NCERT Solutions Class 9 English My Childhood are written by experts. The content of these books is suitable for every child looking for a supplement to their studies.
NCERT Solutions Class 9 English My Childhood
Page No.74
Thinking about the Text
Activity :
Find Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram on the map. What language(s) do you think are spoken there? What languages do you think the author, his family, his friends and his teachers spoke with one another?
Ans. Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram are in Tamil Nadu state. The official language of Tamil Nadu is Tamil. So the Tamil language is spoken in Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram. The author, his family, his friends and his teachers spoke in Tamil with one another.
Page No.75
I. Answer these questions in One or two sentences each.
1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?
Ans. Abdul Kalam’s house was in the Mosque Street in Rameswaram town of Tamil Nadu.
2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of ? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans. Dinamani is the name of a daily newspaper, The author traced the stories of the Second World war in the headlines of the newspaper.
3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?
Ans. Ramanandha Sastri. Aravindan and Sivaprakasan were Abdul Kalam’s school friends. Ramanadha took over the priesthood of the Rameswaram temple from his father. Aravindan went into the business of arranging transport for the visiting pilgrims and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.
4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Ans. Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin Shamsuddin in distributing newspapers.
5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
Ans. lie had earned money by selling tamarind seeds in the market during the starting days of the Second World War.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).
1. How does the author describe (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?
Ans. The author says that his fat her Jainulabdeen was a man of great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit. His mother Ashiamma was an ideal helpmate to his father. He himself was a short boy with rather simple looks.
2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?
Ans. Abdul Kalant’s parents %%ere open-minded generous, austere, affectionate, intelligent, self-respecting, disciplined and philosophical. He inherited all these characteristics from his parents
III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.
1.” On the whole, the small society of Ratiteswa ram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author.
(i)What social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, in the Way they dressed)?
Ans. The author mentions different social groups. These groups are of Hindus and Muslims and Brahmins and Non-Brahmins. These groups were easily identifiable. A Muslim boy used to wear a cap, A Hindu boy used to wear a sacred thread. A Hindu boy was recognised easily by his hairstyle and the dress worn by him
(ii)Were they aware only of their differences or did they also naturally share friendships and experiences? (Think of the bedtime stories in Kalam’s house; of who his friends were; and of what used to take place in the pond near his house)
Ans. They were not aware of their differences too much. They shared their friendships and experiences. Abdul Kalam’s family was a Muslim family. But his mother and grandmother told the events from the Ramayana and from the life of the prophet.
(iii)The author speaks both of people who were very aware of the differences among them and those who tried to bridge these differences. Can you identify such people in the text?
Ans. The people who were very aware of the differences between Hindus and Muslims were the young teacher in the school and the wife of Abdul Kalam’s science teacher. The people who tried to bridge these differences were Ramanadha Sastry’s father Lakshmana Sastry and Abdul Kalam’s science teacher Sivasubramania lyer
(iv) Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, and also how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?
Ans. The first incident took place when Abdul Kalam was in the fifth standard. He used to sit in the front row with Ratnanadha Sastry. A new teacher came to school. He could not stomach a Muslim boy Sitting with a Hindu boy. He asked Abdul Kalam to sit in the back row. The second incident took place when the wife of Abdul Kalam’s science teacher refused to serve food to a Muslim boy in her kitchen. The new teacher and the wife of the science teacher change their attitude when they were dealt several respectively by the father of Ramanadha Sastry and the science teacher. We can change this system if’ decide to change it.
2.(i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Ans. Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to study at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram.
(ii) What did his father say to this?
Ans. His father told him that he knew he had to go away to grow. He gave his permission gladly.
(iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?
Ans. His words mean that the parents must not put checks of love and affection on their wards if they want to go out of the station to improve themselves: They are not the children of theirs only but the country has the full light on them. He spoke those words because Abdul Kalam’s mother was hesitant at his idea of leaving Rameswaram.
Thinking about Language
1. Find the sentences in the text where these words occur :
| erupt surge trace undistinguished casualty |
Ans.
(i) erupt: A sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market.
