Class 9 English NCERT book words and expressions Unit 8 solutions

Here we have presented Class 9 English NCERT book words and expressions Chapter 8 solutions. Increase your English language knowledge from here.

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A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be recognized as a living entity with the legal status of a 170- year battle by the local Maori people.

The nation’s parliament passed a bill to allow Whanganui River- known by the Maoris as Te Awa Tupua -to represent its own interests and advocate on its own behalf.

This is a unique judgement for sustaining the health and well-being of the river.

(Source: Adapted from The Guardian International Edition,
16 March 2017)

1. Collect information on similar judgements being taken in the context of river Ganga, and discuss in class.

2. Talk about the condition of Bagmati river in Kathmandu written by Vikram Seth.

Answers:

1. Similar Judgements in the Context of River Ganga

In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court in India declared the Ganga and Yamuna rivers as “living entities,” granting them the same legal rights as humans. This landmark decision was made in an effort to protect these rivers, which hold immense cultural and religious significance but have been severely polluted over the years.

The court appointed the Chief Secretary and the Advocate General of Uttarakhand as the legal guardians of the rivers, responsible for their protection and conservation. The judgement was intended to ensure that harm or pollution caused to the rivers could be treated as an offense against a living person.

However, this decision was later challenged, and the Supreme Court of India stayed the judgement. Despite this, the declaration raised awareness about the urgent need for effective action to restore and protect the Ganga’s health and cleanliness.

Key Points for Classroom Discussion:

• The challenges faced by the Ganga, including industrial pollution, sewage disposal, and deforestation.
• The role of community involvement and government initiatives like the “Namami Gange” project.
• The impact of granting rivers legal rights and the responsibility it places on the state and individuals.

2. Condition of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu (As Discussed by Vikram Seth)

Vikram Seth, the renowned Indian author, mentions the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, in his writings. Bagmati is considered a sacred river by both Hindus and Buddhists, flowing through the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. However, the river has suffered from pollution, encroachments, and unchecked urban development, making it one of the most polluted rivers in the region.

Vikram Seth’s writings reflect the irony of how such a spiritually significant river has been reduced to a waste dump. The river once played a crucial role in Kathmandu’s cultural and religious life, but its current state is a result of rapid urbanization, lack of environmental planning, and neglect.

Points to Talk About in Class:

• The cultural and religious significance of the Bagmati River to the people of Kathmandu.
• The current pollution issues faced by the river, including untreated sewage and industrial waste.
• The efforts (or lack thereof) by local authorities and environmental activists to restore the river.
• How urbanization and neglect of natural resources are leading to environmental degradation globally.

Both the Ganga and Bagmati rivers face similar issues of pollution and degradation, highlighting the importance of sustainable management and legal recognition for the protection of natural resources.

Reading Comprehension

Read the following and answer the question that follow.

Text I

When we think of tourism, we think primarily of people who are visiting a particular place for sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, taking a vacation, and having a good time. They may spend their leisure time engaging in various sports, sunbathing, talking, singing, taking rides, touring, reading or simply enjoying further. We may include in our definition of tourism people who are participating in a convention, a business conference, or some other kind of business or professional activity. Those who are taking a study tour under an expert guide or doing some kind of scientific research or study are also doing tourism. These visitors use all forms of transportation from hiking in a wilderness park to flying in a jet to an exciting city. Transportation can include taking a chairlift up a Colorado mountainside or standing at the rail of a cruise ship looking across the blue Caribbean. Whether people travel by one of these means or by car, motor coach camper, train, motorbike or bicycle, they are taking a trip and thus are engaging in tourism.
(Adapted from Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies by
Charles R. Goeldner and J.R. Brent Ritchie, p. 4)

1. Tourism is about taking a tour

(a) to a place under an expert guide

(b) for hiking in remote places

(c) for visiting a place for sightseeing

(d) Al of the above

2. By ‘hiking in Wilderness’ the author means

(a) taking a long distance walk in abandoned areas

(b) walk in the forest areas

(c) marathon in uninhabited areas

(d) sprinting in abandoned, uninhabited areas

3. A cruise ship is

(a) a large ship that carries people on voyages of pleasure.

(b) a big ship that carries people and goods on special mission.

(c) a large watercraft for carrying passengers from one point to another.

