NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 04 Vitamin-M

About 9th English Kaveri Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the Class 9 English Kaveri textbook bears the title "Vitamin-M" and stands as one of the most engaging and thought-provoking chapters throughout the entire book. It brings together a humorous short story, a supplementary story and a deeply emotional poem - all centred around the key themes of family, memory, love and relationships between generations. The main story, written by Asha Nehemiah, uses gentle humour to investigate how older family members are frequently undervalued by their own families, while quietly demonstrating that wisdom and humour remain sharp with advancing age. The supplementary story "The Lost Child" by Mulk Raj Anand beautifully portrays a young child's deep and unconditional bond to his parents. The chapter finishes with the timeless poem "I Cannot Remember My Mother" by Rabindranath Tagore, which illustrates how a mother's love stays alive in memory through sensory experiences long after she has left us. Together, these three literary selections establish Chapter 4 as one of the most emotionally meaningful and educationally important chapters in the Class 9 Kaveri English curriculum for session 2026-27.

Page 97 - Reflect and Respond

Question. From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser.
Now, discuss the points written in the organiser with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: Several key themes emerge when considering how we should care for elderly family members. Elderly individuals have invested their entire lives in taking care of us, and they possess valuable experience, knowledge and affection. Supporting them in their later years is both a moral and cultural responsibility, ensuring they maintain their sense of worth and respect as they age. Older people commonly struggle with several challenges including reduced memory, declining vision and hearing abilities, physical tiredness and vulnerability to falls, isolation and a sense of being unwanted, reliance on others for everyday tasks, and ongoing health challenges that need continuous medical care. The causes underlying these difficulties are multifaceted - they stem from the natural decline that comes with advancing age, the breakdown of joint family structures leaving elderly people isolated, younger generations being occupied with employment and personal matters, and geographical movement away from hometown settings, bringing about dislocation and emotional stress. To address these needs, we can take meaningful steps: spend valuable time with them, assist with medical appointments and medicine management, pay attention to their memories and life stories, and make them feel treasured, honoured and part of the family circle.
In simple words: Elderly people deserve our care because they cared for us their whole lives. We can help by spending time with them, listening to their stories, and making sure they feel loved and included in the family.

Exam Tip: When answering questions about elderly care, include specific examples of their challenges (health, loneliness, safety) and practical ways you can support them - examiners value concrete, actionable suggestions.

Question. Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of dictionary.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When filling vocabulary tables, use a dictionary to check meanings, and select the correct column based on your actual familiarity with the word - honesty here helps identify which vocabulary you need to study further.

Question. Think of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years? Share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: My grandmother has given our family a meaningful tradition - making homemade pickle (achaar) every summer season. When the mango harvest arrives in the market, my grandmother brings the entire family together in our courtyard. We sit together, cut fresh raw mangoes, blend in spices and fill large clay pots with this homemade preserve. This practice carries special meaning for me because it goes beyond simply producing the pickle itself - it represents the love and unity that we put into making it. My grandmother always shares how her own mother passed this recipe down to her, and how this same recipe has travelled through many generations of our family. Every spice has an exact measurement that lives in her memory, and she has never needed to write it down. This practice links me powerfully to my childhood because the fragrance of mustard oil mixed with spices instantly carries me back to those warm summer days at my grandmother's home. I remember the jingling sound of her bangles as she stirred the spice blend, the joy and laughter of family gathered in one place and the happiness of being part of something that stretches beyond just myself. Even now, when I eat that pickle, I don't simply taste food - I taste the moments, affection, and knowledge my grandmother shared with me. It teaches me that the most valuable things in life are not purchased but are created with effort, kindness and generational practice. This recipe nourishes not just the stomach but also the heart and I wish to pass it down to my own children with the same love it was given to me.
In simple words: My grandmother taught me how to make pickle every summer. When I taste it now, I remember her love, her stories and all the family moments we shared together.

Exam Tip: Personal response questions expect you to connect the tradition to your emotions and memories - specific sensory details (smells, sounds, tastes) and heartfelt reflections score higher marks than generic answers.

Page 102 - Check Your Understanding

Question. Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Answer: Grandpa found city living disagreeable because he was accustomed to the calm and stillness of his modest brick home in town. He could not tolerate the continuous noise and commotion that city living brought. He yearned for his spacious garden containing a mango tree, where the environment was so tranquil that even a leaf dropping could be heard at evening time. To him, the apartment in the city seemed cramped and limiting. Moreover, he felt his independence had been stripped away since he was prevented from venturing out alone.
In simple words: Grandpa missed his quiet, peaceful town home with its garden. The city was too loud, the apartment felt small, and he couldn't go out alone.

Exam Tip: When answering comprehension questions, quote or reference the specific text details (the mango tree, the leaf-fall imagery, "poky") that support your answer - this demonstrates close reading.

Question. Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Answer: Vidya was anxious about her father leaving alone due to two frightening events that had already happened. In one incident, Grandpa had unintentionally consumed twice the recommended dosage of his medicines and became seriously ill, needing hospital care. In a separate event, he had gone for a walk and lost his way back to the house, causing severe alarm throughout the entire family. These experiences made her deeply fearful for his wellbeing and she wanted to prevent any future accidents or dangerous situations.
In simple words: Grandpa had forgotten his medicine dose once and got lost on a walk another time. Vidya was afraid these accidents might happen again.

Exam Tip: Always mention both specific incidents from the text when explaining Vidya's concerns - naming concrete examples makes your answer more convincing and complete.

Question. Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so?
Answer: No, Ravi opposed this treatment. We understand his opposition through his physical response - he flinched when his mother addressed Grandpa in an excessively loud tone, speaking as though he were a youngster unable to hear or grasp what was being communicated. The word "winced" conveys that Ravi experienced discomfort and shame about his mother's actions. His response demonstrated that he believed it was disrespectful and hurtful to treat an older person in such a manner.
In simple words: Ravi showed his disapproval by wincing - he felt uncomfortable and embarrassed by how his mother spoke to Grandpa like he was a child.

Exam Tip: Use the specific word "winced" and explain what it reveals about Ravi's internal feelings - showing interpretation of body language demonstrates deeper understanding.

