Wind: ncert solution - Class - 9

Thinking about the Poem

1. 1. What are the things the wind does in the first stanza?

Ans: The wind  (i) damages the shutters of the windows, (ii) disperses the papers, and (iii) disposes of the books kept on the shelf. It plucks the pages of the books.

2. Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give the word in your language, if you know them.)

Ans: India is a country of farmers. Indian farmers used natural wind for winnowing. People winnow grain at home or in a paddy field with the help of natural wind. This is called OSAUNI in my language.

3. What does the poet say the wing god winnows?

Ans: The wind god winnows the following.

(i) Homes, (ii) Doors, (iii) Wood, (iii) Rafters, (iv) bodies, (v) Lives and hearts.

4. What should we do to make friends with the wind?

Ans: We can make friends with the wind by joining the doors firmly, by practicing to firm the body, and by making the heart steadfast.

5. What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you?

Ans: The last four lines indicate that the wind creates troubles for the weak things and the weak people. If things and the people are strong enough, wind cannot make any harm. So we have to be brave and strong to face the power of the wind.

6. How does the poet speak to the wind  - in anger or with humor? You must also have seen or heard of the wind "crumbling lives". What is your response to this? Is it like the poets?

Ans: The poet is well prepared to face the wind. That is why he has suggested some measures. The poet speaks to the wind in a  humorous way. The poet wants to say that the wind harms only those things which are weak and those people who are not strong. It means it is quite clear that the poet has a challenging attitude towards the wind.

II. The poem you have just read is originally in Tamil. Do you know any such poem in your language?

Ans: Yes I know a poem which is in Hindi. HAWA HUN HAWA MAI BASANTI HAWA HUN.

The Sound of Music 2: ncert solution - Class - 9

Thinking about the Text (page 26)

iii. Answer these questions in 30-40 words.

1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?

Ans: Aurangzeb did not like the sound of pungi at all. He thought pungi to be an unnecessary musical instrument that produced unpleasant and irritating sounds in his court. So he banned the playing of the pungi.

2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi?

Ans: A pipe of a natural hollow stem is used to make shehnai. It is bigger than pungi. Holes are made on the pipes so that they can produce different kinds of tunes. It is normally broader than pungi. It is like a flute which is played by opening and closing the holes made on it.

3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?

Ans: The place where shehnai was played traditionally was the Vishnu Temple of Varanasi. Ali Bux, maternal uncle of Bismillah Khan was fond of playing shehnai in the Vishnu Temple of Varanasi. Bismillah Khan was inspired by him and used to play the same in the temple of Mangala Maiya and Balaji. After he got some experience he started creating Raagas with fine tunes by playing on shehnai. Consequently, shehnai was completely changed.

4. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

Ans: The place where Bismillah Khan got a big break is Lucknow. He performed for All India Radio in 1938.

5. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?

Ans: It was a very precious occasion when India was going to celebrate Independence Day on the 15th of August 1947, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai from the Red Fort in Delhi. This event was historic because the first Prime Minister of India along with Mahatma Gandhi witnessed his performance of Raag Kafi.

6. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

Ans: Bismillah khan was very fond of his soil and its natural beauty. He did not forget his native land even during his staying abroad. He likes Ganga, he loved Banaras and he loved mattha of Dumraon. The above-mentioned things and environment would never be availed in the U.S.A. and so he rejected the proposal of shehnai school in the U.S.A.

7. Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.

Ans:  It is true that Bismillah Khan loves India ans Banaras. He said that when he was in foreign he wanted to see his native land India. When he was in Mumbai he wanted to see Varanasi and the holy Ganga. He remembered the mattha of Dumraon.

Thinking about Language

I. Look at these sentences.

⦁ Evelyn was determined to live a normal life.

⦁ Evelyn manages to conceal her growing deafness from friends and teachers.

The italicized parts answer the questions: "What was Evelyn determined to do?" and "What did Evelyn manage to do?" They begin with a to-verb (to live, to conceal)

Complete the following sentences. Beginning with a to-verb, try to answer the questions in brackets.

1. The school sports team hopes to win the match. (What does it hope to do?)

2. We all want to get success. ( What do we all want to do?)

3. They advised the hearing-impaired child's mother to get the child diagnosed. ( What did they advise her to do?)

4. The authorities permitted us to play indoor games. (What did the authorities permit us to do?)

5. A musician decided to perform better than before. (What did the musician decide to do?)

II. From the text on Bismillah Khan, find the words and phrases that match these definitions and write them down. The number of paragraphs where you will find the words/phrases has been given for you in brackets.

