NCERT English class 9 chapter 2 solutions

Here we have presented the solution of unit 2 of NCERT English class 9 book chapter from the book Words and Expressions.

Take this quiz to check knowledge of music and musicians.

1. What kind of music is Rai Shankar famous for?

(a) Jazz

(b) Classical

2. Which country was Justin Bieber born in? ‘

(a) USA

(b) India

3. How many strings does a guitar have?

(a) 6

(b) 7

4. What is a group of three musicians called?

(a) a trio

(b) a duet

5. What is the next note after sa-re-ga-ma?

(a) dha

(b) ni

6. What is the next note after do re-mi?

(a) ti

(b) fa

Answers:

1. (b) Classical

2. (c) Canada

3. (a) 6

4. (a) a trio

5. (c) pa

6. (b) fa

Reading Comprehension

In this section, you will read three texts on music in different perspectives. The first one will enlighten you about the effective role of music in our lives, the second reflects on the life of the famous music composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, and the third is a poem by William Wordsworth where he appreciates the melody of a song.

Read the texts carefully and answer the question that follow.

Text I

Role of music in life

Today, we are rushing through life and everyone seems to be pressurised and stressed about one or the other thing. Stress has become an inescapable part of our lives. Many of our illnesses are a result of stress, and to deal with it, we need certain ways to relax our body and mind. Listening to music, particularly gentle, calming and melodious music, relaxes people both physically and mentally. Music releases endorphins, the natural painkillers in our brain, which relieve us from the sense of pain. Music can normalise heart rate and blood pressure. The common occurrences of fatigue and boredom decrease when we listen to music. It diverts our attention from everyday anxieties, thereby reducing the stress caused by such concerns. While meditating, listening to music helps us to connect with our soul. Students can improve their concentration and boost their memory by listening to soft music. Soothing music, when played at night, helps us to rest and relax for a good night’s sleep. Listening to good music helps in overcoming negative traits such as anger or worry, thereby improving our personality. It creates positive
energy and happiness. Every cell in the body becomes energetic with increased peace of mind.
Music is a therapy for everyone — plants, birds, animals and human beings — to flourish and rejuvenate. It certainly plays an important part in making the world better for all living beings.

Complete the following statements by statements by selecting the most appropriate options given below.

1. _________________________ helps in relaxation of our body and mind.

(a) Pop music

(b) Soothing music

(d) Rock music

2. The natural painkillers released in our brain are ____________.

(a) Insulin

(b) Endorphins

(d) Glycerin

3. Music is helpful in improving the ____________ of students.

(a) concentration

(b) emotion

(d) anxiety

4. Which word from the passage means the same as to renew.

(a) rejuvenate

(b) enhance

(d) relieve

5. List the benefits of music mentioned in the page.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Answers:

(b) Soothing music

(b) Endorphins

(a) concentration

(a) rejuvenate

5. Benefits of music mentioned in the passage:

Music helps in relaxing the body and mind.

It releases endorphins, the natural painkillers in the brain, which relieve us from the sense of pain.

Music normalizes heart rate and blood pressure.

It reduces fatigue and boredom.

It helps in diverting attention from everyday anxieties, thus reducing stress.

Listening to music during meditation helps in connecting with the soul.

Music improves concentration and memory in students.

Soothing music promotes better rest and relaxation, leading to a good night’s sleep.

Music helps overcome negative traits like anger and worry, improving one’s personality.

It creates positive energy and happiness.

Music rejuvenates and helps all living beings to flourish.

Text II

Beating the Odds

The musical accomplishments of composer Ludwig van Beethoven have been all the more remarkable for the fact that he lost his hearing ability from an early age. He developed the symptoms of tinnitus, a constant sound of ringing in his ears that made it difficult for him to hear. He is compared to Mozart for his genius, and is considered the most eminent musician after Mozart. Although his formal education never went beyond the elementary level, he trained in music under Joseph Haydn. He has always been acclaimed as a brilliant piano maestro. His father and grandfather were the court musicians of a German prince. Young Ludwig was often made to perform for his father’s drinking companions in the middle of the night, and was even beaten if he protested. For the first thirty years of his life, Beethoven could listen
to and play music effortlessly. As a result, he understood sounds of musical instruments and the pitch of the singing voices. He knew the harmony between music and singing before he became completely deaf. His deafness was not sudden, but a gradual decline. This slow process of losing his hearing activated his mind to imagine how his compositions would sound like. When he became completely deaf, he started to observe the vibrations of the piano. The observations helped him realise that he could not hear the high
notes of the piano. To be able to hear his own compositions, he sawed off the legs of his piano. The piano touched the floor, and Beethoven would press his ear to the floor, banging the piano keys to listen to the high notes in his compositions. The most significant aspect of Beethoven’s character was that he
did not give up. With a brave heart, he confronted the greatest challenge a musician can face, and continued living his dream of composing music. Deafness could not deter him from achieving the pinnacle of musical success. He fought against the greatest obstacle and won. His quality of ‘never giving up’ strengthened him. It made him come to terms with his deafness in a dynamic and constructive way. These qualities led him to become a famous composer.

