Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English - Beehive. This page offers chapter-wise solutions designed to help students grasp key concepts easily. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.
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Chapter 1 The Fun They Had
These biographical pieces tell us of people who have achieved success and recognition through determination, hard work and courage. The children may be asked to think of potential barriers to success, and of people who have overcome them. The second part of the unit encourages students to think about the rich heritage of Indian music, and our musical instruments. The portraits of musicians given in the beginning may be supplemented by others that the children can be asked to bring to class. A comprehension exercise in Part II encourages children to find words in the text that express attitudes (positive, negative or neutral) to events, places, etc. Encourage the children to compare and discuss their answers. Dictionary entries give us different kinds of information about words.
This is a story about the changing attitude of a girl child towards her father. The Speaking and Writing exercises encourage the students to think about the relationship between children and parents. The students should be encouraged to say or write what they think, and not what the teacher thinks they should say or write. The aim is not to arrive at a ‘correct’ answer, but to let every child voice an opinion and express her/his ideas. It is hoped that children will find the topic of personal relevance. This will help their ideas and language to flow freely. The Speaking exercise asks the students to imagine introducing a celebrity guest to an audience. It can be made an authentic activity if students are given a couple of minutes during the morning assembly to speak to their fellow-pupils about such a person. This would give them practice in facing an audience, and encourage them to prepare seriously, by: (i) noting down the important points about the person to be introduced, (ii) using appropriate phrases to introduce the person.
(students should be allowed to think what phrases they want to use).
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Chapter 2 The Sound of Music
Part I - Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing It: Evelyn Glennie never looked back from that point onwards; after she toured the United Kingdom with a youth orchestra and by the time she was sixteen, she had decided to make music her life. She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest marks in the history of the academy. She gradually moved from orchestral work to solo performances. At the end of her three-year course, she had captured most of the top awards. As for music, she explains, “It pours in through every part of my body. It tingles in the skin, my cheekbones and even in my hair.” When she plays the xylophone, she can sense the sound passing up the stick into her fingertips. By leaning against the drums, she can feel the resonances flowing into her body. On a wooden platform she removes her shoes so that the vibrations pass through her bare feet and up her legs.
Part II -The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan: Bismillah Khan has given many memorable performances both in India and abroad. His first trip abroad was to Afghanistan where King Zahir Shah was so taken in by the maestro that he gifted him priceless Persian carpets and other souvenirs. The King of Afghanistan was not the only one to be fascinated with Bismillah’s music. Film director Vijay Bhatt was so impressed after hearing Bismillah play at a festival that he named a film after the instrument called Gunj Uthi Shehnai. The film was a hit, and one of Bismillah Khan’s compositions, “Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya ...,” turned out to be a nationwide chartbuster! Despite this huge success in the celluloid world, Bismillah Khan’s ventures in film music were limited to two: Vijay Bhatt’s Gunj Uthi Shehnai and Vikram Srinivas’s Kannada venture, Sanadhi Apanna. “I just can’t come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world,” he says with emphasis. Awards and recognition came thick and fast. Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to be invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall in the United States of America. He also took part in the World Exposition in Montreal, in the Cannes Art Festival and in the Osaka Trade Fair. So well known did he become internationally that an auditorium in Teheran was named after him —Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan.
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Chapter 3 The Little Girl
The Little Girl, written by Katherine Mansfield, is a touching story that explores the complexities of a father-daughter relationship. The protagonist, Kezia, is a young girl who is initially terrified of her strict and authoritarian father. She perceives him as cold and distant, and her fear of him grows when he scolds her for minor mistakes. Kezia’s mother is often ill, so she spends a lot of time with her grandmother, who becomes her source of comfort.