(ii) surge: Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
(iii) trace: I would later attempt to trace in the headlines of Dinamani.
(iv) undistinguished: I was one of many children-a short boys with rather undistinguished looks born to tall and handsome parents.
(v) casualty: The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station.
Look these words up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used Answer the questions below :
erupt, surge trace undistinguished casualty
1. What are the things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupting. Now do the same for the word surge. What things can surge?
Page No.76
2. What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
3. Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)
Ans.
(i) erupt: A sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market.
(ii) surge: Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
(iii) trace: I would later attempt to trace in the headlines of Dinamani.
(iv) undistinguished: I was one of many children-a short boys with rather undistinguished looks born to tall and handsome parents.
(v) casualty: The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station.
II. Match the phrases in column A with their meanings in column B.
| A | B |
| (i) broke out
(ii) in accordance with (iii) a helping hand (iv) could not stomach (v) generosity of spirit (vi) figures of authority | (a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely
(b) was not able to tolerate (c) began suddenly in a violent way (d) assistance (e) persons with the power to make decisions (f) according to a particular rule, principle or system
|
Ans .
| A | B |
| (i) broke out
(ii) in accordance with (iii) a helping hand (iv) could not stomach (v) generosity of spirit (vi) figures of authority | (c) began suddenly in a violent way
(f) according to a particular rule, principle or system (d) assistance (b) was not able to tolerate (a) an attitude of kindness, a readiness to give freely (e) persons with the power to make decisions
|
2. Study the words in italics in the sentences below. They are formed by prefixing un — or in — to their antonyms (words opposite in meaning).
- I was a short boy with rather undistinguished looks. (un + distinguished)
- My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts. (in + essential)
- The area was completely unaffected by the War. (un + affected)
- He should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance. (in + equality, in +tolerance)
Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix it- can also have the forms il-,ir-, or in- ( for example : + literate-il, impractical-in: + practical, irrational-or + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.
| __adequate __acceptable __regular __tolerant
__demanding __active __true __permanent __patriotic __disputed __ accessible __coherent __logical __legal __responsible __possible | |
|
inadequate unacceptable irregular intolerant undemanding inactive untrue impermanent unpatriotic undisputed inaccessible incoherent illogical illegal irresponsible impossible |
Passive Voice
Study these sentences :
- My parents were regarded as an ideal couple.
- I was asked to go and sit on the back bench.
- Such problems have to be confronted.
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The italicised verbs in these sentences are made up of a form of the verb and a past participle. (For example : were + regarded, was + asked, be + confronted)
These sentences focus on what happens, rather than who does what. Notice that the ‘doer’ of the action is not included in the sentences.
If necessary, we can mention the doer of the action in a by-phrase. For example :
- The tree was struck by lightning.
- The flag was unfurled by the Chief Guest
- IV. Rewrite the sentences below, putting the verb! in brackets into the passive form.
- In yesterday’s competition the prizes (give away) by the Principal.
- In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.
- On Republic Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.
- Second-hand books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.
- Elections to the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.
- Our National Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.
Ans.
- In yesterday’s competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.
- In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.
- On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
- Second-hand books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
- Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.
- Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
V. Rewrite the paragraphs below; using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.
How Helmets Came to Be Used In Cricket
Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown Nari Contractor (seriously injure and collapse). In those days helmets (not wear). Contractor (hit) on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull (fracture). The entire team (deeply concern). The West Indies players (worry). Contractor (rush) to the hospital. He (accompany) by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood (donate) by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor (save). Nowadays helmets (routinely use) against fast bowlers.
Ans.
Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown Nari Contractor was seriously injured and collapsed. in those days helmets were not worn. The contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull was fractured. The entire team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were worried. The contractor was rushed to the hospital. the lie was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved. Nowadays helmets are routinely used against fast bowlers.
2. Oil front Seeds
Vegetable oils (make) from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil (produce) from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil (use) for cooking, salad dressing etc. Olives (shake) from the trees and (gather) up, usually by hand. The olives (ground) to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats (layer) upon the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.
