Here we have provided Class 9 English NCERT book words and expressions Chapter 4 solutions. Questions an d answers is given in this post. Increase your knowledge by reading this post.
Reading Comprehension
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Text I
The World as I see it
In my opinion, the present symptoms of decadence are explained by the fact that the development of industry and machinery has made the struggle for existence very much more severe, greatly to the detriment of the free development of the individual. But the development of machinery means that less and less work is needed from the individual for the satisfaction of the community’s needs. A planned division of labour is becoming more and more of a crying necessity and this division will lead to the material security of the individual. This security and the spare time and energy which the individual will have at his command can be made to further his development. In this way the community may regain its health, and we will hope that future historians will explain the morbid symptoms of present-day society as the childhood ailments of an aspiring humanity, due entirely to the excessive speed at which civilisation was advancing.
(An extract from The World As I See It by A. Einstein)
1. What is responsible for the present degradation of individual development?
2. What is the meaning of development in relation to individuals?
3. What is the ‘planned division of labour”? How will it be helpful in human development?
4. What does the phrase ‘symptoms of decadence’ mean in the opening line?
(a) diagnosis of degradation
(b) warning signs of depravity
(c) signs of prosperity
(d) diagnosis of indifference
5. The phrase ‘crying necessity’ in the opening paragraph means:
(a) urgent need
(b) weeping need
(c) sad need
(d) average need
6. Circle the odd one out
(a) presence, distance, existence, being, alive
(b) possible,feasible,probable,unthinkable, obtainable
(c) violence, assault, roughness, passivity, fierceness
(d) conflict, contest, contention, rivalry, accord
(e) consolation, compassion, annoyance, sympathy,
support
Answers:
1. What is responsible for the present degradation of individual development?
The development of industry and machinery is responsible for the present degradation of individual development. It has made the struggle for existence much more severe, which hinders the free development of individuals.
2. What is the meaning of development in relation to individuals?
Development in relation to individuals refers to their growth in terms of material security, free time, energy, and personal advancement, which can be used to enhance their overall well-being and potential.
3. What is the ‘planned division of labour’? How will it be helpful in human development?
The ‘planned division of labour’ refers to a systematic distribution of work within society. It is essential for ensuring material security for individuals, freeing up their time and energy for self-development and contributing to societal health.
4. What does the phrase ‘symptoms of decadence’ mean in the opening line?
(b) warning signs of depravity
5. The phrase ‘crying necessity’ in the opening paragraph means:
(a) urgent need
6. Circle the odd one out
(a) presence, distance, existence, being, alive (Odd one out: distance; others refer to states of being)
(b) possible, feasible, probable, unthinkable, obtainable (Odd one out: unthinkable; others are positive terms related to possibility)
(c) violence, assault, roughness, passivity, fierceness (Odd one out: passivity; others are aggressive or active)
(d) conflict, contest, contention, rivalry, accord (Odd one out: accord; others imply conflict)
(e) consolation, compassion, annoyance, sympathy, support (Odd one out: annoyance; others are positive emotions)
Text II
Read the following text and answer the questions.
When Einstein wrote to Gandhi
In 1931, Albert Einstein wrote the following short letter of admiration to another of the world’s greatest minds, Mohandas Gandhi. Despite their intentions, the pair never met in person. Respected Mr. Gandhi,
I use the presence of your friend in our home to send you these lines. You have shown through your words, that it is possible to succeed without violence even with those who have not discarded the method of violence. We may hope that your example will spread beyond the borders of the country,
and will help to establish an international authority, respected by all, that will take decisions and replace war conflicts.
With sincere admiration
Yours
(Signed, ‘A. Einstein’)
I hope that I will be able to meet you face to face someday.
Gandhi’s response
LONDON,
October 18, 1931
DEAR FRIEND,
I was delighted to have your beautiful letter sent through Sundaram. It is great consolation to me that the work I am doing finds favour in your sight. I do indeed wish that we could meet face to face and that too in India at my Ashram.
Yours Sincerely
(Signed, ‘M.K Gandhi’)
(Source: Letters of Note, Volume 2, by Shaun Usher)
1. Albert Einstein admired M.K. Gandhi because:
(a) Gandhi discarded the method of violence.
(b) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with those who have discarded the method of violence.
(c) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence only with those who have discarded the
method of violence.
