NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3 The Pot Maker to Read Class 9 English Poorvi
- Chapter Name: The Pot Maker
- Textbook Name: Class 9 English Kaveri
- Related Stud material: Class 9 Kaveri NCERT Solutions
Chapter 3 The Pot Make NCERT Solutions Class 9 English
Page No. 33
Reflect and Respond
I. Look at the pictures given below and identify the vocations. Now, list at least five more vocations.
Answer
The vocations shown in the pictures are:
- Basket weaving
- Pot making- Potter
- Weaving- Weaver
- Carpentry- Carpenter
Five more vocations.
- Blacksmith
- Tailor
- Mason
- Cobbler
- Painter
Page 37
Check Your Understanding
1. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?
2. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.
3. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.
Answer
1. No, pot making is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, patience, skill, and practice. The potter has to collect clay from faraway riverbanks, carry heavy loads, pound and soften the clay, shape it carefully, dry the pots, and finally fire them in a kiln. Even a small mistake can spoil the entire batch of pots.
2. Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker. She was deeply passionate about pottery and worked hard to learn the craft. Despite many failures and difficulties, she continued practising and observing expert potters. With the guidance of Onula and her determination, she finally mastered the art of making beautiful pots.
3. Yes, Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila. Mesoba defended his daughter before the village council and assured them that Sentila would soon become a skilled pot maker. Though Arenla was initially reluctant because of the hardships involved in pottery, she later started teaching Sentila the skill herself.
Page 41
Check Your Understanding
I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Answer
1. Yes, Onula’s support greatly helped Sentila. She understood that Sentila’s problem was not lack of talent but lack of confidence. Onula encouraged her, taught her patiently, and gave her confidence to try again. Her guidance helped Sentila improve her pottery skills and finally succeed.
2. This shows that Sentila was observant, determined, and eager to learn. She carefully watched every detail of her mother’s work and tried to understand the techniques of pottery. Her willingness to learn through observation reveals her dedication and passion for the craft.
III. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.
Answer
The correct sequence is:
| 1. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila. | 4 |
| 2. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell. | 6 |
| 3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots. | 3 |
| 4. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother. | 1 |
| 5. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making. | 8 |
| 6. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that she earned very little from it. | 5 |
| 7. Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the work of two people. | 2 |
| 8. Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was unsuccessful. | 9 |
| 9. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her mother’s. | 7 |
III. Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it, is also tedious. So many times I’ve dropped the mould out of sheer exhaustion and have had to start all over again. It takes months to bring out a batch of pots after so much labour. And the reward? A few rupees. But if Sentila learns weaving, she can make much more money besides providing enough cloth for the family. Weaving is not messy like pot making and can be done indoors in all seasons. Also, the time spent on weaving one shawl is much less and the return is handsome.
(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.
(A): The effort in making pots is far greater than the returns.
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
B. The process of pot making is exhausting, takes a long time, yet gives a sense of satisfaction.
Answer
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Answer
Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because weaving is easier, less tiring, and more profitable than pot making. It can also be done indoors in all seasons and provides enough cloth for the family.
(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Answer
One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors in all seasons, unlike pot making.
(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word ‘handsome’ in the same way as in the extract.
A. My father is a handsome man.
B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
Answer
B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Answer
The question mark is used to show Arenla’s disappointment and frustration. It emphasises that despite so much hard work, the reward for pot making was very little.
2. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly. She watched Sentila’s clumsy efforts to make a pot and noticed that Sentila was too tense. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape. When Sentila wearily let the misshapen lump fall at on the ground, Onula went to her and said, “Don't worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.” Sentila watched in amazement as Onula fashioned a beautiful pot and asked her to try again.
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because _________.
Answer
Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because she was too tense and lacked confidence.
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.
‘Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.’
This shows that Onula was _____________.
A. sincere and generous
B. forgiving and thoughtful
C. thoughtful and generous
D. forgiving and sincere
Answer
C. thoughtful and generous
(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
B. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly.
Answer
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
(iv) ‘Onula fashioned a beautiful pot.’ Here, the word ‘fashioned’ means ________. (created/styled)
Answer
Created
(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?
