New NCERT Solutions for Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations (Poem) to Read Class 9 English Poorvi
- Chapter Name: Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations
- Textbook Name: Class 9 English Kaveri
- Related Stud material: Class 9 Kaveri NCERT Solutions
Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations (Poem) NCERT Solutions Class 9 English
Page No. 57
Reflect and Respond
I. Given below are four riddles. Read and identify who these people are.
1. In furrows deep, secrets I sow,
As time passes,
I watch them grow.
Who am I?
Answer
A farmer.
2. From wheel to kiln, my skill is born,
Step by step, an art takes form.
Who am I?
Answer
A potter.
3. I lay foundations, brick by brick,
To build a house, it’s me you pick.
Who am I?
Answer
A mason.
4. I work with pots, pans, and spice,
Creating dishes that taste so nice.
Who am I?
Answer
A cook or chef.
II. What is the role and relevance of the people you identified in the riddles? How do they contribute to the society? Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
The people identified in the riddles play an important role in society. Farmers grow food and help feed the nation. Potters create useful and decorative clay items that are used in daily life. Masons build houses, schools, hospitals, and other important structures. Cooks prepare delicious and nutritious food for people. All these workers contribute to the development and smooth functioning of society through their hard work and skills.
Page No. 60
Check Your Understanding
I. Based on your understanding of the poem, state whether the following statements are true or false. Also, rectify the false statements.
1. The poem highlights the skilled work of craftsperson.
2. The poet shares that musicians express emotions through their instruments.
3. The carpenters in the poem are admired for their logical work.
4. The electricians in the poem are recognised for their crucial role in lighting up lives.
5. The poem pays homage to shoemakers who manufacture quality footwear.
6. The poem celebrates the patriotism of the people of Bharat.
7. The poet feels that each vocation deserves to be respected.
Answer
1. True.
2. True.
3. False.
The carpenters in the poem are admired for their mathematical precision and skill in creating things from wood.
4. True.
5. True.
6. False.
The poem celebrates the varied vocations, talents, and contributions of the people of Bharat.
7. True.
II. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. Rhyme Scheme and Lineation
(i) Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?
(ii) What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?
(iii) What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?
Answer
(i) The poem is written in free verse. It does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme. The poet uses flowing lines to freely express admiration for different vocations.
(ii) The varying lengths of the lines create a natural rhythm and make the poem sound conversational and lively. They also help to emphasise different professions and their unique contributions.
(iii) Most lines begin by introducing a vocation and then describing the work or qualities associated with it. This pattern highlights the importance and uniqueness of each profession.
(i) Who appears to be the speaker and what is her/his role here?
Answer
The speaker appears to be a thoughtful observer who admires the hardworking people of Bharat. The speaker’s role is to celebrate and honour different vocations and the people engaged in them.
3. Tone and Mood
(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable options from the box given below.
- The tone is _____ and _____ , depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
- There is a ______mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
Answer
- The tone is reverential and sympathetic, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
- There is a celebratory mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
4. Imagery
(i) Select any two descriptions from the poem that evoke visual images.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable phrases.
The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, _____, and ____, emphasising the sounds associated with each vocation.
Answer
(i) Two descriptions from the poem that evoke visual images:
- “The boatmen gathering their nets from the shore.”
- “The carpenters celebrating; they create anything out of wood with mathematical precision.”
(ii) The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, electricians humming, and the delicious singing of the cook, emphasising the sounds associated with each vocation.
5. Metaphor
(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
The mention of ‘delicious singing’ of the cook is a metaphor because it implies that the quality of the singing is so enjoyable or pleasing that it can be equated to the experience of tasting something delicious.
Answer
True.
6. Personification
(i) Select the line that tells us that the poet personifies vocations by attributing human-like qualities to them.
Answer
“The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.”
7. Repetition
(i) Why might the poet have begun and ended with the same line—‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!’?
Answer
The poet begins and ends with the same line to emphasise the importance of all professions in Bharat. The repetition creates a musical effect and reinforces the idea that every vocation deserves appreciation and celebration.
8. Alliteration
(i) Identify two examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer
- “work with cables and wires”
- “walk, dance, run, jump”
9. Symbolism
(i) Each vocation in the poem symbolises something more than just a job. What does it symbolise?
Answer
Each vocation symbolises dignity of labour, identity, dedication, creativity, and contribution to society. The poem shows that every profession has value and plays an important role in nation-building.
Page No. 62
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
The shoemakers affirming the quality of their work, for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home.
The delicious singing of the cook, or the rhythm of designer, mason, each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else,
1. The poet says that the shoemakers ‘affirm’ the quality of their work. What does ‘affirm’ refer to here?
(i) to make adjustments in
(ii) to declare with confidence
(iii) to label the goods
(iv) to justify the efforts
Answer
(ii) to declare with confidence
2. What do quality shoes help with, according to the poet?
Answer
According to the poet, quality shoes help people walk, dance, run, jump, and return home comfortably and safely.
3. What does ‘return home’ symbolise besides the literal act of returning?
Answer
‘Return home’ symbolises safety, comfort, belonging, and the completion of daily struggles and journeys.
4. Identify the phrase that tells us that every worker’s contribution is distinct.
Answer
“each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else”
5. Complete the following with suitable words.
…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home refers to _________.
Answer
the different activities and journeys of human life
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Why does the poet say, ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear’?
2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?
3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’
4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.
5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.
6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?