(d) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with all irrespective of whether they have
continued or discarded the method of violence.
2. Where did Gandhi wish to meet Einstein?
(a) his residence in London
(b) his Ashram in India
(c) his Ashram in London
(d) during his tour to London
3. Why does Einstein want Gandhi’s example to go beyond India?
4. You have read the chapter and the exchange of letters between A. Einstein and M. K. Gandhi. What similarities do you find in the ideas of both the personalities?
5. Find the opposites of the words given below from Einstein’s letter.
(a) impossible_________________________
(b) fail_________________________________
(c) peace______________________________
(d) absence____________________________
(e) enemy_____________________________
6. In the context of Gandhi’s response to Einstein’s letter, ‘finds favour in your sight’ means:
(a) satisfied you
(b) delighted you
(c) appreciated by you
(d) not accepted by you
Answers:
1. Albert Einstein admired M.K. Gandhi because: (d) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with all irrespective of whether they have continued or discarded the method of violence.
2. Where did Gandhi wish to meet Einstein? (b) his Ashram in India
3. Why does Einstein want Gandhi’s example to go beyond India?
Einstein hopes that Gandhi’s example will spread beyond the borders of India and help establish an international authority that will take decisions and replace war conflicts.
4. You have read the chapter and the exchange of letters between A. Einstein and M. K. Gandhi. What similarities do you find in the ideas of both the personalities?
Both Einstein and Gandhi advocated for non-violence and peace. They believed in achieving success without the use of violence and aimed for global harmony. They both hoped for a better world where war conflicts would be replaced by peaceful solutions.
5. Find the opposites of the words given below from Einstein’s letter. (a) impossible → possible
(b) fail → succeed
(c) peace → violence
(d) absence → presence
(e) enemy → friend
6. In the context of Gandhi’s response to Einstein’s letter, ‘finds favour in your sight’ means:
(c) appreciated by you
Text II
If
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run— Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
—Rudyard Kipling
1. Which lines in the poem tell us to have self control, a clear head and not to become bitter people speak against us? Stanza1
2. One must be just as graceful in losing as he is in winning. What are the poem that can replace the underline ones? Stanza 2
3. In the third stanza what does the poet mean by ‘And lose, and start again?
4. There is a necessity treat all people equal and amidst people we should not lose our self ‘who we are”? How has the poet expressed this in the fourth stanza?
5. List two things from each stanza that we can do to make the Earth ours, as given in the poem.
Answers:
1. Which lines in the poem tell us to have self-control, a clear head, and not to become bitter when people speak against us?
The lines from the first stanza that emphasize self-control, a clear head, and not becoming bitter when people speak against us are:
“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;”
“Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating.”
2. One must be just as graceful in losing as he is in winning. What are the words from the poem that can replace the underlined ones?
The words from the second stanza that replace the idea of being graceful in both losing and winning are:
“If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same.”
3. In the third stanza, what does the poet mean by ‘And lose, and start again’?
The poet means that after losing everything (perhaps after taking a big risk or facing failure), one should have the courage to start from scratch without complaining or being discouraged. It reflects resilience and perseverance in the face of loss.
4. There is a necessity to treat all people equally, and amidst people, we should not lose our sense of ‘who we are.’ How has the poet expressed this in the fourth stanza?
In the fourth stanza, the poet expresses this idea with these lines:
“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;” This means that whether you are among ordinary people (crowds) or influential ones (kings), you should remain true to yourself and maintain your integrity without losing your sense of self.
5. List two things from each stanza that we can do to make the Earth ours, as given in the poem.
Stanza 1:
Keep your head when others are losing theirs.
Trust yourself when others doubt you but understand their doubts.
Stanza 2:
Treat triumph and disaster as impostors.
Hear the truth you spoke twisted and still remain strong.
Stanza 3:
Risk everything and, if lost, start again without complaining.
Push your heart, nerve, and sinew to keep going even when you are exhausted.
Stanza 4:
Walk with kings without losing the common touch.
Make the most of every minute by filling it with effort and purpose.
Vocabulary
1. Read the paragraph mentioned against explanation and find out the words in that paragraph which best match the explanation given. Refer to the chapter ‘A Truly Beautiful Mind’ given in your textbook, Beehive.
