NCERT Solutions for Class 4 English Chapter 02 The Tinkling Bells

Let us Think (Page 14)

Question 1. Why was Chinna upset?
Answer: Chinna felt sad because he had lost the money that his Dadaji gave him for buying the tinkling bells.
In simple words: Chinna was sad because he lost the money Dadaji gave him to buy bells.

Exam Tip: Always identify the main emotion and the reason for it in the story - this is what examiners look for in comprehension questions.

Question 2. How did Kamala help Chinna feel better?
Answer: Kamala was kind and caring toward Chinna. She wiped away his tears gently and told him she would give him money to buy the bells he wanted.
In simple words: Kamala made Chinna feel better by wiping his tears and promising to give him money for bells.

Exam Tip: Notice how characters show care and kindness - describing their actions with feeling words makes your answer stronger.

Question 3. What did the fruit seller do by mistake?
Answer: When the fruit seller gave back Chinna's change, he handed him ten rupees more than he was supposed to.
In simple words: The fruit seller gave Chinna ten extra rupees by accident.

Exam Tip: Look for key numbers and actions in the text - these details are often tested in comprehension questions.

Question 4. How did Chinna manage to buy the bells from Chacha in the end?
Answer: Chinna chose to return the extra money he had received to the fruit seller. His mother noticed his honest behavior and was very happy. She then took him to Chacha's shop where he was able to buy the bells at last.
In simple words: Chinna gave back the extra money to the fruit seller. His mother was proud and took him to buy the bells.

Exam Tip: Follow the sequence of events carefully - honesty led to the mother's approval, which then led to getting the bells.

B. Write 'T' for true or 'F' for false.

Question 1. Chinna wanted to buy the bells to attach them to his bicycle.
Answer: False
In simple words: Chinna wanted the bells for his pet goat, not his bicycle.

Exam Tip: Read carefully - the details about who or what the bells are for are important story facts.

Question 2. Chinna's mother, Kamala, comforted him when he came home feeling sad.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes - Kamala helped Chinna feel better when he was upset.

Exam Tip: Identify character relationships and their actions toward each other - this shows you understand the story.

Question 3. The fruit seller gave Chinna twenty rupees extra as change.
Answer: False
In simple words: The fruit seller gave only ten rupees extra, not twenty.

Exam Tip: Numbers matter - double-check exact amounts mentioned in the story.

Question 4. Chinna decided to keep the extra money and bought chocolates with it.
Answer: False
In simple words: Chinna returned the extra money instead of keeping it for himself.

Exam Tip: Understand character choices - Chinna's decision to be honest is the key lesson of the story.

Question 5. The fruit seller was unhappy when Chinna returned the extra money.
Answer: False
In simple words: The fruit seller was actually happy when Chinna gave back the money.

Exam Tip: Note how honesty brings happiness to both people - this is the story's moral message.

C. Think and discuss.

Question 1. Why do you think Chinna decided to return the money instead of keeping it?
Answer: Chinna remembered his own sadness when he lost his money. He understood that the fruit seller would feel the same pain if the money stayed lost. He also knew that taking something that did not belong to him would be stealing. His mother taught him the value of honesty and doing the right thing.
In simple words: Chinna felt sad when he lost his money, so he did not want the fruit seller to feel that way. He knew honesty was the right choice.

Exam Tip: Use evidence from the story to explain character decisions - show that you understand cause and effect.

Question 2. Think of a time when you found something that didn't belong to you. What did you do? How did it make you feel?
Answer: One day, I found a pencil case at school that was not mine. I gave it to my teacher so she could find out who owned it. This made me feel good about myself and proud that I had done the right thing.
In simple words: I found something and returned it. Doing the right thing made me happy and proud.

Exam Tip: Connect the story to your own life - this shows deep understanding and makes your answer personal and real.

