Online Self Test
Learn & Practice Quizzes & Challenges Competitive Exams
 

The Milkman's Cow – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

Previous ChapterNext Chapter
Previous Chapter Next Chapter
The Milkman's Cow

Study Materials

4th

4th - English (Santoor)

The Milkman's Cow

Jump to Question Sets

Overview of the Chapter

The chapter 'The Milkman's Cow' is a part of the CBSE Grade 4 English curriculum. It is a story that revolves around a milkman and his cow, highlighting themes of responsibility, care for animals, and the consequences of negligence. The narrative is engaging and designed to improve reading comprehension and moral understanding among young learners.

Key Theme: The story emphasizes the importance of taking care of animals and being responsible for one's duties.

Summary of the Story

The story begins with a milkman who owns a cow. The cow provides milk, which the milkman sells to earn his livelihood. However, the milkman becomes careless and stops taking proper care of the cow. As a result, the cow falls ill and stops giving milk. The milkman realizes his mistake and starts caring for the cow again, leading to its recovery and the resumption of milk production.

Characters

  • The Milkman: The protagonist who learns the importance of responsibility.
  • The Cow: The milkman's cow, which suffers due to his negligence but recovers when cared for properly.

Moral of the Story

The story teaches children that neglecting responsibilities can lead to negative consequences, and taking care of others, including animals, is essential for mutual well-being.

Moral Lesson: Responsibility and care are crucial in maintaining healthy relationships and ensuring success in one's duties.

Key Vocabulary

  • Livelihood
  • Negligence
  • Recovery
  • Responsibility

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 cow give to the milkman every day?
Answer:

The cow gave fresh milk to the milkman every day, which he then sold to the villagers.

Question 2:
Why was the cow important to the milkman?
Answer:

The cow was important because it provided milk, which was the milkman's source of income and helped him earn a living.

Question 3:
Where did the milkman take the cow every morning?
Answer:

The milkman took the cow to graze in the nearby fields every morning so it could eat fresh grass.

Question 4:
What did the villagers get from the milkman?
Answer:

The villagers got fresh milk from the milkman, which they used for their daily needs.

Question 5:
How did the milkman treat his cow?
Answer:

The milkman treated his cow with care and kindness, ensuring it was well-fed and healthy.

Question 6:
What would happen if the cow did not give milk?
Answer:

If the cow did not give milk, the milkman would lose his income, and the villagers would not get their daily supply of milk.

Question 7:
Name one thing the cow ate besides grass.
Answer:

Besides grass, the cow also ate hay and sometimes vegetables provided by the milkman.

Question 8:
Why did the milkman clean the cow every day?
Answer:

The milkman cleaned the cow to keep it healthy and hygienic, preventing diseases and ensuring good milk quality.

Question 9:
How did the milkman carry the milk to the villagers?
Answer:

The milkman carried the milk in a large metal can or container while walking door-to-door.

Question 10:
What sound does the cow make in the story?
Answer:

In the story, the cow moos to communicate with the milkman and others.

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 was the cow unwilling to move in The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The cow was unwilling to move because she was stubborn and did not want to leave her comfortable spot. She enjoyed resting under the tree and refused to listen to the milkman.

Question 2:
Name two characters who tried to help the milkman move the cow.
Answer:

The two characters were:

  • The police officer
  • The grocer
Both tried different ways to make the cow move but failed.

Question 3:
What did the milkman carry to the market every morning?
Answer:

The milkman carried milk pots filled with fresh milk to the market every morning. He sold the milk to earn his living.

Question 4:
How did the little boy finally make the cow move?
Answer:

The little boy used a simple trick. He held a bundle of fresh green grass in front of the cow. The cow, tempted by the grass, stood up and followed him.

Question 5:
What lesson does The Milkman's Cow teach us?
Answer:

The story teaches us that gentleness and smart thinking can solve problems better than force. The boy succeeded where others failed because he understood the cow's nature.

Question 6:
Where was the cow sitting when the milkman found her?
Answer:

The cow was sitting under a big banyan tree in the middle of the road. This blocked the way for everyone passing by.

Question 7:
Why did the milkman need the cow to move?
Answer:

The milkman needed the cow to move because she was blocking the road, and he couldn’t take his milk pots to the market. Delaying would spoil the milk.

Question 8:
What did the grocer suggest to make the cow move?
Answer:

The grocer suggested pulling the cow by her rope. However, the cow did not budge and continued to sit stubbornly under the tree.

Question 9:
Who is the main character in the story The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The main character in the story is the milkman, who takes care of his cow and delivers milk to the villagers.

