CBSE Class 5 EVS NCERT Solutions: Chapter 13 - A Shelter So High
This chapter, 'A Shelter So High,' from CBSE Class 5 EVS, explores the diverse world of shelters and houses. Students will learn about the geographical locations and states one might travel through when journeying between different parts of India, such as Mumbai and Kashmir, and the types of areas like plains or hilly regions. The solutions also touch upon the practical aspects of living in different environments, including the reasons for choosing specific living spaces during extreme weather conditions like winter. It encourages students to think about their own homes, the materials used, and their functions, fostering an understanding of how climate and geography influence housing. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to the 'Find Out,' 'Tell,' and 'Write' sections of the chapter. They are designed to help students grasp the geographical concepts related to travel and state capitals, as well as to stimulate their imagination and observational skills regarding different types of houses. By engaging with these solutions, students can effectively revise the chapter's key themes, preparing them for examinations and deepening their knowledge of the varied shelters across India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | EVS |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 13, 'A Shelter So High,' focuses on understanding different types of houses and shelters across India. The NCERT Solutions cover geographical travel routes, identifying states and capitals, and distinguishing between plain and hilly areas. It also prompts students to consider practical aspects of housing, such as living arrangements during winter and the features of their own homes. The solutions aim to enhance students' observational skills and geographical awareness regarding shelters.
Learning outcomes
- Identify states and capitals on a travel route from Mumbai to Kashmir.
- Distinguish between plain and hilly areas.
- Understand reasons for specific housing arrangements during winter.
- Describe different types of houses and their uses.
- Imagine and list essential items for staying in a tent.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Travel routes in India
- States and Capitals
- Mumbai to Kashmir journey
- Mumbai to Delhi journey
- Plain vs. Hilly areas
- Manali
- Types of houses
- Shelters
- Winter living conditions
- Ground floor vs. First floor in winter
- House roofs
- Tent living
Important topics
- Identifying states and capitals on travel routes
- Understanding geographical features (plain vs. hilly)
- Reasons for different housing adaptations
- Observing and describing types of houses
PDF preview
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Gaurav Jani passed through several states while going from Mumbai to Delhi. Find the capital cities of these states. Was there any other big town on his way?
Is Manali a plain or a hilly area? In which state is it?
To travel from Mumbai to Kashmir, one would typically traverse through the following states: Maharashtra (starting point), Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and finally Himachal Pradesh before reaching Kashmir.
While traveling from Mumbai to Delhi, Gaurav Jani would have passed through several states. Here are some of them along with their capital cities:
- Maharashtra: Mumbai
- Gujarat: Gandhinagar
- Rajasthan: Jaipur
- Haryana: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab)
- Delhi (Union Territory)
On his way from Mumbai to Delhi, besides the capital cities, he might have passed through other significant towns such as Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, and possibly Agra in Uttar Pradesh if his route deviated slightly.
Manali is located in a hilly area. It is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Question 2
Imagine that you were to stay alone in a small tent for two days and could take with you only ten things. Make a list of those ten things.
What are the different types of houses that you have seen? Tell your friends about it. Make drawings too.
This question is designed for personal reflection and imagination. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences if they have stayed in a tent, describing the environment and their feelings. If not, they can imagine what it might be like.
For staying alone in a tent for two days, a student might consider packing essential items for survival and comfort. A possible list of ten things could include:
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Food (non-perishable)
- Torchlight
- First-aid kit
- Warm clothes
- Matches or lighter
- A book or journal
- A knife or multi-tool
- A small backpack
Students have seen various types of houses, such as apartments, bungalows, huts, houses made of mud, brick, concrete, wood, or even tents. Sharing observations and making drawings helps in understanding the diversity of shelters people use based on their location, climate, and available materials.
Question 3
What is the roof of your house like? What all is the roof used for?
Tashi's house has two floors, and during winters, they prefer to live on the ground floor. This is likely because in cold regions with heavy snowfall, the ground floor tends to be warmer than the upper floors. Snow can act as an insulator, and the upper floors might be more exposed to cold winds and snow accumulation, making them significantly colder.
The roof of a house can be designed in various ways depending on the region and climate. For example, it could be flat or sloped. A flat roof might be made of concrete, while a sloped roof could be made of tiles, thatch, or metal sheets. The roof is primarily used for protection from rain, sun, and wind. In some houses, especially in hilly areas, sloped roofs help snow or rainwater slide off easily. Flat roofs can sometimes be used as an extra space for drying clothes, storing items, or even for sitting during pleasant weather.
Common mistakes
- Difficulty in recalling state capitals or identifying states on a map.
- Confusing plain and hilly regions.
- Not considering practical reasons for housing choices in different climates.
- Limited imagination when listing items for a survival scenario.
Revision tips
- Use a map to trace the travel routes mentioned and locate the states and capitals.
- Discuss with friends the different types of houses you have seen and their features.
- Think about how the climate in different regions might affect the design and location of houses.
- Imagine yourself in Tashi's situation and explain why the ground floor is warmer in winter.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following states would you NOT pass through when traveling from Mumbai to Kashmir?
Explanation: When traveling from Mumbai to Kashmir, one would typically pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Tamil Nadu is in the southern part of India and is not on this route.
Q2. Manali, a popular tourist destination, is located in which type of area?
Explanation: Manali is known for its mountainous terrain and is situated in a hilly area within the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Q3. Why might Tashi's family live on the ground floor during winters?
Explanation: During winter, especially in snowy regions, the ground floor is often warmer than the upper floors because snow accumulation can insulate the lower levels, and the upper floors might be exposed to colder winds and snow.
Q4. Which of these is a capital city Gaurav Jani might have passed through when traveling from Mumbai to Delhi?
Explanation: Gaurav Jani traveled from Mumbai to Delhi. The route could include states like Gujarat (capital Gandhinagar) and Rajasthan (capital Jaipur), with Mumbai being the starting point in Maharashtra.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 13?
Chapter 13, 'A Shelter So High,' focuses on understanding different types of houses and shelters, geographical travel routes within India, and how climate affects living conditions.
Which states are mentioned in the context of traveling from Mumbai to Kashmir?
When traveling from Mumbai to Kashmir, one would typically pass through states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
Why is it important to know about different types of houses?
Learning about different houses helps students understand how geography, climate, and culture influence shelter design and living practices in various regions.
How do these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand concepts, revise topics, and prepare for exams by clarifying geographical information and housing adaptations.
What is the significance of the 'Find Out' section in this chapter?
The 'Find Out' section encourages students to use maps to identify states and capitals along travel routes, enhancing their geographical knowledge and map-reading skills.
Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy
NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.