Answer
Sentila might have felt disappointed, frustrated, embarrassed, and helpless because despite her efforts, she could not shape the clay properly.
II. Answer the Following Questions
1. Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
2. What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
3. How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
4. ‘Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon’. Explain.
5. ‘The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual,’ what does this symbolise?
6. What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, ‘A new pot maker was born’?
7. What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Answer
1. Sentila observed that expert pot makers first collected grey and red clay from the riverbank. The clay was mixed with water and pounded until it became soft and smooth. The potter then pushed the left hand into the lump of clay and rotated it skillfully while shaping it with a spatula held in the right hand. After the pots were shaped, they were left for a few days and given final touch-ups. Then the pots were dried in the sun and loaded carefully into a kiln with hay and dried bamboo. Finally, the kiln was fired carefully because too much or too little heat could spoil the pots.
2. The village council warned Mesoba that Arenla should teach Sentila the skill of pot making because such traditional skills belonged to the community and should be passed down from generation to generation. They reminded him that experts must share their skills with those who wished to learn.
3. Sentila felt ashamed, frustrated, and disappointed. Even after practising for a year, she was unable to shape the clay properly. Her repeated failures made her lose confidence in herself.
4. Onula saw two neat rows of pots standing side by side in perfect symmetry. She realised that Sentila had finally mastered the art of pot making and had created pots that were almost identical to her mother’s. This deeply moved Onula because it symbolised the birth of a new skilled pot maker and the continuation of tradition.
5. This symbolises that traditional arts and skills are part of a community’s cultural heritage. Such skills should not remain limited to one person or family. Instead, they should be preserved and passed on to future generations for the benefit of society.
6. The concluding line signifies Sentila’s transformation into a skilled and confident pot maker. It highlights the success of her hard work, determination, and passion. It also represents the continuation of the traditional craft of pottery through a new generation.
7. Perseverance plays an important role in achieving one’s dreams. Sentila faced many difficulties while learning pottery. Her mother discouraged her, and she failed repeatedly even after long practice. However, she did not give up. She continued observing, learning, and practising with patience and determination. With the encouragement of Onula and her own hard work, she finally became a skilled pot maker. Her story teaches us that success comes through dedication, patience, and continuous effort.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
1. She taught Sentila how to dig the clay with dao, load it on to her carrying basket…
2. Sentila was a quick learner and turned the clay into malleable dough. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it …
The highlighted words describe the tools and materials required in the process of pot making.
Now, classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.
Answer
| Tools/Implements | Raw Materials | Process |
| dao | dough | pounding |
| spatula | clay | kiln |
| basket | bamboo | rotating |
| cylinders | bed of hay | shaping |
II. Notice the use of the following words in the text.
These words relate to livelihood and economic aspects that are crucial for any enterprise/business/vocation.
Work in pairs and find the meanings of the following words related to economy. You may refer to a dictionary.
Now, frame sentences using each word.
Answer
- Bankrupt – The businessman became bankrupt after suffering heavy losses.
- Credit – The shopkeeper gave goods to the customer on credit.
- Currency – The Indian currency is the rupee.
- Debt – Farmers sometimes struggle to repay their debt.
- Fiscal – The government announced a new fiscal policy.
- Inflation – Inflation has increased the prices of daily goods.
- Investment – Education is a good investment for the future.
- Interest – The bank charges interest on loans.
III. Read the following sentences from the text. The main clause has been underlined and the subordinate clause has been circled.
1. Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.
(i) The elders emphasised that __________.
(ii) Mesoba explained why _____________.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that ____________.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which ________.
(v) The kiln, where _____________________, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.
Answer
(i) The elders emphasised that traditional skills must be passed on to the next generation.
(ii) Mesoba explained why Arenla had not yet taught Sentila pottery.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that she would teach Sentila how to make a perfect pot.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which helped her improve her skill.
(v) The kiln, where the pots were fired, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.
2. Read the following sentences from the text. Underline the main clause and circle the subordinate clause.
(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank where the grey and red clay was found.
(ii) She started on the next one, and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum...
(iii) … skills such as pot making, which not only catered to the needs of the people...
