NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 7 — From the Window
This chapter, "A Journey by Train," from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' recounts a young traveler's experiences on a train journey. The narrative begins with waking up to the train stopping at Madgaon, in the state of Goa. The traveler describes the beautiful, green scenery outside, with red soil fields, green crops, and tree-covered hills. They observe small ponds and distant water bodies, unsure if they are rivers or the sea. The air is noted to be cooler and less dry than in Ahmedabad. The chapter also details a 'level crossing' experience, highlighting the variety of vehicles and people waiting, the noise and smoke from idling engines, and the dangerous act of people crossing under the bars. The excitement of crossing other trains and trying to count carriages is also mentioned. This chapter helps students understand different landscapes, modes of transport, and safety awareness during travel.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — From the Window |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 296 |
Learning outcomes
- Describe the scenery observed during a train journey.
- Identify different modes of transport seen at a level crossing.
- Understand the importance of safety at level crossings.
- Differentiate between various landscapes like fields, hills, and water bodies.
- Appreciate the sensory experiences of travel, such as air quality and sounds.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Madgaon | A city in Goa, India, where the train stopped. |
| Goa | A state in India known for its green landscapes. |
| fields | Areas of land used for growing crops. |
| crops | Plants grown for food or other uses. |
| hills | Areas of land that are higher than the surrounding ground but smaller than mountains. |
| ponds | Small bodies of still water. |
| sea | A large body of saltwater. |
| Ahmedabad | A city in Gujarat, India, mentioned for its dry air. |
| level crossing | A place where a railway line crosses a road or path at the same level. |
| carriages | The separate parts or wagons of a train. |
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Practice questions
- What was written on the board at the platform where the train stopped? Answer: Madgaon was written on the board.
- What kind of scenery did Omana see outside the train in Goa? Answer: She saw green fields with red soil and green crops, and hills covered with trees.
- Name some vehicles Omana saw waiting at the level crossing. Answer: She saw buses, cars, trucks, autorickshaws, cycles, motorcycles, scooters, tongas, and bullockcarts.
- Why is it dangerous to go under the bars at a level crossing? Answer: It is dangerous because a train might be passing, and it could hit you.
- What did Omana and Unni try to do when they crossed another train? Answer: They tried to count the carriages in the other train.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter about?
The chapter 'A Journey by Train' describes a child's experiences and observations during a train journey through Goa.
Where did the train stop early in the morning?
The train stopped at Madgaon, which is in the state of Goa.
What did the traveler notice about the air in Goa compared to Ahmedabad?
The air in Goa was cooler and not as dry as in Ahmedabad.
What is a 'level crossing'?
A level crossing is a place where a railway line and a road meet at the same level.
What are some dangers mentioned at the level crossing?
Dangers include smoke and noise from idling vehicle engines, and people dangerously crossing under the bars.
What did the children try to do when they saw another train?
They tried to count the carriages of the other train, but found it difficult because they were moving fast.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 7 — From the Window. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.