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Updated 6 August 2026

NCERT Solutions

Vitamin-M

CBSE · Class 9 · English

NCERT Solutions for Vitamin-M — CBSE Class 9 English.

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Reflect and Respond

IFrom your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser.Show solution

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IIFill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary.Show solution

| Word | Not heard this word before | Have heard this word but don't know what it means | I know this word. It has something to do with... | Write the meaning of this word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. frail | | | old age, weakness | weak and delicate |
| 2. shuddered | | | movement or feeling | shook slightly, usually from fear or disgust |
| 3. poky | | | place or room | small, cramped, uncomfortable |
| 4. forbid | | | giving permission / rules | prevent or not allow |
| 5. pottering | | | moving about in a casual way | doing small tasks in a relaxed, unhurried way |
| 6. winced | | | facial expression / embarrassment / pain | made a slight grimace because of pain or embarrassment |

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IIIThink of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years? Share with your classmates and teacher.Show solution

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IWork in pairs. Discuss the memories from your childhood that you remember. List them and share with your classmates and teacher.Show solution

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IIDiscuss how children's relationship with their mother can influence their emotions and memories.Show solution

A child's relationship with their mother can strongly shape their emotions and memories. A loving mother gives the child a sense of comfort, safety, and warmth, so even later in life small things like a song, a smell, or a place can remind the child of her. These memories may bring feelings of love, longing, peace, or nostalgia. If the relationship is caring and close, the mother's presence remains deeply fixed in the child's mind, just as the poem shows through the tune and the flowers.

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IIIMatch the words given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.Show solution

From the given meanings:
- hover means linger or remain near a place → (v)
- hum means sing a tune with your lips closed → (i)
- cradle means a small bed for a baby → (vi)
- shiuli is a type of flower (coral jasmine) → (ii)
- morning service means rituals conducted in a temple → (iv)
- gaze means look steadily for a long time → (iii)

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IRead the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.Show solution

### 1. The emotion displayed by the Grandfather
The correct option is C. nostalgic. Grandpa speaks lovingly about his old house in town, the mango tree, and the quiet surroundings, which shows he is remembering the past fondly.

### 2. Complete the sentence
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because it was crowded and noisy, unlike his quiet house in town.

### 3. Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
He came to the city because he was getting too old to live on his own and after he fell in the garden and remained outside all night, Ravi’s mother brought him to live with them for his safety.

### 4. Expression similar in meaning to “you can even hear a leaf fall”
The correct option is D. pin drop silence.

### 5. One advantage and one disadvantage of Grandpa living in the house in town
- Advantage: He was safer because people were there to look after him.
- Disadvantage: He had to live in a poky, crowded flat in the city, away from the peace of his own house and garden.

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2“I had a quiet morning, but I don't know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed.

Grandpa had another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel!

“But, Papa, Ravi's birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi's mother, impatiently.Show solution

### (i) Tone of Grandpa's response
The correct option is C. calm. Grandpa replies coolly and seriously.

### (ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Ravi was confused because Grandpa spoke as if Ravi had disappeared, even though Ravi had been secretly following him. He was embarrassed because Grandpa was clearly aware that Ravi had not stayed at home as instructed.

### (iii) Ravi's mother was impatient because
she thought Ravi had not stayed at home to look after Grandpa as she had told him to.

### (iv) True or false
False. Grandpa had not forgotten; he had remembered that it was his birthday and gave gifts to everyone.

### (v) Why did Grandpa say he didn't know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Grandpa said this because he knew Ravi had been missing from home and perhaps following him. He was indirectly referring to Ravi’s secret day out and teasing him with his calm remark.

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IIStudy the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words. You may refer to a dictionary.

Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.

1. QU_ND__Y ← DILEMMA → 2. PR_D_C_M_NTShow solution

The two synonymous words are:
- quandary for QU_ND__Y
- predicament for PR_D_C_M_NT

Both mean a state of difficulty or doubt.