Answer
(i) Main clause: Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank.
Subordinate clause: where the grey and red clay was found.
(ii) Main clause: She started on the next one.
Subordinate clause: who had suddenly found momentum.
(iii) Main clause: Skills such as pot making.
Subordinate clause: which not only catered to the needs of the people.
3. Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.
(i) Sentila, whose ____________, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where __________, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which ___________, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which _________.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who _________.
Answer
(i) Sentila, whose determination never faded, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where the elders gathered, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which moved skillfully over the clay, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which was more profitable and easier.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who later agreed to teach Sentila.
4. Read the highlighted words in the following lines from the text.
- Onula saw her taking out some clay…
- … make as many pots as they could.
- … did not belong to any individual.
- Slowly she walked away from this place of wonder.
- … they would not have enough days of sunshine …
(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
Answer
Some more determiners from the text are: the, many, few, some, another, every, enough, those, this, one.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. The first two blanks have been done for you.
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in __________ elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted _________ unique tables, and ___________ became the centrepiece in ___________ furniture collection.
C. _________ of _________ apprentices in _________ culinary class demonstrated __________ knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. ________ of ________ sculptures were displayed at __________ art exhibition, showcasing _________ diverse artistic skills.
Answer
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in an elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted two unique tables, and they became the centrepiece in the furniture collection.
C. Each of the apprentices in the culinary class demonstrated excellent knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. Some of the sculptures were displayed at the art exhibition, showcasing many diverse artistic skills.
Page No. 48
Listen and Respond
I. You will listen to a man speak about stone statues. As you listen, complete the given paragraph by filling in the blanks with the exact words you listen to. (Transcript for teacher on page 261)
A statue is carved to create a shape that is 1. ______. Among the many things stone is used for making stone 2. ______ is one of them. India has some of the most 3. ______ stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country
Answer
A statue is carved to create a shape that is 1. beautiful. Among the many things stone is used for, making stone 4. sculptures is one of them. India has some of the most 3. magnificent stone sculptures, as is obvious from its many stone monuments across the country.
II. You will now listen to the man speaking about some steps involved in making stone statues. As you listen, select the six correct steps out of the nine given. (Transcript for teacher on page 261)
1. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone
2. set up the different tools
3. measure the weight and dimensions of the statue
4. leave the statue in water to firm up overnight
5. refine the creation within the stone
6. choose the stone
7. begin carving from the centre
8. detach the creation from the stone as the final statue
9. work to bring out the imagined shape
Answer
The six correct steps are:
1. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone
3. measure the weight and dimensions of the statue
5. refine the creation within the stone
6. choose the stone
8. detach the creation from the stone as the final statue
9. work to bring out the imagined shape
Speaking Activity
• Work in pairs and choose two characters from the story—Sentila and one other character [Arenla, Mesoba, Onula, or a village elder].
• Prepare to speak from the chosen character’s perspective based on information from the story and the understanding of the intentions of the characters.
• Prepare a role-play between Sentila and the chosen character. The conversation between the characters should cover the following points.
- Sentila’s desire to learn pot making
- the challenges she faces
- the advice or perspective the other character offers
• Students can use direct quotes from the story and creatively expand on the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
You may use the following sentence prompts.
- I feel/felt _______ because...
- I wish/wished _______ because...
- When you said/did _______, it made me feel/think _______ because...
Answer
Sentila: Onula Aunty, I really want to become a pot maker like my mother and grandmother. Ever since I was young, I have loved watching pots being shaped from clay.
Onula: I can see your passion, Sentila. Your eyes shine whenever you speak about pottery. Why don’t you tell your mother how strongly you feel?
Sentila: I feel sad because my mother thinks pot making is a difficult and tiring job. She wants me to become a weaver instead.
Onula: Your mother worries about your future. She has struggled a lot in her life, so she wants an easier life for you.
Sentila: I understand her pain, but I cannot stop dreaming about pottery. When I watch the expert potters working, it makes me feel inspired because they create something beautiful from clay.
Onula: That is true. Pot making is not just a vocation; it is also an art and a tradition.
