CBSE Class 3 English: Unit-3 'Little by Little' NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

This resource provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 3 English, Unit-3, titled 'Little by Little'. It covers essential concepts related to plant growth, focusing on what a seed needs to sprout and the stages of a tree's development. The solutions explain the different parts of a tree and their functions, such as roots, stem, bark, leaves, branches, twigs, and shoots. It also delves into the importance of trees, highlighting the benefits they provide to humans and the environment, like fresh air and fruits, and discusses the negative impacts of deforestation and pollution. The exercises encourage students to observe differences between healthy and unhealthy trees and to articulate how humans both benefit from and harm trees. This guide is designed to help students understand the chapter's themes and prepare effectively for their exams by reinforcing key vocabulary and concepts.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 3
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Unit-3

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 3 English, Unit-3 'Little by Little', focuses on the life cycle of a tree and its importance. It covers the basic requirements for a seed to grow, identifies various parts of a tree and their roles, and explores the benefits trees offer. The unit also addresses the harmful effects of human activities on trees and the environment. The solutions provide clear answers to questions about tree anatomy, growth, and ecological significance, aiding students in comprehending the chapter's core messages.

Learning outcomes

Identify the essential elements required for a seed to grow.
Name and describe the different parts of a tree and their functions.
Understand the benefits that trees provide to humans and the environment.
Recognize the ways in which humans can harm trees and nature.
Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy trees based on visual cues.
Expand vocabulary related to trees and plant growth.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Seed germination
Tree growth
Parts of a tree
Functions of tree parts
Benefits of trees
Environmental impact
Human impact on trees
Descriptive words
Opposites
Plant life cycle

Important topics

Essential needs for seed growth
Functions of stem, leaves, and roots
Benefits trees provide
Ways humans harm trees
Vocabulary: descriptive words and opposites

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Questions and Solutions

Reading is Fun - Question 1

Name the tree that the acorn grows into.

Solution: The acorn, which is the seed of an oak tree, grows into a mighty oak tree. This is described in the poem "Little by Little" as the acorn develops over time.

Reading is Fun - Question 2

What things does a seed need to grow?

Solution: For a seed to successfully germinate and grow into a plant, it requires several essential elements from its environment. These include:

Soil: Provides a medium for the roots to anchor and absorb nutrients.
Moisture: Water is crucial for activating the seed's growth processes and transporting nutrients.
Air: Seeds need oxygen for respiration to fuel their growth.
Sunlight: Once the seedling emerges, sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis to produce food.

Reading is Fun - Question 3

How many describing words can you find in the poem? List them.

Solution: The poem "Little by Little" uses several descriptive words to paint a picture of the growing acorn and the resulting oak tree. We can find the following describing words:

little
mossy
each
deep
thread-like
tiny
slender
mighty

These words help us visualize the small beginnings and the eventual large size of the oak tree.

Talk Time - Question 1

Look at the two pictures. Find four things that are different about these trees and talk about them.

Solution: Observing the two pictures of trees, we can identify several key differences:

Well-being: Tree 'A' appears healthy and vibrant, suggesting it is well-cared for and thriving, while Tree 'B' looks unhealthy and neglected.
Growth Conditions: Tree 'A' is depicted as receiving all the necessary elements for proper growth (like sunlight, water, and nutrients), whereas Tree 'B' seems to be deprived of these essential factors.
Usefulness: Tree 'A' is shown providing valuable benefits, such as shade and possibly fruits, as indicated by Picture 1. In contrast, Tree 'B' is not shown offering any useful products or services.
Environmental Contribution: One can enjoy fresh, clean air under Tree 'A', highlighting its positive contribution to the environment. However, Tree 'B' does not offer this benefit, possibly due to its poor health or lack of foliage.

These differences highlight the importance of care and resources for a tree's health and its ability to benefit its surroundings.

Let's Write - Question 1

Look at Picture 1. Write three sentences on what the trees give us.

Solution: Trees are incredibly beneficial to us and the environment. Based on Picture 1, here are three ways trees help us:

The trees provide us with fresh air to breathe, which is essential for our survival.
They offer us nutritious fruits and vegetables, contributing to our diet.
Trees yield valuable timber, which is used for building homes, furniture, and many other essential items.

Let's Write - Question 2

Now look at Picture 2. Write three sentences on how we harm the trees.

Solution: Unfortunately, human activities can often harm trees and the environment. Based on the implications of Picture 2, here are three ways we harm trees:

We cut down trees to obtain wood for various purposes, reducing forest cover.
By destroying trees and increasing pollution, we damage the environment that trees need to thrive.
Cutting down trees forces birds and animals to lose their habitats, causing them to move away or face endangerment.

Let's Write - Question 3

These words describe parts of a tree. Write them in the given space, along with their descriptions.

Words: stem, bark, leaves, branch, twigs, root, shoot

Solution: Here are the descriptions for each part of the tree:

stem: It is the main body of the tree that helps the tree to stand upright and supports the branches and leaves.
bark: This is the rough, protective outer covering of a tree's trunk and branches, often brown in colour.
leaves: These are typically green parts of the tree that perform photosynthesis, preparing food for the entire plant.
branch: An arm-like structure growing from the trunk or main stem of a tree, which bears leaves, flowers, or fruits.
twigs: These are small, slender shoots or branches growing from a larger branch or the main stem.
root: The part of a plant or tree that typically grows underground, anchoring it and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
shoot: A young branch or new growth of a plant, often referring to the part that grows above ground, including the stem and leaves.

Let's Write - Question 4

Match the opposites. The words are: downward, weak, slowly, night, little, upward, slender, fast, mighty, fat, day, big.

Solution: Here are the correct matches for the opposites:

downward – upward
weak – mighty
slowly - fast
night - day
little - big
slender — fat

Matching opposites helps in understanding contrasting concepts and expanding vocabulary.

Common mistakes

Confusing the functions of different tree parts.
Not listing all necessary components for seed germination.
Failing to provide specific examples of how trees help or are harmed.
Difficulty in identifying descriptive words related to trees.

Revision tips

Review the list of describing words found in the poem to enhance vocabulary.
Draw a tree and label its different parts as discussed in the solutions.
Discuss with friends or family the importance of trees and how to protect them.
Compare the two tree pictures and list the differences, explaining why one is healthier.
Practice writing sentences about the benefits of trees and the harm caused by cutting them.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does an acorn seed eventually grow into?

Q2. Which of the following is NOT essential for a seed to grow?

Q3. Which word describes the outer covering of a tree?

Q4. What is the primary function of leaves on a tree?

Q5. Which part of the tree helps it stand upright?

Frequently asked questions

What is Unit-3 of CBSE Class 3 English about?

Unit-3, 'Little by Little', focuses on the growth of a tree from a seed, its different parts, the benefits it provides, and how humans interact with trees.

What are the basic needs for a seed to grow, according to the solutions?

A seed needs soil, moisture (water), air, and sunlight to grow into a plant.

Can you list some parts of a tree mentioned in the solutions?

Yes, the solutions mention stem, bark, leaves, branches, twigs, roots, and shoots as parts of a tree.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 3 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand the concepts of plant growth, tree anatomy, and environmental awareness for their English studies.

What kind of vocabulary is covered in Unit-3?

Unit-3 covers descriptive words related to trees, such as 'little', 'mossy', 'deep', 'slender', and 'mighty', as well as their opposites.

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

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