(d) a large ship that carries mail, goods and first aid facilities.

4. What all activities do tourists engage in?

5. What are the forms of transportation tourists use for visiting places?

Answers:

1. Tourism is about taking a tour
(d) All of the above
(Visiting places for sightseeing, hiking in remote areas, and touring under expert guides all form parts of tourism activities.)

2. By ‘hiking in Wilderness’ the author means
(b) walk in the forest areas
(‘Hiking in Wilderness’ refers to taking long walks in natural, often remote, forested areas.)

3. A cruise ship is
(a) a large ship that carries people on voyages of pleasure
(A cruise ship is designed for recreational trips where passengers enjoy leisure activities during the voyage.)

4. What all activities do tourists engage in?
Tourists engage in a variety of activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, taking vacations, playing sports, sunbathing, talking, singing, taking rides, touring, reading, attending conventions, business conferences, professional activities, study tours, and scientific research.

5. What are the forms of transportation tourists use for visiting places?
Tourists use various forms of transportation, including hiking, flying by jet, taking chairlifts, traveling by cruise ships, cars, motor coaches, campers, trains, motorbikes, and bicycles.

Read the excerpt answer the following questions.

Text II

Following is an excerpt from the travelogue, The innocents Abroad by Mark Twain.

A little after noon on that distinguished Saturday I reached the ship and went on board. All was bustle
and confusion. The pier was crowded with carriages and men; passengers were arriving and hurrying on board; the vessel’s decks were encumbered with trunks and valises; groups of excursionists, arrayed in unattractive traveling costumes, were moping about in a drizzling rain and looking as droopy and woebegone as so many molting chickens. The gallant flag was up, but it was under the spell, too, and hung limp and disheartened by the mast. Altogether, it was the bluest, bluest spectacle!
It was a pleasure excursion—there was no gainsaying that, because the program said so—it was so nominated in the bond—but it surely hadn’t the general aspect of one.

1. Why is Saturday describe as that distinguished Saturday?

(a) because the much awaited Saturday has come when the voyage has to start.

(b) because Saturday was a holiday.

(c) because it is on Saturday that people were allowed to board the ship.

(d) because it is in the afternoon on Saturday that ship would start the voyage.

2. Who are excursionists?

(a) They are the research students.

(b) They are pilgrims.

(c) They are musicians.

(d) They are tourists on a leisure trip.

3. What was the mood of the people o the ship?

4. What was the author looking forward to?

Answers:

1. Why is Saturday described as that distinguished Saturday?

(a) because the much-awaited Saturday has come when the voyage has to start.

2. Who are excursionists?

(d) They are tourists on a leisure trip.

3. What was the mood of the people on the ship?

The mood of the people on the ship was gloomy and disheartened. The passengers were described as “moping about in a drizzling rain,” looking “droopy and woebegone,” similar to “molting chickens.” This suggests that they were feeling down and perhaps disillusioned or disappointed by the atmosphere, which was far from the expected excitement of a pleasure trip.

4. What was the author looking forward to?

The author was looking forward to a pleasure excursion, as it was described in the program. However, he seemed to be disappointed by the reality of the situation, as the mood and atmosphere on the ship were not matching the joyful expectations of a pleasure trip. Despite the anticipation of a fun and exciting voyage, the author found the scene rather bleak and uninviting.

Vocabulary

1. Match the phrasal verbs in Column A with the meaning in Column B.

A	B
Look for look up to Lok forward to Look up	To try to find a piece of information Await eagerly Having a great deal of respect for a person Search

2. Rewrite the following words by removing the suffix ‘age’.

(a) carriage

(b) coverage

(c) hermitage

(d) marriage

3. Rewrite the following words by adding the suffix ‘ful’

(a) beauty

(b) colour

(c) duty

(d) revenge

(e) help

(f) mouth

(g) mercy

Answers:

1. Match the phrasal verbs in Column A with the meanings in Column B:

A	B
Look for	Search
Look up to	Having a great deal of respect for a person
Look forward to	Await eagerly
Look up	To try to find a piece of information

2. Rewrite the following words by removing the suffix ‘age’:

(a) carriage → car
(b) coverage → cover
(c) hermitage → hermit
(d) marriage → marry

3. Rewrite the following words by adding the suffix ‘ful’:

(a) beauty → beautiful
(b) colour → colourful
(c) duty → dutiful
(d) revenge → revengeful
(e) help → helpful
(f) mouth → mouthful
(g) mercy → merciful

Grammar

Tense

1. Red the following passage carefully. What is the event described in the passage? Guess when it took place. Underline and name the tenses in the following passage.

