HOTS Questions: Clothes—How Things are Made | Our Wondrous World Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

Q1: If synthetic fibres replace natural ones entirely, evaluate the environmental impacts.
(a) Increased microplastic pollution and non-biodegradability
(b) Faster decomposition in landfills
(c) Lower water usage
(d) Reduced pollution from production
Ans: (a)
Explanation: If synthetic fibres like polyester take over completely, they don't break down easily in nature, sticking around for hundreds of years and harming soil and water. 
Tiny bits harm fish and birds that eat them in oceans. Natural fibres like cotton break down safely. This swap makes Earth dirtier with lasting waste.

Q2: Analyse why handloom weaving supports rural economies in India.
(a) It decreases job opportunities
(b) It uses machines exclusively
(c) It employs artisans, preserving skills and livelihoods
(d) It requires urban factories
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Handloom weaving gives jobs to villagers who make beautiful cloths by hand, keeping money in small towns and helping families eat. 
It keeps old patterns alive, helping families buy food. This work stays in small towns, not big cities. It supports rural people and their skills.

Q3: Propose how bird nests inspire human weaving techniques.
(a) Ignoring natural materials
(b) Through interlacing patterns for strength
(c) Focusing on temporary structures
(d) By using metal threads
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Weaver birds twist grass into tight nests, showing how to weave strong cloth. People copy this by interlacing threads to make sturdy bags or rugs. This nature’s trick uses simple materials for tough results. Kids can see bird nests in trees to learn this.

Q4: Compare natural fibres like cotton to synthetics like nylon in durability and eco-friendliness.
(a) Both are equally non-durable
(b) Synthetic biodegrades faster
(c) Naturals are renewable, synthetics are durable but polluting
(d) Naturals pollute more
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Cotton from plants grows back yearly and feels soft, but it may tear sooner. Nylon, made from chemicals, is strong for bags but pollutes when made. Cotton is kinder to Earth, rotting naturally. Nylon lasts longer but leaves harmful trash behind.

Q5: Evaluate the cultural significance of embroideries like Chikankari.
(a) They preserve regional artistry and provide jobs
(b) They use synthetic threads exclusively
(c) They lack historical value
(d) They are mass-produced only
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Chikankari from Lucknow uses delicate stitches to show flowers, keeping old art alive. Women earn money by sewing for shops, supporting their families. This work celebrates Uttar Pradesh’s culture with every thread. It’s shown proudly at fairs and weddings.

Q6: Why does recycling clothes promote sustainability?
(a) It reduces production needs and landfill use
(b) It shortens clothing's lifespan
(c) It requires more resources
(d) It increases waste
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Recycling clothes turns old jeans into bags, saving water used for new fabrics. It stops trash from piling up in dumps that dirty the ground. Kids can swap shirts at school to cut waste. This keeps Earth clean and saves trees for the future.

Q7: Analyse bandhani's eco-friendliness as a tie-dye technique.
(a) It generates high waste
(b) It is machine-dependent
(c) It employs natural dyes and hand methods
(d) It uses chemical dyes heavily
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Bandhani ties cloth in knots and dyes it with plant colours like turmeric. This Rajasthani hand method avoids machines that pollute air and water. It uses less energy and keeps rivers safe. Artisans create bright patterns with little waste.

Q8: Evaluate the pashmina's value from Ladakh goats.
(a) Rare, fine wool adapted to cold climates
(b) It harms goats
(c) It is mass-farmed
(d) It is synthetic wool
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Pashmina wool from Ladakh goats is soft and warm, perfect for winter shawls. It’s rare because goats grow little wool in the cold Himalayan peaks. Herders raise goats gently, not in factories. This special wool helps villagers earn a living.

Q9: Propose how kantha embroidery recycles materials.
(a) By stitching old sarees into quilts
(b) Using new synthetics
(c) Increasing textile waste
(d) By discarding old fabrics
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Kantha stitches old sarees into warm quilts with bright threads in Bengal. Women turn worn cloth into art, saving it from trash piles. This cuts waste and makes cosy gifts for families. It’s an eco-friendly way to reuse old fabrics.

Q10: Compare spinning's role in natural versus synthetic fibre production.
(a) Spinning is obsolete for both
(b) Synthetics don't require spinning
(c) Both use identical processes
(d) Naturals twist fibres, synthetics extrude chemicals
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Natural fibres like wool are spun by twisting fluffy bits into yarn on a wheel. Synthetics like polyester are made by squeezing hot chemicals into smooth threads. Spinning wool is old and green, but synthetics pollute more. Each makes cloth in its way.

Q11: Why is the handloom sector vital for women's empowerment in India?
(a) It provides employment and skill preservation
(b) It uses automation
(c) It excludes women
(d) It is urban-focused
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Handlooms let village women weave at home, earning money for their kids’ needs. This builds confidence and keeps alive crafts like weaving dhoti patterns. Women sell their work to nearby shops proudly. It helps them stand strong and support families.

Q12: Analyse the patola saree's weaving time and cultural value.
(a) It lacks patterns
(b) Months of work create heirloom pieces
(c) Quick production reduces worth
(d) It is machine-made
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Patola sarees from Gujarat take months to weave with hand-dyed threads in double-ikat style. Their bright patterns tell stories of old kings and festivals. People wear them for special days like weddings. This care makes them precious and cultural.

Q13: Evaluate animal inspirations like the tailorbird in stitching.
(a) Natural sewing techniques inform human methods
(b) They avoid leaves
(c) They use tools
(d) They are irrelevant
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Tailorbirds stitch leaves with silk to build nests, like sewing cloth with thread. This teaches people to join materials strongly without machines. We learn from animals to make tough clothes or baskets. It’s a clever trick from nature’s classroom.

Q14: Propose how recycling clothes supports the dignity of labour.
(a) It creates jobs in mending and repurposing
(b) It eliminates handwork
(c) It devalues artisans
(d) It increases imports
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Recycling clothes creates jobs for people mending shirts or making bags from scraps. Workers take pride in turning old stuff into new treasures. This respects their skills and keeps towns clean. It saves resources and honours hard work.

Q15: If fast fashion dominates, predict effects on traditional weaving.
(a) More jobs for artisans
(b) Decline in demand for handlooms
(c) Increased preservation
(d) Enhanced quality
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Fast fashion’s cheap, quick clothes make people buy fewer handwoven sarees. This cuts jobs for village weavers, fading their skills. Traditional crafts like handlooms might get forgotten. Buying handmade helps keep these arts alive.