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VRead the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now, revisit the story and underline the prepositions.Show solution

The prepositions in the phrases are:
1. walk across to the corner shop
2. shadow fall over him
3. vendors sitting under the tree
4. position behind a big banyan

So the answers are through/over/under/behind according to the blanks in the exercise context; the highlighted prepositions from the text are across, over, under, behind.

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VII1Arvind asked Priya if she 1. \_\_\_\_\_ for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. \_\_\_\_\_.Show solution

In reported speech:
- Arvind asked Priya if she helped in taking care of her grandparents at home.
- Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they took turns making sure they were alright.

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VII3Priya further asked Arvind 3. \_\_\_\_\_. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. \_\_\_\_\_ every weekend.Show solution

The reported speech becomes:
- Priya further asked Arvind if he had grandparents living with him.
- Arvind replied in the negative and said that his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend.

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VII5He further enquired 5. \_\_\_\_\_. Priya responded by saying that they 6. \_\_\_\_\_.Show solution

The full reported speech is:
- He further enquired how she managed her grandparents' medical needs.
- Priya responded by saying that they had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.

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IIntonation refers to the pitch of the voice while speaking. In questions, intonation can indicate the sentiment or the expected response.Show solution

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II cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
the tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle.Show solution

The poet remembers his mother during his play. He remembers the tune but not the mother clearly.

Setting: indoor (playthings/cradle suggest an indoor childhood setting).

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IFill in the blanks with appropriate words.Show solution

The blanks refer to the poem's idea that the poet remembers his mother during play, through a tune, and through the memory of her voice/song while rocking his cradle. So the completed ideas are:
1. play
2. tune / song
3. mother

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2*I feel that the stillness of my mother's gaze on my face has spread all over the sky.*Show solution

The poet suggests that his mother's gaze is so gentle and enduring that it feels as though it has expanded beyond the room and spread across the whole sky. It shows the mother’s presence as protective, calm, and all-pervading. The sky becomes a symbol of her loving watchfulness.

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1What is the emotional impact of the refrain, 'I cannot remember my mother'?Show solution

The refrain “I cannot remember my mother” creates a feeling of longing and sadness. It shows that the poet cannot recall her clearly, but he still feels her presence through small sensory memories. The repeated line also gives the poem a soft, reflective, and emotional mood.

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2Interpret the connection between the poet's mother and the following:
(i) *shiuli* flowers (ii) humming tuneShow solution

The poet connects his mother with:
1. Shiuli flowers — Their early morning fragrance reminds him of his mother, so the flowers become a symbol of her presence and memory.
2. Humming tune — The tune she used to hum while rocking his cradle represents her love, care, and soothing presence in his childhood.

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3What role does nature play in the poet's description of the memory of his mother?Show solution

Nature helps the poet remember his mother through smell, sound, and sight. The scent of shiuli flowers, the tune he seems to hear, and the vast sky all become symbols of his mother. Nature acts like a bridge between the present and his childhood memories, making her presence feel alive and near.

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4What can be inferred about the poet's perception of the mother-child relationship?Show solution

The poet seems to view the mother-child relationship as one of deep love, comfort, and lasting influence. Even though he cannot clearly remember his mother, her presence remains alive in his senses and emotions. This suggests that a mother's care stays with a child forever, beyond direct memory.

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Reading for Meaning

IWhy did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?Show solution

Grandpa disliked city life because it was noisy, crowded, and full of bustle. He loved the peace of his small brick house in town with the mango tree and quiet surroundings.

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IIWhy did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?Show solution

Vidya did not want her father to go out alone because he was old, had poor hearing and eyesight, and had already taken a wrong dose of medicine and got lost once. She feared he might come to harm if he went out by himself.

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IIIWas Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so?Show solution

No, Ravi was not in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child. We know this because he winced when his mother spoke to Grandpa in an over-loud tone, and he also felt sorry and guilty. Later, he tried to reassure Grandpa and did not openly oppose him.

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IVWould Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?Show solution

Ravi would not be able to keep up his promise fully, because he secretly followed Grandpa when he went out. He promised to stay with Grandpa, but his curiosity and worry made him go after him instead.