One day, Kezia decides to make a surprise gift for her father—a cushion—by stuffing it with bits of paper. Unknowingly, she tears up important documents of her father, which infuriates him. He punishes her, which leaves her feeling even more afraid and misunderstood. However, when her mother falls ill and her grandmother is away, Kezia experiences a moment of vulnerability and gets scared during the night. Her father comes to her rescue, offering warmth and comfort, which helps her see a different side of him. This moment changes Kezia's perception of her father, and she realizes he cares for her deeply, even though he may not always express it. The Little Girl is a story about overcoming misunderstandings and building trust in relationships.
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Chapter 4 A Truly Beautiful Mind
A Truly Beautiful Mind is a biographical account of the life of the famous scientist Albert Einstein, focusing on his intellectual achievements and his humanitarian outlook. The chapter presents Einstein not only as a brilliant physicist but also as a compassionate individual who believed in the importance of peace and harmony. It describes his journey from a curious child to a renowned scientist who developed the theory of relativity, which changed the course of modern science.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Einstein’s life also had a significant impact on society. He was an advocate for world peace and spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons. Despite his fame, he remained humble and continued to work for the betterment of humanity. A Truly Beautiful Mind emphasizes the dual nature of Einstein’s life, showcasing his intellectual prowess and his compassionate heart, making him a truly beautiful mind in every sense.
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Chapter 5 The Snake and The Mirror
The Snake and The Mirror by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is a humorous and suspenseful story about a young, unmarried doctor who encounters a snake in his room. The story begins with the doctor reflecting on his modest lifestyle, his self-admiration, and his dream of becoming wealthy. One night, while he is alone in his small rented room, a snake slithers into the room and coils itself around his arm.
Paralyzed with fear, the doctor sits still, contemplating his fate. As he stares into the mirror in front of him, he experiences a moment of self-realization, understanding the vanity and foolishness of his thoughts. Miraculously, the snake loosens its grip and leaves him unharmed. The story concludes with the doctor moving to a new place, realizing the importance of humility. The Snake and The Mirror is a humorous tale that explores themes of vanity, fear, and self-reflection.
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Chapter 6 My Childhood
My Childhood is an excerpt from the autobiography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s former President and a renowned scientist. The chapter provides insights into his early life, his family, and his upbringing in Rameswaram. Dr. Kalam shares stories of his simple yet profound experiences, highlighting the values instilled in him by his parents and teachers. Despite facing economic challenges, his family emphasized the importance of education, honesty, and self-discipline.
The chapter also reflects on the communal harmony in his hometown, where people from different religious backgrounds lived peacefully. Kalam was influenced by both his Muslim and Hindu friends, which shaped his inclusive worldview. My Childhood is an inspiring story that celebrates values like hard work, tolerance, and resilience, encouraging young readers to pursue their dreams with dedication.
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Chapter 7 Packing
Packing by Jerome K. Jerome is a humorous narrative that follows the author and his two friends, George and Harris, as they attempt to pack for a trip. The story highlights their lack of organization and the chaos that ensues as they try to pack their belongings. Jerome’s overconfidence in his packing abilities leads to a series of comical incidents, including forgetting items, unpacking and repacking, and dealing with fragile items.
Throughout the story, Jerome’s friends make the situation worse by interfering and adding to the mess. The tale humorously captures human tendencies like overconfidence, impatience, and clumsiness. Packing is an amusing story that shows how simple tasks can turn into a hilarious fiasco when people do not work efficiently together.
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Chapter 8 Reach for the Top
Reach for the Top is a motivational chapter that narrates the inspiring journeys of two women achievers—Santosh Yadav, the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice, and Maria Sharapova, a tennis champion. The chapter explores their struggles, determination, and achievements, highlighting the importance of perseverance and courage.
Santosh Yadav defied societal norms to pursue her passion for mountaineering, while Maria Sharapova overcame challenges to become a world-class athlete. Both stories emphasize that success comes to those who are willing to work hard and break barriers. Reach for the Top is an empowering chapter that encourages readers to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
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Chapter 9 The Bond of Love
The Bond of Love by Kenneth Anderson is a heartwarming story about the author’s wife and her pet sloth bear, Bruno (also known as Baba). The story begins when Anderson rescues an orphaned bear cub, which his wife soon becomes deeply attached to. Bruno becomes a part of the family, displaying human-like emotions and forming a strong bond with his owners.