1. the home of royal people (1) - the royal residence

2. the state of being alone (5) - solitude

3. a part which is absolutely necessary (2) - an indispensable component

4. to do something not done before (5) - improvise

5. without much effort (13) - effortlessly

6. quickly and in large quantities (9) - thick and - fast

III. Tick the right answer.

1. When something is revived, it (remains dead / lives again).

2. When a government bans something, it wants it (stopped/started).

3. When something is considered auspicious, (welcome it / avoid it).

4. When we take to something, we find it (boring/interesting).

5. When you appreciate something, you (find it good and useful / find it of no use).

6. When you replicate something, you do it (for the first time / for the second time).

7. When we come to terms with something, it is (still upsetting/ no longer upsetting).

Writing

"If you work hard and know where you're going, you'll get there," says Evelyn Glennie.

You have now read about two musicians, Evelyn Glennie and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Do you think that they both worked hard? Where did they want to 'go'? Answer these questions in two paragraphs, one on each of the two musicians.

Ans: Evelyn Glennie: Evelyn Glennie was very young when she became deaf. But she did not stop due to her deafness. She was able to see and follow the instruction of her teacher. She followed cent percent instructions of her teachers and got grand success in her life. Parts of her body were developed in a way that they became able to sense the tones and sounds of music. Whatever she wanted to achieve she achieved by working hard. She bagged most of the top awards after all.

Ustad Bismillah Khan:  Ustad Bismillah Khan was very fond of playing shehnai since his childhood. He was mostly inspired by his maternal uncle who used to play shehnai in the Vishnu Temple of Varanasi. He used to follow the uncle very keenly and interestingly. He started practicing shehnai sitting on the bank of the holy Ganga in solitude and got success in improvising new Raagas. He was honored around the world for his magnificent performance in shehnai and awarded Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India.

The Sound of Music 1: ncert solution - Class 9

Thinking about the Text (page 20)

I. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.

1. How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?

Ans: Evelyn was almost seventeen when she went to the Royal Academy of Music.

2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?

Ans: Evelyn's mother noticed her deafness when she was eight. It was confirmed when she was eleven.

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30-40 words).

1. Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?

Ans: Her potential was first noticed by a percussionist, Ron Forbes. He advised Evelyn to listen to the music in different ways. Two drums were tuned to produce different notes so that she could differentiate the tuned notes slightly. He got successful in his experiment and Evelyn answered him positively.

2. Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs.

Ans: She was an inspiration to the young musicians and handicapped. She was very much interested in music and concerts. She performs in hospitals and prisons freely.

III. Answer the question in two or three paragraphs (100-150 words).

1. How does Evelyn hear music?

Ans: Evelyn does not hear music through her ears because she is deaf. But it is true that she hears the music. She feels the vibration of music from the waist up and down. Her different parts of the body are adapted to sense the vibrations of the music and drums. So is the case with her brain. her brain has become so sensitive that it can sense sound and vibration like a normal human brain.

It seems she has develops every part of her body in a way that even her cheekbones, her hair have also been adapted to sense music very well. She says that she can feel even the resonance moving through her body.

The Road not Taken: ncert solution - class 9

I. 1. Where does the traveler find himself? What problem does he face?

Ans: The traveler finds himself standing at a junction intersected by two roads. He faces a great problem with the decision he has to take.  He is in a state of confusion about the selection of the road on which he will start traveling.

  2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

 (i) a yellow wood

Ans: The phrase ''yellow wood' indicates autumnal forest.

 (ii) it was grassy and wanted wear

Ans: The phrase "it was grassy and wanted wear" means the road is full of grass because people did not travel much more on the road, and so the road wants the people to tread on.

(iii) the passing there

Ans: The Phrase "passing there" indicates the treading on the road which looks the same as the first one

 (iv) leaves no step had trodden black

Ans: The phrase "leaves no step had trodden black" indicates that the leaves on the road seem to lay as usual. It means people did not tread on the road. That is why leaves are unchanged.

 (v) how way leads on to way

Ans: The phrase "how way leads on to way" indicates that a way or road leads to another way or road. It also indicates how a road leads a traveler to another road.

  3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them

(i) in stanzas two and three?

Ans: There is no difference between the two roads in stanzas two and three because they were not trodden over. The leaves on the road were unchanged.