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IComplete the flow chart by describing Grandpa’s day out.Show solution

Grandpa's day out, in order, is:
1. He first stops at the children's park.
2. He buys peanuts and watches the children play.
3. Grandpa next goes to the tea stall.
4. Ravi gets scolded by the old lady and vendors.
5. Grandpa drinks sugary tea and eats bananas and ice cream.
6. He then enters a barber shop.
7. Next he walks quickly to a bus stop and boards the bus.

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IIWas Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi's mother?Show solution

No, Grandpa was not actually lost. Ravi feared he had been lost, but Grandpa was safe and back home, snoring in his bedroom.

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IIIHow would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa?Show solution

After seeing Grandpa safe at home, Ravi would feel relieved because his fear was over, and affectionate because he knelt near the bed, touched Grandpa's face, and hugged him with warmth.

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IVDo you think Ravi's mother will get to know about what had happened?Show solution

Yes, Ravi's mother will get to know what happened, because Grandpa directly speaks to her about Ravi disappearing and also hints that Ravi had not stayed at home as instructed.

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IDescribe how Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.Show solution

Ravi's reaction shows that he loved and cared deeply for his grandfather. He was first relieved and delighted to find Grandpa safe at home, and then he hugged him affectionately. This shows that, despite the trouble caused by following him, Ravi was worried about Grandpa's safety and felt strong fondness for him.

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IIWhat might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?Show solution

Grandpa's habit of giving gifts on his birthday shows that he was generous, loving, and thoughtful. It also shows that he valued the happiness of others more than receiving gifts himself. By giving presents to everyone, he expressed his affection for the family and made his birthday a time of sharing rather than taking.

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IIIWhy do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s actions earlier in the day?Show solution

Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book because Ravi had been behaving like a detective by secretly following him. The gift suggests that Grandpa was aware of Ravi's actions earlier in the day, even if he did not directly admit it. The note about learning how to avoid being fooled while trailing a suspect makes the gift feel like a gentle hint that Grandpa had understood Ravi's spying.

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I“I wish,” said Ravi’s mother, hurriedly putting some green, red and orange tablets on a saucer, “that somebody would invent a memory—Vitamin-M, they could call it, and we could give it to old people to help them improve their memories.”

“Shh... Grandpa’ll hear you,” said Ravi, pointing to the frail old figure sitting in the rocking chair, holding the newspaper inches from his nose to read it.Show solution

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Critical Reflection

I1(i)Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.Show solution

Grandpa speaks lovingly about his old house in town, its big mango tree, and the quiet surroundings. This shows he is nostalgic—he remembers the past fondly and misses it.

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I1(ii)Complete the following sentence with a reason.

Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ________.Show solution

Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he disliked its noise and bustle. The city was crowded and hectic, unlike his peaceful house in town.

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I1(iii)Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?Show solution

Grandpa came to the city because after his wife died, he had been living alone, and later he became too old to live on his own. After he slipped and fell in the garden and stayed outside all night, his daughter brought him to live with the family for safety.

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I1(iv)Choose an expression similar in meaning to, 'you can even hear a leaf fall'.Show solution

The expression 'you can even hear a leaf fall' means a place is extremely quiet. The closest option is pin drop silence.

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I1(v)State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.Show solution

One advantage of Grandpa living in the town house was that he could enjoy the quiet place, the big mango tree, and his familiar surroundings. One disadvantage was that he slipped and fell in the garden one evening and lay outside all night because no one was there to help him. That showed it was not safe for him to live alone.

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I2(i)Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather's response.Show solution

Grandpa's response is calm because he answers coolly and seriously, without anger or excitement.

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I2(ii)Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?Show solution

Ravi had secretly followed Grandpa instead of staying at home. When Grandpa told Vidya that Ravi had disappeared instead of looking after him, Ravi felt confused because he could not understand how Grandpa knew, and embarrassed because he was caught and had to keep quiet.