Question. Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Answer: No, Ravi could not fully maintain his commitment. He had assured his mother that Grandpa would be safe and secure in his company while at home, but when Grandpa chose to venture outside, Ravi faced a conflict. He found it impossible to prevent Grandpa from leaving without injuring his feelings, so he made the choice to follow him secretly from behind. Consequently, he failed to literally keep Grandpa indoors as instructed by his mother.
In simple words: Ravi promised to keep Grandpa home, but he couldn't stop him without hurting his feelings, so he secretly followed him instead.

Exam Tip: Explain the conflict Ravi faced - show that he made a conscious choice based on his affection for Grandpa, rather than simply failing to manage the situation.

Page 106 - Check Your Understanding

Question. Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa's day out.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When completing sequence charts, maintain the exact order of events as they appear in the story - this shows careful reading and attention to narrative progression.

Question. Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi's mother?
Answer: No, Grandpa had not gotten lost. When Ravi rushed back home in fear after losing sight of Grandpa, he discovered that Grandpa had already arrived home ahead of him, resting and dozing peacefully in his bedroom. Grandpa had successfully found his route back without requiring any outside assistance.
In simple words: No, Grandpa made it home safely on his own. He was sleeping in bed when Ravi got home, proving he wasn't lost.

Exam Tip: This answer contradicts the mother's fear and proves a key theme - sometimes our worries about elderly people underestimate their actual capability and independence.

Question. How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa?
Answer: Ravi felt tremendous happiness and gratitude upon discovering Grandpa securely resting at home. He had been consumed with tension and anxiety while searching and had even tried to reach his family by phone. Upon finding Grandpa sleeping peacefully, Ravi was overwhelmed with strong love for his grandfather. He positioned himself next to the bed and gave him an embrace, showing the intensity of his affection and concern.
In simple words: Ravi felt huge relief and love. He had been very worried, so when he found Grandpa safe and sleeping, he hugged him.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Ravi's emotional journey - from panic and worry to relief and tenderness - to show the depth of the grandfather-grandson bond.

Page 109 - Check Your Understanding

Question. Describe how Ravi's emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.
Answer: When Ravi discovered Grandpa asleep in bed, he experienced a rush of deep affection and relief. He knelt beside the bed, pressed his cheek gently against the old man's lined face and wrapped his arms around him, despite Grandpa only making a low sound in his rest. This tender, natural action reveals that beneath the everyday responsibilities of looking after him, Ravi carries genuine and powerful love for his grandfather. His frantic searching while Grandpa was absent demonstrated how deeply Ravi cares, showing an emotional closeness that goes well beyond simple caregiving duty.
In simple words: Ravi's hug and tears show he truly loves his grandfather. His worry while searching proved how much Grandpa matters to him.

Exam Tip: Quote or reference Ravi's specific actions (kneeling, pressing cheek, hugging) to prove his emotions - concrete details are more persuasive than general statements.

Question. What might be the significance of Grandpa's habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
Answer: This practice demonstrates Grandpa's kind and caring character. Even in his later years, he prioritizes bringing happiness to those around him instead of seeking attention for himself. It also reveals his excellent memory for what truly matters in life - connections and affection - despite sometimes appearing forgetful about other matters. His custom displays his self-respect and his determination to continue being someone who gives and contributes rather than becoming dependent on receiving care alone.
In simple words: Grandpa gives gifts instead of receiving them because he loves making others happy. It shows he's still strong and independent inside.

Exam Tip: Connect Grandpa's gift-giving to the story's main message about how elderly people retain dignity, wisdom and generosity - this shows thematic understanding.

Question. Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa's awareness of Ravi's actions earlier in the day?
Answer: The gift of "The Best Detective Stories" carries special meaning. Grandpa told Ravi that the book would help him learn "how to prevent getting fooled when trailing a suspect". This directly indicates that Grandpa was entirely conscious that Ravi had been secretly pursuing him during the day. He had observed his young investigator but made a decision not to speak about it openly, choosing instead to give the gift as a playful and warm acknowledgement. The twinkle in Grandpa's eye also hints at this understanding. This gift demonstrates that Grandpa's mind was much sharper and more attentive than anyone recognised.
In simple words: Grandpa knew Ravi was following him all day. The detective book was a funny, kind way to let Ravi know he understood, without embarrassing him.

Exam Tip: Explain why Grandpa chose humour and indirectness rather than confrontation - this reveals his wisdom and emotional intelligence, reinforcing the story's theme about elderly people's capability.

Page 109 - Critical Reflection

Question. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1: Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke longingly of his small brick house in town. 'Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusky you can even hear a leaf fall!" But then Grandpa has slipped and fallen in the garden last one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up.

(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
(a) regretful
(b) apologetic
(c) nostalgic
(d) wistful
Answer: (c) nostalgic
In simple words: Nostalgic means missing something from the past. Grandpa is longing for his old home and remembering it fondly.

Exam Tip: Understand the difference between similar emotions - regretful (feeling sorry), apologetic (saying sorry), nostalgic (missing the past), wistful (yearning with sadness) - and match the character's tone to the correct emotion.

Question. (ii) Complete the following sentences with a reason. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ________.
Answer: Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he had grown familiar with the calm and serene atmosphere of his modest brick house situated in his hometown, with its expansive garden, where he felt at peace and enjoyed independence.
In simple words: Grandpa was used to his quiet town home with a peaceful garden, so the loud, busy city felt uncomfortable to him.

Exam Tip: Provide complete, grammatically correct sentences when finishing sentence-completion questions - partial answers or fragments will lose marks.

Question. (iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Answer: Grandpa relocated to the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden one evening while pottering around and had lain there all night without anyone to assist him to rise. This accident made clear that he could no longer stay alone securely, so his daughter Vidya closed up the house and invited him to stay with the family in the city.
In simple words: Grandpa fell in his garden and nobody was there to help him. This showed he wasn't safe living alone, so his daughter brought him to the city.

Exam Tip: Show causality - explain how the fall incident forced the decision, rather than presenting it as a random choice - this demonstrates logical comprehension.

Question. (iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, 'you can even hear a leaf fall'
(a) end of one's life
(b) arrival of autumn
(c) sign of good luck
(d) pin drop silence
Answer: (d) pin drop silence
In simple words: Both mean extreme quiet - where you can hear even the smallest sounds. A place so peaceful that even a falling leaf or a dropped pin makes noise.

Exam Tip: When matching idiomatic expressions, look for the underlying meaning rather than literal words - both phrases express the idea of complete, undisturbed silence.