This is a good place to enrich ourselves about plant species which are environment friendly. The residents could gather a lot of information about horticulture at the event.

Several sates from north India are represented at this event and the florists showcase the best of their horticulture at the show. The organisers said that several events are lined up for Sunday and these include dance, drawing, painting and a fashion show competition, among others. As many as 85 stalls have been put up by florists, gardening equipment wholesalers and seed retailers. Entry to the show has been
made free for all. However, this year, it’s the pollution control plants that have been grabbing all eyeballs.
All plants emit oxygen, but it was established in a study conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration back in 1989 that some indoor plants could be extremely useful in controlling the air pollution by acting as a ‘vacuum cleaner’ against the pollutants and absorbing them. Detox plants, which act as ‘vacuum cleaners’ inside the house, are a hit in the ongoing event. Nature enthusiasts are preferring them for pollution control as well as interior decoration.

(Source: Hindustan Times, Saturday, 24 Feb. 2018)

Answers:

The event described in the passage is a horticulture show where residents can learn about plant species, especially pollution control plants. It seems to have taken place around February 2018, as per the source mentioned.

• Present Simple Tense:
  • “This is a good place to enrich ourselves about plant species.”
  • “The residents could gather a lot of information.”
  • “Several states from north India are represented at this event.”
  • “The florists showcase the best of their horticulture at the show.”
  • “These include dance, drawing, painting, and a fashion show competition.”
  • “As many as 85 stalls have been put up.”
• Past Simple Tense:
  • “It was established in a study conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration back in 1989.”
• Present Perfect Tense:
  • “Entry to the show has been made free for all.”
  • “It has been grabbing all eyeballs.”
• Present Continuous Tense:
  • “Detox plants, which act as ‘vacuum cleaners’ inside the house, are a hit in the ongoing event.”

Editing

1. Punctuate the following passage with appropriate punctuation marks.

Kathmandu is vivid mercenary religious with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets with fruit sellers flute sellers hawkers of postcards shops selling western cosmetics film rolls and chocolate or copper utensils and nepalese antiques film songs blare out from the radios car horns sound bicycle bells ring stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles vendors shout out their wares
This passage is taken from the text ‘Kathmandu’ by Vikram Seth. You can compare and check your rewritten passage with the passage in the textbook and see how far you are correct.

Answers:

Here is the passage punctuated with appropriate punctuation marks:

Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, and religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets. Fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, and chocolate, or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques, fill the streets. Film songs blare out from the radios, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles, and vendors shout out their wares.

This version follows standard punctuation rules to make the passage clearer and more readable.

Listening

Listen to the passage and answer the question that follow.

A Visit to Bhitarkanika

The sun was warm but the sea breeze kept up its cooling effect all along. Soon the steamer turned away and anchored near a creek by the river. The muddy fringe and the mangrove vegetation declared the gateway to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. The steamer could not negotiate these
creeks at low tide, so a similar motorboat was hired to ferry us to the Dangmal forest rest-house in the heart of the mangrove forest. From the motorboat we had a good look at a large crocodile basking in the sun. The boat moved on, taking us deeper into the forest. Here we felt as though we had stepped into a time warp. In this awesome and mysterious place, birds of extraordinary plumage appeared before us. For the moment we revelled in the magnificence of nature which had us completely in its thrall. Among the birds, the kingfishers were the stars of the show. Crocodiles, large and small, slid into the water at
our approach. Through the foliage we could see chital deer delicately browsing on fresh outcrops of leaves. A herd of wild boar was spotted searching for succulent roots. High above us, open-billed storks stood sentry-like following our progress through their remarkable kingdom. The evening sun was beginning to paint the tree-lined horizon crimson and gold and a brooding silence enveloped us all.