1. Read the following statements and write true (T) or false (F).

(a) Although he composed a lot of music, Beethoven never learned to play music himself. (T/F)

(b) His deafness was not a sudden loss of hearing. (T/F)

(d) His musical skills were compared to Haydn. (T/F)

(e) Beethoven cut down the legs of his piano to hear the notes of the keys from the floor. (T/F)

2. How could Beethoven compose music despite his loss of hearing?

3. What realisation made Beethoven continue his passion for music with more determination?

4. Which word in the following is similar in meaning to ‘skillful’ (para1)?

_______________________________________________________________________

(a)brilliant

(b) masterly

(d) genius

Answers:

True (T) or False (F):

(a) Although he composed a lot of music, Beethoven never learned to play music himself. (F)

(b) His deafness was not a sudden loss of hearing. (T)

(d) His musical skills were compared to Haydn. (F) (He was compared to Mozart.)

(e) Beethoven cut down the legs of his piano to hear the notes of the keys from the floor. (T)

How could Beethoven compose music despite his loss of hearing? Beethoven continued composing music despite his hearing loss by observing the vibrations of the piano. When he became completely deaf, he sawed off the legs of his piano and pressed his ear to the floor to feel the vibrations and hear the high notes. His ability to imagine how the compositions would sound in his mind also helped him.

What realisation made Beethoven continue his passion for music with more determination? Beethoven realized that although he could not hear the high notes of the piano due to his deafness, he could still feel the vibrations of the piano. This realization allowed him to continue composing music and stay determined to pursue his passion for music.

Which word in the following is similar in meaning to ‘skillful’ (para1)?
(b) masterly

Text III

Read the poem carefully and answer the question that follows.

The Solitary Reaper

Behold her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland lass!
Reaping and singing by herself;
Stop here, or gently pass!
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.

No Nightingale did ever chaunt
More welcome notes to weary bands
Of travellers in some shady haunt,
Among Arabian sands:
A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard
In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,
Breaking the silence of the seas
Among the farthest Hebrides.

Will no one tell me what she sings?
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago:
Or is it some more humble lay,
Familiar matter of to-day?
Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,
That has been, and may be again?

Whate’er the theme, the Maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending;
I saw her singing at her work,
And o’er the sickle bending;
I listened, motionless and still;
And, as I mounted up the hill,
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.

—William Wordsworth

1. Complete the Summary of the poem given below with a suitable word/phrase in each blank.

The poet finds a young Highland girl who
(a)__________alone and sings to herself. The poet asks us to listen carefully, because the whole (b) __________
is filled with the overflowing sound of her singing. He asks
us to either (c)__________and listen to her sad song, or gently pass by so as not to disturb her. He goes on to say that no nightingale ever sang a more (d)_________________song to bands of tired (e)_________
in the Arabian Desert. The poet asserts that the beauty
of the girl’s singing exceeds that of the cuckoo’s in the
(f)____. Her singing is also the only thing which
(g) __________the silence of the valley. The poet tries to (h) ________________what the girl is singing about. He is unable to get the words of the song clearly. He thinks that perhaps she is singing about old sorrows or (i) _________________fought long ago, or more routine concerns of life or even some (j) __________
which she has endured and may endure again.
At the end, he quietly walks away with a feeling that
he may never be able to find out the (k)________________of
her never-ending song. Nevertheless, he asserts that her
singing has captured his imagination so much that he will
(l) ________________the music in his heart long after it is
heard no more.