Question. (v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Answer: Advantage: Grandpa possessed his own personal space, maintained his self-sufficiency, enjoyed a peaceful garden setting, and felt emotionally secure in surroundings that were known to him. Disadvantage: He lived without family support to help in moments of crisis, which resulted in the serious accident when he fell and remained outside all night with no one to assist him.
In simple words: Good: He had peace, independence, and his own garden. Bad: He was alone with nobody to help if something went wrong.

Exam Tip: Balance your answer - present both advantages and disadvantages of equal length and clarity, using specific textual evidence.

Question. Read the second extract and answer the questions that follow:
Extract 2: "I had a quiet morning, but I don't know about Ravi, He just disappeared instead of staying at home at look after me like you told him to," answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed.

(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather's response.
(a) apologetic
(b) hurtful
(c) calm
(d) puzzled
Answer: (c) calm
In simple words: Tone means the feeling or attitude behind the words. Grandpa speaks quietly and without anger - he's being cool and controlled.

Exam Tip: Tone is distinct from emotion - look at word choice and delivery style (the word "coolly" is key here), not just content.

Question. (ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Answer: Ravi experienced confusion and embarrassment because Grandpa had coolly disclosed to Ravi's mother that Ravi had "disappeared" rather than staying home to look after him as instructed. Ravi knew the reality - that he had been secretly pursuing Grandpa throughout the day - but had no way to clarify without disclosing that he had disobeyed his mother by allowing Grandpa to venture out alone. He found himself trapped between shame and the inability to defend his actions.
In simple words: Ravi was caught. He couldn't explain that he was following Grandpa without admitting he let Grandpa go out alone, which would get him in trouble.

Exam Tip: Show Ravi's internal conflict - he's not being blamed unjustly, but he also can't reveal the truth - this explains his emotional discomfort thoroughly.

Question. (iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Ravi's mother was impatient because ____________.
Answer: Ravi's mother was impatient because she thought Grandpa had overlooked Ravi's birthday and was uncertain about why he was offering a gift at an inappropriate moment, as she had kept track of the date in red ink on her calendar.
In simple words: Ravi's mother was annoyed because she thought Grandpa forgot when Ravi's birthday was, even though it was three months ago.

Exam Tip: Provide context from the text (the calendar marking, the three-month gap) to make your completed sentence more precise and convincing.

Question. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Grandfather forgot the Ravi's birthday was three months ago.
Answer: False
In simple words: Grandpa didn't forget. He remembered Ravi's birthday perfectly - he just chose to give the gift on his own birthday as part of his tradition.

Exam Tip: Support your true/false answer with proof from the text - Grandpa's gift-giving tradition and his apparent knowledge of the date through his custom shows his memory is sharp.

Question. (v) Why did Grandpa say he didn't know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Answer: Grandpa communicated this deliberately to emphasise that Ravi had been absent from home rather than remaining to attend to him as directed. It was Grandpa's clever and amusing approach to safeguard his own secret (that he had ventured outside) while simultaneously positioning Ravi in an uncomfortable spot. Through this remark, Grandpa also revealed that he was completely informed about Ravi's departure.
In simple words: Grandpa was being clever and playful. He was hinting that he knew Ravi wasn't home, but doing it in a way that was funny rather than mean.

Exam Tip: Recognize Grandpa's strategic wit - his statement is both protective (of his own adventure) and instructive (letting Ravi know he's aware), showing his mental sharpness.

Question. Answer the following questions.

1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.
Answer:
Evidence 1: Grandpa demonstrated remarkable recall of detailed chess games - he could reference the precise moves of chess masters like Karpov and Bobby Fischer, exhibiting a distinctly sharp and comprehensive long-term memory.
Evidence 2: Grandpa preserved his own custom of giving gifts to family members on his own birthday and had prepared gifts in advance for his daughter, son-in-law, and Ravi - while his daughter, despite marking the day in bright red on her calendar, had neglected that it was his birthday. This shows Grandpa's memory worked well when the subject was meaningful to him.
In simple words: Grandpa remembered detailed chess games and remembered his birthday tradition. His daughter even forgot, even though she marked it on a calendar - so he's not the forgetful one.

Exam Tip: Provide two distinct, well-explained pieces of evidence rather than one lengthy example - this demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the character development.

Question. 2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.

(i) Grandfather
Answer:
• Dignified and independent: He rejected being treated like a youngster and firmly maintained his right to venture out by himself, showing deep pride in his capacity to manage alone.
• Generous and loving: He presented gifts to people on his own birthday and even gave his headwear to a stranger on a hot day.
In simple words: Grandpa is independent - he doesn't want to be controlled. He's also kind and generous - he gives rather than takes.

Exam Tip: Choose traits that are directly supported by story events - cite specific examples (the walking stick, gift-giving, the detective book remark) to prove each trait.

Question. (ii) Ravi
Answer:
• Caring and responsible: He pursued Grandpa secretly to guarantee his protection, enduring significant discomfort to shield him.
• Sensitive and empathetic: He showed discomfort when his mother addressed Grandpa in a condescending manner, displaying emotional growth and reverence for his grandfather's self-respect.
In simple words: Ravi is caring - he worried about Grandpa all day. He's also respectful - he didn't like how his mother spoke to Grandpa.

Exam Tip: Show how Ravi's traits are revealed through his actions and reactions rather than just stating them - reference the wincing scene and the secret following.

Question. (iii) Ravi's mother (Vidya)
Answer:
• Anxious and protective: She constantly felt concern about Grandpa's safety and offered Ravi comprehensive guidance before going to employment.
• Somewhat insensitive: She communicated with Grandpa in an excessively loud voice as if addressing a youngster, failing to recognise that this damaged his self-worth.
In simple words: Ravi's mother is worried - she's always nervous about Grandpa's safety. But she's also not very kind - she speaks to him like he's a little child.

Exam Tip: Present a balanced view - acknowledge Vidya's genuine care while showing how her approach, though well-intentioned, lacks sensitivity and respect.

Question. 3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Answer: Ravi felt anxiety because Grandpa was eating items that were strictly prohibited at home due to medical needs - sugar-sweetened tea (sugar had been restricted), two bananas (similarly forbidden), and an ice cream treat. Ravi understood these limitations existed because of Grandpa's advanced age and physical condition. He envisioned his mother's shocked response, thinking "Mother would become unconscious if she saw this!" Ravi was helpless to prevent the situation without disclosing he had been secretly pursuing Grandpa.
In simple words: Grandpa was eating things he wasn't supposed to - sugary tea, bananas, and ice cream. Ravi was scared his mother would be very angry if she found out.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Ravi's helplessness - he can see the danger but is trapped by his own secret, which adds emotional depth to the answer.