(Source: Steps to English, Workbook for Class IX, NCERT, 2003)

1. Where was the author going?

2. Where was the forest rest-house? How did the group manage to get there?

3. Which creature did they see first?

4. What does the author mean by ‘the magnificence of nature?

5. How are the kingfishers and the open-billed storks described?

6. What were the chital deer and the wild boar doing when the motor went past them?

Answers:

1. Where was the author going?
   The author was going to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha.
2. Where was the forest rest-house? How did the group manage to get there?
   The forest rest-house was located in the heart of the mangrove forest. The group managed to get there by taking a motorboat after the steamer could not navigate the creeks at low tide.
3. Which creature did they see first?
   The first creature they saw was a large crocodile basking in the sun.
4. What does the author mean by ‘the magnificence of nature’?
   The author refers to the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of nature in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, which captivated them completely.
5. How are the kingfishers and the open-billed storks described?
   The kingfishers were described as the “stars of the show,” indicating they were the most striking or prominent birds. The open-billed storks were described as standing sentry-like, watching the group’s progress through the forest.
6. What were the chital deer and the wild boar doing when the motor went past them?
   The chital deer were delicately browsing on fresh outcrops of leaves, and the wild boar were searching for succulent roots.

Speaking

Prepare a short speech on the following and share it in the school assembly.

1. “Travelling -it offers you a hundred roads to adventure, and gives your heart wings”.

“Travelling -it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

(Ibn Batuta, a 14th century traveller)

“Travel is fatal prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetables in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.

(Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad)

2. The tourism sector can be aligned with the policies of sustainable development.

Answers:

Speech on the Importance of Travelling and Tourism in Sustainable Development

Good morning, respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends!

Today, I stand before you to talk about something that fills our hearts with joy, excitement, and a sense of adventure—travelling. Travelling, as Ibn Batuta beautifully expressed, “leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” It offers you not just one, but a hundred roads to adventure, filling your heart with wings. Each journey teaches us something new, opening doors to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.

As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Through travel, we learn to understand and accept people from diverse backgrounds, which broadens our outlook and helps us develop a more charitable view of the world. It is not just about visiting places; it is about expanding the horizons of our minds. When we step out of our comfort zones, we gain insights that make us more empathetic and understanding. Travel truly enriches our lives in ways that staying in one corner of the world can never do.

Now, let’s talk about the tourism sector and its connection to sustainable development. In today’s world, where climate change and environmental conservation are key concerns, it is crucial to align the tourism sector with sustainable policies. Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the impact of travel on the environment and local cultures while contributing to the well-being of local communities. It involves respecting natural resources, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that tourism benefits local people economically.

By promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, such as reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, and supporting local businesses, we can ensure that the beauty and diversity of our planet are preserved for future generations. We, as responsible travelers, can contribute to this by making conscious choices during our trips.

In conclusion, travelling opens up our minds and hearts, allowing us to experience the world in all its richness. At the same time, we must travel responsibly, ensuring that our journeys promote sustainability and care for the environment. As young ambassadors of the world, let’s embrace the joy of travelling while also being mindful of our impact on the planet.

Writing

1. Read/watch the advertisements on tourism. You can also watch the Kerala Tourism advertisement film
‘A Reading Room With a View’ which is on the cultural diversity of Kerala. The film is awarded the best film in 60 second category at the prestigious Kyoorius Awards.

Now create an advertisement for your city or state for promoting tourism.

2. Write a paragraph describing a journey, imaginary, or you have undertaken.

You can follow the steps given below.

1. Prepare an itinerary.

2. You can make use the following expression, phrases and proverbs frequently used by the travellers.

Jetlag, itchy feet, hit the road, time table, on the home stretch, call it a day, book in advance, travel over, travel through, travel light, any port in a storm, stopover, etc.

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Are you an adventure seeker? Trek through lush green hills, take a boat ride on serene lakes, or enjoy the thrill of water sports. For those with an artistic soul, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage with traditional music, dance, and art exhibitions. Our mouthwatering cuisine will surely leave you craving more!

Make Delhi your next travel destination and experience the charm of this hidden treasure. Book your trip now and let the adventure begin!

A Journey I Undertook

Last summer, I hit the road for an exciting adventure to the hill station of Manali. The journey was a perfect escape from the daily grind, and with my itchy feet, I couldn’t wait to explore the serene landscapes. I had booked my trip well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle, and I planned a simple itinerary.

