CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 17: Here Comes a Letter - NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

This chapter, 'Here Comes a Letter,' from the CBSE Class 3 Environmental Studies curriculum, delves into the fascinating world of postal communication. Students will explore the journey of a letter, understand the different types of letters like postcards, inland letters, and envelopes, and learn about the significance of stamps. The solutions also touch upon the evolution of communication, comparing traditional methods like letters with modern ones like telephones. By arranging pictures in sequence, identifying letter types, and understanding the role of stamps and addresses, students gain insights into how messages travel. The chapter highlights the similarities and differences between writing a letter and making a phone call, emphasizing speed and interactivity. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and step-by-step guidance, aiding students in grasping these concepts effectively for their exams.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 3
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter17. Here Comes a Letter

Chapter summary

Chapter 17, 'Here Comes a Letter,' focuses on the basics of postal services and communication. It guides students through the process of sending a letter, from understanding different letter formats (postcard, inland, envelope) and the importance of stamps, to correctly writing an address. The solutions also explore the historical context of communication, contrasting older methods with modern ones like telephones. Key learning points include sequencing the journey of a letter and comparing letter writing with phone calls.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the journey of a letter through different stages.
  • Identify and differentiate between various types of letters (postcard, inland letter, envelope).
  • Recognize the importance and variety of postage stamps.
  • Learn how to correctly write a full address on a letter.
  • Compare and contrast traditional letter writing with modern telephone communication.
  • Appreciate the evolution of communication methods over time.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Journey of a letter
  • Types of letters
  • Postage stamps
  • Writing addresses
  • Historical communication methods
  • Telephones
  • Letter vs. Phone call

Important topics

  • Understanding the postal process
  • Identifying different letter formats
  • The role of stamps and addresses
  • Comparing letters and phone calls

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Given below is the journey of a letter shown through pictures. The pictures are not in a sequence. Arrange these to get the correct sequence.
Solution: To understand the journey of a letter, we need to arrange the given pictures in the correct order. Here is the logical sequence:
  1. A person writes a letter.
  2. The letter is put into an envelope and the address is written on it.
  3. A stamp is affixed to the envelope.
  4. The letter is dropped into a letterbox.
  5. The postman collects letters from the letterbox.
  6. Letters are sorted at the post office.
  7. Letters are sent to their destination by various means (like train, plane, etc.).
  8. The postman delivers the letter to the recipient's address.
Following these steps helps the letter reach its intended destination.

Question 2

What difference do you see in these letters?
Solution: When observing different letters, we can see several differences. The main types of letters are:
  • Postcard: This is a single card, usually with space for a short message and the address on one side, and a picture on the other. It does not require an envelope.
  • Inland Letter: This is a folded sheet of paper that has pre-printed lines and space for the address. It is folded and sealed, and does not need a separate envelope.
  • Envelope: This is a paper container used to enclose a letter or document. The letter inside is folded and placed within the envelope, which is then sealed and addressed.
These different formats are used for varying lengths of messages and levels of privacy.

Question 3

Which letters have stamps on them?
Solution: Generally, all types of letters that are sent through the postal service require a postage stamp. This includes postcards, inland letters, and letters sent in envelopes. The stamp signifies that the sender has paid the required fee for the postal service to deliver the letter.

Question 4

Are all the stamps similar? What are the differences?
Solution: No, not all stamps are similar. They have several differences:
  • Price: Stamps come with different monetary values printed on them, indicating the cost of postage. Higher values are used for heavier letters or international mail.
  • Pictures and Designs: Stamps often feature various pictures, portraits, or designs related to national heritage, important personalities, events, or nature.
  • Size and Shape: While most stamps are rectangular, they can vary slightly in size and sometimes even shape.
  • Issuing Authority: Stamps are issued by the government of a country, and their design reflects the country's identity.
These differences make each stamp unique and serve different postal requirements.

Question 5

Have you seen the stamp of the post office on these letters?
Solution: Yes, it is common to see stamps on letters. These are the postage stamps that are affixed to the letter or envelope to pay for the postal service. Sometimes, post offices also put their own cancellation marks or official stamps on letters to indicate they have been processed.

Question 6

Write your full address on the postcard given below.
Solution: To write a full address on a postcard, you need to include the recipient's name, their house number and street, the locality, the city, and the PIN code. For example, if you were writing to Rahul Khanna, the address might look like this:

Rahul Khanna C/O Mr. Vinod Khanna C-5, 5th Floor, Saket, New Delhi - 110030

It is important to write the address clearly and accurately so that the letter can be delivered correctly. The PIN code is especially crucial for efficient sorting and delivery by the postal service.