Question. 4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: No, following Grandpa was not an easy task. Ravi encountered multiple humiliating and difficult circumstances throughout. He received criticism from a small boy's mother when concealing behind a shrub, was mistaken for a merchant by women gathered near the banyan tree and was surrounded by them, was ejected from a Ladies' Beauty establishment and ultimately got on a bus only to realise he had been pursuing a complete unknown person. He experienced exhaustion, overheating and degradation during the whole experience.
In simple words: No, it wasn't easy at all. Ravi got scolded, embarrassed, kicked out of places, and even followed the wrong person on a bus!

Exam Tip: Provide multiple specific incidents from the text rather than generalizations - this demonstrates thorough reading and comprehension of the narrative details.

Question. 5. 'Ravi is a good detective'. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.
Answer:
In favour: Ravi demonstrated persistence and commitment by pursuing Grandpa across multiple destinations - the recreational area, the tea stall, the street crossing and even the public transportation - all while working to avoid being noticed. His desire to keep Grandpa secure was genuine and well-intentioned.
Against: Ravi was discovered repeatedly and faced embarrassment at every position where he tried to hide. He lost sight of Grandpa and ended up pursuing a total stranger onto a bus. As Grandpa's comedic gift of the detective handbook suggested, Ravi required substantial development in the abilities of remaining unseen when tracking a suspect.
In simple words: For: Ravi kept trying all day to follow Grandpa because he cared. Against: He got caught every time and even followed the wrong person!

Exam Tip: Present both sides with equal weight and specific evidence - this shows balanced critical thinking and prevents your answer from seeming biased.

Question. 6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, Grandpa was certainly conscious that Ravi had been following him during the day. The most compelling proof is the book he selected as a gift - "The Best Detective Stories" - with the comment that it would teach Ravi "how to prevent getting fooled when following someone". This is an immediate, playful allusion to Ravi's failed surveillance. The sparkle in Grandpa's expression further validates that he was entirely informed of what occurred, but selected a route of amusement instead of open disagreement.
In simple words: Yes, Grandpa knew. The detective book was his funny way of telling Ravi "I know what you did." The twinkle in his eye proved he wasn't angry.

Exam Tip: Focus on Grandpa's strategic choice to respond with humour rather than confrontation - this reveals wisdom and emotional intelligence, reinforcing a central theme.

Question. 7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?
Answer: Interestingly, it is Ravi's mother Vidya who appears to require Vitamin-M the most in this narrative. Although she expressed worry about Grandpa's forgetfulness, she had herself neglected Grandpa's significant birthday celebration tradition - even after writing it down in red on her calendar! Grandpa humorously addressed this by telling Ravi's father that his child required Vitamin-M for her memory. The narrative cleverly illustrates that memory decline is not restricted only to older individuals.
In simple words: Ironically, Ravi's mother needs it the most. She worried about Grandpa's memory but forgot her own father's birthday, even though she marked it on the calendar!

Exam Tip: Recognize the irony - the story shows that forgetfulness is universal, not age-specific, which challenges stereotypes about elderly people and adds depth to the theme.

Question. 8. Some people believe society shows bias based on age (being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.
Answer: A typical instance of age-based bias occurs when older adults' perspectives are brushed aside in household discussions. For illustration, when an elderly grandparent offers a conventional remedy or recommends caution regarding something, younger family members frequently overlook it by saying "times are different" or "you're not familiar with how things work now." Similarly, young people's suggestions are occasionally dismissed in professional settings simply because they "do not have sufficient background." In both scenarios, the individual's true insight or competence is neglected just based on their age bracket.
In simple words: When older people give advice, younger people dismiss them saying "times have changed." When young people have ideas, older people say "you don't have experience." Both happen because of age bias.

Exam Tip: Use specific, relatable examples that show discrimination against both elderly and young people - this demonstrates that the bias operates in multiple directions and is a widespread social issue.

Page 111 - Vocabulary and Structures in Context

Question. Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. One example has been done for you.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Recognize that some words might seem ambiguous (like "bustle" which can involve both movement and noise) - in such cases, place them in their primary category based on the most dominant meaning in context.

Question. Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2.

Detective Shankar, 1. _____________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. _____________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. _____________. The suspect's heavy footsteps 4. _____________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. _____________ his magnifying glass had to 6. _____________ behind the market stalls, 7. _____________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. _____________ when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. _____________ into the might leaving only the distant 10. _____________ of the sleeping city behind.
Answer:
Detective Shankar, 1. trailing the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. bustle of the city, quickened his pace 3. briskly. The suspect's heavy footsteps 4. thudded across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. darted his magnifying glass had to 6. crouch behind the market stalls, 7. creeping through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. grunted when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. sprinting/ducked into the might leaving only the distant 10. whirr/snoring of the sleeping city behind.
In simple words: This exercise shows how movement and sound words bring action and atmosphere to a story. Using the right descriptive verb makes writing come alive for readers.

Exam Tip: Read the full sentence before choosing a word - the surrounding context (grammar, meaning, rhythm) will guide you to the correct choice from each column.

Question. Study the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words. You may refer to a dictionary.

Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.
Answer:
Synonyms for "dilemma":
1. Quandary
2. Predicament
In simple words: Dilemma means a difficult choice where both options have problems. Grandpa's departure left Ravi in a tough spot - stuck between letting him go or stopping him.

Exam Tip: When finding synonyms, ensure they have the same denotation (dictionary meaning) and can substitute for the original word in the sentence without changing its sense.

Question. Fill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary.
Answer:

Exam Tip: For word analysis tables, ensure parts of speech are correctly identified - this demonstrates grammatical understanding and helps deepen vocabulary knowledge through systematic classification.

Question IV. Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. One meaning is extra.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the emotional meaning of each word - words like "embarrassed" and "flushed" both relate to feeling awkward, but they mean slightly different things.

Question V. Read the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now revisit the story and underline the prepositions.
Answer: Prepositions are words that help show how a noun or pronoun connects to other words in a sentence. They often point out direction, location, time, or how something is done. The highlighted words in the phrases - "across," "over," "under," and "behind" - are all prepositions.