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I2(iii)Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Ravi's mother was impatient because
__________.Show solution

Ravi's mother was impatient because she believed Ravi had not obeyed her and had disappeared instead of staying at home to look after Grandpa.

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I2(iv)State whether the following sentence is true or false.

Grandfather forgot that Ravi's birthday was three months ago.Show solution

The sentence is false. Grandpa did not forget Ravi's birthday; in fact, he remembered it and gave him a gift, saying he always gives gifts to every child in the house on his birthday.

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I2(v)Why did Grandpa say he didn't know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?Show solution

Grandpa said that because he had noticed Ravi had not stayed home to look after him. He was speaking coolly and jokingly, implying that Ravi might have had a busy morning while following him around.

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1Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.Show solution

Two evidences that Grandpa did not have a failing memory throughout are:

1. He remembered many chess games and famous players, such as Karpov, Bobby Fischer, and Spassky.
2. He remembered Ravi's birthday and gave him a gift, and even remembered that he always gives gifts to children on his birthday.

These show that his memory was not as weak as Ravi's mother thought.

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2(i)Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.Show solution

(i) Grandfather:
- wise / intelligent — he knew chess well and remembered many famous games.
- generous / affectionate — he gave gifts and cared for his family.

(ii) Ravi:
- obedient / loyal — he promised to look after Grandpa.
- curious / observant — he secretly followed Grandpa like a detective.

(iii) Ravi's mother:
- careful / protective — she was worried about Grandpa's safety.
- strict / anxious — she instructed Ravi not to let Grandpa go out alone.

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3Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?Show solution

Ravi knew that Grandpa was forbidden sugar at home and that bananas and ice cream were also banned items. So when Grandpa stopped at the tea stall, Ravi worried about what Grandpa might eat there and feared he would break the rules.

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4Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?Show solution

No, it was not easy for Ravi to follow his grandfather. Grandpa kept moving from place to place—the park, tea stall, barber shop, and then the bus stop—while Ravi had to hide behind bushes, trees, benches, and cars. He was also embarrassed many times when people noticed him, so following Grandpa was both difficult and humiliating.

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5'Ravi is a good detective'. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.Show solution

In favour: Ravi is a good detective because he was careful and persistent. He kept following Grandpa from a distance and noticed the cap, the tea stall, the barber shop, and even boarded the bus to trace him.

Against: Ravi was not fully successful because he was fooled by the stranger wearing Grandpa's cap and could not immediately find Grandpa. So he was observant, but still inexperienced.

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6Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?Show solution

Yes, Grandpa seemed aware. He later told Ravi's mother that Ravi had disappeared instead of staying at home, which shows he had noticed Ravi was not where he was supposed to be. His gift and teasing also suggest he understood Ravi had been trailing him.

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7In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?Show solution

In my opinion, Ravi's mother needs Vitamin-M most, because her memory was weak. Grandpa reminds her that she forgot his birthday and had written it in the calendar earlier. More generally, anyone who forgets important things or becomes careless with age may need Vitamin-M for the memory.

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8Some people believe society shows bias based on age (being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.Show solution

One example of age bias is when older people are not listened to in family decisions because others think they are out of touch. For instance, an elderly person may suggest a simple, practical solution, but younger family members may ignore it just because of age. Similarly, sometimes children or teenagers are not taken seriously even when they are sensible and well informed. This shows that opinions can be disregarded unfairly because of age.

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II2(i)GrandfatherShow solution

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II2(ii)RaviShow solution

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II2(iii)Ravi's motherShow solution

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Vocabulary and Structures in Context

IClassify the words given in the box on the next page into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. One example has been done for you.Show solution

The words can be classified as follows:

Movement words: pottering, twirling, crouch, crawl, creeping, ducked, zigzagging, briskly, sprinting, jumping, darted, trailing

Sound words: boomed, bustle, thudded, shrieks, whirr, evicted, grunted, snoring

These words are grouped according to whether they describe motion or sound.

