Chapter 7: Let Us Solve Our Own Problems
Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.
Grade 5 Q&A: Chapter 7: Let Us Solve Our Own Problems
Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 5 Environmental Studies (Part One), Chapter 7: "Let Us Solve Our Own Problems." This chapter focuses on the importance of identifying and solving problems, particularly those in our community, through collective effort and participation. It also introduces us to key concepts like Gram Sabha and Ward Sabha, and the contributions of social reformers.
Important Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the first step in solving a problem?
Answer: The first step in solving a problem is to identify and understand the problem clearly.
Q2: Why is it important to solve problems collectively?
Answer: It is important to solve problems collectively because problems in civic life affect everyone, and everyone's participation helps in finding effective and sustainable solutions.
Q3: What is meant by 'collective decision-making'?
Answer: Collective decision-making means that decisions are made by a group of people together, after discussing and considering various viewpoints, to arrive at a solution that benefits the majority.
Q4: What is a Gram Sabha?
Answer: A Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adult people (citizens aged 18 years and above) in a village. It is a platform for discussing village problems and making collective decisions.
Q5: What is the importance of the Gram Sabha?
Answer: The Gram Sabha is important because it allows all adult villagers to participate directly in local governance, discuss common problems, and make decisions for the development and well-being of the village.
Q6: What is a Ward Sabha?
Answer: A Ward Sabha is a meeting of all adult people (citizens aged 18 years and above) living in a particular ward of a city or town. It serves a similar purpose to the Gram Sabha but for urban areas.
Q7: What is the importance of the Ward Sabha?
Answer: The Ward Sabha is important as it provides a platform for residents of a ward to discuss local issues, voice their concerns, and contribute to decisions related to their specific area within the city or town.
Q8: Can all problems be solved by an individual alone?
Answer: No, not all problems can be solved by an individual alone, especially public problems that affect many people. These require collective effort.
Q9: What role do social reformers play in solving problems?
Answer: Social reformers play a crucial role in solving problems by identifying deep-rooted social issues, raising awareness, advocating for change, and working towards the betterment of society through their efforts and movements.
Q10: Name two social reformers mentioned in the context of solving problems.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi and Savitribai Phule are two prominent social reformers who worked tirelessly to solve various social problems in India.
Q11: How does participating in problem-solving help in developing a community?
Answer: Participating in problem-solving helps in developing a community by fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and cooperation among its members, leading to stronger bonds and collective progress.
Q12: What kind of problems do you usually discuss with your parents or teachers?
Answer: We usually discuss personal challenges, academic difficulties, or small conflicts with friends with our parents or teachers, seeking their guidance and support.
Q13: What kind of problems can be solved by working together with friends?
Answer: Problems like organizing a group project, planning a game, or resolving minor disagreements can be solved by working together with friends.
Q14: What is the importance of listening to others' opinions when solving a problem?
Answer: Listening to others' opinions is important because it helps in understanding different perspectives, gathering more information, and finding a more comprehensive and acceptable solution.
Q15: How can a small problem become a big one if not addressed?
Answer: A small problem can become a big one if not addressed because it might escalate, affect more people, or lead to more complex issues over time, making it harder to solve later.
Q16: What is the significance of the "What we have learnt" section in a chapter?
Answer: The "What we have learnt" section summarizes the key takeaways and main points of the chapter, helping students revise and reinforce their understanding of the concepts.
Q17: How does collective decision-making ensure that solutions are fair?
Answer: Collective decision-making ensures fairness because it involves input from various members of the community, allowing different needs and concerns to be considered, and leading to solutions that are generally more equitable.
Q18: Why is it important for children to learn about problem-solving?
Answer: It is important for children to learn about problem-solving as it develops their critical thinking skills, encourages responsibility, and prepares them to face challenges in their personal lives and as future citizens.
Q19: How can we encourage more people to participate in community problem-solving?
Answer: We can encourage more people to participate by making the process inclusive, ensuring their voices are heard, showing them the positive impact of their contributions, and making meetings accessible and engaging.
Q20: What is the role of discussion in solving problems?
Answer: Discussion is crucial in solving problems as it allows for the exchange of ideas, identification of root causes, brainstorming of solutions, and reaching a consensus among participants.