 (ii) in the last two lines of the poem?

Ans: Last two lines of the poem provide a great message to the learners about the decision taken by the poet which has changed his life. He wants to convey that one should be very keen and careful in making decision in his life.

  4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)

Ans: The last two lines indicate the theme of the poem. The poet wants to convey that one should take his decision and be on the same. It means decision should be very strong based on individual's strength. Once the decision is taken should never be turned down. One must think again and again before taking decision. One must assess the obstacles on the way to success. We must not underestimate the obstacles created on the way to our progress and development. Let us suppose, someone wants to achieve spiritual enlightenment, and strives for eleven years and at last he does not achieve the goal. Now he wants to be an engineer. He wants to join the school. We must keep in mind that he has already spent eleven years achieving spiritual enlightenment which will never come back. So before making decision it is essential to assess every thing properly along with the person's ability and capability.

II. 1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?

Ans: Yes, I had to make a difficult choice when I was in class viii. It was 8,O' clock in the morning, our History teacher entered the class gloomily, and did not respond to our greets. We were shocked to see him sad. We wanted to ask him why he was sad, but instead of doing so, every student was staring at him anticipating him to disclose the reasons. After sometimes he said that someone was murdered and his body was taken away by the criminals. The spot of incident was just three KM far from our school and on the way to my home. I, the then was a day scholar, so I had to leave my school for my home. I was habituated to come to school on my own without any escort. When our Principal announced that the school would be dismissed just after the third period, I had to find the way out of it. After all, I started my journey along with my friends who were afraid of the incident. I made them bold and said we were innocent ones so no harm would be made. Ultimately we got our destination.

2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?

Ans: Whenever I make choices I think a lot before I come to the conclusion. I try to assess the situation also. As I expressed my aforesaid experience, I got information that police have escorted the spot, we started moving from school. I accept the reality and that is why I don't want to take any decision without thinking over properly.

Discovering Tut: The saga continue : ncert solution- class 11

Understanding the text.

1. Give reasons for the following.

(i) King Tut's body has been subjected to scrutiny.

Ans:- King Tut's body has been subjected to scrutiny because of several reasons. People wanted to know the actual reasons for his untimely death. People were very curious to know the facts related to his death. Scrutiny helps them know the Tut's age at the time of his death.

(ii) Howard Carter's investigation was resented.

Ans:-Tut's mummy was discovered by an English archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. His investigation was not justified by others. There was great damage to Tut's mummy. It was a surprising fact that the mummy's breast bone and front ribs were missing. That is why Howard Carter's investigation was resented.

(iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king's remains.

Ans:-Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king's remains because the ritual resins of Tut's mummy were so hardened that it was impossible to take the king's remains out of the coffin.

(iv) Tut's body was buried along with gilded treasures.

Ans:-Tut's body was buried along with the gilded treasure. It shows the then-belief in Egypt. It was believed that the dead would get their riches after a new life. It was most probably custom for the kings that their dead bodies used to be buried gilded.

(v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.

Ans:-The boy-king wanted to express his respect to god Amun, 'the living image of Amun' so he changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.

2. (i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as "wacky".

Ans:-(i) He moved his religious city from Thebes to Akhetaten.

(ii) He attacked Amun a great god.

(iii) He closed the temple smashing his images.

These are the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhetaten as "wacky".

(ii)What were the results of the CT scan?

Ans:- The results of the CT scan were satisfactory. Tut's neckbone was seen. His skull and rib cage appeared very clearly. CT scan revealed wonderful images of king Tut.

(iii)List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.

Ans:-(i) Computed Tomography,

(ii) Radiology,

(iii) Anatomy.

Technological advancements have improved forensic analysis.

(iv) Explain the statement, "King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned--in death, as in life...".

Ans:-It is true that King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned in death, as in life. An English archaeologist Carter discovered the mummy in 1922. The mummy has undergone a CT scan which is normally held with the person who has life. CT scan helped solve the mystery of the king's life and death very properly. It was also solved how old the king was at the time of his death.

Thinking about language.

2. What do you think are the reasons for the extinction of languages?

Ans:-There are a few reasons for the extinction of languages.

(i) People prefer convenient languages. If a language is found easy to write or read it obtains importance. Sometimes situations and time also become responsible for the extinction of languages.

3. Do you think it is important to preserve languages?

Ans:-It is very important to preserve languages. Languages are the treasure of human civilization. It is the language that can convey every detail of human culture and civilization. Languages are the source of our history. If they are extinct we won't be able to get a detailed account of history.

