to seek knowledge and learn from answers given by others.
  • It improves her observation skills as she notices details in nature, like the sky and birds.

By asking questions, Ria builds confidence and creativity, making her an active learner.

Question 8:
In the chapter Why?, the child asks many questions about nature. Imagine you are a teacher and a student asks you, 'Why do leaves change color in autumn?'

How would you explain this in a simple way? Also, mention one value children learn by asking such questions.

Answer:

Leaves change color in autumn because chlorophyll (the green pigment) breaks down as days get shorter and cooler. This reveals other colors like yellow and orange that were hidden before.


Children learn the value of patience and observation by asking such questions. They understand that nature has its own patterns, and exploring these helps them appreciate science in daily life.

Question 9:
The chapter Why? highlights a child's endless questions. Suppose a classmate says, 'Asking too many questions is annoying.'

How would you politely explain why questions are important? Give two reasons with examples from the chapter.

Answer:

Questions are important because:

  • They help us learn new things, like how the child in the chapter learns about stars, rain, and animals by asking.
  • They make us better thinkers, as finding answers improves our problem-solving skills.

Instead of being annoying, questions show a love for learning, just like the curious child in the story!

Question 10:
Read the following passage and answer the questions below:

Riya was always curious. She asked, 'Why do birds fly south in winter?' Her mother explained that birds migrate to warmer places to find food and escape the cold.

1. Why was Riya curious?
2. What reason did her mother give for birds flying south in winter?
Answer:

1. Riya was curious because she wanted to understand the behavior of birds, specifically why they fly south during winter. Her curiosity shows her interest in learning about nature.

2. Riya's mother explained that birds migrate to warmer places in winter for two main reasons:

  • To find food, as it becomes scarce in colder regions.
  • To escape the harsh cold weather, which makes survival difficult.
This behavior is called migration, a natural instinct in many bird species.

Question 11:
Read the following situation and answer the questions below:

During a science class, the teacher asked, 'Why do we need to drink water?' Some students gave answers like 'to stay alive' and 'to avoid thirst.'

1. Why is drinking water important for our body?
2. What happens if we don't drink enough water?
Answer:

1. Drinking water is important for our body because:

  • It helps in digestion and absorbs nutrients from food.
  • It regulates body temperature through sweating.
  • It keeps our skin healthy and flushes out toxins.

2. If we don't drink enough water:

  • We may feel tired or dizzy due to dehydration.
  • Our body cannot function properly, leading to headaches or dry skin.
  • In severe cases, it can even affect our kidneys and other organs.

Question 12:
Read the following conversation and answer the questions below:

Arjun asked his father, 'Why do leaves change color in autumn?' His father replied, 'It’s because of the changes in sunlight and temperature.'

1. What question did Arjun ask his father?
2. Explain in detail why leaves change color in autumn.
Answer:

1. Arjun asked his father why leaves change color in autumn, showing his curiosity about seasonal changes in nature.

2. Leaves change color in autumn due to:

  • Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures, which slow down chlorophyll production (the green pigment in leaves).
  • As chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments like carotenoids (yellow/orange) and anthocyanins (red/purple) become visible.
  • This process helps trees prepare for winter by conserving energy.

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