NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 17 — Across the Wall
Chapter 17, 'Across the Wall,' from the NCERT Class 5 EVS book 'Looking Around,' introduces Afsana Mansuri, a 13-year-old who overcame societal barriers to become a basketball star. The chapter highlights her journey with the Nagpada Basketball Association (NBA) in Mumbai, where she now inspires five other girls. It details how Afsana, initially facing a 'gender wall,' joined the team and helped it reach the semi-finals of a district-level tournament. The chapter includes an interview snippet with team members like Zarin, who shares her aspiration to play basketball after watching boys play. It encourages readers to reflect on play spaces in their own communities and promotes discussions on equal opportunities in sports for all children, regardless of gender. This chapter aims to build understanding about inclusivity and breaking down societal barriers through sports.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 17 — Across the Wall |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 445 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand how societal barriers, like gender bias, can affect participation in sports.
- Recognize the importance of sports facilities and opportunities for all children.
- Learn about the Nagpada Basketball Association and its role in empowering girls.
- Develop critical thinking about equal opportunities in games and sports.
- Be inspired by stories of young athletes overcoming challenges.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| utensils | tools, such as knives, forks, and spoons, used for eating or preparing food. |
| gender | the state of being male or female, especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones. |
| association | an organization of people with a common purpose or interest. |
| balcony | a platform projecting from the wall of a house or building, typically on an upper floor and enclosed by a railing or parapet. |
| aspire | hope or ambition of achieving something. |
| coach | a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes. |
| talent | natural aptitude or skill. |
| guts | courage; determination. |
| courage | the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery. |
| semi-finals | the round of a competition before the final. |
| district-level | relating to or denoting a competition or event involving participants from a particular administrative district. |
| jhuggi | a small hut or slum dwelling. |
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Practice questions
- Who is Afsana Mansuri and what has she achieved? Answer: Afsana Mansuri is a 13-year-old girl who has overcome societal barriers to become a basketball player and a star for the Nagpada Basketball Association team.
- What is the 'gender wall' mentioned in the chapter? Answer: The 'gender wall' refers to societal expectations and restrictions placed upon girls, preventing them from participating in activities like sports.
- How did Zarin get inspired to play basketball? Answer: Zarin was inspired by watching boys play basketball from her balcony and wished she could also play and get a chance to show her talent.
- What did the coach tell Zarin when she asked for a chance to play? Answer: The coach told Zarin that if she brought some more girls, they could form a team, and then he would teach them.
- What is the Nagpada Basketball Association? Answer: The Nagpada Basketball Association (NBA) is a basketball team in Mumbai, formed by girls, which has achieved success in district-level tournaments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 5 EVS chapter 'Across the Wall'?
The main theme is about overcoming societal barriers, particularly gender-related ones, to participate in sports and achieve success, as exemplified by the Nagpada Basketball Association team.
Who are the main characters introduced in this chapter?
The chapter introduces Afsana Mansuri, a young basketball player, and mentions other team members like Zarin, Khushnoor, and Afreen from the Nagpada Basketball Association.
Where is the Nagpada Basketball Association located?
The Nagpada Basketball Association is located in Mumbai.
What does the chapter suggest about opportunities for girls in sports?
The chapter suggests that girls often face societal barriers but can overcome them with courage and support, forming teams and achieving success in sports.
What is the significance of the title 'Across the Wall'?
The title 'Across the Wall' symbolizes breaking down societal barriers, such as the 'gender wall,' that prevent girls from participating in activities like basketball.
What is the role of the coach in Zarin's story?
The coach encouraged Zarin to bring more girls to form a team, offering to teach them and thereby facilitating their entry into basketball.
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NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 17 — Across the Wall. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.