Question 10:
Why was the cow unhappy in the story The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The cow was unhappy because the milkman overworked her and did not give her enough rest or food.

Question 11:
What lesson does the story The Milkman's Cow teach us?
Answer:

The story teaches us to be kind and considerate towards animals, as they also have feelings and needs.

Question 12:
How did the milkman realize his mistake in The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The milkman realized his mistake when the cow stopped giving milk and became weak, making him understand he was being unfair.

Question 13:
What change did the milkman make after the cow stopped giving milk?
Answer:

The milkman started feeding the cow properly and gave her enough rest, which made her healthy and happy again.

Question 14:
Name one quality of the cow in The Milkman's Cow.
Answer:

The cow was hardworking and patient, even when she was treated unfairly.

Question 15:
How did the villagers react when the cow stopped giving milk?
Answer:

The villagers were worried because they depended on the cow's milk, and this made the milkman rethink his actions.

Question 16:
What would have happened if the milkman did not change his ways in The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

If the milkman did not change, the cow might have become sick or died, and the villagers would have lost their source of milk.

Question 17:
Who is the main character in The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The main character in The Milkman's Cow is the milkman, who takes care of his cow and depends on her for milk.

Question 18:
Why was the cow unhappy in the story?
Answer:

The cow was unhappy because she felt overworked and neglected by the milkman, who only cared about her milk and not her well-being.

Question 19:
How did the milkman realize his mistake?
Answer:

The milkman realized his mistake when the cow stopped giving milk. He understood that he had been selfish and promised to treat her better.

Question 20:
What did the cow do to show her unhappiness?
Answer:

The cow stopped giving milk and looked sad. This was her way of showing that she was unhappy with the milkman's behavior.

Question 21:
Name one way the milkman could have taken better care of his cow.
Answer:

The milkman could have fed her properly, given her enough rest, and shown her love and attention to keep her happy and healthy.

Question 22:
What changed in the milkman's behavior at the end of the story?
Answer:

At the end, the milkman became more caring and responsible. He started treating his cow with kindness and ensured her well-being.

Question 23:
Why is it important to treat animals with kindness?
Answer:

Treating animals with kindness is important because they are living beings with feelings. Happy animals are healthier and more productive, just like the cow in the story.

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:
How did the milkman try to make the cow move?
Answer:

The milkman tried three ways to make the cow move:
1. He pulled her rope gently.
2. His wife offered her green grass.
3. The policeman tapped her with his stick.
However, none of these methods worked because the cow was too stubborn.

Question 2:
Describe the role of the little boy in the story.
Answer:

The little boy was observant and kind-hearted. Unlike others, he noticed the cow's tiredness and gently stroked her back. His compassion made the cow trust him, and she finally moved. This highlights how children can sometimes solve problems better than adults.

Question 3:
Why did the cow finally agree to move?
Answer:

The cow moved because the little boy treated her with care and affection. While others used force or tricks, he simply petted her, making her feel comfortable. This shows that animals respond well to love and gentleness.

Question 4:
What does the cow symbolize in the story?
Answer:

The cow symbolizes stubbornness but also sensitivity. Though she refuses to obey harsh commands, she responds to kindness. The story uses the cow to teach that every creature deserves respect and understanding.

Question 5:
Why did the cow refuse to move in The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The cow refused to move because she was stubborn and didn't want to leave her comfortable spot. She was also tired and didn't listen to the milkman's commands. Stubbornness is a key trait shown by the cow in the story.

Question 6:
Describe how the milkman tried to make the cow move in the story.
Answer:

The milkman tried several ways to make the cow move:

  • He pulled her rope gently.
  • He pleaded with her to move.
  • He even pushed her from behind, but the cow didn't budge.

His efforts show his frustration and helplessness.

Question 7:
What lesson do you learn from The Milkman's Cow?
Answer:

The story teaches us that patience and kindness work better than force. The milkman failed when he tried to push or pull the cow, but the little girl succeeded by offering her food. Gentle persuasion is often more effective than harsh methods.

Question 8:
How did the little girl help the milkman with his cow?
Answer:

The little girl helped by offering the cow some fresh green grass. The cow, tempted by the food, willingly followed her. This shows that understanding an animal's needs can solve problems better than force.

Question 9:
What does the story tell us about the behavior of animals?
Answer:

The story shows that animals, like the cow, have their own moods and preferences. They respond better to kindness and rewards rather than force. Understanding their behavior helps in handling them properly.

Question 10:
Why do you think the cow listened to the girl but not the milkman?
Answer:

The cow listened to the girl because she offered food, which the cow liked. The milkman only used force, which made the cow more stubborn. The girl's friendly approach made the cow cooperate willingly.