Sentila: I tried learning from my mother for a whole year, but I kept failing. I felt ashamed because I could not even shape the clay properly.
Onula: Don’t lose hope, little one. I noticed that you become too nervous while working. Fear is stopping your hands from moving freely.
Sentila: I wish I could make pots as skillfully as my mother because I truly love this craft.
Onula: You certainly can. Skill comes with patience and confidence. Watch carefully, stay calm, and trust yourself.
Sentila: When you encouraged me and taught me patiently, it made me feel confident because nobody had believed in me before.
Onula: I believed in you because I could see your determination. A person who works hard and never gives up always succeeds.
Sentila: Thank you, Onula Aunty. Your guidance has given me new hope. I will continue practising until I become a skilled pot maker.
Onula: Very good, Sentila. Remember, traditions survive only when young people like you are willing to learn and preserve them.
Reflective Writing - Identifying Skills and Passion
Reflective writing encourages introspection and thoughtful exploration of personal experiences, skills, and aspirations. It helps individuals gain deeper insights into themselves and their goals through structured reflection.
I. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about your skills and passions.
• Step 1: Introduction
Reflect on your passions and the skills you currently possess or are developing. Consider why these activities or interests are meaningful and enjoyable to you.
• Step 2: Describing skills
Describe specific activities or practices you engage in to nurture your skills. This could include hobbies, classes (art, music, coding, etc.), workshops, or personal projects.
• Step 3: Passion into profession
Identify which of these skills you believe have the potential to turn your passion into a profession. Explain why you think these skills are crucial or advantageous in your chosen field.
• Step 4: Examples and reflection
Provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate how your skills and passions complement each other. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your career aspirations and personal growth.
• Step 5: Conclusion
Summarise your reflections. Discuss any insights gained about yourself, your skills, and your career ambitions through this exercise.
Answer
Step 1: Introduction
Every person has certain skills and passions that make them unique. I have always been interested in creative activities such as writing, drawing, and public speaking. These activities make me feel happy, confident, and motivated. I enjoy learning new things and improving my abilities through practice and hard work. My passions are meaningful to me because they allow me to express my ideas, emotions, and creativity freely.
I believe that skills become stronger when we practise them regularly. Developing my talents gives me a sense of achievement and helps me grow as a person. It also inspires me to work towards my future goals with determination.
Step 2: Describing Skills
I take part in several activities to improve my skills. I regularly read books and articles to improve my language and writing abilities. I also practise writing essays, stories, and speeches to become more creative and confident in expressing my thoughts.
Apart from writing, I enjoy drawing and painting during my free time. These activities help me improve my imagination and concentration. I also participate in school activities such as debates, group discussions, and presentations, which improve my communication and public speaking skills.
In addition, I spend time learning computer skills and exploring educational videos online. These activities help me develop knowledge and prepare me for future opportunities.
Step 3: Passion into Profession
Among all my skills, I believe that writing and communication have the greatest potential to become my profession in the future. I enjoy sharing ideas, expressing emotions through words, and communicating with others effectively.
Good communication skills are important in many professions such as teaching, journalism, content writing, public speaking, and media. Writing also helps in spreading knowledge and inspiring people. I feel that these skills will help me build a successful career because they allow creativity, confidence, and continuous learning.
Step 4: Examples and Reflection
There have been many moments when my skills and passions worked together. For example, during a school competition, I wrote and presented a speech on an important social issue. My teachers appreciated my ideas and presentation style. This experience increased my confidence and encouraged me to participate in more activities.
Similarly, when I draw or paint, I feel relaxed and focused. These creative activities improve my patience and imagination. Through these experiences, I have realised that practice and dedication are necessary for success.
My passions have also taught me important life lessons such as discipline, perseverance, and self-belief. They have shaped my personality and motivated me to dream bigger for my future.
Step 5: Conclusion
This reflective exercise helped me understand my strengths, interests, and future goals more clearly. I realised that my skills can grow stronger through regular practice and determination. It also taught me that passion plays an important role in achieving success and happiness in life.
I now feel more confident about my career ambitions and personal growth. I wish to continue improving my skills and use them positively in the future. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and confidence, I can turn my passion into a successful profession.