Answers:

The poet finds a young Highland girl who
(a) reaps alone and sings to herself. The poet asks us to listen carefully, because the whole
(b) valley is filled with the overflowing sound of her singing. He asks
us to either
(c) stop and listen to her sad song, or gently pass by so as not to disturb her. He goes on to say that no nightingale ever sang a more
(d) welcome song to bands of tired
(e) travelers in the Arabian Desert. The poet asserts that the beauty
of the girl’s singing exceeds that of the cuckoo’s in the
(f) springtime. Her singing is also the only thing which
(g) breaks the silence of the valley. The poet tries to
(h) imagine what the girl is singing about. He is unable to get the words of the song clearly. He thinks that perhaps she is singing about old sorrows or
(i) battles fought long ago, or more routine concerns of life or even some
(j) natural sorrow which she has endured and may endure again.
At the end, he quietly walks away with a feeling that
he may never be able to find out the
(k) meaning of her never-ending song. Nevertheless, he asserts that her
singing has captured his imagination so much that he will
(l) carry the music in his heart long after it is
heard no more.

Vocabulary

1. The following words and phrases occur in the given passages and poem. Give below are the words and their meanings. Match each meaning with the word.

Text 1
relieves	substances produced by the brain that have painkilling and tranquillising effects on the body
endorphins	power to live on grow
exhaustion	to free from anxiety, fear pain, etc.
rejuvenate	tiredness
vitality	to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again
Text 2
prodigy	constantly repeated
persistent	to cut or divide.
virtuoso	to make or become worse or inferior in character, quality value etc.
deterioration	something that obstructs or hinders progress
sawed	a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability
obstacle	a person who excels in musical techniques or execution
Text 3
behold	tired
yon	girl
less	look, see
melancholy	climbed
vale	expressing sorrow
strain	causing sadness
weary	that
plaintive	melody
mounted	valley

Answers:

Text 1:

Relieves – to free from anxiety, fear, pain, etc.
Endorphins – substances produced by the brain that have painkilling and tranquillizing effects on the body.
Exhaustion – tiredness.
Rejuvenate – to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again.
Vitality – power to live on, grow.

Text 2:

Prodigy – a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability.
Persistent – constantly repeated.
Virtuoso – a person who excels in musical techniques or execution.
Deterioration – to make or become worse or inferior in character, quality, value, etc.
Sawed – to cut or divide.
Obstacle – something that obstructs or hinders progress.

Text 3:

Behold – look, see.
Melancholy – causing sadness.
Vale – valley.
Strain – melody.
Weary – tired.
Plaintive – expressing sorrow.
Mounted – climbed.
Yon – that.

Grammar

1. In the lesson ‘The Sound of Music’ you have read that ‘adjectives’ can be used before a noun and after the verb ‘be’.

Example:

The book is interesting. The interesting book.
The table is round. The round table.
But ‘adjectives’ can have many forms.

Examples:

1. He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader.

2. Ustad Bismillha Khan was awarded India’s highest civilian award.

3. My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Here the adjectives longer and broader refer to the comparative degree; and highest and most beautiful refer to the superlative degree.

‘Er’ is used for the comparative degree for shorter words and ‘more’ is used for longer words.

Let’s go to the local market. The vegetables are cheaper there. But in Supermarket these are more expensive.

Answers:

1. Position of Adjectives:

Before a noun: The interesting book.

After the verb “be”: The book is interesting.

2. Forms of Adjectives:

3. Comparative degree: Used to compare two things, often formed by adding -er for short adjectives or using more for longer adjectives.

Example: longer, broader (short words), more expensive (longer word).

4. Superlative degree: Used to describe the highest or extreme form, often formed by adding -est for short adjectives or using most for longer adjectives.

Example: highest, most beautiful.

Examples:

Comparative: The vegetables are cheaper in the local market.

Superlative: My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Editing

Some words have been omitted in the paragraph given below. Write the appropriate words and rewrite the paragraph.

The following words were written/the tomb of/Anglican Bishop of Westminster Abbey:

When I was young/free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed/changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered/world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided/change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew/my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled/changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, I couldn’t. And now as I lay/ my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then/ an example I could have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement, I could then have been able/better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Answers:

The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop of Westminster Abbey:

When I was young, free, and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled on changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, I couldn’t. And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then by an example I could have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I could then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Listening

A Passage on the healing aspect of music is given below.
You need to listen to the passage read by your teacher/classmate carefully and answer the question that follows. You may listen to the passage twice, if required.