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 character of the milkman in The Milkman's Cow and explain how his actions affected the cow. Use examples from the story to support your answer.
Answer:

The milkman in The Milkman's Cow is portrayed as a careless and selfish person. He only thinks about his own profit and does not take proper care of his cow. For example, he overworks the cow by making her carry heavy loads of milk every day without giving her enough rest or proper food. This makes the cow weak and unhappy.

His actions have a negative effect on the cow. The cow becomes exhausted and malnourished, which shows how the milkman's greed harms her. The story teaches us the importance of being kind and responsible towards animals, as they depend on us for their well-being.

Question 2:
Explain the moral lesson of The Milkman's Cow and how it can be applied in real life. Provide examples to support your answer.
Answer:

The moral lesson of The Milkman's Cow is that greed and neglect can lead to suffering, while kindness and responsibility bring happiness. The milkman's selfish behavior causes the cow to suffer, but when others show compassion, the cow's condition improves.

In real life, this lesson can be applied by treating animals and people with care. For example:

  • Feeding and giving water to pets regularly shows responsibility.
  • Helping someone in need reflects kindness, just like the villagers helped the cow.
This story reminds us that our actions affect others, and we should always choose to be kind and fair.

Question 3:
Describe the character of the milkman's cow from the chapter The Milkman's Cow. How did her behavior impact the people around her?
Answer:

The milkman's cow in the chapter The Milkman's Cow was a gentle and kind animal. She was known for her calm nature and provided fresh milk to the villagers every day. Her milk was not just nutritious but also brought happiness to everyone who drank it.

However, one day, the cow suddenly stopped giving milk. This caused worry among the villagers, especially the milkman, who depended on her for his livelihood. The children missed their daily glass of milk, and the adults were concerned about their health. The cow's behavior showed how important she was to the community.

Later, it was discovered that the cow was upset because she missed her calf. Once the calf was brought back to her, she became happy again and started giving milk. This teaches us that animals have feelings too, and we must care for them with kindness.

Question 4:
Explain the moral lesson learned from the chapter The Milkman's Cow. How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives?
Answer:

The chapter The Milkman's Cow teaches us the importance of kindness and understanding towards animals. The cow stopped giving milk because she was sad and missed her calf. This shows that animals, like humans, have emotions and need love and care.

We can apply this lesson in our daily lives by:

  • Being gentle and patient with pets and other animals.
  • Providing them with proper food, shelter, and affection.
  • Understanding their needs and feelings, just like we do for our friends and family.

Additionally, the story reminds us that every living being plays an important role in our lives. The cow's milk was essential for the villagers, and her happiness directly affected theirs. By treating animals with respect, we create a harmonious and caring environment for everyone.

Question 5:
Describe the character of the milkman's cow in the story The Milkman's Cow. How did her behavior impact the events in the story?
Answer:

The milkman's cow in the story The Milkman's Cow was a gentle and hardworking animal. She provided fresh milk every day, which was the milkman's main source of income. However, she was also stubborn at times, refusing to move when she didn't want to. This behavior created a problem in the story when she sat in the middle of the road, blocking traffic and causing chaos.

Her stubbornness led to a series of funny events where different people tried to move her but failed. Eventually, the milkman understood her needs and gave her some fresh grass, which made her happy and willing to move. This shows that the cow wasn't just being difficult—she had her own needs and emotions.

The cow's behavior teaches us the importance of patience and understanding when dealing with animals or even people. Instead of forcing her, the milkman found a kind solution, which resolved the problem peacefully.

Question 6:
Explain the moral lesson conveyed through the story The Milkman's Cow. How can children apply this lesson in their daily lives?
Answer:

The story The Milkman's Cow teaches us the importance of kindness and understanding towards animals and others. The cow refused to move not because she was being difficult, but because she needed care and attention. The milkman realized this and solved the problem by giving her fresh grass instead of forcing her.

Children can apply this lesson in their daily lives by:

  • Being patient with pets or animals instead of scolding them.
  • Understanding that everyone, including friends and family, may have their own reasons for behaving a certain way.
  • Solving problems with kindness rather than anger or force.

This story also shows that compassion can lead to better results than harsh actions. By being observant and caring, we can make the world a happier place for everyone.

Question 7:
Describe the character of the milkman in The Milkman's Cow and explain how his actions affected the cow. Support your answer with examples from the story.
Answer:

The milkman in The Milkman's Cow is portrayed as a careless and selfish person who does not take proper care of his cow. He is only interested in the milk the cow provides and ignores her needs. For example, he does not feed the cow properly or give her enough water, which makes her weak and unhappy.

