Unit 7 Class 4 NCERT English: A Watering Rhyme and The Giving Tree

What Unit 7 Teaches

In A Watering Rhyme, the poet tells us that plants should not be watered in the hot middle of the day because much of the water dries up quickly. Morning or evening is a better time because the soil can drink the water slowly. The poem is simple, but it teaches observation and care for nature. In The Giving Tree, a tree loves a boy and keeps giving him shade, fruit, branches, and wood as he grows older. The story asks us to think about kindness, gratitude, and balance. When you read Unit 7, do not only remember events. Ask: What is the character feeling? What lesson is hidden in the action?

Important Words and Meanings

Watering

Giving water to plants so that they can grow and stay fresh.

Rhyme

Words that have similar ending sounds, such as day and away.

Wither

To become dry, weak, or lifeless, usually because of heat or lack of water.

Shade

A cool dark area made when something blocks sunlight, like a tree.

Grateful

Feeling thankful for help, love, or kindness received from someone.

How to Write a Good Class 4 English Answer

1. Read the question twice — First find what is being asked: who, what, when, why, or how. Underline the key word in your mind, such as plant, tree, boy, morning, or giving.
2. Find the clue in the text — Think of the line or event from the poem or story. For example, if the question asks when to water plants, remember that hot sunshine makes water dry fast.
3. Answer in a full sentence — Do not write only one word unless the question asks for it. Write: Plants should be watered in the morning or evening because the water can reach the roots better.
4. Add the lesson if needed — For value-based questions, add what we learn. Example: The Giving Tree teaches us to be kind, but it also reminds us to be thankful and caring.

Worked Examples

• Example 1: Question: Why should we not water plants at noon? Step 1: Noon is usually hot and sunny. Step 2: In strong heat, water evaporates quickly from the soil. Step 3: The plant gets less water for its roots. Final answer: We should not water plants at noon because the hot sun dries up the water quickly, so the plant cannot use it well.
• Example 2: Question: Write two rhyming words from a watering poem idea. Step 1: Listen to the ending sound of words. Step 2: Words like day and away end with a similar sound. Step 3: Check by saying them aloud slowly. Final answer: Two rhyming words are day and away.
• Example 3: Question: What kind of character is the tree in The Giving Tree? Step 1: Notice what the tree does for the boy. Step 2: The tree gives fruit, shade, branches, and wood. Step 3: A person or character who gives happily is loving and generous. Final answer: The tree is loving and generous because it gives many things to the boy without asking for anything.

Reading Skills to Practise in Unit 7

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students write very short answers like morning or kind. In English, marks often depend on complete sentence answers. Instead of writing morning, write: Plants should be watered in the morning because the sun is not too hot. Another common mistake is confusing giving with wasting. The tree gives out of love, but the reader should learn gratitude too. Also, remember that rhyming words must sound alike at the end, not just have the same spelling.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: When is the best time to water plants according to the poem idea?
  A: Step 1: Think about the time when the sun is not very hot.
  Step 2: Morning and evening are cooler than noon.
  Step 3: At these times, water can stay in the soil longer and reach the roots.
  Final answer: The best time to water plants is in the morning or evening.

• Q: Why did the tree keep helping the boy in The Giving Tree?
  A: Step 1: Notice the tree’s feelings for the boy.
  Step 2: The tree loves the boy and feels happy when he is near.
  Step 3: Because of this love, the tree gives him what he needs.
  Final answer: The tree keeps helping the boy because it loves him and wants to make him happy.

• Q: Write a sentence using the word grateful.
  A: Step 1: Understand the meaning of grateful: thankful.
  Step 2: Think of a situation where someone helps you.
  Step 3: Make a complete sentence with a subject and action.
  Final answer: I am grateful to my mother for helping me with my homework.

• Q: Find the pair of rhyming words: tree, play, bee, book.
  A: Step 1: Say each word aloud: tree, play, bee, book.
  Step 2: Listen to the ending sounds.
  Step 3: Tree and bee have the same ending sound.
  Final answer: The rhyming words are tree and bee.

Frequently Asked Questions