Music As a Therapy

“Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul”, rightly said by Plato. Music is often referred to as ‘food’ for the soul due to the several benefits we can derive from experiencing it.
Music can be pleasure for some, and a way to relax for others. It also motivates and energises listeners. Music is, indeed, a universal language, which can bring nations together and unite people with different faiths as it touches one’s soul. In the mainstream, music is mainly known for its entertainment quotient, but the Indian culture also talks about the healing effects of music through ‘Raga Chikitsa’. Raga Chikitsa has helped in reviving an ancient healing practice known as Nada Yoga. Nada is a musical sound, which is believed to have curative effects on the body and soul of all creatures. Consequently, its power is therapeutic and is used in curing diseases. Medical research has found music therapy to aid patients in pain management. It is not surprising, as music affects the body and mind significantly. One experiences positive energy by listening to music. Music lifts one from clouds of desolation. Rhythms, particularly upbeat music, helps one distract oneself from situations that cause stress and brightens one’s mood. Music lowers anxiety levels, relaxes mind and brings optimism. It is said that listening to soft, sedative music once a day can help overcome depression. Music therapy finds its traces in mythology. The story of
Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine dates back to 400 B.C. He is known to have used music to cure his patients. This therapy also aids stroke victims to heal at a faster rate, since it increases the patient’s emotional comforts and motivates them to move towards the path of recovery. On the other hand, adolescents, too, are benefitted by music in terms of emotional, social and psychological well being.
Music is a force that purifies beings from within.

According to you, which FOUR of the following statements are true?

(a) Nada Yoga treats diseases through Raga Chikitsa.
(b) Music is a universal language that teacher souls.
(c) Music therapy dates back to 400 B.C.
(d) Hippocrates played music to treat the patients.
(e) Upbeat tunes help stroke victims recover faster.
(f) Music helps adolescents to discover their identity.

Answers:

(a) Nada Yoga treats diseases through Raga Chikitsa.
(c) Music therapy dates back to 400 B.C.
(d) Hippocrates played music to treat the patients.
(f) Music helps adolescents to discover their identity.

Speaking

Two students need to come to the front of the class for a role play. One plays the role of Thyagararaja, a famous singer, and the other the role of the interview is about the singer’s initiatives in helping people through music.

RJ Rohit : Do you think music has any effect on people’s lives?

Thyagaraja : Yes, I believe music surely has a positive effect on people’s lives. It helps when you are stressed, or depressed about something. Apart from these, music is a good way of relaxing and feeling good about life.

RJ Rohit : What, according to you, could be the influence of music on young children?

Thyagaraja : Now- a- days, young children get distracted easily. Music helps them in concentrating on what they are doing.

RJ Rohit: How does music helps patients?

Thyagaraja : Listening to music relaxes patients. The process of healing becomes faster when they are in a relaxed state of mind.

RJ Rohit : Thank you very much. You are doing a great job for the humankind.

Answers:

RJ Rohit: Do you think music has any effect on people’s lives?
Thyagaraja: Yes, I believe music surely has a positive effect on people’s lives. It helps when you are stressed or depressed about something. Apart from these, music is a good way of relaxing and feeling good about life.

RJ Rohit: What, according to you, could be the influence of music on young children?
Thyagaraja: Nowadays, young children get distracted easily. Music helps them concentrate on what they are doing.

RJ Rohit: How does music help patients?
Thyagaraja: Listening to music relaxes patients. The process of healing becomes faster when they are in a relaxed state of mind.

RJ Rohit: Thank you very much. You are doing a great job for humankind.

This sounds like a wonderful interaction between the interviewer and Thyagaraja, highlighting the power of music in different aspects of life!

Writing

1. Listening to music has become a part of our lives for many reasons. We listen to different types of music today.

Discuss in pairs the following question:

Is the traditional music of a country more important than its contemporary music?
Write your views in about 50–60 words

2. The traits of a musician are given in the box overleaf. Use these and write a short biography in about 100-150 words. You may collect more information from the Internet, books in the library and other sources.

Answers:

1. Is the traditional music of a country more important than its contemporary music?

Traditional music holds immense cultural significance as it reflects a country’s history, values, and heritage. It is passed down through generations and often carries deep emotional and spiritual connections. However, contemporary music plays a vital role in today’s world by addressing modern-day issues, expressing creativity, and connecting with the global audience. Both forms of music are important, but their value lies in how they complement each other in shaping the musical landscape of a nation.