Answer
1. The poet says this because Bharat is full of hardworking people engaged in different professions. Through their skills, dedication, and creativity, these workers contribute to the nation’s growth and cultural richness. The poet admires and celebrates their efforts and hears their work as a joyful celebration of life.
2. The electrician ‘humming’ suggests happiness, enthusiasm, and dedication towards work. It shows that the electrician performs the job with energy and positivity while helping brighten people’s lives.
3. This line means that a person’s profession reflects their identity, skills, and contribution to society. People are often recognised through their work, and their vocation becomes an important part of who they are.
4. Yes, the role of people belonging to different vocations is very important in our daily lives. Farmers provide food, carpenters make furniture, electricians supply electricity, cooks prepare meals, and shoemakers create footwear. Society cannot function smoothly without the contribution of each worker. Every profession is equally valuable and deserves respect.
5. The poet celebrates all vocations because every profession contributes to society in a meaningful way. Workers use their talents and hard work to improve people’s lives. For example, teachers educate students, doctors save lives, sanitation workers keep surroundings clean, and farmers grow food. In our daily life, we depend on many such workers. The poem teaches us to respect every profession equally.
6. The poet uses sensory imagery by describing sounds, sights, and actions related to different professions. Expressions such as “electricians humming,” “delicious singing of the cook,” and “boatmen gathering their nets” create vivid pictures and sounds in the reader’s mind. These images make ordinary work appear lively, beautiful, and meaningful.
Page No. 63
Vocabulary in Context
I. People of different vocations are being described in the poem. Match the vocations given in the box below with the descriptions that follow.
1. A person who studies or grows garden plants: _______
2. A trained female community health worker: _______
3. A producer of raw silk: _______
4. A person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates: _______
5. A metalworker who specialises in working with precious metals: _______
6. A person who fuses materials together: _______
Answer
1. Horticulturist
2. ASHA worker
3. Sericulturist
4. Confectioner
5. Goldsmith
6. Welder
II. Identify the word from Column 2 that is not the synonym of the words given in Column 1.
Answer
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. myriad | countable |
| 2. hues | drawing |
| 3. precision | calculation |
| 4. varied | uniform |
| 5. delicious | inedible |
Page No. 64
Listen and Respond
I. You will listen to two friends, a boy and a girl discussing the occupations of their parents. As you listen, answer the following question in two to three words only.
(Transcript for teacher on page 262)
What does the boy use to understand the details of the tools?
Answer
His father’s tool kit.
II. You will listen to the girl and the boy once again. As you listen, answer the questions by selecting the correct option.
1. The girl is __________ about taking food for her mother at the factory.
(i) happy
(ii) boastful
(iii) unsure
Answer
(i) happy
2. The boy thinks that the job of the girl’s mother carries a lot of __________.
(i) luck
(ii) risk
(iii) responsibility
Answer
(iii) responsibility
3. The girl __________ why the boy is good at science exhibitions.
(i) wonders
(ii) questions
(iii) realises
Answer
(iii) realises
4. The girl shares her __________ about joining the weekend discussion on tools.
(i) doubts
(ii) wish
(iii) ideas
Answer
(ii) wish
Page No. 65
Speaking Activity
The poet speaks of several occupations in the poem.
Create groups of five. Allot the role of any five vocations that the poet talks about. Each student in the group will represent one vocation.
Each student speaks for 1–2 minutes about their vocation—who they are, what they do, where they work, what kind of experiences they have at work, what problems they face and a message for all.
Answer
Hello everyone. I am a carpenter. I make furniture, doors, windows, and many wooden items. I work with tools such as hammers, saws, and measuring tapes. My work requires patience, skill, and precision. Sometimes, working for long hours is tiring, but I feel happy when people use the things I create. I want everyone to respect all workers because every profession is important for society.
Page No. 66
Writing Task
I. Your school will be organising a ‘Career Mela’ in which students are to be made familiar with the different career options. Complete the poster for the event given below.
Answer
ABC Public School
announces
CAREER MELA
to spread awareness about various careers
on 25 February from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
at School Auditorium, Delhi
Highlights:
✔ Details, information and guidance provided for all streams
✔ Counsellors for all career options
✔ Interactive sessions with professionals
CHART YOUR FUTURE AT CAREER MELA
ENTRY: FREE
Organised by:
Career Guidance Club
ABC Public School
Page No. 67
Learning Beyond the Text
The Lamplighter
My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky;
It’s time to take the window to see Leerie going by;
For every night at tea-time and before you take your seat;
With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.
Now Tom would be a driver and Maria go to sea,
And my papa’s a banker and as rich as he can be;
But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I’m to do,
O Leerie, I’ll go round at night and light the lamps with you!
For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door,
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more;
And O! before you jurry by with ladder and with light,
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him to-night!
R.L. Stevenson
II. Visit the website https://www.msde.gov.in/ Collect information on any one vocation of your choice. Prepare a presentation explaining the following.
- Reason for your choice
- How is it helpful to the society and self?
Answer
Vocation Chosen: Electrician
Reason for Choice:
I chose the vocation of an electrician because electricity is essential in modern life. Electricians help maintain power supply in homes, schools, hospitals, and industries.
How is it Helpful to Society and Self?
Electricians help society by repairing electrical systems and ensuring safety. Their work supports daily activities and development. This profession also provides stable employment and opportunities for self-reliance.
III. Now, create a Haiku poem and share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
Morning sun rises
Farmer works in golden fields
Nature smiles bright