His actions affect the cow negatively because she becomes thin and unhealthy. The cow is unable to produce enough milk, and her condition worsens due to the milkman's neglect. The story teaches us the importance of kindness and responsibility towards animals.

In the end, when the cow stops giving milk, the milkman realizes his mistake but it is too late. This shows that being greedy and irresponsible can lead to problems.

Question 8:
Explain the moral lesson of the story The Milkman's Cow and how it can be applied in real life. Provide examples to support your answer.
Answer:

The moral lesson of The Milkman's Cow is that we should treat animals with kindness and care because they depend on us for their well-being. The story shows that neglecting or being cruel to animals can have negative consequences, just like the milkman faced when his cow stopped giving milk.

In real life, this lesson can be applied by:

  • Taking proper care of pets by feeding them on time and keeping them healthy.
  • Being gentle and patient with animals instead of being harsh or selfish.
  • Understanding that animals have feelings and needs, just like humans.

For example, if someone has a pet dog, they should ensure it gets proper food, exercise, and love. Ignoring the dog's needs would make it unhappy, just like the cow in the story. The story reminds us that compassion and responsibility are important values in life.

Question 9:
Explain the moral lesson conveyed in the story The Milkman's Cow. How can children apply this lesson in their daily lives?
Answer:

The moral lesson of The Milkman's Cow is about kindness and helping others. The story shows how different people, including strangers, came together to help the milkman find his lost cow. It teaches us that helping others without expecting anything in return makes the world a better place.

Children can apply this lesson by:

  • Being helpful to friends, family, and even strangers when they need assistance.
  • Showing kindness to animals, just like the people in the story cared for the cow.
  • Understanding that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

The story also reminds us that mistakes happen, but people should support each other instead of getting angry. This lesson encourages empathy and cooperation in daily life.

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 The Milkman's Cow, the cow refuses to move from the middle of the road. What could be the possible reasons for the cow's behavior? How did the people try to solve the problem?
Answer:

The cow in The Milkman's Cow might have refused to move due to:

  • Being tired or unwell.
  • Feeling stubborn or scared because of the noise around.
  • Not recognizing the milkman or being unfamiliar with the surroundings.

People tried solving the problem by:

  • Pushing and pulling the cow, but it didn't work.
  • Offering green grass to lure her, which eventually made her move.

This shows that gentle methods like offering food work better than force.

Question 2:
Describe the role of the milkman in the story The Milkman's Cow. How did his actions affect the situation?
Answer:

The milkman in The Milkman's Cow plays a key role as he is responsible for taking care of the cow. His actions affected the situation in the following ways:

  • He tried forcing the cow to move by pulling her, which failed.
  • Later, he thought of a clever idea to offer her green grass, showing patience and understanding.

This teaches us that kindness and smart thinking solve problems better than harsh methods.

Question 3:
In The Milkman's Cow, the cow finally moves when offered green grass. What lesson does this teach us about dealing with animals or difficult situations?
Answer:

The story The Milkman's Cow teaches us important lessons about handling animals or tough situations:

  • Animals respond better to kindness (like offering food) than force.
  • Patience and clever thinking help solve problems.
  • Understanding others' needs (like the cow wanting grass) leads to success.

This applies not just to animals but also to people—being gentle and thoughtful works better than being harsh.

Question 4:
Ramu, the milkman's cow, refused to move one morning.

Based on the chapter The Milkman's Cow, describe what might have caused this behavior and how Ramu finally convinced the cow to move.

Answer:

In the chapter The Milkman's Cow, the cow refused to move because it was stubborn and did not want to leave its comfortable spot. Ramu tried pulling and pushing, but the cow did not budge. Finally, Ramu had a clever idea. He brought the cow's calf near her. The cow, seeing her calf, immediately got up and followed it. This shows that animals, like cows, have strong motherly instincts and can be motivated by their love for their young ones.

Question 5:
The chapter The Milkman's Cow teaches us about patience and clever thinking.

Give an example from the story where Ramu showed clever thinking to solve a problem.

Answer:

In the story, Ramu showed clever thinking when his cow refused to move. Instead of using force, he thought of a smart solution. He brought the cow's calf near her, knowing that the cow would follow her baby. This worked perfectly, and the cow got up and moved. This teaches us that sometimes, understanding the situation and using a little creativity can solve problems better than force or anger.

Question 6:
Imagine you are Ramu's neighbor and saw the incident with the cow.

Write a short paragraph describing what you saw and what you learned from it.