Question 7

Reena's letter reached Delhi by train. How do you think letters reached distant places when there were no trains?
Solution: Before the invention of trains and other modern transportation, letters were delivered to distant places using a variety of methods. These included:
  • By Hand: People would personally carry letters to their destinations, which could be very time-consuming for long distances.
  • Horsemen: Riders on horseback were employed to carry mail quickly over land routes.
  • Pigeons: Specially trained pigeons, known as homing pigeons, were used to carry messages over long distances. They would fly back to their home loft with the message attached.
  • Boats and Ships: For travel across water bodies, letters were transported by boats and ships.
These methods, while slower than modern transport, were essential for communication in the past.

Question 8

Where all have you seen telephones?
Solution: Telephones are common in many places today. You can typically see them in:
  • Homes: Many houses have landline or mobile phones.
  • Schools: For communication between staff, parents, and for administrative purposes.
  • Hospitals: To contact doctors, patients, and for emergency services.
  • Offices: Essential for business communication, both internal and external.
  • Public Telephone Booths: Although less common now with mobile phones, these are still found in some public areas.
  • Shops and Restaurants: For taking orders or customer inquiries.
Telephones have become an integral part of our daily lives for quick communication.

Question 9

With whom do you talk on the telephone?
Solution: On the telephone, people talk to a wide range of individuals. This typically includes:
  • Friends: To chat, make plans, or share news.
  • Relatives: To stay in touch with family members who may live far away.
  • Teachers or School Staff: To discuss school-related matters.
  • Doctors or Other Professionals: For appointments or advice.
  • Shopkeepers or Service Providers: To inquire about products or services.
The telephone is a versatile tool for connecting with almost anyone, anywhere.

Question 10

Which of the two do you like more—writing a letter or making a phone call? Why?
Solution: Both writing a letter and making a phone call have their own advantages. However, many people prefer making a phone call because:
  • Instant Feedback: A phone call allows for immediate conversation and response. You can hear the other person's voice and react in real-time.
  • Speed: Messages are delivered instantly, saving time compared to the days it might take for a letter to arrive.
  • Clarity: Sometimes, speaking directly can clear up misunderstandings more quickly than written words.
While letters offer a tangible keepsake and a more thoughtful way to express oneself, the immediacy and convenience of phone calls often make them more appealing for quick communication.

Question 11

We wrote a letter. We also made a phone call. What are the similarities and differences between a letter and a phone call?
Solution: Both writing a letter and making a phone call are methods of communication, but they have distinct similarities and differences:

Similarities:

  • Purpose: Both are used to convey messages, information, or feelings from one person to another.
  • Global Reach: Both can be used to communicate with people anywhere in the world, provided the necessary infrastructure (like postal services or telephone networks) is available.
  • Personal Connection: Both can be used to maintain relationships with friends and family.

Differences:

  • Medium of Communication: A letter uses written words on paper, while a phone call uses spoken words transmitted electronically.
  • Speed of Delivery: Letters take time to travel through the postal system, whereas phone calls transmit messages instantly.
  • Interactivity: Phone calls allow for immediate two-way conversation and feedback. Letters are one-way communication initially, requiring a reply that also takes time.
  • Sensory Experience: On a phone call, you can hear the other person's voice, tone, and emotions. A letter only conveys the written message.
  • Cost: While both have costs associated with them (stamps for letters, call charges for phones), phone calls can sometimes be perceived as costlier for frequent or long-distance communication compared to basic letters.
  • Tangibility: A letter is a physical object that can be kept and reread, offering a lasting record. A phone call is ephemeral.
Understanding these aspects helps in choosing the appropriate communication method for different situations.

Common mistakes

  • Incorrectly sequencing the steps in a letter's journey.
  • Forgetting to include all necessary parts of a full address.
  • Confusing the similarities and differences between letters and phone calls.
  • Not recognizing the purpose of a postage stamp.

Revision tips

  • Draw out the journey of a letter yourself to remember the sequence.
  • Practice writing different types of addresses for various scenarios.
  • Create a table to list the pros and cons of letters versus phone calls.
  • Look at real postcards and envelopes to identify stamps and addresses.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary purpose of a postage stamp on a letter?

Q2. Which of these is NOT a type of letter mentioned in the chapter?

Q3. How did letters travel to distant places before trains existed?

Q4. What is a similarity between writing a letter and making a phone call?

Q5. Which communication method provides instant feedback?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main topic of CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 17?

Chapter 17, 'Here Comes a Letter,' focuses on postal communication, including the journey of a letter, types of letters, stamps, addresses, and a comparison with telephone communication.

What are the different types of letters discussed in this chapter?

The chapter discusses three main types of letters: Postcard, Inland Letter, and Envelope.

Why are stamps important for letters?

Stamps are important because they indicate that the postage fee has been paid, which is necessary for the postal service to deliver the letter.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the concepts of postal communication and modern messaging methods for their exams.

What is the difference between a letter and a phone call according to the chapter?

A phone call allows you to hear the other person's voice and get instant feedback, while a letter takes time to reach its destination and doesn't allow for immediate voice communication.

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