2. Biography of a Musician (Example: Ustad Bismillah Khan)

Ustad Bismillah Khan, a legendary shehnai player, was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar. A prodigy of music, he was deeply influenced by his uncle, Ali Bux, and his early exposure to the sound of shehnai. His unmatched skill and devotion to his art made him a prominent figure in Indian classical music. Ustad Bismillah Khan became the first musician to perform at the Red Fort in 1947, and his contributions to Indian music earned him numerous accolades, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001. He spent his life propagating the art of shehnai, making it popular worldwide. His music captured the essence of Indian culture and continues to inspire musicians across generations. Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on August 21, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that is celebrated globally.

A. R. Rahman: Indian composer, singer, songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist; born in Chennai on 6 January 1967; graduated from Trinity College, Oxford University; famous in integrating Indian classical music with electronic music, world music and traditional orchestral arrangements; recipient of the Padmashri and the Padma Vibhushan awards; two Oscars and a Golden Globe; a notable humanitarian and philanthropist; donates and raises money for a number of causes and charities.

Biographical Sketch

Answers:

Biographical Sketch of A. R. Rahman

A. R. Rahman, born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, is one of the most renowned composers, singers, songwriters, music producers, and philanthropists in the world. He graduated from Trinity College, Oxford University, where he honed his skills in music. Rahman is widely recognized for his unique ability to integrate Indian classical music with electronic music, world music, and traditional orchestral arrangements, which has earned him international acclaim.

He has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Padmashri and Padma Vibhushan, and is the recipient of two Academy Awards (Oscars) and a Golden Globe. Apart from his remarkable career in music, Rahman is also known for his humanitarian efforts. He actively supports and raises funds for various causes and charitable organizations. His work in music and philanthropy continues to inspire millions around the world.

Project

1. Sit in groups of four. Each of you find information on the folk music of your state and of one of the neighbouring states. You may seek information from the community, library, Internet and other sources. Now, ask questions to each other in the group to complete the table below.

Names of the folk music
Sates where they are performed
Any instrument/s used (you may illustrate the instruments)
Performers

2. Prepare a report in your group and present it to the class. Then, share your suggestions in the class to popularise the folk music in your community.

3. ‘The Sound of Music’ is a biographical piece about

Evelyn Glennie, a famous percussionist, who listened to sound without hearing it. Collect information about people/children who have overcome their physical barriers and have achieved success in their lives.

Answers:

Task 1: Information Collection on Folk Music

Folk Music Name	State	Instruments Used	Performers
Bihu	Assam	Dhol, Pepa, Taal	Both men and women dancers
Ghoomar	Rajasthan	Dhol, Flute, Harmonium	Women dancers in colorful attire
Garba	Gujarat	Dhol, Tabla, Flute	Women performing circular dance
Lavani	Maharashtra	Dholki, Harmonium, Tuntune	Female artists in bright sarees

Suggested steps:

Divide the group so that each member focuses on two states (your state + neighboring state).
Look for information in libraries, local community members, or on the internet about the folk music, instruments, and performers.
Discuss with group members and ask each other questions to complete the table.

Task 2: Report and Presentation

Once the table is filled out, write a report summarizing:

The significance of folk music in the states you studied.
The cultural importance and how it binds communities together.
Discuss ideas to popularize folk music, such as organizing community events, performing folk music in schools, or promoting it on social media.

Prepare a short presentation to explain your findings to the class. Share suggestions such as:

Organizing cultural festivals in the community.
Teaching folk music in schools.
Collaborating with local artists to hold workshops.

Task 3: Information on Inspirational People

For the last task, gather information on people who have overcome physical disabilities and achieved success. Some examples are:

Helen Keller (deaf-blind, author, and educator)
Sudha Chandran (Indian dancer who overcame a leg amputation)
Stephen Hawking (physicist with ALS)
Marlee Matlin (deaf actress who won an Academy Award)

You can present:

Their challenges and how they overcame them.
Their achievements.
What inspires you about their story.

NCERT English class 9 chapter 2 solutions

Text 1:

Text 2:

Text 3:

Task 1: Information Collection on Folk Music

Suggested steps:

Task 2: Report and Presentation

Task 3: Information on Inspirational People

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