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My Elder Brother Class 5 English Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

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My Elder Brother Class 5 English Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

Vedantu provides CBSE Class 5 English Marigold Revision Notes, which are essential for understanding the story of the chapter, My Elder Brother. In the chapter, we delve into the contrasting lives of two siblings living in a hostel. The younger brother, who narrates the story, reveals his carefree attitude towards studies while his elder brother is dedicated and hardworking. Despite their differences, the elder brother continuously tries to instil discipline and a strong work ethic in the younger one. 


Vedantu’s revision notes provide a complete comprehension of the chapter from the Class 5 English Syllabus. My Elder Brother Class 5 Notes will help students grasp the key events, and themes, and prepare effectively for their exams. Download the FREE PDF to enhance your study experience.

Access My Elder Brother Class 5 Notes PDF

‘My Elder Brother’ Revision Notes

  • The short play ‘My Elder Brother’ is based on the famous story in Hindi - ‘Bade Bhai Saheb’ written by Munshi Premchand. Two brothers Munna and Bhaiya aged Nine and Fourteen respectively take centre stage.

  • In the first scene, Bhaiya was studying while Munna was drawing pictures. Munna could not comprehend how Bhaiya studied for so many hours at a stretch. Bhaiya told him that he wanted to make sure that he had a good foundation. So he did not mind studying hard.

  • Bhaiya believed that English was a tough subject. It took a lot of effort to score well in English. He told Munna to study hard and not waste his time running in the field or flying kites.

  • On asking Bhaiya whether he would like to go to the fair, Munna was scolded by Bhaiya. He told Munna that he was wasting his father’s money by not studying hard. 

  • Munna was sorrowful and wanted to go back home. Bhaiya consoled him and made him a timetable to follow. Munna was taken aback to see that there is no time allotted in the timetable to play.

  • The second scene takes us to the result day of the final exams. While Bhaiya had failed the exam, Munna stood first in the class. Bhaiyya told Munna not to be too proud. He further explained how tough the subjects in the upper classes were.

  • In the third scene, it is again a result day and just like the last time, Munna had passed while Bhaiya had failed. Munna thought that as he was passing well, he need not study hard. He could play and fly kites, just had to be careful that Bhaiya did not catch her.

  • One day Bhaiya caught Munna flying kites and scolded him. He told Munna that just because he studied just a class higher now, it did not mean that he did not have the right to tell him anything.

  • He explained that both their parents are not highly educated but they always would be more experienced and therefore could always guide them. Similarly, he was also his elder brother and he would always be. 

  • Bhaiya said that it was his responsibility to take care of his younger brother. He further told that he also liked to play and fly kites but how would he look after Munna if he did all that. Bhaiya with teary eyes apologized to Bhaiya and hugged him.


Moral of ‘My Elder Brother’ Class 5

  • The story ‘My Elder Brother’ tells us that academic knowledge and knowledge from experience are two different things.

  • If we are better at studies or more successful than our elders, it does not mean that we should disrespect them. They have more experience than us and there is always something to learn from them.


‘My Elder Brother’ Class 5 New Words Meaning with Examples 

Word

Meaning

Examples

foundation

Base of a structure

Our foundation in maths and English must be strong.

Schedule

Timetable or routine (in this chapter)

I will try to take out some time from my busy schedule.

Essay

A piece of writing on a particular subject.

I wrote an essay on pollution.

Idling

Doing nothing, sitting lazily

We should not leave our car idling away.

Mastered

To attain maximum skill or level in something.

I think I have mastered algebra.


About the author:

  • The discussed story is adapted from the writings of Munshi Premchand. Munshi Premchand is one of the greatest writers that India has ever produced.

  • Munshi Premchand was famous for Hindustani literature. He is considered the best writer in the Hindi and Urdu social fiction categories.

  • Godaan, Pratigya, Gaban and Shatranj Ke Khiladi are some of his most famous works.


