CBSE Class 4 EVS Chapter 12: Changing Times NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 4 PDF

This chapter, 'Changing Times,' for CBSE Class 4 Environmental Studies, delves into the evolution of houses and living conditions over generations. Through interactive questions, students are encouraged to interview their grandparents about their childhood homes, exploring materials used, house structures, and sanitation facilities. The solutions highlight the contrast between traditional houses made of natural materials like mud, straw, and bamboo, and modern houses constructed with bricks, cement, and iron. It also touches upon the social aspects of sanitation and the different types of work involved in building and maintaining houses. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to help students understand the historical changes in housing and construction, aiding in their exam preparation by reinforcing key concepts and encouraging critical thinking about societal progress.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 4
Subject	Environmental Studies
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	12. Changing Times

Chapter summary

Chapter 12, 'Changing Times,' for Class 4 EVS focuses on the transformation of houses and living environments over time. The NCERT Solutions cover discussions on traditional versus modern building materials, the evolution of sanitation facilities, and the roles of various construction workers. Students will explore how houses have changed from simple structures made of mud and thatch to modern concrete buildings, and understand the different professions involved in construction. This chapter encourages comparison and reflection on societal development through the lens of housing.

Learning outcomes

Understand how houses and living conditions have changed over time.
Identify different materials used in constructing houses, both traditional and modern.
Discuss the evolution of sanitation facilities in homes.
Recognize various types of work and tools involved in house construction.
Compare the houses of grandparents' generation with contemporary houses.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Evolution of Houses
Traditional Building Materials
Modern Building Materials
Sanitation in Homes
Construction Work
Roles of Construction Workers
Tools Used in Construction
Comparison of Past and Present Homes
Grandparents' Childhood Homes
Modern Housing (Skyscrapers)

Important topics

Changes in House Materials
Traditional vs. Modern Homes
Sanitation Practices
Construction Professions and Tools
Interviewing Elderly People

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Questions and Solutions

Find Out and Write

Talk to any one of your grandparents or any other elderly person. Find out, when she or he was eight-nine years old:

Where did she or he live?

Solution: When interviewing an elderly person about their childhood, they often recall living in a village. This was a common setting for many people's early lives, especially in previous generations, before rapid urbanization.

From what material was her or his house made?

Solution: Houses from earlier times were typically constructed using natural and locally available materials. For instance, a grandparent might have lived in a house built with materials like thatched bamboo for the roof or structure, wood for support, straw, and mud for the walls.

Did they have a toilet in their house?

Solution: In the past, the availability of toilets inside the house varied greatly. Some elderly individuals might recall having a toilet facility within their home premises, while others might have used community or separate outhouse toilets.

In which part of the house was food cooked?

Solution: The area designated for cooking in older homes was often specific and sometimes separated from the main living spaces. For example, food might have been cooked in a verandah area that was partitioned by a wall, or in a separate kitchen structure.

A lot of mud was used when Chetandas' house was made. Why?

Solution: Mud is an excellent natural insulator. Using a thick layer of mud in house construction helps to regulate the indoor temperature, keeping the house cooler during hot weather and warmer during cold weather, thus providing comfort throughout the year.

A Changing House

Chetandas tells that people from the basti used to come to clean the toilets and take away the waste. They were not allowed to enter the house.

The people who used the toilets did not clean them. Discuss.

Solution: This situation reflects a historical social practice where certain tasks were assigned to specific groups of people. Those who used the toilets did not clean them because it was considered an unpleasant or 'dirty' job, often performed by individuals from designated communities (like those from the 'basti') who were not permitted inside the main living areas of the houses.

Is there a toilet in your house? Who cleans it?

Solution: In contemporary homes, it is common to have toilets inside the house. Typically, the cleaning is managed by the family members living in the house, reflecting a shift in practices and responsibilities compared to earlier times.

NCERT PAGE NUMBER 101-102

What material have been used in making your house?

Solution: Modern houses are constructed using a combination of strong and durable materials. These commonly include bricks for the walls, cement and sand for binding and plastering, concrete for foundations and slabs, wood for doors and windows, and iron rods for reinforcement in concrete structures.

Find out the material from which your friend's house is made? Is there any difference? Write about it.