(a) A word used disapprovingly to talk about a person who is unusual and doesn’t behave like others._________________(paragraph 1)
(b) Taking part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job.________________(paragraph 3)
(c) Respecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour._____(paragraph 5)
(d) A person who is lacking in or hostile or smugly indifferent to cultural values, intellectual pursuits,
etc.____________________(paragraph 7)
(e) Relating to work that needs special training or education.______________(paragraph 8)
2. Einstein was a world citizen.
This means he does not belong to one country because his contributions to science and the society have moved beyond the borders of his country. ‘World’ has different meanings in a variety of contexts.
Read the sentences given below and find out the meanings of ‘world’ in each sentence.
(a) My mother means the world to me.
(b) Vasco da Gama sailed round the world.
(c) He is a big name in the world of fashion.
(d) Stars from the sporting and artistic worlds participate in the function.
(e) She is a simple person in real world as well as in the movies.
Answers:
1. Find the words from the chapter ‘A Truly Beautiful Mind’ that match the explanations:
(a) Eccentric
(Paragraph 1: A word used disapprovingly to talk about a person who is unusual and doesn’t behave like others.)
(b) Amateur
(Paragraph 3: Taking part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job.)
(c) Liberal
(Paragraph 5: Respecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behavior.)
(d) Philistine
(Paragraph 7: A person who is lacking in or hostile or smugly indifferent to cultural values, intellectual pursuits, etc.)
(e) Professional
(Paragraph 8: Relating to work that needs special training or education.)
2. Meanings of ‘world’ in different sentences:
(a) My mother means the world to me.
Meaning: My mother is the most important person in my life.
(b) Vasco da Gama sailed round the world.
Meaning: Vasco da Gama sailed around the entire Earth.
(c) He is a big name in the world of fashion.
Meaning: He is famous in the field or industry of fashion.
(d) Stars from the sporting and artistic worlds participate in the function.
Meaning: Celebrities from the fields of sports and arts participate in the function.
(e) She is a simple person in real world as well as in the movies.
Meaning: She behaves similarly in her personal life (reality) as she does in movies.
Grammar
Participate Clause
You have read about and done exercises on participate clauses (Beehive, P. 52). We know that participate clause is a form of adverbial clause which enables us to say information in a more economical way. We can use participate clauses when the participate and verb in the main clauses have the same subject.
Example: Waiting for John, I made some tea.
1. choose the correct option for the sentences below.
(a) Waiting fort he doctor, ______________________________________________________________
[a big noise scared everybody, Dave read a magazine, the alarm went off]
(b) ________________________________________ in the jungle, George had to find the way out on this own. [having. lost, lost, losing]
(c) _____________________________________ our pottery will last for generations. [treating with care/you treat with care/treated with care]
(e) ______________________________________________ a holiday, all the banks were closed. [having been/been/being]
2. Join the following sentences using a present-participate as given in the example.
Example:
We walked along the footpath. We saw an accident Walking along the footpath, we saw an accident.
(Note: Out of the two actions, the one which takes place first is changed into present participle.)
(a) He stood by the side of a temple. He speaks people to go in.
(b) She came out of the room. She greeted the visitors.
(c) He heard the news. He started crying.
(d) He found the lock broken. He rang up the police.
(e) He felt sleepy. He went to bed.
Answers:
1. Choose the correct option for the sentences below.
(a) Waiting for the doctor,
Dave read a magazine.
(The action “waiting” and the action “reading” are being done by the same person, Dave.)
(b) Having lost in the jungle, George had to find the way out on his own.
(The action “losing” happens before “finding the way out.”)
(c) Treated with care, our pottery will last for generations.
(Here, the pottery being “treated with care” enables it to last for a long time.)
(e) Being a holiday, all the banks were closed.
(The state of “being a holiday” is the reason the banks were closed.)
2. Join the following sentences using a present-participle as given in the example.
(a) Standing by the side of a temple, he speaks to people to go in.
(b) Coming out of the room, she greeted the visitors.
(c) Hearing the news, he started crying.
(d) Finding the lock broken, he rang up the police.
(e) Feeling sleepy, he went to bed.
Editing
There is an error in each line. Underline the incorrect word and write the correct in the blank given. The first one has been done for you as an example.
I entered the manager’s office and sat down. enter I have just lost five hundred rupees and I felt very upset.