‘My Elder Brother’ Class 5 Questions Answers

The following has the ‘My Elder Brother’ worksheet answers from the NCERT textbook.

Reading is fun

1. What are the things that Munna liked to do?

Ans: Munna, unlike his brother, did not like to study much. He loved to play in the field, fly kites and draw pictures.


2. What did Bhaiya do all day? 

Ans: Bhaiya was a bookworm. He studied all day, he wrote the same lessons repeatedly to earn them


3. Why was Munna not happy with the timetable that Bhaiya made for him?

Ans: Munna loved to play very much. Therefore, he was unhappy with the timetable that Bhaiya made as there was no time allotted for playing.


4. How do you think Munna felt when his brother was so strict with him? Why was Bhaiya so strict with him?

Ans: Munna felt disappointed and often sorrowful when his brother was strict with him. Bhaiya was strict with Munna because he did not give him enough time for his studies. He liked to be outside with friends playing different games.


5. Whose character do you like more — Munna’s or Bhaiya’s? Why?

Ans:  I like Bhaiya’s character more because he was very dutiful and responsible for his age. He took his studies seriously, cared about his parents, and was quite wise for a teenager.


Solved Example Practice Questions

Now with the knowledge of ‘My Elder Brother’ Summary let us answer a few questions.

1. How did the two brothers fare in the final examination?

Ans: In the final examination, while Munna topped the class, his elder brother Bhaiya failed.


2. Where did the two brothers stay?

Ans: The two brothers stayed away from home in a hostel.


3. What did Bhaiya tell Munna about their parents’ education?

Ans: Bhaiya told Munna that their mother had never gone to school and their father had only passed the fifth class.


Importance of My Elder Brother Class 5 Summary and Notes PDF:

  • My elder brother Class 5 Notes provide insights into the complex relationship between siblings, showcasing how different attitudes towards studies and discipline can impact their interactions.

  • My Elder Brother Class 5 Notes PDF helps in analysing the contrasting personalities of the elder and younger brothers, aiding in a deeper understanding of their roles and development throughout the chapter.

  • The notes offer a clear explanation of the chapter’s themes, such as personal growth, the importance of guidance, and the impact of age and experience, enhancing comprehension.

  • By summarising the key lessons of the story, Vedantu’s notes help in grasping the moral of the chapter, which emphasises the value of discipline, hard work, and familial support.

  • The notes include summaries, synopses, and important points that are crucial for answering exam questions effectively, and helping students retain and apply their knowledge.

  • Vedantu’s notes encourage students to reflect on the characters' actions and decisions, fostering critical thinking and a better understanding of the underlying messages in the story.


Tips to Study My Elder Brother Class 5 Summary and Notes PDF

  • Start by reading through the revision notes to familiarise yourself with the main events and characters. Highlight key points such as the contrasting attitudes of the brothers and the central themes.

  • Break down the chapter into smaller sections and use the notes to summarise each part. This will help reinforce your understanding and make it easier to recall important details.

  • Pay attention to the themes and moral lessons highlighted in the notes. Reflect on how these themes are developed through the characters' actions and interactions.

  • Use any practice questions or exercises provided in the revision notes to test your understanding. This will help you gauge your grasp of the chapter and prepare for potential exam questions.

  • Discuss the chapter with classmates or teachers to clarify any doubts. Reviewing the notes regularly and discussing them with others will deepen your comprehension and retention of the material.


Conclusion

In Chapter 4, "My Elder Brother," we witness the evolving relationship between two siblings with contrasting approaches to life and studies. The elder brother's diligence and discipline serve as a model for the younger one, who initially neglects his studies in favour of play. Vedantu’s My Elder Brother Class 5 Notes PDF encapsulates these themes by providing a clear summary of the characters' development and moral lessons, emphasising the significance of discipline, family guidance, and personal growth. Using these notes, students can better understand the chapter’s key messages and apply them effectively in exams.


Related Study Materials for My Elder Brother Class 5 Notes:

S.No.