Let us Learn (Pages 15-18)

A. Find the given words.

This is a word search activity. Students should locate the following words in the grid: CALM, HONEST, LOVE, RESPECT, COURAGE, LOYAL, TRUTH, FAIR, KIND, PEACE.

B. Read the following.

Chinna, Charu, and Jasmine are friends. They study in grade 4.

Question. Chinna is tall. Charu is taller than Chinna. Jasmine is the tallest person in the group. Complete the following using the correct form of the adjective.
Answer: We use different forms of adjectives to compare qualities of people or things. When comparing two people or objects, we add -er to the adjective and always use 'than'. Example: Arman is shorter than Jiya. When the comparison includes a whole group, we add -est to the adjective. Example: February is the shortest month of the year.
In simple words: Use -er when comparing two things, and -est when comparing a whole group.

Exam Tip: Remember the rule: -er for two things, -est for a group - this is the key to comparative adjectives.

Fill in the blanks using the correct comparison markers (-er or -est).

Question 1. I am (tall) _______ than my brother.
Answer: taller
In simple words: Use -er because you are comparing yourself with one other person.

Exam Tip: Look for the word "than" - it tells you that you are comparing two things, so use -er.

Question 2. January is the (cold) _____ month of the year.
Answer: coldest
In simple words: Use -est because you are picking the coldest one from all months.

Exam Tip: Look for words like "the" and "of the year" - they show you are comparing within a group, so use -est.

Question 3. An ant is (small) _______ than an elephant.
Answer: smaller
In simple words: Use -er because you are comparing an ant with one other animal.

Exam Tip: When you see "than," use -er - this word signals a comparison between two things.

Question 4. My sister is (smart) ______ than me.
Answer: smarter
In simple words: Use -er when comparing your sister with yourself.

Exam Tip: The word "than" is your clue to use the -er form of the adjective.

Question 5. Jay was the (fast) _______ person in the race.
Answer: fastest
In simple words: Use -est because Jay is the fastest out of everyone in the whole race.

Exam Tip: Words like "the" and "in the race" mean you are choosing the best or biggest from a whole group, so use -est.

C. Circle the word that means the opposite of the highlighted word in each sentence.

Question 1. Chacha showed him some beautiful tinkling bells.
(a) Attractive
(b) Ugly
(c) Broken
Answer: (b) Ugly
In simple words: Beautiful means pretty, so the opposite is ugly - something not pretty at all.

Exam Tip: Opposites are often called antonyms - learn to spot them by thinking about what word means the complete reverse.

Question 2. The fruit seller was so happy that he gave Chinna ten rupees as a reward.
(a) Offer
(b) Prize
(c) Punishment
Answer: (c) Punishment
In simple words: A reward is something good you get. A punishment is something bad - the opposite.

Exam Tip: Think about context - "reward" is positive, so its opposite must be negative.

Question 3. I'll give you money to buy the bells.
(a) Sell
(b) Purchase
(c) Order
Answer: (a) Sell
In simple words: To buy means to get something by paying money. To sell means to give something in exchange for money - the opposite action.

Exam Tip: Buy and sell are business opposites - one is receiving goods, the other is giving them.

Question 4. "Can I buy chocolates with the money?" whispered Chinna.
(a) Murmured
(b) Shouted
(c) Talked
Answer: (b) Shouted
In simple words: To whisper means to speak very softly. To shout means to speak very loudly - they are opposites.

Exam Tip: Volume (loudness or softness) is key - whisper is quiet, shout is loud.

Let us Listen (Page 18)

Your teacher will read out the story 'The Tinkling Bells' once again to you. Now read the following sentences and number them in the sequence of the story.

Question. Arrange the events of the story in the correct order.
Answer:
1. Chinna wanted to buy bells for his pet at Chacha's shop.
2. Chinna discovered that his money was missing and felt sad.
3. Chinna hugged his mother and told her about the missing money.
4. Chinna went to the market with his mother.
5. Chinna returned the extra money to the fruit seller.
6. Chinna bought the tinkling bells after getting some money from his mother.
In simple words: The story starts with Chinna wanting bells, then he loses money, tells his mother, goes shopping, returns extra money, and finally gets the bells.