(a) _____________________________ “I leave the money in my desk,” I said, (b)________________ “and it is not there now”. The manger was very sympathetic but he can do nothing. (c)___________“Everyone loses money theses days,”(d) __________________ he said. He start to complain about this wicked world,
(e)_______________________________but is interrupted by a knock at the door. (f)________.
Answers:
(a) have
Correction: had
“I had just lost five hundred rupees and I felt very upset.”
(b) leave
Correction: left
“I left the money in my desk,” I said.
(c) can
Correction: could
“The manager was very sympathetic but he could do nothing.”
(d) theses
Correction: these
“Everyone loses money these days.”
(e) start
Correction: started
“He started to complain about this wicked world.”
(f) is
Correction: was
“But was interrupted by a knock at the door.”
Listening
Listen to the story given below. The teacher or your classmate will read the story aloud. Listen to it carefully and then answer the questions that follow.
Gautama Buddha was journeying through the Kosala region. He was warned not to pass through the deep jungle, as it was the den of a famous robber chief, Angulimala. He was the terror of the whole countryside. He lived by plundering travellers and feared no one. He had committed many murders. All attempts to capture the inhuman Angulimala had failed. So he continued his crimes unpunished. The people of Kosala pleaded with the Buddha not to expose himself to the dangers of the robber’s territory. But Gautama Buddha knew no fear. The warnings of the people of Kosala did not affect him. He made his way into
the jungle. Angulimala got enraged at this boldness. He was determined to kill the intruder. But when he saw the Buddha, calm and self-possessed, and heard his words of kindness, the robber hesitated. His arm, which had been uplifted to kill, fell helpless by his side. His wrath cooled, and he knelt down before the Buddha. He confessed all his sins and declared his faith in the Buddha. When the people saw the new disciple following his Master, they were amazed and could not believe that this was the ferocious man who had been a terror for so long. Angulimala became a monk. His past was forgotten, and he was widely respected for his holiness.
1. Why did the people of Kosala warn the Buddha not to go into jungle?
2. Why was Angulimala considered to be a terror?
3. What enraged Angulimala when he saw the Buddha?
4. Why did the robber hesitate to kill the Buddha?
5. What kind of transformation took place in Angulimala?
6. Why did people start respecting Angulimala?
Answers:
1. Why did the people of Kosala warn the Buddha not to go into the jungle?
The people of Kosala warned the Buddha not to go into the jungle because it was the den of the famous robber chief Angulimala, who was feared by the whole countryside due to his crimes.
2. Why was Angulimala considered to be a terror?
Angulimala was considered a terror because he plundered travellers, committed many murders, and all attempts to capture him had failed. He was a threat to the entire region.
3. What enraged Angulimala when he saw the Buddha?
Angulimala was enraged by the boldness of the Buddha, as the Buddha fearlessly entered the jungle despite the warnings about the danger posed by Angulimala.
4. Why did the robber hesitate to kill the Buddha?
The robber hesitated to kill the Buddha because, upon seeing the Buddha’s calm and composed demeanor and hearing his kind words, his anger cooled, and he was moved by the Buddha’s peaceful presence.
5. What kind of transformation took place in Angulimala?
Angulimala experienced a profound transformation when he heard the Buddha’s teachings. He repented for his past crimes, confessed his sins, and declared his faith in the Buddha. He became a monk and devoted himself to a life of holiness.
6. Why did people start respecting Angulimala?
People started respecting Angulimala because he had transformed from a ferocious robber into a monk. His violent past was forgotten, and he was widely respected for his holiness and devotion to the teachings of the Buddha.
Speaking
A debate competition is being organised in your school. Take a stand for or against this statement: “Our happiness in life depends entirely on our mental attitude.” Prepare an outline of the main points in the order in which you wish to present them (in about 100 words), giving reasons for your point of view.
Debate is a correct between two speakers or two groups of speakers to show skill and ability in arguing.
A proposition, a question or a problem is required for this purpose, which can be spoken for or against.
To participate in a debate, one must prepare for it. So, one must prepare an outline of the main points in
the order in which one is going to argue.
There are the limitations of time (only 5 to 6 minutes are allowed).
The speaker addresses the audience.
Every topic/subject has its own vocabulary. These must be learnt.
The speaker addresses the Chair (Mr President/ Madam), ‘submits’ an argument, ‘appeals’ for sympathetic understanding and support, ‘questions’ the opponent’s views and ‘concludes’ an argument.
