NCERT Class 4 English Santoor: Chapter 5 — The Old Stag
This chapter, "The Old Stag," from NCERT Class 4 English Santoor, tells the story of a kind old stag living in a lush forest. Known for his warm greetings to fellow animals, the stag preferred a small hillock with tender grass. When he fell ill, he stayed on the hillock for fresh food and rest. His friends, a deer and other animals, visited him when they learned he was unwell. They wished him a speedy recovery. However, before returning to the forest, the animals ate the fresh green grass from the hillock. This chapter highlights kindness, friendship, and the importance of rest and healthy food during illness, offering valuable lessons for young CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Santoor |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — The Old Stag |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 212 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of kindness and friendship.
- Learn about the benefits of rest and healthy food when ill.
- Develop empathy for characters facing challenges.
- Improve reading comprehension skills in English.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| stag | an adult male deer |
| lush | growing thickly and healthily |
| kindness | the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate |
| greeted | welcomed someone |
| fellow | belonging to the same group or class |
| hillock | a small hill |
| tender | easy to cut or chew; soft |
| struggled | had difficulty in doing something |
| unwell | ill or sick |
| recovery | the process of becoming healthy again after an illness or injury |
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Practice questions
- What was the old stag known for? Answer: The old stag was known for his kindness.
- Where did the stag prefer to stay? Answer: The stag preferred staying on a small hillock with tender grass.
- Why did the stag stay on the hillock when he fell ill? Answer: He stayed on the hillock because he knew fresh, healthy food and proper rest would help him get well soon.
- Who visited the stag when he was unwell? Answer: His friends, including a deer and other animals and birds, visited him.
- What did the animals do before they went back into the forest? Answer: Before going back, the animals ate the fresh green grass growing on the hillock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'The Old Stag'?
The main themes are kindness, friendship, and the importance of health and recovery.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are the old stag and his animal friends, including a deer.
Why was the stag unwell?
The text states the stag fell ill but does not specify the cause, only that he needed rest and healthy food.
What did the friends do when they visited the stag?
They asked how he was, wished him a speedy recovery, and then ate the grass from the hillock.
What lesson can students learn from this chapter?
Students can learn about being kind, caring for friends when they are sick, and the importance of healthy habits.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 English — Santoor — Chapter 5 — The Old Stag. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.