4. In what way do you think we could help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects?

Ans:-Traditional or classical languages must be given special preferences in school or colleges. The historical facts based on those languages must be preserved in a certain place where people can go and study properly. Languages archives must help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects. Dialects play a great role in the construction of folk history and culture. They should also be paid more attention. In this way, I think we could help prevent the extinction of dialects and languages.

"We're Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together : ncert solution - class 11

Understanding the text.

1. List the steps taken by the captain.

(i) to protect the ship when rough weather began

Ans:-When the captain understood the encounter of strong gales he slowed down the speed of the boat. Then and there he dropped the jib and looped the mooring ropes across the stern. They were now able to go through their life-raft drill. They wore oilskins and life jackets. But the high roaring waves shook the deck.

(ii) to check the flooding of the water in the ship

Ans:-When the strong waves broke over the ship the head of the captain was smashed into the wheel. He felt sinking below the waves. He saw that his ship was about to capsize. Masts were fallen but he did not leave the wheel. After he found his wife shouting that decks were full of water the captain tried to repair the gaping holes with screws and canvas. He tried very hard to repair the gaps from which the deck was flooded. Slowly he got success because of another pump connected to the out-pipe. When the electric pump started working the water level was controlled.

2. Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4 and 5 January.

Ans:-The mental condition of voyagers on 4 and 5 January was very pathetic. As they had been pumping water for 36 hours they had controlled the water level. But still, a little water was coming in. Now they hoisted the storm jib and sat for taking beef and biscuits. They were about to eat the meal almost after two days. All of a sudden they found that the waves were rising higher and on 5 January the condition was again turned into a pathetic one. The narrator wanted to assure the children that they would never fail. Surprisingly the narrator's son replied that they were not afraid to die because they were all together. The narrator used a sea anchor made of heavy nylon rope. They felt their death to be very close. Fortunately, the narrator with his wife sat holding their hands and started facing the dangers, and ultimately they got an improved condition on the very next day.

3. Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three sections of the text. Give a subtitle to each section.

Ans:- Adventurous Ordeal of Wave-walker

The first shift in the narration of the events in the initial stage indicates that Wave-walker would achieve its goal and a day will come which will be the witness to its adventurous deeds. The voyagers were to duplicate the round-the-world voyage made 200 years ago by Captain James Cook. It is also mentioned that Wave-walker was professionally built and tested in the roughest weather. So the voyagers were ambitious in achieving success. Their leaving Cape Town startled them. Both the Wave-walker and the voyagers were badly affected by the waves.

Eagerness for Island

The second shift in the narration of the events indicates the eagerness of the voyagers to find the land. The narrator and the children were in great trouble. They wanted to survive. The decks were flooded badly. They did not take much rest. The weather became unbearable. They tried to repair the gaping holes of the deck and moved forward. They wanted to find land at any cost.

The pleasure of Landing.

The third shift in the narration of the events indicates the pleasure of their landing at Ill Amsterdam. When John said about the island to be closed the voyagers were extremely happy and pleased. The inhabitants of the island came to cheer them up.

Talking about the text.

Discuss the following questions with your partner.

1. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with dangers?

Ans:-Children don't have much more experience of any dangers, whereas adults have experience of dangers. So the reactions of the adults are quite different from the reactions of the children. The adults know the consequence of an incident that is completely unknown to the children. Most of the time children feel safe in the lap of their parents which normally shows their innocence. On the one hand, the narrator is very anxious for his family, on the other hand, children are bold enough to face any danger.

2. How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure "the direst stress".?

Ans:-It is true that optimism helps to endure "the direst stress". The narrator and the family were optimistic even at the time of their dangers. The narrator tried his best to control the situation with patience and effort. When he asked his son how he was, his son said he was very well. The glorious statement of the children gave the narrator power of optimism. He used his anchor, canvas to control the bad condition of the deck. Ultimately he got success.

3. What lesson do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-face with death?

Ans:- We learn that we should not leave our patience when we are face-to-face with death. If we lose our patience in such a situation we shall not be able to do anything for the survival of our lives. Patience and optimism give us the strength to do something better for our lives. The power of optimism and great patience is clearly seen in the text "We're Not Afraid To die...If We All Be Together".

4. Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risks involved?