As Bruno grows, he becomes difficult to manage, and the family decides to send him to a zoo. The separation deeply affects both the bear and Anderson’s wife, and she eventually persuades her husband to bring him back home. The Bond of Love beautifully portrays the affection between humans and animals, highlighting the emotional depth of companionship and love.
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Chapter 10 Kathmandu
Kathmandu by Vikram Seth is an engaging travelogue that describes the author’s experiences in the bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal. The chapter captures the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of the city, including the famous Pashupatinath Temple and the Baudhnath Stupa. Seth’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the lively streets of Kathmandu, filled with religious fervor, diverse cultures, and unique traditions.
Through his observations, Seth also reflects on the religious harmony and the cultural richness of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a captivating exploration of the city’s charm, bringing out its beauty and spiritual significance through the author’s perceptive observations.
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Chapter 11 If I Were You
If I Were You is a suspenseful and witty play by Douglas James. The story revolves around Gerrard, a playwright, who outwits an intruder who enters his home with the intent to kill him. The intruder, named Intruder in the play, is a criminal who wants to assume Gerrard’s identity to escape the police.
Gerrard uses his wit and presence of mind to deceive the intruder, making him believe that he, too, is a criminal who is constantly on the run. Eventually, Gerrard manages to trap the intruder in a cupboard and calls the police. If I Were You is a cleverly written play that showcases the power of quick thinking and intelligence in overcoming dangerous situations.
Popular Questions of Class 9 English - Beehive
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Do you agree with Margie that schools today are more fun than the school in the story? Give reasons for your answer.
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II. This story about a frightening incident is narrated in a humorous way. What makes it humorous? (Think of the contrasts it presents between dreams and reality. Some of them are listed below.)
1. (i) The kind of person the doctor is (money, possessions)
(ii) The kind of person he wants to be (appearance, ambition)2. (i) The person he wants to marry
(ii) The person he actually marries
3. (i) His thoughts when he looks into the mirror
(ii) His thoughts when the snake is coiled around his arm
Write short paragraphs on each of these to get your answer. - Q:-
When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?
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Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
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Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun?
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I. Discuss in pairs and answer each question below in a short paragraph (30– 40 words).
1. How many characters are there in the narrative? Name them. (Don’t forget the dog!).
2. Why did the narrator (Jerome) volunteer to do the packing?
3. How did George and Harris react to this? Did Jerome like their reaction?
4. What was Jerome’s real intention when he offered to pack?
5. What did Harris say after the bag was shut and strapped? Why do you think he waited till then to ask?
6. What “horrible idea” occurred to Jerome a little later?
7. Where did Jerome finally find the toothbrush?
8. Why did Jerome have to reopen the packed bag?
9. What did George and Harris offer to pack and why?
10. While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the statements that are true.
(i) They started with breaking a cup.
(ii) They also broke a plate.
(iii) They squashed a tomato.
(iv) They trod on the butter.
(v) They stepped on a banana.
(vi) They put things behind them, and couldn’t find them.
(vii) They stepped on things.
(viii) They packed the pictures at the bottom and put heavy things on top.
(ix) They upset almost everything.
(x) They were very good at packing. - Q:-
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words).
1. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
2. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her team-mates?
3. What shows her concern for the environment?
4. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest?
5. Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt Everest. What were the reasons for this? - Q:-
Now use these adverbs to fill in the blanks in the sentences below.
(i) The report must be read so that performance can be improved.
(ii) At the interview, Sameer answered our questions , shrugging his shoulders.
(iii) We all behave when we are tired or hungry.
(iv) The teacher shook her head when Ravi lied to her.
(v) I forgot about it.
(vi) When I complimented Revathi on her success, she just smiled and turned away.(vii) The President of the Company is busy and will not be able to meet you.