Write the outline of the main points, then make a presentation in the class.
Topic
Introduce the topic with a quotation.
Highlight the main points.
Elaborate the points by arguing logically and convincingly.
Give your opinion in the concluding paragraph.
Answers:
Debate Topic: “Our happiness in life depends entirely on our mental attitude.”
Introduction: “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
Our mental attitude shapes our perception of life’s circumstances, directly affecting our happiness.
Main Points:
- Mental Attitude as the Key to Happiness:
Happiness is subjective, and our interpretation of events depends on our mindset. A positive attitude leads to resilience and optimism, helping us find joy in small things. - Circumstances vs. Attitude:
External situations, such as wealth or success, bring temporary satisfaction, but long-lasting happiness is internal. A person with a positive attitude can find peace, regardless of material possessions. - Health and Well-being:
Research shows that a positive mental attitude contributes to better physical and mental health. People with optimistic outlooks are less stressed and more likely to recover from illnesses. - Personal Growth and Relationships:
A good mental attitude fosters growth and strong relationships. People with a positive mindset handle conflicts better, build stronger connections, and maintain emotional stability.
Conclusion:
Happiness is not dictated by external circumstances but by how we choose to react. A positive mental attitude is the foundation of lasting happiness, allowing us to face challenges with hope and gratitude.
Writing
In gruops of four, discuss in favour of or aganist the topic:
“New teachnology is common, New thinking is rare.”
Each group presents their points and the whole class brainstorms on the topic.
Jot down all the points discussed.
Write an argumentative article giving logical and relevant reasons along with your points of view.
Project
You have read about Stephen Hawking in Class VIII. Go through the text once again and gather information about his genius. You can also search web resources. Follow the steps given below and then write what made Hawking a genius.
(i) Who is a genius?
(ii) What are the attributes that makes a person a genius?
(iii) How is Stephen Hawking a genius?
(iv) What is he famous for?
(v) What books has a he written?
(vi) Refer to the obituaries written by people on him and find out his inspiring qualities.
Answers:
Project: Stephen Hawking – The Genius
(i) Who is a genius?
A genius is a person with exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability. They demonstrate extraordinary ability or talent in a particular field, often contributing groundbreaking ideas or innovations that shape the future.
(ii) What are the attributes that make a person a genius?
Exceptional intellectual ability
Creativity and original thinking
Strong passion for their field of interest
Persistence and resilience in the face of challenges
The ability to inspire and influence others
Ability to simplify complex concepts for better understanding
A desire to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation
(iii) How is Stephen Hawking a genius?
Stephen Hawking was a renowned theoretical physicist who made remarkable contributions to the field of cosmology, especially his work on black holes and the nature of the universe. Despite being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) at the age of 21, which gradually paralyzed him, he continued his groundbreaking research using a speech-generating device. His intelligence, creativity, and determination were key factors that made him a genius. He was able to combine his deep understanding of physics with his imaginative thinking to solve complex problems in science.
(iv) What is he famous for?
Stephen Hawking is famous for his work on black holes, particularly the theory of Hawking radiation, which proposed that black holes emit radiation and can eventually evaporate. He also made significant contributions to the understanding of the Big Bang theory, cosmology, and the nature of time. His book, A Brief History of Time, became a global bestseller and introduced complex scientific concepts to the general public.
(v) What books has he written?
Some of Stephen Hawking’s most famous books include:
A Brief History of Time (1988)
The Universe in a Nutshell (2001)
A Briefer History of Time (2005)
The Grand Design (2010)
Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays (1993)
These books reflect his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in a manner accessible to people without a background in science.
(vi) Refer to the obituaries written by people on him and find out his inspiring qualities.
Stephen Hawking’s obituaries praised his immense intellect, but they also highlighted his remarkable resilience and determination. Despite his physical limitations due to ALS, he continued to work and inspire people around the world with his optimism. Hawking was admired for his courage in facing his physical disability without letting it hinder his intellectual pursuits. His sense of humor, combined with his passion for science, made him not only a brilliant mind but also an inspiring figure for people everywhere. He showed that one can overcome tremendous personal challenges to achieve greatness, making him a true inspiration for generations.
In conclusion, Stephen Hawking’s genius was not just defined by his academic achievements but also by his ability to transcend physical limitations and inspire humanity through his work and spirit.
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