Now, filling in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:

I walked (i) through the village, crossed a bridge (ii) over a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) near a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) in the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) along a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) towards the unknown.
In simple words: Prepositions help us say where something is or how it moves. The correct words show the exact position and direction in the story.

Exam Tip: Always think about position and direction when choosing prepositions - "through" means you go inside something, "over" means you cross above, and "near" means you are close to something.

Question VI. Read the following dialogues from the story.
Answer: The words in the quotes are interrogative sentences - they ask questions. There are two kinds of interrogative sentences: Yes/No type and Wh- type.

A. The words in the quotes are (i) interrogative sentences.

B. Sentences 1, 4 and 5 are (ii) Yes, No type interrogative sentences. These ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no.

C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) Wh- type interrogative sentences. These use words like "who" and "what" and need a more detailed answer.

So there are (iv) two types of interrogative sentences.
In simple words: Questions come in two kinds - ones you answer with yes or no, and ones you answer by telling who, what, where, when, or why.

Exam Tip: Look for question words like "who," "what," "when," "where," "why," and "how" to spot Wh- type questions - if you don't see these words, it's probably a Yes/No type question.

Question VII. Read the following conversation.
Answer: When we change direct speech to reported speech (also called indirect speech), we must change the pronouns, tenses, and certain words to match the new speaker's point of view.

Arvind asked Priya if she 1. helped in taking care of her grandparents at home, for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. took turns making sure they were alright.

Priya further asked Arvind 3. if he had grandparents living with him. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend.

He further enquired 5. how she managed her grandparents' medical needs. Priya responded by saying that they 6. had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.
In simple words: When you tell someone what another person said, change the pronouns from "I" and "you" to "he" and "she," and move the tense back in time (present becomes past).

Exam Tip: Remember that Yes/No questions use "if" or "whether" in indirect speech, while Wh- questions keep their question word and also add "if" or a similar connector before the reporting verb changes.

Question. Listen and Respond - Page 116. You will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear.
Answer:
(1) Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with stress management.
(2) Meditation leads to a better health condition both physically and emotionally.
(3) Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving self-awareness.
(4) It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a regular routine.
(5) Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling exam-related pressure.
In simple words: Meditation helps your mind and body feel calm and stronger. When you make it a daily habit, it helps you handle stress and feel better about yourself.

Exam Tip: Listen carefully for the exact phrases and write them down word-for-word - the answer key looks for the specific words that appear in the audio, not your own paraphrase.

Question. Writing Task - Page 119. As you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic 'Our Inspiring Elderly'
Answer:

Article: Our Inspiring Elderly

In every family, there sits a treasure money cannot buy - our elderly. They are our grandparents, great-uncles and aunts, neighbours, and teachers who have walked through decades of change, struggle and growth. They carry with them a treasure chest of wisdom, patience and love that our modern world risks forgetting.

The elderly teach us in so many ways. Grandpa in the story "Vitamin-M" recalled thousands of chess games in perfect detail and gave thoughtful, meaningful gifts to every family member on his own birthday - this shows that true brains and love do not fade with age. Many elderly people have built careers, raised families and lived through hardships that today's young people can hardly imagine. Their tales of bounce-back strength, giving up their own needs, and quiet bravery are real-life lessons that no book can give.

What makes the elderly truly inspiring is how they overcame the challenges of their time with few tools and resources. They did not have phones or the internet, yet they fixed hard problems, kept relationships alive, and made communities stronger with steady work and patience. In my own life, my grandfather's tales of his own hard times have shown me to be thankful, to keep going and never quit when life gets tough. His calm strength when facing hard times has moulded who I am more than any classroom lesson ever could.

The elderly are not a weight on us - they are a gift. In a world that moves at crazy speed, they teach us to pause, to keep what truly counts, and to never lose touch with where we come from. Let us treat them with real care and respect, with our time, and with love. One day, we will also grow old - and the way we look after our elderly right now shows the example we pass on to those who come next.

In simple words: Elderly people have seen and lived through so much. They teach us important lessons and remind us what really matters in life. We should respect and care for them.

Exam Tip: Structure your article clearly with an opening, body paragraphs with examples, and a strong ending - examiners look for good organization and how well you use examples from the story to support your points.

Question. Learning Beyond the Text. Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa's walking stick.
Answer: The second walking stick (the one with the curved golden handle and brown wooden shaft) correctly shows Grandpa's walking stick as described in the story.
In simple words: Look at what the story says about the walking stick and find the picture that matches that description.

Exam Tip: Always go back to the story details to confirm what an object looks like - don't just guess based on what seems most common.

Question. Reflect and Respond - Page 126. Work in pairs. Discuss the memories from your childhood that you remember. List them and share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: Some memorable childhood memories include:
- Playing in the rain with friends in the neighbourhood
- Listening to bedtime stories told by grandparents
- The smell of freshly cooked food when coming home from school
- Celebrating festivals with the whole family gathered together
- Flying kites on the terrace during summer holidays
- The excitement of the first day of a new school year
In simple words: Think about the times in your childhood that made you happy or feel special - those moments you still remember clearly.

Exam Tip: Choose memories that are clear and detailed, not vague ones - use sensory details like sounds, smells, and feelings to make your memories come alive.

Question. Reflect and Respond - Page 126. Discuss how children's relationship with their mother can influence their emotions and memories.
Answer: A mother's love creates the strongest mark on a child's heart and mind. Her voice, her touch, her scent, and the songs she sings all become deeply fixed in a child's memory for life. These feeling-based memories often come back unexpectedly - when a familiar smell appears, a tune plays, or a sight triggers it - even many years later. A mother's love gives a child safety and warmth, and when she is not there, that missing feeling shapes how the child sees and feels about the world in a deep way. The poem "I Cannot Remember My Mother" shows perfectly how a mother stays in our hearts and minds through all five senses, even when we forget her in our thoughts.
In simple words: A mother shapes how we feel and what we remember - her voice, smell, and love stay with us forever, even if we forget her face.

Exam Tip: Use specific sensory language (sound, smell, touch, sight) when discussing memory and emotion - this shows deeper understanding of how memories actually work.

Question III. Match the words given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Read each word and its possible meaning carefully - some words may seem like they could match more than one definition, so pick the best fit.

