CBSE Class 4 English Chapter 4 Why NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 4 PDF

CBSE Class 4 English, Chapter 4, 'Why', delves into the boundless curiosity that fuels learning. This chapter explores fundamental questions like why some things float and others sink, the essence of curiosity, and the power of asking 'why'. Through engaging examples, it explains natural phenomena such as solar eclipses and everyday occurrences. The solutions also feature word-building activities and creative writing prompts to sharpen critical thinking and expression. Designed to clarify the chapter's key concepts, these NCERT Solutions offer step-by-step explanations, aiding students in understanding the material thoroughly and preparing effectively for their assessments. The focus is on nurturing a questioning mind and building a strong foundation in English comprehension and expression.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 4
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	04 Why

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'Why', in the CBSE Class 4 English NCERT textbook focuses on the theme of curiosity and the act of questioning. The provided solutions cover exercises related to understanding why things sink or float, identifying the characteristics of a curious child, and discussing scientific and everyday questions. It also includes word-building activities and prompts for creative writing, encouraging students to explore the 'why' behind various situations. These solutions aim to reinforce comprehension of the chapter's themes and develop language skills.

Learning outcomes

Understand the concept of sinking and swimming.
Identify and describe a curious personality.
Formulate questions using the word 'why'.
Explain simple scientific phenomena and everyday occurrences.
Engage in creative writing based on given prompts.
Improve vocabulary through word-building exercises.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Sinking and Swimming
Curiosity
Asking Questions
Solar Eclipse
The Sun
Word Building
Rhyming Words
Creative Writing
Animal Behavior (Dogs and Cats)
Road Safety
Food Preferences (Ice Cream)

Important topics

Understanding the concept of sinking and swimming.
The importance of curiosity and asking questions.
Explaining everyday phenomena.
Vocabulary development through word building.
Creative expression through writing.

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Questions and Solutions

Reading is Fun

1. Name a few things that sink.

Solution: Based on common knowledge and the context of the poem, several items can sink in water. Examples include heavier objects like an iron nail, a stone, a piece of lead, or even denser materials like marble. Everyday items such as a cup or a plate can also sink if they are made of heavy material or if they fill with water.

2. List three questions that the little boy asks.

Solution: The little boy in the poem is very curious and asks a variety of questions. Three of the questions he asks are:

Why do wood swim and marble sink? This question explores the concept of buoyancy and density.
What makes the cloud? This question delves into meteorology and the formation of weather phenomena.
Why do we eat and drink? This question relates to biology and the necessity of sustenance for living beings.

3. What sort of a boy is described in the poem? (a) sad (b) curious (c) brave

Solution: The boy described in the poem is characterized by his constant questioning and desire to understand the world around him. This behaviour is a clear indication of his inquisitive nature. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) curious.

Let's Talk

1. Why can't we look at the sun during a solar eclipse?

Solution: We cannot look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse because the sun emits intense light and radiation. Even though the moon partially blocks the sun, the remaining visible parts can still emit light that is extremely bright and can cause severe damage to our eyes, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.

2. Why can't we touch the sun?

Solution: The sun is a massive star, essentially a giant ball of extremely hot gas, primarily hydrogen and helium, undergoing nuclear fusion. Its surface temperature is about 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit), and its core is millions of degrees hotter. This immense heat makes it impossible to touch, and it is also incredibly far away from Earth, making any attempt to reach it impossible with current technology.

3. Why can't we go out to play in the dark?

Solution: Playing in the dark is not advisable because visibility is significantly reduced. Without adequate light, it becomes difficult to see obstacles, other people, or the playing area, increasing the risk of tripping, falling, or getting injured. It can also be disorienting and make it harder to navigate safely.

Word Building

1. Fill in the blanks with words from the poem which rhyme with the coloured words in the sentences.

Solution: Here are the completed sentences with rhyming words:

Why is the sky so high?
Do you know the colour of no? (Rhymes with 'know')
Have you found who made the cloud?
Put the glass in the sink after you finish your drink. (Rhymes with 'sink')

2. The spellings of these words are jumbled. Put them right and make sentences of your own.

wokn, wism, dael, blarme, llihs

Solution: Let's unscramble the words and form sentences:

wokn unscrambles to know. Sentence: I don't know the answer to this question.
wism unscrambles to swim. Sentence: He swims for hours during weekends.
dael unscrambles to lead. Sentence: Lead is a heavy metal.
blarme unscrambles to marble. Sentence: The building is made of white marbles.
llihs unscrambles to hills. Sentence: It is difficult to climb the hills.

