Class V – PISA-Style Questions: Water and Rivers in India

 

Class V – PISA Questions: Water and Rivers in India

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Question 1: Interpreting Data

A student collected data about rainfall and river flow in three regions of India:

Region	Average Rainfall (cm/year)	River Flow (m³/s)
Western Ghats	250	800
Northern Plains	150	1200
Central India	100	500

Q1a. Which region has the highest river flow despite less rainfall? Why?
Answer: Northern Plains, because rivers there (like Ganga and Yamuna) are fed by Himalayan snow and glaciers, not just rainfall.

Q1b. Which region is likely to have seasonal rivers?
Answer: Central India, because rainfall is low and rivers depend mostly on monsoon.

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Question 2: Real-Life Problem Solving

A farmer in Bihar faces flooding every monsoon from the Kosi river.

Q2a. Suggest two measures the farmer can take to reduce crop damage.
Answer:

1. Build raised platforms or embankments around farmland.

2. Grow flood-resistant crops or plant during non-flood months.

Q2b. Why does the Kosi river flood frequently?
Answer: It carries large amounts of silt from the Himalayas and changes its course often, causing floods.

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Question 3: Map-Based Reasoning

Look at this description: A river starts in the Himalayas, flows through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and enters the Bay of Bengal.

Q3a. Identify the river.
Answer: Ganga

Q3b. Explain why this river is called a perennial river.
Answer: Because it has water throughout the year due to melting snow in the Himalayas and regular rainfall.

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Question 4: Applying Knowledge

A school is planning to build a water storage system for irrigation. They need to choose a river that flows all year round.

Q4a. Suggest two rivers in India suitable for this purpose.
Answer: Ganga and Brahmaputra

Q4b. Explain your choice.
Answer: Both rivers are perennial, with a steady supply of water from glaciers and rainfall, ensuring water availability year-round.

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Question 5: Interpreting Graphs / Critical Thinking

A graph shows river water levels over 12 months:

• River A: High in June–September, low in winter.

• River B: Moderate all year, slightly higher in monsoon.

Q5a. Which river is seasonal, and which is perennial?
Answer:

• River A: Seasonal (depends on monsoon)

• River B: Perennial (steady flow all year)

Q5b. Give an example of each river in India.
Answer:

• Seasonal: Kaveri (depends on monsoon in summer)

• Perennial: Ganga (fed by Himalayan glaciers)

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Question 6: Scenario-Based Decision Making

A village is located near the Brahmaputra river, which floods every year. The village council wants to reduce the impact of floods without moving the village.

Q6a. Suggest three solutions.
Answer:

1. Build levees or embankments along the river.

2. Plant trees and vegetation along the river banks to prevent soil erosion.

3. Create an early warning system for villagers to evacuate safely during floods.

Q6b. Explain why planting trees helps reduce flood impact.
Answer: Tree roots hold soil in place, reduce soil erosion, and slow down water flow, decreasing flood damage.

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These PISA questions test:

• Understanding of river behavior and geography

• Interpretation of data (tables, graphs)

• Problem-solving in real-life situations

• Critical thinking and reasoning