Question. Check Your Understanding - Page 127. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words
Answer:

Stanza 1:
(1) The poet remembers his mother while he is in the midst of play.
(2) The poet remembers the tune but not the words of the song / lyrics.
Setting: indoor

Stanza 2:
(1) The poet remembers his mother in the autumn season.
(2) The poet remembers his mother by the smell of shiuli flowers.
Setting: outdoor

Stanza 3:
(1) The poet feels that his mother gazes at him from the sky.
Setting: indoor
In simple words: Read each stanza of the poem and find the words that complete the sentences - they are all in the poem.

Exam Tip: Look closely at each stanza to find the exact words the poet uses - pay attention to the senses mentioned (hearing, smell, sight) in each section.

Question. Check Your Understanding - Page 127. The senses of olfactory (smell), auditory (hearing), and visuals (sight), are three of the five basic senses in humans. Give examples of reference to senses from the poem. Complete the table given below.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Every stanza will have at least one sense - read carefully and underline sensory words like "smell," "hear," "see," "feel," and "taste."

Question. Read the poem silently once again and complete the following. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) _________ and (ii) _________.
Answer: Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) stillness ... sky and (ii) smell of the shiuli. Alliteration is when the same starting sound is used many times in a few words close together - these examples show how the poet repeats the "s" sound to make the poem flow smoothly and sound beautiful.
In simple words: Alliteration is when words close together start with the same sound - it makes the poem sound nice when you read it aloud.

Exam Tip: Listen to how the words sound when you read them aloud - alliteration creates a musical effect that you can hear.

Question. An example of onomatopoeia is ___________.
Answer: An example of onomatopoeia is hum. Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it means - "hum" sounds like the actual sound a person makes when humming.
In simple words: Onomatopoeia means a word that imitates or copies a real sound - when you say the word, it sounds like the thing itself.

Exam Tip: Think about words that actually sound like what they describe - words like "buzz," "hiss," "crash," and "whisper" are all onomatopoeia.

Question. The poem uses imagery extensively. Explain.
Answer: The poem creates rich imagery that brings the mother's memory to life in all three stanzas. In the first stanza, the image of a tune floating over playthings creates a beautiful sound picture of the mother singing while rocking the cradle. In the second stanza, the sight and smell image of shiuli flowers sending out their fragrance into the early autumn morning air links the scent of flowers to the scent of the mother during morning temple prayers. In the third stanza, the sight image of the huge, quiet blue sky spreading wide across the view is used to show the soft, endless quality of the mother's caring look. Every stanza paints a bright picture using a different sense, making the reader feel the mother is still there even though she is gone.
In simple words: Imagery means painting pictures with words using the five senses - the poet uses sounds, smells, and sights to help us feel the mother's presence.

Exam Tip: When analyzing imagery, identify which sense each image appeals to (sound, smell, sight, taste, touch) and explain how it helps convey the poet's emotion.

Question. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because _____________.
Answer: Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because it reads like natural, spoken thought that flows beautifully. The free verse form - poetry without fixed rhyme or meter - gives the poem an honest, gentle, and deeply personal feel. The feelings the poet shares are so universal and touching that readers feel a quick connection to them. The use of sensory images - sound, smell and sight - makes the poem vivid and unforgettable, and the repetition of the refrain gives it a musical, quiet beat even without a formal rhyme scheme.
In simple words: Even without rhyming words at the ends of lines, the poem feels beautiful because the sensory details and repeating lines create a musical quality.

Exam Tip: Understand that rhyme is just one way to create rhythm and music in poetry - free verse uses imagery, repetition, and sensory language instead.

Question. What is the tone of the poet? Why do you say so?
Answer: The poet's tone is nostalgic, gentle, and melancholic. The poet speaks in a soft and wistful way about memories he cannot fully bring back, yet feels deeply. The repeated line "I cannot remember my mother" carries a quiet sadness - not the sadness of sharp grief, but of longing and yearning. The poet does not cry openly but shows a deep, tender craving for a presence he barely knew. This gentle, thinking tone makes the poem deeply moving and touching to the reader.
In simple words: The poet's tone is sad and thoughtful - he misses his mother and wishes he could remember her better.

Exam Tip: Tone is the feeling or mood the writer creates - look for repeated words, word choices, and the overall feeling to identify the tone.

Question. What impact does the title of the poem have on the overall mood of the poem?
Answer: The title "I Cannot Remember My Mother" quickly sets a mood of quiet sadness and longing from the very start. The word "cannot" is key - it shows not lack of desire but inability, which makes it more painful and moving. The title gets the reader ready for a deeply personal and feeling-filled poem. As the poem goes on, this sense of loss is beautifully balanced by the quiet presence of the mother in every sense - her hum, her scent, her look. The title creates an emotional tug - a push and pull between forgetting and remembering - that runs throughout the whole poem.
In simple words: The title prepares us for a sad poem about missing someone - it sets the mood right from the start.

Exam Tip: A title is the first thing readers see - notice how it creates expectations and sets the emotional tone for the whole piece.

Question. The poet uses 'I cannot remember my mother' as a refrain because _____________.
Answer: The poet uses "I cannot remember my mother" as a refrain because he wants to stress the main feeling in the poem - the struggle to consciously recall his mother, who must have left him when he was very young. The repeating of this line at the start of every stanza creates a rhythmic, quiet, and prayer-like quality, like a deep sigh from the heart. It also acts as a contrast - right after the poet says he cannot remember, he goes on to show a bright sensory memory that proves her presence is still deeply felt. The refrain highlights the contradiction between forgetting and still remembering.
In simple words: The repeated line emphasizes the poem's main idea - we forget with our minds but remember with our senses.

Exam Tip: A refrain is a repeated line that creates emphasis and rhythm - notice what feeling or idea it highlights each time it appears.

Question. The poet uses symbolism to indicate the memory of his mother's presence. Identify the symbols used in the poem.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When identifying symbols, explain what abstract idea or feeling each object represents - this shows deep understanding of the poet's message.

Question. Critical Reflection - Page 129. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow. I cannot remember my mother only sometimes in the midst of my play a tune seems to hover over my playthings, (i) Complete the following sentences appropriately. The poet is reminded of his mother during his ___________.
Answer: The poet is reminded of his mother during his playtime.
In simple words: The poet thinks of his mother while he is playing with his toys.

Exam Tip: Look for the action or time mentioned in the extract to find when the memory happens.

