What do all living beings need freshwater for?

Drinking, cooking, and daily activities

Why can rainwater not seep into the ground easily in cities?

Because it rains less in cities

Because of many cemented surfaces

What are soak pits and ponds used for?

Helping rainwater return underground

Why do fish find it hard to breathe when too many plants grow in a river?

Plants cover the surface and reduce oxygen

The salt pans of Gujarat are used for:

Drying seawater to collect salt

How does water vapour form clouds?

Water vapour cools and forms small droplets

What does 'perennial river' mean?

A river that flows all year round

A river that dries up in summer

Why is freshwater important to life even though most of Earth is covered with water?

Most water is used for industry

The majority of Earth's water is salty, leaving very little freshwater

Saltwater is used by sea animals only

What would happen if there were no water cycle?

Water would not return to land and life would suffer

How do mangrove roots help the ecosystem?

They hold soil together and stop waves from washing land away

If fertilisers wash into a river, what sequence of events occurs?

Fish grow larger – river cleans itself – plants die

Plants and organisms grow rapidly – cover surface like a 'green blanket' – fish can't breathe

Water becomes salty – organisms die – fish leave

Microbes die – water becomes clear – fish return

Why does deforestation increase the risk of flooding?

Without trees, water runs off the land faster into rivers

Less trees means less pollution

What is the difference between a surface water source and groundwater?

Surface water is underground; groundwater flows in rivers

Surface water includes rivers and lakes; groundwater is stored underground

Surface water is always salty; groundwater is always fresh

A water ATM differs from a regular water source because:

It uses electricity to heat water

It provides clean water through a card or coin system

Which observation tells us that polluted river water can be harmful even when it looks clean?

Clean-looking water always is safe

Harmful chemicals can hide in water that looks clean

A student argues that since most of Earth's surface is covered with water, there is no water shortage. What is the best counter-argument?

The majority of that water is salty and unusable by most land organisms

Earth's freshwater is unlimited if we recycle it

Water cycles ensure there is always enough freshwater

Why would increasing cemented urban areas have a long-term negative effect on groundwater levels?

Rain evaporates faster over cities

Cemented surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground and recharging groundwater

Cities use more water than villages

Underground water flows to cities

The water cycle connects oceans, clouds, and rivers. What would happen if the Sun's heat energy were suddenly reduced by half?

Evaporation would decrease, leading to less rainfall and drier rivers

Groundwater levels would drop immediately

If a pond were treated with chemicals that killed all microorganisms in it, what would be the most likely long-term consequence?

The pond becomes cleaner and safer

The food chain in the pond would collapse because producers and small consumers depend on microorganisms

The Namami Gange programme aims to clean the Ganga. Which combination of actions would be MOST effective?

Stop all river flow and replace with clean water

Prevent industrial waste from entering the river AND plant trees along the banks to reduce runoff

Only add chemicals to purify the water

Ban fishing in the river permanently

Which factors are responsible for rivers becoming polluted?

Industrial chemicals released into rivers

Plastic waste dumped near river banks

Fertilisers washing off farmland

Which of the following correctly describe characteristics of aquatic organisms that help them survive?

Waxy leaves help water plants stay waterproof

NCERT Solutions Class 5 EVS Chapter 1 – Water—The Essence of Life

Name: Water—The Essence of Life – Class 5 EVS
Uploaded: 2026-07-23T04:34:27+00:00
Description: The chapter “Water—The Essence of Life” explores the importance of water for all living beings, its different forms, and the continuous water cycle in nature. It also explains freshwater sources, groundwater, rivers, and life in water, showing how water supports and sustains life on Earth.

Class 5 EVS

Last Updated: 23 July 2026

Share on WhatsApp

Chapter Introduction

The chapter “Water—The Essence of Life” explores the importance of water for all living beings, its different forms, and the continuous water cycle in nature. It also explains freshwater sources, groundwater, rivers, and life in water, showing how water supports and sustains life on Earth.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

अध्याय “जल—जीवन का सार” सभी जीवों के लिए पानी के महत्व, इसके विभिन्न रूपों और प्रकृति में निरंतर चलने वाले जल चक्र का अध्ययन करता है। यह ताजे पानी के स्रोतों, भूमिगत जल, नदियों और जल में जीवन के बारे में भी समझाता है, और यह दिखाता है कि पानी पृथ्वी पर जीवन को कैसे बनाए रखता और सहारा देता है।

Watch Video Lecture

Practice more on the App!

Get unlimited MCQ tests & video lectures.

Download

Important Points

🕐 Coming Soon

Important points for this chapter will be added shortly. Check back soon!

Practice MCQ Questions (42 questions)

Q1. What is the most common form of water that falls as rain?

Q2. What is the circular movement of water in nature called?

Q3. Where is groundwater stored?

Q4. What instrument is used to draw groundwater from the ground?

Q5. What covers most of the Earth's surface?

Get all 42 MCQ questions + more!

Download the Genius Mind app for unlimited practice, mock tests & video lectures.

▶ Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🕐 Coming Soon

FAQs for this chapter will be added soon. Stay tuned!

Tough Words (Glossary)

Essence

Meaning: The most important quality of something.

अर्थ: सार / मूल तत्व

"Water is the essence of life."

Raindrops

Meaning: Small drops of rain.

अर्थ: वर्षा की बूँदें

"Raindrops fell on the leaves."

Slide

Meaning: To move smoothly over a surface.

अर्थ: फिसलना

"The kids slide down the slope."

Journey

Meaning: The act of traveling from one place to another.

अर्थ: यात्रा

"They went on a long journey."

Majority

Meaning: The largest part of something.

अर्थ: बहुमत / अधिकांश

"The majority of people voted for change."

Freshwater

Meaning: Water that is not salty.