Ans. Vegetable oils are made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing etc. Olives are shaken from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The olives are grounded to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats are layered upon the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.
Dictation
Let the class divide itself into three groups. Let each group take down one passage that the teacher dictates. Then put the passages together again in the right order.
Page No.78
To Sir, With Love
- From Rameswaram to the Rashtrapati Bhawan, it’s been a long journey. Talking to Nona Walia on the eve of Teacher’s Day, President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam talks about life’s toughest lessons learnt and his mission—being a teacher to the Indian youth. “A proper education would help nurture a sense of dignity and self-respect among our youth,” says President Kalam. There’s still a child in him though. and he’s still curious about learning new things. Life’s a mission for President Kalam.
- Nonetheless, he remembers his first lesson in life and how it changed his destiny. “1 was studying in standard V and must have been all of 10. My teacher, Sri Sivasubramania lyer was telling us how birds fly. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard, depicting the wings, tail and the body with the head and then explained how birds soar to the sky. At the end of the class, I said I didn’t understand. Then he asked the other students if they had understood, but nobody had understood how birds fly,” he recalls.
- “That evening, the entire class was taken to Rameswaram shore,” the President continues. “My teacher showed us seabirds. We saw marvellous formations of them flying and how their wings flapped. Then my teacher asked us, ‘where is the bird’s engine and how is it powered?’ I know, then that birds are powered by their own life and motivation. I understood all about the bird’s dynamics. This was real teaching — a theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example. Sri Siva Subramania lyer was a great teacher.” That day, my future was decided. My destiny was changed. I knew my future had to be about flight and flight systems.
Speaking
Here is a topic for you to
1.think about,
2.give your opinion on.
Find out what other people think about it. Ask your friends/seniors/parents to give you their opinion.
‘Career building is the only goal of Education.’
or
‘Getting a good job is more important than being a good human being.’
You can use the following phrases.
(i) while giving your opinion :
| I think that ……… , In my opinion……….., It seems to me that………,
I am of the view that……….., As far as I know ………, If you ask me ………., |
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ii) saying what other people think :
| According to sonic ……, Quite a few think …….., Some others favour ……..,
Thirty per cent of the people disagree………., fitly per cent of them strongly feel ……..,
|
(iii) Asking for others’ opinions :
| What do you think about …….., What do you think of …………,
What is your opinion about…….., Do you agree………, Does this make you believe …….., |
Ans. ‘Career building is the only goal of Education.
( i) I think that education is the base point of our life. In my opinion, a good education is a hat. provided us with a brilliant career. It seems to me that education is a big deciding factor in our life. I am of the view that education without providing a better career is not of so worth for us. As far as I know, I can say that the role of education can’t be denied at any stage in our career. If you ask me about gaining my education, I would frankly say that I am gaining my education to help me in my career building.
(ii) When 1 consulted some other people about their views on education and career building, they give different answers. Quite a few think that the only goal of education is not just providing us jobs. Some other favour that education should provide us with a big help in our career building. 30% of the people disagree with the point that the main goal of education is career building while 50% of the people were strongly in favour of it.
(iii) I asked different questions about the role of education in life. The first question was what they think about moral education. The second question was what they think of a noble career. The third question was about their opinion about religious education in educational institutions. Different answers were received in responses to these questions. They were asked if they agree to the statement that the main goal of education should be career building. The last question asked to them as if they believed that more stress should be paid on the career building goal of education.
Writing
Think and write a short account of what life in Rameswaram in the 1940s must have been like. (Were people rich or poor? Hard working or lazy? Hopeful of change, or resistant to it?)
Ans. Rameswaram is an island town in Tamil Nadu. It is a religious town. In the 1940s the people in Rameswaram were poor. They were very hardworking. They had a great sense of communal understanding. People celebrated the festivals with great enthusiasm. The family of Abdul Kalam used to arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of Lord Rama. They were hopeful of change. For this hopefulness, it has been noticed in this chapter that all the three friends of Abdul Kalam are established very well in their life and he himself attained the heights of success in life.