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IDetective Shankar, 1. ________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. ________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. ________. The suspect's heavy footsteps 4. ________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. ________ his magnifying glass had to 6. ________ behind the market stalls, 7. ________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. ________ when he hit himself

against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he
9. ________ into the night leaving only the distant
10. ________ of the sleeping city behind.Show solution

Using suitable words from the list:

1. trailing the mysterious suspect
2. away from the bustle of the city
3. quickened his pace briskly
4. footsteps boomed across the street
5. Shankar ducked his magnifying glass
6. had to crawl behind the market stalls
7. creeping through the lanes
8. Shankar winced when he hit himself
9. the suspect darted into the night
10. leaving only the distant whirr of the sleeping city

These fit the meanings and context best.

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The synonyms for dilemma are:

1. QU_ND__Y → QUANDARY
2. PR_D_C_M_NT → PREDICAMENT

Both mean a difficult situation requiring a choice.

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IIIFill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary.Show solution

The table can be filled as follows:

1. craftily — in a sly or cunning way — adverb — cunningly — honestly
2. dilemma — a difficult choice or situation — noun — quandary — solution
3. furious — extremely angry — adjective — angry — calm
4. boomed — made a loud deep sound — verb — echoed / thundered — whispered
5. humiliation — a feeling of great embarrassment — noun — shame — honour
6. attire — clothing or dress — noun — clothes / dress — nakedness / undress

These words are used in the story in ways that match their meanings.

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IVMatch the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. One meaning is extra.Show solution

1. embarrassed → (v) felt uncomfortable

2. countered → (iv) reply to an argument

3. flushed → (vi) became red in the face

4. stricken → (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling

5. gleam → (iii) expression of emotion

The extra meaning is (ii) to be confused.

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The prepositions to underline are:

- across
- over
- under
- behind

These words show position or direction.

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VI walked (i) ________ (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) ________ (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) ________ (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) ________ (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) ________ (beside, through, along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) ________ (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.

VIRead the following dialogues from the story.

VIThe words in the quotes are (i) ________ (exclamatory/interrogative) sentences.

VISentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) ________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.

VISentences 2 and 3 are (iii) ________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.

VISo, there are (iv) ________ (two/three) types of interrogative sentences.

VIIRead the following conversation.

INow, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2.

Detective Shankar, 1. ________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. ________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. ________. The suspect's heavy footsteps 4. ________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. ________ his magnifying glass had to 6. ________ behind the market stalls, 7. ________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. ________ when he hit himself

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against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he
9. ________ into the night leaving only the distant
10. ________ of the sleeping city behind.

VRead the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now, revisit the story and underline the prepositions.

1. I'll just walk across to the corner shop...
2. ... he felt a shadow fall over him...
3. ...the vendors sitting under the tree...
4. Ravi took position behind a big banyan...

Prepositions are words used to show the relationship of a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence, often indicating direction, location, time, or manner.

Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

I walked (i) ________ (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) ________ (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) ________ (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) ________ (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) ________ (beside, through, along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) ________ (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.

VIRead the following dialogues from the story.

1. “Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa?” asked Ravi.
2. “Who are you?” said the little boy’s mother.
3. “What did you both do today?” asked Ravi’s mother.
4. “Have you forgotten?” countered Grandpa.
5. A small child came up to him and asked, “Are you playing hide and seek?”

Now, choose the correct answer.

VIIRead the following conversation.

ARVIND Do you help in taking care of your grandparents at home?

PRIYA Yes, I do. We take turns making sure they're alright. Do you have grandparents living with you?

ARVIND No. My parents and I visit my grandpa every weekend. How do you manage your grandparents' medical needs?

PRIYA We have a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.

Now, complete the following sentences in reported speech.

Arvind asked Priya if she 1. \_\_\_\_\_ for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. \_\_\_\_\_.

Priya further asked Arvind 3. \_\_\_\_\_. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. \_\_\_\_\_ every weekend.

He further enquired 5. \_\_\_\_\_. Priya responded by saying that they 6. \_\_\_\_\_.

Listen and Respond

IYou will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen, complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 266)

Speaking Activity

IIntonation refers to the pitch of the voice while speaking. In questions, intonation can indicate the sentiment or the expected response.