Day 1 was all about traveling light as I reached Manali after a quick stopover in Kullu. Jetlag wasn’t an issue, and I was immediately swept away by the beauty of snow-covered mountains and the fresh mountain air. On Day 2, I traveled through the scenic roads, witnessing breathtaking views, and took a cable car ride to Solang Valley. I knew I was on the home stretch of an unforgettable journey when I reached the peaceful monastery on the last day, where I spent hours just soaking in the tranquility.

Though it was time to call it a day and head home, the memories of the trip will remain with me forever. The charm of Manali’s landscapes and its peaceful aura made it a journey worth every mile!

Project

1. You have read about the mesmerising effect of the music of flute on Vikram Seth in ‘Kathmandu’.

Do you know the instruments for Sufi music differ from one culture to another? In Turkey, Iran and North Africa, the most prominent instrument is the ‘Ney’ which is the reed flute. In Sufi music the ‘Ney’ is accompanied by string instruments like saz, santoo, rubab, etc.

Create a class magazine on music and artists. Some suggestions are given below.

Give a suitable name to the magazine

Collect information on the commonly used musical
instruments in the following categories:
” Indian classical music
” Ghazal singing
” Bharatnatayam, Chau and Kathak dance
” Folk music
” Jazz

Collect photographs of musical instruments.

Prepare brief biographical sketches of musicians, dancers, costume designers, artists, etc. You can meet
some of them or collect information from sources like books, Internet, magazines, newspapers, etc.

2. Plan a trip to the North-east region of the country by road. Explore the various possibilities of the travel, Also, create a map of your travel.

Answers:

Project Plan

1. Class Magazine on Music and Artists

Name of the Magazine: “Symphony of Cultures”

Sections:

A. Indian Classical Music:

• Instruments: Sitar, Tabla, Tanpura, Sarangi, Mridangam
• Musicians: Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar), Ustad Zakir Hussain (Tabla), Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai)
• Photographs: Gather images of these instruments and artists.

B. Ghazal Singing:

• Instruments: Harmonium, Tabla, Sitar, Sarangi
• Famous Artists: Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, Begum Akhtar
• Biographical Sketch: Highlight their life, work, and contribution to Ghazal singing.

C. Bharatnatyam, Chau, and Kathak Dance:

• Instruments: Mridangam (Bharatnatyam), Pakhawaj (Kathak), Dhol, Flute (Chau)
• Dancers: Rukmini Devi Arundale (Bharatnatyam), Birju Maharaj (Kathak), Shashadhar Acharya (Chau)
• Costumes: Collect information on traditional dance costumes, including the designs and color significance.

D. Folk Music:

• Instruments: Dhol, Ektara, Tumbi, Bansuri, Ravanahatha
• Folk Artists: Teejan Bai (Pandavani), Mame Khan (Rajasthani folk singer)
• Folk Traditions: Include information about various folk music traditions from different regions.

E. Jazz Music:

• Instruments: Saxophone, Trumpet, Double Bass, Piano, Drums
• Famous Jazz Artists: Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington
• Jazz in India: Collect information on the growth of Jazz in India and famous jazz artists like Louis Banks.

Biographical Sketches:

• Collect information from books, online sources, and interviews (if possible). Include details about their journey, achievements, and influence on the music and art world.

Photographs:

• Include relevant images of musical instruments, artists, and dancers from each category.

2. Road Trip to the North-East Region of India

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Start from Guwahati, Assam – Visit Kamakhya Temple, explore Umananda Island
• Day 2: Travel to Shillong, Meghalaya – Visit Elephant Falls, explore Mawlynnong Village (Asia’s cleanest village)
• Day 3: Head to Cherrapunjee – See Nohkalikai Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge
• Day 4: Journey to Kaziranga National Park, Assam – Enjoy a safari and explore the park
• Day 5: Travel to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Visit Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass
• Day 6: Visit Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – Explore the beautiful landscapes and meet Apatani tribal people
• Day 7: Return to Guwahati, Assam

Map of Travel:

• Create a detailed map showing the road route starting from Guwahati, covering Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Kaziranga, Tawang, Ziro, and back to Guwahati.

Travel Notes:

• Explore local cuisines, customs, and the culture of the North-East.
• Plan for stopovers, and travel light to manage hilly terrains.
• Make bookings for accommodation in advance for a smoother experience.