CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 2: A Snake Charmer's Story NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 5 PDF

This chapter, 'A Snake Charmer's Story,' for CBSE Class 5 EVS, delves into the fascinating world of snakes and the traditional practice of snake charming. The NCERT Solutions provide a platform for students to explore their own experiences and observations related to snakes and the use of animals for entertainment. Through thought-provoking questions, students are encouraged to consider the senses of snakes, their behavior, and the ethical implications of keeping animals in captivity. The solutions prompt reflection on the feelings of animals, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of animal welfare. This chapter serves as an excellent tool for exam revision, encouraging critical thinking about animal rights and conservation.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 5
SubjectEVS
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'A Snake Charmer's Story,' focuses on understanding snakes and the societal practice of snake charming. The NCERT Solutions guide students to think about snake senses, their interaction with music (been), and common misconceptions about them being all poisonous. It also prompts reflection on the broader theme of animals used for entertainment, encouraging empathy and critical thinking about animal welfare and captivity.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand that snakes may not be able to hear like humans but can sense vibrations.
  • Recognize that not all snakes are dangerous or poisonous.
  • Reflect on the feelings and experiences of animals used for entertainment.
  • Develop empathy towards animals and consider their well-being.
  • Think critically about the ethical treatment of animals in captivity.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Snake behavior
  • Snake senses (hearing, vibrations)
  • Poisonous vs. non-poisonous snakes
  • Animal entertainment
  • Animal welfare
  • Empathy towards animals
  • Captivity
  • Traditional occupations (snake charming)

Important topics

  • Snake senses and vibrations
  • Distinguishing poisonous and non-poisonous snakes
  • Animal welfare and ethical treatment
  • Empathy for captive animals

PDF preview

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Questions and Solutions

Think and Tell:

Have you ever seen anyone playing a been? Where?

Have you ever seen a snake? Where?

. Were you scared by it? Why?

  • Do you think all snakes are poisonous?
  • In chapter 1 you read that snakes do not have ears which you can see. Can the snake hear the been or does it dance when the been moves? What do you think?
Solution:

This section asks for personal experiences and opinions. Here are some points to consider:

Playing the been: You might have seen someone playing a been in a street performance, a fair, or perhaps on television. Snake charmers are known for playing this instrument.

Seeing a snake: You may have seen a snake in a zoo, a nature park, a farm, or even in your surroundings if you live in a rural area. Sometimes, people encounter snakes in their homes or gardens.

Fear of snakes: Whether you were scared depends on your personal experience and knowledge about snakes. Many people feel scared because they believe snakes are dangerous or can harm them. However, understanding snake behavior can sometimes reduce fear.

  • Are all snakes poisonous? No, not all snakes are poisonous. Many snakes are harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. Only a few types of snakes have venom that can be harmful to humans.
  • Can snakes hear the been? Snakes do not have external ears like humans, so they cannot 'hear' music in the way we do. However, they are very sensitive to vibrations. When a snake charmer plays the been, the snake likely feels the vibrations through the ground and responds to the movement of the been, rather than the sound itself. It appears to dance because it is reacting to these vibrations and movements.

Write:

Have you ever seen animals being used for entertainment of people? (For example, in a circus, on the road, or in a park)

–When and where did you see this?

-Which animal show did you see?

  • How did people behave with the animals in the show?
  • What kind of questions came to your mind after seeing that animal show?
Solution:

This question encourages you to recall and reflect on your observations of animals used for entertainment. Here's a guide to help you answer based on your experiences:

When and where did you see this? Think about any circuses you might have visited, street performances you've witnessed, or even animal acts in parks or festivals. For example, you might have seen a dog show, a monkey performing tricks, or birds giving rides.

Which animal show did you see? Describe the specific type of show. Was it a circus with elephants and tigers, a street performer with a snake or a monkey, or perhaps a show with trained birds?

  • How did people behave with the animals? Observe how the trainers or the audience interacted with the animals. Did the animals seem happy and well-cared for, or did they appear stressed, scared, or forced to perform? Note if they were given rewards or if they were treated harshly.
  • What kind of questions came to your mind? After seeing the show, you might have wondered about the animals' lives. Questions could include: Are the animals happy? Are they treated well? Do they miss their natural homes? Is it right to keep them in cages or force them to perform tricks? What happens to them when the show is over?

Imagine you are an animal in a cage:

Imagine that you are an animal in a cage. Think how you would feel. Complete the following sentences:

  • I am afraid when
  • I wish I
  • I am sad when
  • If I had a chance I would
  • I do not like it at all when
Solution:

This is an exercise in empathy, asking you to put yourself in an animal's position. Here are some possible ways to complete the sentences, reflecting common feelings of captive animals:

  • I am afraid when people shout loudly, when the cage is shaken, or when I am forced to do something I don't want to do. I might also be afraid of the trainer or unfamiliar surroundings.
  • I wish I could run freely in a forest or a field, play with my family, and eat the food I like in my natural habitat. I wish I could be free.
  • I am sad when I see other animals playing freely, when I am lonely in my cage, or when I remember my home in the wild. I feel sad when I am unable to move or express myself naturally.
  • If I had a chance I would escape from the cage and go back to my natural home. I would run, jump, and explore the world without any restrictions.
  • I do not like it at all when I am poked, prodded, or made to perform tricks for strangers. I dislike being confined in a small space and not having enough food or water.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all snakes are dangerous and poisonous.
  • Believing snakes dance solely to the music of the been, rather than sensing vibrations.
  • Not considering the emotional state of animals used for entertainment.

Revision tips

  • Discuss your experiences with snakes and snake charmers with friends or family.
  • Imagine yourself in an animal's place to understand their feelings better.
  • Research different types of snakes and their characteristics.
  • Think about why animals are used for entertainment and if it's ethical.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary way a snake charmer's been is thought to affect a snake?

Q2. According to the chapter, are all snakes poisonous?

Q3. When animals are used for entertainment, what is a common feeling they might experience?

Q4. What does the chapter encourage students to think about regarding animals in shows?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 2, 'A Snake Charmer's Story' in Class 5 EVS?

The chapter focuses on understanding snakes, their senses (like sensing vibrations from a been), and the ethical considerations of using animals for entertainment.

Can snakes really hear the music from a been?

While snakes don't have visible ears like humans, they can sense vibrations. It's believed they react to the vibrations from the been rather than hearing the music itself.

Are all snakes dangerous?

No, the chapter implies that not all snakes are poisonous or dangerous. Many snakes are harmless.

Why does the chapter ask students to imagine being an animal in a cage?

This exercise is designed to foster empathy by encouraging students to think about how animals might feel when confined or used for entertainment, promoting a sense of compassion.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

The solutions provide clear explanations and encourage critical thinking about animal welfare and behavior, helping students answer questions related to these topics comprehensively during exams.

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