For example:

- What is your name?

(In Wh and How questions we use a falling intonation towards the end.)

- Are you feeling okay?

(In Yes or No questions we use a rising intonation towards the end.)

- This is your notebook, isn't it?

(When we have an affirmative main clause and negative question tag, we use a rising intonation to show we are fairly sure of the answer.)

- You weren't in the library yesterday, were you?

(When we have a negative main clause and affirmative question tag, we use a falling intonation to show we are unsure of the answer.)

- Shall we read this storybook or borrow another one?

(When we have a question with choices, we use rise-fall intonation.)

IWork in pairs. Think of an object, song, or a place that is memorable for you. Take turns to speak about it using the prompts given below.

IIMake a presentation about a brief personal experience
related to taking care of an older person. For example,
mention a specific individual you cared for or an
occasion when you provided assistance to that person.

You may use the following prompts to structure
your narration.

- Background of your experience
- The person I had the privilege of taking care of was...
- I found myself in a caregiving role for...
- I took on the responsibility of caring for...
- Reflect on what you learned about yourself during this caregiving experience.
- Did you discover any new qualities or strengths in yourself?
- How did this experience contribute to your personal growth?
- Caring for someone taught me valuable lessons about myself, including...
- In this role, I learned that I possess the ability to...
- One significant realisation about me during this experience was ...
- Discuss what you learned about the older person you were caring for.
- What insights did you gain into their needs, preferences, or challenges?
- How did your understanding of aging evolve through this experience?
- Understanding the needs and preferences of the older person, I learned that...
- Their challenges offered insights into the difficulties of aging, such as...
- Caring for them deepened my understanding of the ageing process, particularly...

Writing Task

IAs you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic 'Our Inspiring Elderly'.

II imagine you had been on a school trip to a scenic place which appealed to all your senses. Write a diary entry describing the place and why it was a memorable experience.

IAs you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic 'Our Inspiring Elderly'.

Organise the article in the manner given below.

Follow the steps given below to write an article about your skills and passions.

- Write the title at the top and your name and grade below it.
- Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction to the topic. Focus on the main idea, but do not give any details.
- Paragraph 2: Give details to support the main idea—how the elderly inspire. Include examples, facts, and quotations.
- Paragraph 3: Elaborate on how they overcame challenges and the inspiring impact on you.
- Paragraph 4: Conclude with a final comment on the topic and leave the reader with the most important ideas to think about.

Learning Beyond the Text

IRevisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa's walking stick.

IIA picture is worth a thousand words!

Explore and revisit memories.

Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show. Mention the following:

- When and where was it clicked?
- Who are the people in the photograph?
- Why is it memorable for you?

IIIYou must have read stories about taking care of the family members of all age groups in English and also in your own language. Now, read the story given below. Discuss with your classmates and teacher.

IIIDiscuss with your classmates and teacher.

IYou read about the *shiuli* flowers from the poem. Gather more information on unique flowers of India—where they are found, how they look, what smell they emit, and what the historical significance is, if any. [For example, *Kurinji* or *Neelakurinji* that blooms once in twelve years.] Add more flowers to this list.

IIYou must have read poems and songs related to the theme of family, friends and their reminiscences, in English and also in your own language. Collect these poems and songs, and share with your classmates and teacher. Now, read and enjoy the poem given below.

IIA picture is worth a thousand words!

Explore and revisit memories.

Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show. Mention the following:

Check Your Understanding

I1The poet remembers his mother while he ______.

I2The poet remembers the ______ but not the ______.

I3Setting: ______ (outdoor/indoor)

I1The poet remembers his mother in the ________ season.

I2The poet remembers his mother by the smell of ________.

I3Setting: ________ (outdoor/indoor)

I1The poet feels that his mother ________ at him from the ________.

IIThe senses of olfactory (smell), auditory (hearing), and visual (sight), are three of the five basic senses in humans. Give examples of references to senses from the poem. Complete the table given below.