Let's Write

1. Discuss and write- Why do cats and dogs fight?

Solution: Cats and dogs may fight for various reasons, often stemming from territorial disputes, perceived threats, or differences in their natural behaviours. Dogs, being pack animals, might see cats as intruders in their territory or as prey, leading to chasing or aggressive behaviour. Cats, on the other hand, are more independent and may react defensively if they feel cornered or threatened by a dog's advances, using hissing, scratching, or biting to protect themselves. Sometimes, a lack of proper socialization between the two species from a young age can also contribute to their animosity.

2. Why do we walk across the road, not run?

Solution: We walk across the road, rather than run, primarily for safety reasons. Roads are often busy with vehicular traffic, and running can make it difficult to react quickly to approaching vehicles or to maintain balance. Walking allows for better control and awareness of our surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents. It also ensures we don't obstruct or startle other pedestrians or drivers.

3. Why do people like ice-cream?

Solution: People enjoy ice-cream for several reasons. Its cold temperature provides a refreshing sensation, especially on warm days. The combination of sweetness, creamy texture, and variety of flavours makes it a popular dessert and treat. For many, it also evokes feelings of happiness, nostalgia, and indulgence, making it an enjoyable experience.

4. Write down at least two questions using 'why'?

Solution: Here are two questions using the word 'why':

Why are you crying so loudly? This question seeks the reason behind someone's distress.
Why do you speak so rudely? This question inquires about the cause of impolite or harsh speech.

Fun Time

Painting with ONION HALVES and BOTTLE TOPS

You need- two onion halves, two bottle tops, water colour, plate for mixing.

Method- Take an onion. Cut it into half. Mix some paint of any colour with a little water in a plate. Dip the cut side of the onion into the colour. Now press it on a paper to make designs. Press the bottle top into the centre of the design. You can use another colour for the other onion half and the other bottle top.

Solution: This section describes a fun art activity. Students are encouraged to follow the method using onion halves and bottle tops with watercolours to create unique designs on paper. The outcome is a hands-on creative experience, and the instruction 'Do it yourself' indicates that the result is personal and depends on the student's execution.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

1. While listening to the story, what did Alice see?

Solution: While Alice was listening to the story being told, her attention was caught by a remarkable sight. She saw a White Rabbit, which stood out from the ordinary creatures she might expect to encounter.

2. What was different about the rabbit that Alice saw?

Solution: The White Rabbit that Alice observed was quite unusual. It possessed distinct features such as pink eyes and was dressed in a blue coat, which is highly uncommon for a rabbit. Furthermore, this rabbit had the remarkable ability to talk like a human, setting it apart from any ordinary animal.

Common mistakes

Confusing the reasons for sinking and floating.
Difficulty in forming grammatically correct sentences with new vocabulary.
Providing incomplete answers to discussion-based questions.
Not fully exploring the creative writing prompts.

Revision tips

Review the list of objects that sink and float.
Practice asking 'why' questions about everyday events.
Complete the word-building exercises to reinforce vocabulary.
Discuss the 'Let's Write' questions with a partner for deeper understanding.
Use the provided answers as a guide to articulate your own explanations.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is mentioned as something that sinks?

Q2. What quality does the poem attribute to the little boy?

Q3. Why is it not advisable to look at the sun during a solar eclipse?

Q4. What makes the sun too hot to touch?

Q5. Which word rhymes with 'sink' from the poem?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 4 'Why' for Class 4 English?

The main theme of Chapter 4 'Why' is to encourage curiosity and the habit of asking questions about the world around us, exploring reasons behind various phenomena.

What kind of questions are covered in the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 4?

The solutions cover questions related to why objects sink or float, the nature of curiosity, scientific facts about the sun and solar eclipses, word-building exercises, and creative writing prompts.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers and explanations, helping students understand the concepts, improve their vocabulary, and develop their writing skills, which aids in exam preparation.

What is the significance of the 'Let's Talk' section?

The 'Let's Talk' section encourages students to discuss and find answers to interesting questions with their teachers and classmates, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Are there any creative writing exercises in this chapter?

Yes, the chapter includes 'Let's Write' sections with prompts that encourage students to discuss and write about topics like why cats and dogs fight or why people like ice-cream.

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