Question. (ii) What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line ' a tune seems to hover over my playthings?
Answer: (C) It activates memories of the mother.
In simple words: The tune brings back memories of the mother - it makes the poet remember her even though he cannot recall her face.

Exam Tip: Identify the main feeling - does the tune bring joy, sadness, or memory - by reading the line in context.

Question. (iii) In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker's playtime?
Answer: The hovering tune acts as a bridge between the present moment and the distant past. During the innocent time of play, the tune suddenly drifts into the child's mind like a ghost of memory. It joins the child to the mother he cannot consciously bring back - her voice, her warmth, her presence while rocking his cradle. The tune does not break his play but gently reminds him of a love he once had.
In simple words: The tune connects the child to his mother through memory - it appears while he plays and brings her back to his mind.

Exam Tip: Explain how a symbol or image functions in the poem by describing its effect on the speaker and what it connects.

Question. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime.
Answer: True
In simple words: The poet says the memory comes "sometimes," not all the time - so it is occasional.

Exam Tip: Look for words like "sometimes," "often," "always," or "rarely" to determine if something happens all the time or just occasionally.

Question. (v) How could the poet feel his mother's presence, even though she isn't there?
Answer: The poet feels his mother's presence through feeling-based memories - the tune she used to sing, the fragrance of shiuli flowers that brings back her morning prayers and the stillness of the sky that brings back her gentle, caring look. Though she is not there in body, these feeling-based triggers - sound, smell and sight - keep her presence alive and strong in his heart and mind. The poem shows that love and memory do not need the body to be there - they live on through the senses and the heart.
In simple words: The poet remembers his mother through his senses - through sounds, smells, and sights that remind him of her.

Exam Tip: Use specific sensory details from the poem when explaining how absence is overcome by memory and feeling.

Question 2(i). What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother's gaze spreading over the sky?
(a) The mother's gaze is physically present in the sky.
(b) The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother's presence.
(c) The sky mirrors the mother's emotions
(d) The stillness is fleeting and unrelated to the mother.
Answer: (b) The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother's presence.
In simple words: The poet is using the sky to show that his mother's love and presence spread everywhere, just like the sky covers all things.

Exam Tip: Watch for symbolic or metaphorical language in poetry - the sky here does not literally hold the mother's gaze but represents how her love is boundless and all-encompassing.

Question 2(ii). What emotion does the poet associate with the 'stillness' of his mother's gaze?
(a) A sense of grief
(b) A sense of anticipation
(c) A sense of nostalgia
(d) A sense of serenity
Answer: (d) A sense of serenity
In simple words: The word "stillness" brings a feeling of calm and peace, not sadness or worry - it feels gentle and quiet.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the specific adjective used - "stillness" conveys quietness and peace, helping you select the correct emotional tone.

Question 2(iii). State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet suggests that the mother's gaze has a tangible and visual effect on the sky.
Answer: False
In simple words: The mother's gaze does not really change the sky in a way we can touch or see. It is just a comparison the poet uses to show his feelings.

Exam Tip: Recognise that poetic comparisons are not literal facts - the poet speaks metaphorically about internal emotions and memories, not physical reality.

Question 2(iv). What is the purpose of likening the mother's gaze to the sky?
Answer: The sky is vast, still, calm, and ever-present - it surrounds everything and covers all places. By comparing his mother's gaze to the sky, the poet conveys that her love was boundless, gentle, and all-encompassing. Just as the sky watches over all things silently, so his mother's gaze watched over him with quiet, infinite love. This comparison raises the mother's love to something universal, eternal, and beyond time.
In simple words: The sky is everywhere and covers everything quietly. The poet shows his mother's love the same way - it is endless, gentle, and always there.

Exam Tip: When explaining a comparison or metaphor, identify the shared qualities (vastness, calmness, presence) and explain how they deepen the meaning of the emotion being described.

Question 2(v). Complete the sentence appropriately. The tone of the poet in the given extract is __________ because __________
Answer: The tone of the poet in the given extract is serene and wistful because he links his mother's gaze with the vast, calm sky, which suggests a feeling of peace and quiet yearning rather than sharp sorrow. The image is gentle and expansive, showing the poet's tender and reflective emotional state.
In simple words: The poet sounds calm and a little sad in a gentle way. He talks about his mother with peace and quiet longing, not sharp pain.

Exam Tip: Tone is about the feeling and mood the writer creates - look for words and images that suggest quietness, gentleness, and reflection rather than anger or sharp emotion.

Question. What is the emotional impact of the refrain, "I cannot remember my mother"?
Answer: The refrain builds a deep and steady sense of sadness and longing throughout the poem. Each time it recurs, it reminds readers of the irreplaceable loss the poet experienced - losing his mother at a very young age. Yet at the same time, the refrain becomes a door that opens to memory, because after each repetition, the poet shares a beautiful, vivid sensory memory of her. This tension between saying he cannot remember and then actually remembering makes the emotional impact far stronger. Readers feel both the pain of loss and the beauty of a love that survives even when someone is absent and time passes.
In simple words: The repeated line "I cannot remember my mother" makes us feel sad about what he lost. But then he describes memories of her, which shows that her love is still very much alive in him.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to how a repeated line (refrain) creates emotional power - it is not just the words, but the contrast between what is said and what is then shown through vivid details that makes it strong.

Question. Interpret the connection between the poet's mother and the following: (i) shiuli flowers (ii) humming tune
Answer:
(i) Shiuli flowers: The shiuli flowers open at night and drop their petals in the early morning, filling the autumn air with a sweet, delicate fragrance. This scent mixes with the fragrance of incense and flowers from the morning temple service, and together they bring back memories of the mother's devotion and her daily spiritual practices. The mother is linked to purity, spiritual feeling, and the quiet beauty of dawn - just like the shiuli flower itself, which blooms softly and fades away gently.
(ii) Humming tune: The humming tune stands for the earliest and most intimate memory of the mother - her voice gently singing while she rocks the cradle. It is the first sound a baby hears, and even though the poet cannot recall the words or consciously picture his mother's face, this tune comes back to him during play as an unconscious, deeply rooted memory of her love and comfort.
In simple words: Shiuli flowers remind him of his mother's quiet goodness and her morning prayers. The humming tune is the sound of his mother singing to him when he was very small - a memory that lives in his body even though he cannot see her face.