Ans:-Human beings are fond of discovery and expedition. Our present society has witnessed these all things. This is the human tendency to discover something and explore something. The present development in science and technology is based on adventurous activities. Now people want to know more about this world and its creatures. It is quite clear that unless or until people or scientists undertake such adventurous expeditions human development will never excel. So people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risks involved.

Thinking about language.

1. We have come across words like 'gale' and 'storm' in the account. Here are two more words for 'storm': typhoon, cyclone. How many words does your language have for 'storm'?

Ans:-In Hindi--Tuphan, Chakrawat, Bhawari, Bawander.

2. Here are the terms for different kinds of vessels: yacht, boat, canoe, ship, steamer, schooner. Think of a similar term in your language.

Ans:- Yatch- Nauka

Boat- Naawa

Canoe- Dangi

Ship- Jahaj

Steamer-Dhumrapot

3. 'Catamaran' is a kind of boat. Do you know which Indian language this word is derived from? Check the dictionary.

Ans:-'Catamaran' is derived from the Tamil word 'Kaltamaran (tied wood).

4. Have you heard any boatmen's songs? What kind of emotions do these songs usually express?

Ans:-The boatmen's songs normally express the journey of their life. They express their belief in their songs. They are found certain to achieve their goal or destination. 

Albert Einstein at School : ncert solution - class 11

1. Explain "perhaps you will be so kind to tell the class the Einstein theory of education." with especial reference to the text.

Ans:-Mr Brawn the history teacher of Albert Einstein made the statement with heavy sarcasm. The history teacher wanted to prove that he was able to understand the reality of the learner. When Albert Einstein said that he had no interest in memorizing facts but in ideas, the teacher then got angry at him and started making strong arguments which were enough to humiliate an innocent student. The history teacher did not try to discover the student's hidden talent. Had the teacher tried to find the actual reasons for not learning the dates of battles, Albert Einstein would not have faced the troubles caused by his stern expulsion. It was the climax of the humiliation when the teacher said "perhaps you will be so kind to tell the class the Einstein theory of education".

2. What were the reasons for Albert Einstein's expulsion from school?

Ans:-Albert Einstein did not accomplish his assignments provided by his history teacher. When his teacher asked why he did not know the date of Waterloo. Einstein said he had no interest in memorizing dates. The history teacher got angry at him and after crossing very strongly with the innocent student the teacher recommended his expulsion. The headteacher approved the history teacher's recommendation. These were the reasons for his expulsion from school.

3. What according to Albert Einstein is the difference between facts and ideas?

Ans:-According to Albert Einstein facts can be gathered from different sources which never form the insight of the learners. Memorizing dates of battles has no importance without having basic ideas or reasons for the events. Ideas are the basis of learning. A learner should never be underestimated for not knowing the dates of a particular battle. Ideas always form the insight of the learners. It is an idea that excels the brains of the learners to invent something unique for the people. Ideas create curiosity in the brain of the learners, and they achieve their goals successfully.

4. The school system often curves individual talents. Discuss.

Ans:-It is absolutely true that the school system curves individual talents. The School system does not provide an environment that is suitable for all the students. Students feel confined within the four walls of a class. Students are sometimes compelled to follow strict rules and regulations of school which become unfriendly for the learners. They provide an atmosphere that is not suitable for the learners’ proper and comprehensive development. If children study with full freedom they will go ahead properly. Children must be provided freedom so that they can learn and play. The school must try to discover hidden talents. School's rules and regulations are compulsory but it should not be so tough that it can curve individual talents. A fearless environment provides the students good opportunities for their freethinking and free-thinking forms their insight. If a fearless and free atmosphere is created in school, numerous Albert Einstein may be produced.

5. How do you distinguish between information gathering and insight formation?

Ans:-Gathering information is not education. Nobody can get an education by gathering information. Information can be gathered from different sources but the ideas are one's own. If a learner gathers the information he/she will not be an educationist. But if the learner's insight is formed he/she will be able to get real knowledge. With the help of the ideas, one can get proper information. The history teacher wanted to get information about the defeat of the French at Waterloo. The student who did not find any new idea about the battle did not answer the question. The facts and the dates of battles do not provide any new ideas. So according to Albert Einstein education without ideas is neither education nor knowledge. Insight formation of an individual creates ideas and on the basis of the ideas, he/she can accomplish the toughest assignment. So the insight formation is the real formation of an individual. Albert Einstein wanted to know why the soldiers were thirsty for their bloodshed whereas the history teacher wanted him to know when in what year Prussians defeated the French at Waterloo.