Solution: When comparing houses, you'll likely find similarities among friends' homes, especially in urban or semi-urban areas. Most friends' houses are also constructed using cement, sand, bricks, and iron rods, indicating a standardization in modern building practices. Significant differences might only arise in very rural or specialized architectural designs.

What kind of house do you think Chetandas' grandchildren will live in?

Solution: Considering the progression of construction technology and urban development, it is highly probable that Chetandas' grandchildren will live in modern, multi-story buildings. These are often referred to as skyscrapers, which are built using advanced materials like iron and cement for structural integrity and height.

Where would you like to live when you grow up?

Solution: This is a personal choice, but many aspire to live in bustling urban environments. A metropolitan city offers various opportunities and amenities, making it an attractive place to reside for many young people as they mature.

What kind of house would you like?

Solution: The preference for a type of house can vary greatly. Some might prefer apartments in a city, while others might desire a standalone house. A bungalow, often characterized by its spaciousness and independent structure, is a popular choice for those seeking comfort and privacy.

You had written about the things that your grandparent's house was made of. Has some of the same kind of material been used in your house? Name them.

Solution: While modern construction heavily relies on cement, concrete, and steel, some traditional materials might still be incorporated. For instance, wood is commonly used for doors and windows in contemporary houses, similar to how it was used in older homes, though often in a more processed form.

People are given names according to the work they do. For example, a person who works with wood is called a carpenter.
In your place, what do you call a person who works with wood?

Solution: In many parts of India, a person who specializes in working with wood is known by a specific local term. In the context of this chapter, such a person is referred to as a 'Badhai', which is the common term for a carpenter.

Now, look at the picture and fill in the table.

What kind of work is being done by different people here? What tools are they shown using in the picture? Write them in the given table.

Work Tool What is the person called

Solution: The picture depicts various construction activities. Different people perform specialized tasks using specific tools. Here's a breakdown of the work, the tools used, and the professionals involved:

Mixing of cement and sand: This work is done by a Mason, who uses tools like shovels and trowels to mix these materials for building walls and plastering.

Fitting of Pipe: This task is performed by a Plumber, who uses tools such as pipe wrenches, cutters, and soldering equipment to install and repair water and drainage pipes.

Electrical fittings: This involves installing wires, switches, and fixtures. This job is carried out by an Electrician, who uses tools like wire strippers, screwdrivers, pliers, and testers.

NCERT PAGE NUMBER 103-104

Do you know people who do these types of work?

Solution: It is very likely that you know people who perform these essential construction-related jobs. Many households have had plumbing or electrical work done, and you might see masons working on buildings in your neighborhood. Recognizing these professions helps understand the different skills needed to build and maintain our homes and surroundings.

Common mistakes

Confusing traditional and modern building materials.
Not fully understanding the social implications of sanitation practices.
Inability to differentiate between various construction roles and their tools.

Revision tips

Interview an elderly person about their childhood home and compare it with your own.
Draw pictures of different types of houses mentioned in the chapter.
List the materials used in your house and your friend's house.
Learn the names of different construction workers and the tools they use.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What natural materials were commonly used in Chetandas' house when he was young?

Q2. Why was a thick layer of mud used in Chetandas' house construction?

Q3. What is the primary difference between Chetandas' grandchildren's likely homes and his own?

Q4. Which of these is a profession related to working with wood?

Q5. Who is responsible for fitting pipes in a house?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the 'Changing Times' chapter for Class 4 EVS?

The chapter focuses on how houses and living conditions have changed over time, comparing traditional homes with modern ones and discussing the materials and people involved in construction.

Why is it important to talk to grandparents about their childhood homes?

Talking to grandparents helps understand the differences in housing, materials, and lifestyle from the past to the present, providing a historical perspective on societal changes.

What kind of materials were used in older houses according to the chapter?

Older houses, like Chetandas', were often made from natural materials such as mud, straw, bamboo, and wood.

What are some modern materials used in house construction today?

Modern houses are typically built using materials like bricks, cement, sand, concrete, iron rods, and glass.

Who are some of the people involved in building a house?

The chapter mentions various professionals like masons (for mixing cement and sand), plumbers (for pipe fittings), electricians (for electrical fittings), and carpenters (for working with wood).

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the concepts of changing times, housing evolution, and construction work for their studies and exams.

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