Answer:

As Ramu's neighbor, I saw his cow sitting stubbornly in the middle of the road. Ramu tried everything to make her move, but she wouldn't. Then, he had a brilliant idea. He brought the cow's calf near her, and the cow immediately stood up and followed her baby. From this, I learned that patience and smart thinking are more effective than force. It also showed me how strong the bond between a mother cow and her calf is.

Question 7:
In the chapter The Milkman's Cow, the cow refuses to move from the middle of the road.

What are the possible reasons for the cow's behavior, and how does the milkman finally solve the problem?

Answer:

The cow might have refused to move due to feeling stressed or uncomfortable because of the noisy traffic or unfamiliar surroundings. Another reason could be that the cow was stubborn or simply tired.


The milkman solves the problem by gently talking to the cow and offering it some fresh grass. This shows kindness and patience, which helps the cow relax and finally move.


Value-added: Animals, like cows, respond well to calm and caring behavior, just like humans do.

Question 8:
The milkman in the story The Milkman's Cow faces a problem when his cow blocks traffic.

Describe two ways in which the milkman could have handled the situation differently, ensuring the cow moves without causing trouble.

Answer:

First way: The milkman could have used a soft rope or leash to gently guide the cow away from the road, ensuring safety for both the cow and the people around.


Second way: He could have asked for help from bystanders to create a calm path for the cow to walk, reducing stress for the animal.


Application: Handling animals with care and teamwork can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

Question 9:
In The Milkman's Cow, the cow's actions affect the people around her.

How does the cow’s behavior teach us about responsibility and caring for animals? Explain with examples from the story.

Answer:

The cow’s behavior teaches us that animals need love and attention. Just like the milkman patiently coaxes the cow with grass, we must care for animals with kindness.


Example: When the milkman does not scold the cow but instead understands her needs, it shows responsibility as a pet owner.


Value-added: Animals depend on humans for care, and treating them well makes them happier and more cooperative.

Question 10:
In The Milkman's Cow, the cow refuses to move from the middle of the road. Imagine you are the milkman. Write a short dialogue (4-5 lines) between you and the cow, trying to convince her to move. Use polite and persuasive language.
Answer:

Me: Dear cow, please move aside. The road is not a safe place for you.

Cow: Moo! I like it here. The grass is soft.

Me: But the vehicles might scare you. Let’s go to the green field nearby.

Cow: Moo! Okay, if you promise fresh grass.

Me: Of course! Come with me.

Question 11:
The milkman tries different ways to make the cow move. List any two methods he uses and explain why they don’t work.
Answer:

  • Pulling the rope: The milkman tries to pull the cow with the rope, but the cow is too stubborn and doesn’t budge.
  • Offering food: He shows the cow fresh grass, but she is not interested because she is already sitting comfortably on the road.

These methods fail because the cow is in a mood and refuses to cooperate.

Question 12:
At the end of the story, the cow finally moves. What makes her change her mind? Explain in your own words.
Answer:

The cow moves when she sees her calf coming toward her. The motherly love makes her forget her stubbornness. She gets up to meet her baby, showing that family bonds are stronger than her mood. This teaches us that emotions can change behavior.

Question 13:
In The Milkman's Cow, the cow refuses to move from the middle of the road.

Describe two ways the milkman tried to make the cow move and explain why they didn't work.

Answer:

The milkman tried two methods to make the cow move:

  • Pulling the cow: He tugged at her rope, but the cow was stubborn and didn't budge because she was comfortable.
  • Shouting at the cow: He raised his voice, but the cow ignored him as she was not afraid or bothered by his yelling.

These methods failed because cows are calm animals and may not respond to force or loud noises. A gentler approach might have worked better.

Question 14:
In the story, the policeman, grocer, and wrestler all tried to help the milkman with his cow.

Compare how their approaches were different and why none succeeded.

Answer:

The three helpers tried different methods:

  • Policeman: He used authority, thinking his uniform would scare the cow, but cows don't understand human authority.
  • Grocer: He offered the cow food, but she wasn't hungry, so this didn't work.
  • Wrestler: He tried to push the cow with strength, but cows are heavy and won't move unless they want to.

None succeeded because they didn't understand the cow's nature. A calm and patient approach might have been more effective.

Question 15:
At the end of The Milkman's Cow, the little girl succeeds where others failed.

Explain what she did differently and why her method worked.

Answer:

The little girl used a gentle and understanding approach:

  • She didn't force or scare the cow but instead offered a handful of green grass, which the cow liked.
  • She walked slowly, letting the cow follow at her own pace, showing patience.

Her method worked because cows respond better to kindness and food they enjoy. Unlike the others, she treated the cow with care instead of trying to dominate it.

Chat on WhatsApp