NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 19 — Abdul in the Garden
This chapter, "Abdul in the Garden," from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' follows Abdul as he helps his Abbu in the garden. Abdul learns about the strength and spread of grass roots, contrasting them with the delicate stem of a pea plant. He observes that pulling grass requires digging due to strong roots. The chapter introduces the concept of roots supporting plants and how they absorb water. Abdul also witnesses the radish being pulled from the soil, questioning if they are roots. A strong wind and rain occur, and Abdul notices the neem tree remains firm, unlike a broken branch. He ponders where the large neem tree gets its water from, realizing plants absorb water from the soil, and some, like the neem tree, may not need regular watering. The chapter highlights the importance of roots, water for plants, and the different water sources for various plants, aiding students in understanding plant biology and their environment.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 19 — Abdul in the Garden |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 469 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the difference between grass roots and plant stems.
- Recognize that roots are strong and spread out underground.
- Learn that plants absorb water from the soil through their roots.
- Identify that different plants have different watering needs.
- Appreciate how trees remain firm during strong winds.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abbu | Father (in Urdu/Arabic) |
| Holiday | A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done. |
| Vegetable beds | Areas of soil prepared for growing vegetables. |
| Grass | A common green plant with narrow leaves growing as a lawn or in a field. |
| Roots | The part of a plant that grows downwards in the soil and absorbs water and nutrients. |
| Climber | A plant that uses a support, like a stick or another plant, to grow upwards. |
| Stem | The main body of a plant, typically rising from the ground. |
| Radish | A root vegetable, typically white and tapering, with crisp white flesh. |
| Neem tree | A type of tree known for its medicinal properties and resilience. |
| Branch | A part of a tree growing out from the trunk or a limb. |
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Practice questions
- Why was it difficult for Abdul to pull out the grass? Answer: The roots of the grass were strong and spread out underground, making them hard to pull out.
- What happened to the pea plant when Abdul knocked down the stick? Answer: The delicate stem of the pea plant broke.
- What did Abdul wonder about the radish? Answer: Abdul wondered if the radish were also roots.
- Why do you think the neem tree did not fall during the strong wind? Answer: The neem tree likely did not fall because its roots were very deep and spread out, anchoring it firmly in the ground.
- How does watering the soil help drooping leaves become fresh again? Answer: Watering the soil provides water to the roots, which then transport it to the leaves, making them fresh again.
Frequently asked questions
What did Abdul learn about grass roots?
Abdul learned that grass roots are strong and spread out, making them difficult to pull out without digging.
Why did the pea plant's stem break?
The pea plant's stem broke because Abdul accidentally knocked down the stick supporting it.
Are radish plants roots?
Yes, radish is a root vegetable, meaning the part we eat is the root of the plant.
Why do plants need water?
Plants need water to stay fresh and alive; they absorb it through their roots.
How do big trees like the neem tree get water?
Big trees get water from deep underground through their extensive root systems.
Do all plants need regular watering?
No, not all plants need regular watering. Some, like large trees, can get water from deep in the soil.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 19 — Abdul in the Garden. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.