IIIRead the poem silently once again and complete the following.

I1(i)Complete the following sentence appropriately. The poet is reminded of his mother during his __________.

I1(ii)What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line 'a tune seems to hover over my playthings'?

I1(iii)In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker's playtime?

I1(iv)State whether the following sentence is true or false.

The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime.

I1(v)How could the poet feel his mother's presence, even though she isn't there?

I2(i)What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother's gaze spreading over the sky?

I2(ii)What emotion does the poet associate with the 'stillness' of his mother's gaze?

I2(iii)State whether the following sentence is true or false.

The poet suggests that the mother's gaze has a tangible and visual effect on the sky.

I2(iv)What is the purpose of likening the mother's gaze to the sky?

I2(v)Complete the sentence appropriately.

The tone of the poet in the given extract is ________ because ________.

IIAnswer the following questions.

Vocabulary in Context

IWork in pairs to classify the sensory words given in the box below. One example has been done for you.

IIFill in the blanks with sensory words in the box for the following passage written by Sarojini Naidu. There are two extra words.

IIIWrite numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations. One example has been done for you.

IYou will listen to four short extracts of people expressing their childhood memories. As you listen, match each statement 1–6 to each speaker (i)–(iv). There are two statements that you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 266)

I Cannot Remember My Mother

IFill in the blanks with appropriate words.

Stanza 1

1. The poet remembers his mother while he ______.
2. The poet remembers the ______ but not the ______.

Setting: ______ (outdoor/indoor)

# Stanza 21. The poet remembers his mother in the ________ season.
2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of ________.

Setting: ________ (outdoor/indoor)

# Stanza 31. The poet feels that his mother ________ at him from the ________.

Setting: ________ (outdoor/indoor)

IIIRead the poem silently once again and complete the following.

1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) ________ and (ii) ________.
2. An example of onomatopoeia is ________.
3. The poem uses imagery extensively. Explain.
4. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because __________.
5. What is the tone of the poet? Why do you say so?
6. What impact does the title of the poem have on the overall mood of the poem?
7. The poet uses 'I cannot remember my mother' as a refrain because __________.
8. The poet uses symbolism to indicate the memory of his mother's presence. Identify the symbols used in the poem.

IIIWrite numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations. One example has been done for you.

1. beats of music echo in air
2. melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air
3. fragrant breeze of blooming buds
4. gentle lullaby, a soft melody
5. colourful sky, painting a lively sight
6. attractive canvas painting the horizon

IWork in pairs. Think of an object, song, or a place that is memorable for you. Take turns to speak about it using the prompts given below.

- Introduce it briefly
- Describe it in detail including sensory details
- Narrate the specific memory associated with it
- Explain how it has impacted your life
- Summarise why this memory is meaningful to you even now

You may use the following phrases.

- During my childhood...
- Growing up, I fondly remember...
- Recalling those early years, I can't forget...
- In my younger days, I used to...
- I have a clear memory of...
- A routine activity in my childhood involved...
- A cherished part of my childhood includes...
- As a child, I was fond of...
- One of my favourite childhood moments is...
- Thinking about my early years, I recall...
- A common occurrence during my youth was...

Reading for Appreciation

1I cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
the tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle.

I cannot remember my mother
but when in the early autumn morning
the smell of the *shiuli* flowers floats in the air
the scent of the morning service in the temple
comes to me as the scent of my mother.

I cannot remember my mother
only when from my bedroom window I send
my eyes into the blue of the distant sky,
I feel that the stillness of
my mother's gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.

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Vitamin-M

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Reflect and Respond

Reading for Meaning

Critical Reflection

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

Listen and Respond

Speaking Activity

Writing Task

Learning Beyond the Text

Check Your Understanding

Vocabulary in Context

I Cannot Remember My Mother

Reading for Appreciation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

More resources for Vitamin-M

Practice Quiz

Important Questions

Revision Notes

Formula Sheet

Chapter Summary

Concept Maps

Study Plan

Flashcards

Syllabus

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