CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Environment NCERT Solutions Chapter 7: Human Environment-Settlement, Transport and Communication

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the crucial aspects of the Human Environment, focusing on Settlement, Transport, and Communication for CBSE Class 7 Social Science. It explains the fundamental concepts of settlements, differentiating between rural and urban types, and the activities associated with them. The solutions detail the various means of transport, including roadways, railways, airways, and waterways, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the chapter explores the evolution and importance of communication, introducing concepts like mass media and various modern communication tools. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and answers to all exercise questions, aiding students in understanding the interrelationship between humans and their environment and preparing effectively for their exams.

Home

Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 7
Subject	Social Science Our Environment
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 7

Chapter summary

Chapter 7 of the CBSE Class 7 Social Science 'Our Environment' textbook focuses on the Human Environment, specifically exploring settlements, transport, and communication. The NCERT Solutions cover the definitions and types of settlements (rural and urban), common activities in rural areas, and the different modes of transport like roadways, railways, airways, and waterways. It also explains the concept of communication, mass media, and various tools used for it. The solutions aim to clarify these concepts with precise answers to the exercise questions.

Learning outcomes

Understand the definition and types of human settlements.
Identify the primary activities in rural settlements.
List and describe the major means of transport.
Explain the concept of communication and its evolution.
Differentiate between various forms of mass media.
Recognize the importance of transport and communication in human life.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Human Environment
Settlements
Rural Settlements
Urban Settlements
Rural Activities
Means of Transport
Roadways
Railways
Waterways
Airways
Communication
Mass Media

Important topics

Types of Settlements
Activities in Rural Areas
Comparison of Transport Modes
Evolution of Communication
Role of Mass Media

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …

Page of

Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

1. (A) What are the four means of transport?

What are the four means of transport?

Solution: The means of transport are the methods or vehicles used to travel or move goods from one location to another. The four primary means of transport are:

Roadways: Transport via roads using vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks.
Railways: Transport via railway tracks using trains.
Waterways: Transport via rivers, canals, and oceans using ships and boats.
Airways: Transport via air using aeroplanes and helicopters.

1. (B) What do you understand by the term 'settlement'?

What do you understand by the term 'settlement'?

Solution: A settlement refers to a place where people establish their homes and communities. These are areas where human populations live and build their dwellings. Examples of settlements include villages and cities.

1. (C) Which are the activities practiced by the rural people?

Which are the activities practiced by the rural people?

Solution: Rural settlements, typically found in villages, are characterized by people engaging in primary economic activities. These activities often include:

Agriculture: Cultivating crops and raising livestock.
Fishing: Catching fish, especially in areas near water bodies.
Forestry: Activities related to the management and utilization of forests.
Crafts work: Producing handmade goods and traditional crafts.
Trading: Buying and selling goods, often locally.

Rural settlements can be classified as either compact (dwellings close together) or scattered (dwellings spread out).

1. (D) Mention any two merits of railways.

Mention any two merits of railways.

Solution: Railways are a vital mode of transport in many countries, offering several advantages. Two significant merits of railways are:

Cost-effectiveness for long distances: Railways are generally more economical than airways for travelling long distances or between different states, making them a preferred choice for budget-conscious travellers.
High carrying capacity: Railways are capable of transporting a large volume of goods and passengers over extended distances efficiently, which is crucial for trade and mass transit.

1. (E) What do you understand by communication?

What do you understand by communication?

Solution: Communication is the fundamental process of exchanging information, ideas, or messages between individuals or groups. It involves conveying thoughts and feelings from one entity to another. Over time, technology has led to the development of increasingly rapid and sophisticated methods of communication. Modern communication tools include mobile phones, the internet, radio, and newspapers, which facilitate widespread and instant information sharing.

1. (F) What is mass media?

What is mass media?

Solution: Mass media refers to any channel of communication that enables us to reach a large audience or a vast number of people simultaneously. These platforms are designed for widespread dissemination of information and entertainment. Common examples of mass media include newspapers, radio, and television, which play a significant role in informing and connecting the public.

2. (A) Tick the correct Answer. Which is NOT a means of communication?

Tick the correct Answer. Which is NOT a means of communication?

telephone
books
table

Solution: The correct answer is table. A table is a piece of furniture and is a stationary object; it cannot be used to convey messages or information. Telephones, books, and the internet are all established means of communication.

2. (B) Tick the correct Answer. Which type of road is constructed under the ground?

Tick the correct Answer. Which type of road is constructed under the ground?

Solution: The type of road constructed under the ground is called a subway or underground tunnel. These are built to ease traffic congestion in urban areas or to pass through obstacles like mountains or bodies of water.

Common mistakes

Confusing means of transport with means of communication.
Not clearly distinguishing between rural and urban settlements.
Incomplete listing of transport or communication methods.
Misidentifying objects as means of communication.

Revision tips

Create a table comparing the different means of transport.
Draw diagrams to illustrate different types of settlements.
List examples of mass media and explain their role.
Focus on understanding the 'why' behind the development of transport and communication.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a means of communication?

Q2. Which of these is a primary activity in rural settlements?

Q3. Which mode of transport is generally the most expensive for long distances?

Q4. What is the process of conveying messages to others called?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main topics covered in CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7?

Chapter 7 covers the Human Environment, focusing on settlements (rural and urban), the various means of transport (roadways, railways, waterways, airways), and communication, including mass media.

What is a settlement according to the NCERT Solutions?

A settlement is defined as a place where people build their homes. Examples include villages and cities.

What are the four main means of transport discussed?

The four main means of transport discussed are roadways, railways, waterways, and airways.

How is communication defined in this chapter?

Communication is defined as the process of conveying messages to others, with technology enabling faster and newer modes.

What is mass media?

Mass media refers to the means of communication that allow us to communicate with a large number of people simultaneously, such as newspapers, radio, and television.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all exercise questions, helping students understand the concepts of settlements, transport, and communication thoroughly for their exams.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.