Exam Tip: Always follow the order of events in a story from beginning to end - this shows you understand the plot.

Let us Speak (Page 18)

What would you do in the following situations?

Question 1. You borrowed your friend's favorite pen. After using it, you accidentally broke it. What would you do?
Answer: I would tell my friend right away and say sorry to them. Then I would try my best to get them a new pen or buy them one as a replacement.
In simple words: Tell your friend, say sorry, and get them a new pen.

Exam Tip: Show responsibility - admit mistakes quickly and try to fix them.

Question 2. During a math quiz, your friends ask you to show them your answers because they didn't study. If you don't help, your friends might get upset with you. What would you do?
Answer: I would not share my answers because cheating is wrong. Instead, I would tell my friends in a kind way that it is better for them to try their best on their own and be truthful.
In simple words: Do not cheat. Tell them they should try on their own.

Exam Tip: Stand firm on ethics - showing courage to do right, even when facing peer pressure, is important.

Question 3. You see a classmate taking a notebook from the teacher's desk without permission. The classmate tells you not to tell anyone. What would you do?
Answer: I would ask my classmate to put the notebook back on the teacher's desk where it belongs. If they do not do this, I would tell the teacher because taking things without asking is not right.
In simple words: Tell the classmate to return it. If they don't, tell the teacher.

Exam Tip: Speaking up about wrongdoing shows integrity and helps maintain fairness in the classroom.

Question 4. You bring your favourite snack to school. But you find that your classmate has not brought anything to eat. You really want to enjoy the snack alone. What would you do?
Answer: I would divide my snack and share it with my classmate. Sharing brings joy to both people, and we both get to enjoy a nice moment together.
In simple words: Share your snack. It feels good and you both have fun.

Exam Tip: Generosity and kindness strengthen friendships and create positive classroom relationships.

Let us Write (Pages 19-20)

A. Frame sentences using the following words from the story.

Question 1. Frame a sentence using the word 'smiling.'
Answer: My friend was smiling because he had won first prize in the drawing competition.
In simple words: Make a sentence that shows happiness.

Exam Tip: Use context clues from the story - positive words often go with happy moments.

Question 2. Frame a sentence using the word 'mistake.'
Answer: I wrote the story without making any mistake.
In simple words: Show how something was done correctly or what a mistake is.

Exam Tip: Try to use the word in a natural way that connects to the story's theme of honesty.

Question 3. Frame a sentence using the word 'honest.'
Answer: I am an honest girl.
In simple words: Show that honesty is a good quality.

Exam Tip: This word is key to the story - connect it to good character traits.

Question 4. Frame a sentence using the word 'praise.'
Answer: Our classmates praise my honesty.
In simple words: Show that others recognize and approve of good behavior.

Exam Tip: Use praise to show the positive results of good actions - this reinforces the story's lesson.

Question 5. Frame a sentence using the word 'careful.'
Answer: We should be careful when walking on the path.
In simple words: Show that being careful keeps us safe.

Exam Tip: Connect careful behavior to safety and responsibility in daily life.

B. Draw two national symbols (e.g., national flag, national bird) and write a few sentences about each.

Question. Draw and describe two national symbols of India.
Answer:

1. National Flag - Tiranga

The Indian flag is known as the Tiranga, which means "three colours." It has three horizontal stripes that are equal in size. The top stripe is saffron, which stands for bravery and courage. The middle stripe is white and represents peace and honesty. The bottom stripe is green and symbolizes growth and prosperity. In the centre of the white stripe is a navy blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes. This wheel represents truth and the progress of the nation. The flag is hoisted on important national days such as Independence Day on August 15 and Republic Day on January 26.