Q21: How do local self-governing bodies like Gram Sabha and Ward Sabha help in solving local problems?
Answer: These bodies provide a formal structure for community members to meet, discuss, and decide on local issues, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the village or ward.
Q22: What quality is developed when we work together to solve problems?
Answer: When we work together to solve problems, we develop qualities like cooperation, teamwork, empathy, and a sense of collective responsibility.
Q23: How can we identify problems in our surroundings?
Answer: We can identify problems in our surroundings by observing our daily life, listening to the concerns of others, and actively looking for areas that need improvement, such as cleanliness, water supply, or traffic issues.
Q24: Why is it important to implement the solutions found for problems?
Answer: It is important to implement the solutions because finding solutions is only half the task; effective implementation ensures that the problem is actually resolved and the desired positive change occurs.
Q25: How did Mahatma Gandhi contribute to solving social problems?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi contributed to solving social problems by leading movements against injustice, promoting non-violence, advocating for equality, and inspiring people to work together for a better society, particularly for India's independence and social reforms.
Q26: How did Savitribai Phule contribute to solving social problems?
Answer: Savitribai Phule dedicated her life to women's education and social reform, fighting against caste discrimination and patriarchy. She established the first school for girls in India, empowering women through education and challenging unjust social norms.
Q27: What is the significance of the pictures at the beginning of the chapter (e.g., children playing, people discussing)?
Answer: The pictures at the beginning illustrate various everyday situations and interactions, prompting students to think about how problems arise and how people engage in discussions or activities to solve them, setting the context for the chapter's theme.
Q28: What does the chapter teach us about civic life?
Answer: The chapter teaches us that civic life involves living together in a community, where problems are common, and it is the collective responsibility of citizens to participate in finding and implementing solutions for the common good.
Exercise Solutions
Q1: Fill in the blanks.
- We must try to solve our problems by discussing them together.
- The Gram Sabha is a meeting of all adult people in the village.
- The Ward Sabha is a meeting of all adult people in a ward.
Q2: Answer in one sentence.
- What is meant by collective decision-making?
Answer: Collective decision-making means that decisions are made by a group of people together, after discussion, for the benefit of all. - What is the importance of Gram Sabha?
Answer: The Gram Sabha is important as it is a platform where all adult villagers can discuss and make decisions about the problems and development of their village. - What is the importance of Ward Sabha?
Answer: The Ward Sabha is important as it allows adult residents of a ward to discuss local issues and contribute to decisions affecting their area. - Name two social reformers who worked to solve problems.
Answer: Two social reformers who worked to solve problems are Mahatma Gandhi and Savitribai Phule.
Q3: True or False.
- All problems can be solved by an individual. False
- Participation of everyone is important in solving public problems. True
- Gram Sabha is a meeting of children. False
Q4: What's the solution?
Situation: There is a problem of garbage accumulation in your school/colony.
Solution: We can solve this problem by organizing a community clean-up drive involving students, teachers, and residents. We can also place more dustbins, educate everyone about proper waste disposal, and encourage segregation of waste. Regular monitoring and reporting to the local authorities for waste collection would also be helpful.
Q5: Discuss
Question 1: How can we solve the problem of water scarcity in our village/city?
Answer: To solve water scarcity, we can:
- Promote rainwater harvesting by collecting and storing rainwater.
- Encourage judicious use of water in homes and public places.
- Repair leaking pipes and taps immediately.
- Educate people about water conservation methods.
- Implement water recycling and reuse systems where possible.
- Plant more trees to help in groundwater recharge.
Question 2: Importance of cleanliness in our surroundings.
Answer: Cleanliness in our surroundings is very important because:
- It prevents the spread of diseases, as germs and insects thrive in dirty environments.
- It creates a healthy and pleasant living environment for everyone.
- It enhances the beauty of our community and makes it more inviting.
- It fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among residents.
- A clean environment contributes to overall well-being and productivity.
References
- Maharashtra State Board Environmental Studies (Part One) Standard Five Textbook (2015 Edition) - Chapter 7: Let Us Solve Our Own Problems.
- Maharashtra State Board 5th Standard Environmental Studies Syllabus.
- Balbharati Environmental Studies Part 1 Textbook.