(viii) I finished my work so that I could go out to play. - Q:-
III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100–150 words each.
1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.
2. How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets?
3. “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this? - Q:-
I. Answer these questions.
1. “At last a sympathetic audience.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) Why does he say it?
(iii) Is he sarcastic or serious?
2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?
3. “I said it with bullets.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) What does it mean?
(iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this?
4. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.
5. “You’ll soon stop being smart.”
(i) Who says this?(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
(iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?
6. “They can’t hang me twice.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
7. “A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
8. “This is your big surprise.”
(i) Where has this been said in the play?
(ii) What is the surprise?
Recently Viewed Questions of Class 9 English - Beehive
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Dictionary work
• The sound of the shehnai is auspicious.
• The auspicious sound of the shehnai is usually heard at marriages. The adjective auspicious can occur after the verb be as in the first sentence, or before a noun as in the second. But there are some adjectives which can be used after the verb be and not before a noun. For example:
• Ustad Faiyaz Khan was overjoyed. We cannot say: *the overjoyed man.Look at these entries from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2005).
Consult your dictionary and complete the following table. The first one has been done for you.
Use these words in phrases or sentences of your own.
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Identify the two parts in the sentences below by underlining the part that gives us the information in brackets, as shown above.
1. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts. (Contrasts her dress with that of others)
2. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.(Tells us what happened after the first action.)
3. She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived.(Tells us when she was going to fight the system.)
4. Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. (Tells us when Maria was sent to the U.S.) - Q:-
Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change 4this?
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Now use these adverbs to fill in the blanks in the sentences below.
(i) The report must be read so that performance can be improved.
(ii) At the interview, Sameer answered our questions , shrugging his shoulders.
(iii) We all behave when we are tired or hungry.
(iv) The teacher shook her head when Ravi lied to her.
(v) I forgot about it.
(vi) When I complimented Revathi on her success, she just smiled and turned away.(vii) The President of the Company is busy and will not be able to meet you.
(viii) I finished my work so that I could go out to play. - Q:-
I. Answer these questions.
1. “At last a sympathetic audience.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) Why does he say it?
(iii) Is he sarcastic or serious?
2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on?
3. “I said it with bullets.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) What does it mean?
(iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this?
4. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer.
5. “You’ll soon stop being smart.”
(i) Who says this?(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
(iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart?
6. “They can’t hang me twice.”
(i) Who says this?
(ii) Why does the speaker say it?
7. “A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
8. “This is your big surprise.”
(i) Where has this been said in the play?
(ii) What is the surprise? - Q:-
I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.
1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?
2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?
4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?
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II. Answer each question in a short paragraph.
1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?
2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples each of
(i) the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example:some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside...)
(ii) the things he sees
(iii) the sounds he hears - Q:-
II. This story about a frightening incident is narrated in a humorous way. What makes it humorous? (Think of the contrasts it presents between dreams and reality. Some of them are listed below.)
1. (i) The kind of person the doctor is (money, possessions)
(ii) The kind of person he wants to be (appearance, ambition)2. (i) The person he wants to marry
(ii) The person he actually marries
3. (i) His thoughts when he looks into the mirror
(ii) His thoughts when the snake is coiled around his arm
Write short paragraphs on each of these to get your answer. - Q:-
(II) . 1. Use the suffixes -ion or -tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spellings of the words. Example: proclaim – proclamation
cremate_____ act_____ exhaust______
invent______ tempt_____ immigrate_____
direct______ meditate______ imagine______
dislocate______ associate______ dedicate_____
2. Now fill in the blanks with suitable words from the ones that you have formed.
(i) Mass literacy was possible only after the___ of the printing machine.
(ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks____ .
(iii) I could not resist the____ to open the letter.
(iv) Hardwork and are_____ the main keys to success.
(v) The children were almost fainting with_____ after being made to stand in the sun. - Q:-
Who had these opinions about Einstein?
(i) He was boring.
(ii) He was stupid and would never succeed in life.
(iii) He was a freak.