I. Tick (✔) the correct option.
1.Ans: (a)
2.Ans: (d)
3.Ans: (a)
4.Ans: (b)
5.Ans: (a)
6.Ans: (c)
II. Fill in the blanks and solve the word grid given below.
1.
Ans: The word in the 9th position on the grid seems to be starting with the letter "A" and refers to animals other than plants. Hence, the answer is "ANIMALS."
2.
Ans: This is referring to "WOOL," which fits in the 6th position.
3.
Ans: "SILK."
4.
Ans: "COCONUT."
5.
Ans: "COIR"
6.
Ans: "COTTON."
7.
Ans: The 7th word is "JUTE," the 5th word is "FLAX," and the 4th word, referring to a part of plants where fibres are obtained, is "STEM."
III. Name the natural fibres obtained from plants.
1. Ans: Cotton
2.
Ans: Jute
3.
Ans: Coir
4.
Ans: Flax
5.
Ans: Cotton
IV. Answer the following questions in one sentence.
1.
Ans: A natural fibre is a fibre that is obtained from plants or animals and can be used to make fabric.
2.
Ans: Jute fabric is made from jute fibres.
3.
Ans: Wool is made from the fleece of sheep or other animals like goats.
4.
Ans: Synthetic fibres are made from chemical substances.
5.
Ans: Jute bags are used to grow tree saplings because they are biodegradable and can be planted along with the saplings without disturbing the roots. The bags degrade and mix with the soil over time.
6.
Ans: Linen is made from flax fibre.
7.
Ans: A handloom is a hand-operated machine used for weaving fabric. Handloom fabric is woven on such machines.
V. Answer the following questions in two to five sentences.
1.
Ans: Jute fibre is obtained from the jute plant by harvesting the plants after they flower but before they form seeds. The stems are tied into bundles, soaked in water to soften them, and then the fibres are separated. After washing and drying, these fibres can be used to make various products like bags, ropes, and mats.
2.
Ans: White coir fibre is obtained from green coconuts and is used to make fishing nets due to its resistance to saltwater. Brown coir, on the other hand, is obtained from mature coconuts and is used to make floor mats, doormats, brushes, ropes, and even for filling mattresses. Brown coir pads are sprayed with rubber latex to bind the fibres together, and this rubberized coir is used in padding the interior parts of automobiles.
3.
Ans: The process of making a fabric involves several steps. First, fibres are separated from plant or animal sources, a process known as ginning. Then, the clean fibres are converted into yarn through spinning. Spinning involves twisting several fibres together to form a yarn or thread. Large-scale spinning is done with the help of spinning machines. Finally, two sets of yarn are woven together to create a fabric through a process called weaving. Handlooms are hand-operated machines used for weaving, and fabrics woven on these machines are called handloom fabrics.
4.
Ans: Weaving and knitting are two different methods of creating fabrics. Weaving involves arranging two sets of yarn, typically at right angles to each other, to create a fabric. It is done on a loom and produces a fabric with a distinct pattern and structure. Knitting, on the other hand, involves creating loops with a single set of yarn, and these loops interlock to form a fabric. It is done with knitting needles or machines. Weaving produces a more structured and stable fabric, while knitting creates a more flexible and stretchy fabric.
VI. Write a page on the topic—Natural fibres and their brief history.
1.Ans: Natural fibers have been central to human development and society. The history of these fibers extends back thousands of years. Flax and cotton were among the first plant fibers used in ancient textiles, with flax believed to be the first to be woven into linen in ancient Egypt around 5000 BCE. Cotton followed, with its use documented around 3000 BCE in both Egypt and the Indus Valley Civilization.
Animal fibers like wool have also been crucial, with evidence of wool garments dating back as far as 3000 BCE. Sheep farming and the production of wool became a significant industry in medieval Europe. Silk, revered for its luster and softness, originated in China around 2600 BCE and was so valued that it became a currency and a central trade item on the Silk Road.
The process of turning these natural fibers into fabric has largely remained unchanged at its core, involving the spinning of fibers into yarn and then weaving or knitting this yarn into textiles. The industrial revolution mechanized these processes, significantly increasing production capabilities. Today, natural fibers are still prized for their environmental benefits, biodegradability, and sustainability compared to many synthetic alternatives.
Think and answer
1.
Ans: Bath towels are made of terry cloth because terry cloth has a looped, absorbent texture that allows it to easily absorb and hold water. This makes it ideal for use in bath towels, as it can quickly dry the body after a bath or shower.
2.
Ans: Jute yarn is used for making sacks to store food grains because jute is a strong and durable natural fibre that can withstand the weight of grains. It is also breathable, allowing for proper air circulation to prevent spoilage of the stored grains.
3.
Ans: Saplings grown in jute bags can be planted along with the bags because jute is biodegradable and easily breaks down, mixing with the soil over time. This ensures that the roots of the saplings are not disturbed, and the jute bags contribute to soil enrichment.
4.
Ans: White coir fibre is used for making fishing nets because it is resistant to saltwater. This makes it suitable for use in fishing nets, as it can withstand the harsh conditions of seawater without deteriorating.