Study Materials for English Class 5 Chapter 4

1.

Class 5 My Elder Brother NCERT Solutions

2.

Class 5 My Elder Brother Important Questions


Chapter-wise Revision Notes Links for Class 5 English


Important Study Materials for Class 5 English

S.No.

Study Material for Class 5 English

1.

Class 5 English NCERT Book

2.

Class 5 English NCERT Solutions

3.

Class 5 English Important Questions

4.

CBSE Class 5 English Sample Papers

5.

CBSE Class 5 English Previous Year Question Paper

6.

CBSE Class 5 English Worksheets

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FAQs on My Elder Brother Class 5 English Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

1. Can you provide a quick summary of the Class 5 chapter, My Elder Brother?

The story 'My Elder Brother' is about two siblings with opposite personalities. The elder brother, Bhaiya, is hardworking and studies diligently but struggles to pass his exams. The younger brother, Munna, is playful and spends his time on activities like flying kites, yet he manages to pass with high marks. The chapter focuses on their relationship, the elder brother's sense of responsibility, and the final lesson that practical wisdom and experience are as valuable as academic knowledge.

2. What is the central concept to revise in 'My Elder Brother'?

The central concept for revision is the contrast between hard work and natural talent. Focus on how Bhaiya represents discipline and dedication, while Munna represents a more effortless, intuitive approach to learning. The key takeaway for a quick recap is understanding that the story ultimately values both, with the elder brother’s life experience and wisdom earning the younger brother’s respect in the end.

3. What are the key differences in the personalities of the two brothers in the story?

For a quick recap, the key personality differences are:

  • Approach to Studies: Bhaiya is extremely diligent and spends hours with his books, while Munna prefers playing and is rarely seen studying.
  • Sense of Responsibility: Bhaiya, being five years older, feels a strong duty to be a role model for Munna. Munna is more carefree and focused on having fun.
  • Outcome of Efforts: Bhaiya fails despite his hard work, whereas Munna passes easily, which highlights the story's theme about different kinds of intelligence.

4. What are the main themes to remember for a quick revision of 'My Elder Brother'?

For a quick revision, remember these key themes from the chapter:

  • The Value of Hard Work: Bhaiya's continuous effort is portrayed as a respectable quality, regardless of his exam results.
  • Wisdom vs. Knowledge: The story shows that true wisdom comes from life experience, not just from what is learned in books.
  • Sibling Relationships: It explores the complex bond of love, respect, and responsibility that exists between brothers.

5. Why does the elder brother keep scolding the younger one, even though the younger brother gets good marks?

The elder brother scolds the younger one not from jealousy, but from a deep sense of responsibility. He believes that a strong educational foundation is vital for future success and worries that Munna's easy success is due to luck that might not last. His lectures are his way of showing care and trying to instil discipline for Munna's long-term benefit.

6. What is the most important moral to take away from this story for revision?

The most important moral is that respect is earned through wisdom and experience, not just academic achievement. Although Munna was better at exams, he eventually realised his elder brother possessed a deeper understanding of life. The story teaches the value of heeding the guidance of elders, as their life experience is a form of knowledge that cannot be found in textbooks.

7. How does the incident with the kite at the end of the story change the dynamic between the brothers?

The kite incident is a turning point that strengthens their bond. When Bhaiya easily rescues the tangled kite using his practical sense, Munna understands that his brother's intelligence is not limited to academics. This leads Munna to feel a profound respect for Bhaiya's real-world wisdom, shifting their relationship from one of fear and lectures to one of genuine admiration and understanding.

8. How do the exam results affect the brothers' feelings throughout the story?

The exam results create a complex emotional situation. Bhaiya feels deep disappointment and a sense of failure, which undermines his confidence as an elder brother. Munna, on the other hand, feels a mix of relief and pride, which makes him a bit more daring and less afraid of his brother's scolding. This contrast in feelings is central to the story's plot and their evolving relationship.