Exam Tip: When interpreting connections between a person and natural objects, show how the qualities of the object (fragrance, softness, timing) mirror qualities of the person or emotions tied to them.

Question. What role does nature play in the poet's description of the memory of his mother?
Answer: Nature holds a central and beautiful place in the poem. The poet draws on three elements of nature - sound (the tune drifting like a breeze), fragrance (the scent of shiuli flowers in the autumn morning air), and sight (the vast, still blue sky) - to bring his mother's memory to life. Nature becomes a vehicle through which the mother's presence is felt and remembered. The autumn flowers carry her scent, the sky holds her gaze, and the air carries her tune. In this poem, nature is not merely a backdrop or setting but an active force that carries memory and love forward through time.
In simple words: Nature helps the poet remember his mother through things he can see, smell, and hear - flowers, the sky, and music. Nature keeps her memory alive.

Exam Tip: Look for how poets use natural imagery not just for beauty, but as a tool to express emotion and memory - nature becomes a language for feelings that are hard to put into words.

Question. What can be inferred about the poet's perception of the mother-child relationship?
Answer: The poet views the mother-child relationship as the most basic, tender, and lasting connection in human life. Even though he lost his mother when he was too young to build conscious memories, her presence has woven itself deep into all his senses - his hearing, his smell, his sight. This suggests that a mother's love works at a level deeper than what we can consciously remember. It becomes woven into the child's identity and sensory world. The poet also suggests that this bond is not broken by death or separation - it continues to exist in nature, in music, in fragrance, and in the sky, timeless and endless.
In simple words: A mother's love is so strong that it stays with a child forever, even if the child cannot remember her face. It becomes a part of who they are.

Exam Tip: When inferring ideas about relationships, look beyond what is directly stated - consider what the poet's examples and images suggest about the depth and permanence of human bonds.

Page 131 - Vocabulary in Context

Question. Work in pairs to classify the sensory words given in the box below. One example has been done for you.
Answer: The sensory words are classified as follows:

In simple words: Visual words describe what we see, auditory words describe what we hear, olfactory words describe what we smell, and tactile words describe what we feel when we touch something.

Exam Tip: Learn the five senses and their matching vocabulary terms - this helps you quickly sort sensory words in any passage and understand how writers create vivid descriptions.

Question. Fill in the blanks with sensory words in the box for the following passage written by Sarojini Naidu. There are two extra words.
Answer: Come and share my exquisite March morning with me - this sumptuous blaze of gold and sapphire sky; these 1. scarlet lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. perfumes of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. sweetness; the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. flaming ecstasy of life in nesting time. And do you know that the scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart's blood these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. scents are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. essence this 7. smooth blue and gold sky in the 'very me'...
In simple words: The sensory words make the morning come alive - we see red flowers and bright sky, smell strong fragrances, hear and feel the joy of birds, and feel the softness of the air around us.

Exam Tip: When filling blanks with sensory words, check both meaning and the type of sense each word appeals to - the word must fit the context and match the sensory experience being described.

Question. Write numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations. One example has been done for you.
Answer:

Picture 1 (flowers in hand): 3 - fragrant breeze of blooming buds

Picture 2 (woman rocking cradle): 4 - gentle lullaby, a soft melody

Picture 3 (kites in sky): 5 - colourful sky, painting a lively sight

Picture 4 (sunset over water): 6 - attractive canvas painting the horizon

Picture 5 (drums): 1 - beasts of music echos in air

Picture 6 (flowers in vase): 2 - melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air

In simple words: Each picture is matched with a phrase that describes the senses it awakens - flowers smell sweet, a cradle brings soft sounds, kites make us see bright colors, a sunset is beautiful, drums make loud music, and a flower arrangement smells lovely and feels peaceful.

Exam Tip: Link each sensory phrase to the image by identifying what senses it appeals to and matching its mood and meaning to what the picture shows.

Page 133 - Listen and Respond

Question. You will listen to four short extracts of people expressing their childhood memories. As you listen, match each statement 1-6 to each speaker (i) - (iv). There are two statements that you do not need.
Answer:

In simple words: Match what each speaker says about their childhood memories to the correct statement - one speaker talks about the seaside, one about their grandfather's help, one about school friendships, and one about outdoor fun as a child.

Exam Tip: Listen carefully for key words and phrases in each speaker's account that match the statements - focus on the main topic and emotion in what they describe, not exact word-for-word matches.

Page 135 - Writing Task

Question. Imagine you had been on a school trip to a scenic place which appeal to all your senses. Write a diary entry describing the place and why it was a memorable experience.
Answer:
Diary Entry - A Memorable School Trip
Wednesday, 15th October 2025, 8:30 PM

Dear Diary,
Today was one of the most beautiful days of my entire school life. Our class went on a trip to Coorg - a place I had only seen in photographs - and I cannot find words enough to describe what I experienced.

The moment our bus entered the hills, the air shifted. It became cool, fresh, and fragrant - carrying the rich earthy smell of wet soil and the sweet scent of coffee blossoms. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, feeling as though the world had slowed down just for us.

When we reached the viewpoint, I stood at the edge and looked out at a sea of green - endless forests rolling over hills, with soft white mist curling between the trees like a gentle secret. The silence was so complete that I could hear the distant sound of a waterfall and birds calling to each other across the valley. I reached out and touched the cool, damp moss on a rock beside me and for one perfect moment I felt completely at peace.

We walked through a spice garden where our guide broke open a cardamom pod and held it under our noses - the sharp, sweet fragrance was overwhelming and wonderful. I tasted fresh pepper straight from the vine and its heat spread slowly across my tongue.

The most significant moment of the day was when we sat together on the grass at sunset, watching the sky turn from gold to deep orange to purple. In that quiet, I thought about how rare and precious such moments are - moments when you are completely present, your senses alive, your heart full.

I will carry this day with me for a long time. It taught me that the most beautiful classroom is the world itself.

Goodnight,
[Yogesh]
In simple words: On our school trip to Coorg, I saw beautiful forests, smelled flowers and spices, heard birds and waterfalls, felt cool moss, and tasted fresh pepper. The trip showed me that nature can teach us more than any classroom can.

Exam Tip: When writing a diary entry, begin with the date and time, use first person (I, my), include vivid sensory details, describe specific moments, and end with a personal reflection or learning - this structure shows that you understood the task fully.