2. National Bird - Indian Peacock

The Indian peacock is the national bird of India. It is recognized worldwide for its stunning appearance and vibrant colours. The peacock has brilliant blue and green feathers, especially in its tail, which it can spread out in a beautiful fan shape. This display is called a dance and is a sight to behold. The peacock represents beauty, grace, and national pride. These magnificent birds are found in forests, near villages, and even in palace gardens across India. They are admired not just for their looks but also for their role in Indian culture and tradition.

Exam Tip: When describing national symbols, remember to mention colours, meanings, and why they are important to the country.

Let us Do (Pages 21-22)

Create your own bell craft, similar to the bells Chinna wanted for his pet goat.

Materials Needed (Waste or Recyclable Items):

• Small metal bottle caps (from used bottles) or small tin cans (cleaned and dried)
• String (about 12-15 inches for each bell)
• Old cardboard (for making a tag or decoration)
• Small pebbles, beans, or beads (for the tinkling sound inside the bell)
• Aluminum foil (for decoration)
• Glue or tape
• Safety scissors
• Hole punch or nail (with adult supervision for punching holes)

Preparation:

• If using bottle caps - Collect around two or three for each student.
• If using tin cans - You should have an adult help you make a small hole near the top rim of the can for threading the string. Make sure the cans are cleaned and dried well.

Steps:

1. Place one or two small pebbles, beans, or beads inside a bottle cap or tin can. These will make the tinkling sound when the bell is shaken.
2. If using bottle caps, glue another cap on top to seal it and create a small bell shape. Use tape around the edges to keep it closed. If using a tin can, leave the items inside without sealing.
3. Thread the string or yarn through the hole in the tin can, or make a hole in the top of the sealed bottle cap using a nail (with adult help).
4. Tie a knot at the end of the string to hold the bell securely, so it can hang freely.
5. Cut a small piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the bell to make it shiny and pretty.
6. Decorate with markers, crayons, or paint if you want. You can add patterns, colours, or drawings on the foil.
7. Cut a small shape from cardboard (such as a circle, heart, or star) and punch a hole at the top.
8. Write your name, draw a picture, or colour the tag as you like.
9. Thread the tag onto the string above the bell and tie it in place.
10. Adjust the length of the string as needed, making sure the bell hangs freely and can create the tinkling sound.
11. Shake the bells and enjoy hearing the sound of your creation.

Question. Create your own bell craft.
Answer: Follow the steps given above and make your own bell craft using recycled materials. This is a hands-on activity - you should do it yourself and enjoy the creative process.
In simple words: Make your own bells by following the steps and have fun creating.

Exam Tip: Hands-on activities teach us to be creative and to use waste materials wisely - skills that help the environment.

Fun with Matchsticks (Page 23)

Activity: Fix the equation. Objective: Move one matchstick to make the equation correct. One puzzle has been solved for you.

Question. Move one matchstick to make the equation correct.
Answer: This is a puzzle activity where you must shift exactly one matchstick from its current position to balance the mathematical equation shown. The solution has been provided as an example to guide you. Try to solve the second equation by applying the same thinking and moving one stick carefully to make the math work.
In simple words: Move one stick to make the math correct.

Exam Tip: Puzzle activities teach logic and problem-solving - look at all possible moves before you decide.

Let us Explore (Page 24)

We have read about Chinna's love for tinkling bells in the story. Collect or draw pictures of different types of bells found in India.

Question. Collect or draw pictures of different types of bells found in India.
Answer: This is a project activity that asks you to find real pictures or create your own drawings of bells that are used and found across India. Look for temple bells, decorative bells used in homes, bells worn on clothing, hand bells, and bells used in festivals. You can collect images from magazines, books, or the internet, or you can draw them yourself. Display your collection with labels and information about each type of bell and where it is used in India.
In simple words: Find or draw pictures of bells from India and show where they are used.

Exam Tip: Research and collection activities help you connect what you learn in class to the real world and your own culture.