अर्थ: मीठा पानी

"Lakes and rivers contain freshwater."

Essential

Meaning: Very important and necessary.

अर्थ: आवश्यक

"Clean air is essential for health."

Teaspoon

Meaning: A small spoon used for measuring or eating.

अर्थ: चम्मच

"Add one teaspoon of sugar to the tea."

Curious

Meaning: Eager to know or learn something.

अर्थ: जिज्ञासु

"The child was curious about the stars."

Vapour

Meaning: Water in the form of gas.

अर्थ: वाष्प

"Steam is water vapour."

Droplets

Meaning: Tiny drops of liquid.

अर्थ: बूँदें

"Droplets formed on the glass."

Eventually

Meaning: In the end, after some time.

अर्थ: आखिरकार

"Eventually, he passed the exam."

Circular

Meaning: Shaped like a circle; round.

अर्थ: वृत्ताकार

"They sat in a circular formation."

Soaked

Meaning: Very wet or drenched.

अर्थ: भीगा हुआ

"His clothes were soaked in rain."

Groundwater

Meaning: Water stored under the ground.

अर्थ: भूमिगत जल

"Wells are used to draw groundwater."

Recharge

Meaning: To fill up again.

अर्थ: पुनर्भरण

"Rainwater helps recharge groundwater."

Surface

Meaning: The outside or top layer of something.

अर्थ: सतह

"The surface of the lake was calm."

Glacier

Meaning: A large mass of ice moving slowly down a mountain.

अर्थ: हिमनद

"The glacier melts to form rivers."

Valley

Meaning: Low land between hills or mountains.

अर्थ: घाटी

"The valley was full of flowers."

Dune

Meaning: A hill of sand formed by the wind.

अर्थ: रेत का टीला

"The desert is full of sand dunes."

Desert

Meaning: A dry area with little or no rain.

अर्थ: मरुस्थल

"Camels live in the desert."

Variety

Meaning: Different kinds of the same thing.

अर्थ: विविधता

"There is a variety of fruits in the basket."

Waterproof

Meaning: Not allowing water to pass through.

अर्थ: जलरोधी

"This jacket is waterproof."

Habitats

Meaning: Places where animals or plants live naturally.

अर्थ: आवास स्थल

"Forests are natural habitats of tigers."

Aquatic

Meaning: Living or growing in water.

अर्थ: जलचर

"Aquatic plants grow in ponds."

Dragonfly

Meaning: An insect with a long body and two pairs of wings.

अर्थ: व्याधपतंग

"A dragonfly flew over the pond."

Scorpion

Meaning: A creature with pincers and a poisonous sting.

अर्थ: बिच्छू

"The scorpion hides under rocks."

Reeds

Meaning: Tall grass-like plants that grow near water.

अर्थ: सरकंडा

"Reeds grow along the pond."

Hyacinth

Meaning: A plant with flowers or leaves floating on water.

अर्थ: जलकुंभी

"The pond was covered with water hyacinth."

Seep

Meaning: To flow slowly through small openings.

अर्थ: रिसना

"Water will seep through the soil."

NCERT Solutions Class 5 EVS Chapter 1 – Water—The Essence of Life

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (42 questions)

Q1. What is the most common form of water that falls as rain?

Q2. What is the circular movement of water in nature called?

Q3. Where is groundwater stored?

Q4. What instrument is used to draw groundwater from the ground?

Q5. What covers most of the Earth's surface?

Q6. Which form of water is ice?

Q7. What do all living beings need freshwater for?

Q8. What is the waxy coating on leaves used for?

Q9. What is a lotus and water lily classified as?

Q10. Which plant is called a 'free-floating' plant in ponds?

Q11. What source of heat causes water to become water vapour in nature?

Q12. The water that gets stored deep underground is called:

Q13. Why can rainwater not seep into the ground easily in cities?

Q14. Why is the Luni river unusual among Indian rivers?

Q15. What are soak pits and ponds used for?

Q16. Why do fish find it hard to breathe when too many plants grow in a river?

Q17. What is the role of fins in aquatic animals?

Q18. The salt pans of Gujarat are used for:

Q19. How does water vapour form clouds?

Q20. Which state in India is home to the Gir forests where lions are found?

Q21. A dragonfly lays its eggs:

Q22. What does 'perennial river' mean?

Q23. Why is freshwater important to life even though most of Earth is covered with water?

Q24. What would happen if there were no water cycle?

Q25. How do mangrove roots help the ecosystem?

Q26. If fertilisers wash into a river, what sequence of events occurs?

Q27. Why does deforestation increase the risk of flooding?

Q28. What is the difference between a surface water source and groundwater?

Q29. A water ATM differs from a regular water source because:

Q30. Which observation tells us that polluted river water can be harmful even when it looks clean?

Q31. Which of the following are natural freshwater sources?

Q32. Which of the following are examples of aquatic plants mentioned in this chapter?

Q33. What are the forms in which water exists in nature?

Q34. A student argues that since most of Earth's surface is covered with water, there is no water shortage. What is the best counter-argument?

Q35. Why would increasing cemented urban areas have a long-term negative effect on groundwater levels?

Q36. The water cycle connects oceans, clouds, and rivers. What would happen if the Sun's heat energy were suddenly reduced by half?

Q37. If a pond were treated with chemicals that killed all microorganisms in it, what would be the most likely long-term consequence?

Q38. The Namami Gange programme aims to clean the Ganga. Which combination of actions would be MOST effective?

Q39. Which actions help recharge groundwater?

Q40. Which factors are responsible for rivers becoming polluted?

Q41. Which of the following correctly describe characteristics of aquatic organisms that help them survive?

Q42. Based on the water cycle, which processes are involved in turning ocean water into rainwater?