SEBA Class 9 English Chapter 2: part II The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Questions and Answers

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2. The Sound of Music

Part II

The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

 

BEFORE YOU READ

• Do you know these people? What instruments do they play?

• Think of the shehnai and the first thing you’ll probably imagine is a wedding or a similar occasion or function. The next would probably be Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai maestro, playing this instrument.

1. EMPEROR Aurangzeb banned the playing of a musical instrument called pungi in the royal residence for it had a shrill unpleasant sound. Pungi became the generic name for reeded noisemakers. Few had thought that it would one day be revived. A barber of a family of professional musicians, who had access to the royal palace, decided to improve the tonal quality of the pungi. He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi, and made seven holes on the body of the pipe. When he played on it, closing and opening some of these holes, soft and melodious sounds were produced. He played the instrument before royalty and everyone was impressed. The instrument so different from the pungi had to be given a new name. As the story goes, since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai (barber), the instrument was named the ‘shehnai’.

2. The sound of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious. And for this reason it is still played in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding. In the past, the shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan.

3. As a five-year old, Bismillah Khan played gilli- danda near a pond in the ancient estate of Dumraon in Bihar. He would regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple to sing the Bhojpuri Chaita', at the end of which he would earn a big laddu weighing 1.25 kg, a prize given by the local Maharaja. This happened 80 years ago, and the little boy has travelled far to earn the highest civilian award in India Bharat Ratna.

4. Born on 21 March 1916, Bismillah belongs to a well-known family of musicians from Bihar. His grandfather. Rasool Bux Khan, was the shehnai- nawaz of the Bhojpur king's court. His father, Paigambar Bux, and other paternal ancestors were also great shehnai players.

5. The young boy took to music early in life. At the age of three when his mother took him to his maternal uncle's house in Benaras (now Varanasi). Bismillah was fascinated watching his uncles practise the shehnai. Soon Bismillah started accompanying his uncle, Ali Bux, to the Vishnu temple of Benaras where Bux was employed to play the shehnai. Ali Bux would play the shehnai and Bismillah would sit captivated for hours on end. Slowly, he started getting lessons in playing the instrument and would sit practising throughout the day. For years to come the temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya and the banks of the Ganga became the young apprentice's favourite haunts where he could practise in solitude. The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to improvise and invent raagas that were earlier considered to be beyond the range of the shehnai.

6. At the age of 14. Bismillah accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad Music Conference. At the end of his recital, Ustad Faiyaz Khan patted the young boy's back and said, "Work hard and you shall make it." With the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938 came Bismillah's big break. He soon became an often-heard shehnai player on radio.

7. When India gained independence on 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet. the nation with his shehnai. He poured his heart.. out into Raag Kali from the Red Fort to an audience. which included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who later gave his famous ‘Tryst with Destiny' speech.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. National awards like the Padmashri, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan were conferred on him.

11. In 2001. Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, With the coveted award resting on his chest and his eyes glinting with rare happiness he said, "All I would like to say is: Teach your children music, this is Hindustan's richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music."

12. In spite of having travelled all over the world Khansaab as he is fondly called is exceedingly fond of Benaras and Dumraon and they remain for him the most wonderful towns of the world. A student of his once wanted him to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A., and the student promised to recreate the atmosphere of Benaras by replicating the temples there. But Khansaab asked him if he would be able to transport River Ganga as well. Later he is remembered to have said, "That is why whenever I am in a foreign country, I keep yearning to see Hindustan. While in Mumbai, I think of only Benaras and the holy Ganga. And while in Benaras, I miss the unique mattha of Dumraon."

13. Ustad Bismillah Khan's life is a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage of India, one that effortlessly accepts that a devout Muslim like him can very naturally play the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

[Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21 August 2006 at the age of ninety after a prolonged illness. He was given a state funeral and the Government of India declared one day of national mourning.]

 

I. Tick the right answer.

1. The (shehnai, pungi) was a 'reeded noisemaker.'

Answer: The pungi was a 'reeded noisemaker.'

 

2. (Bismillah Khan, A barber, Ali Bux) transformed the pungi into a shehnai.

Answer: A barber transformed the pungi into a shehnai.

 

3. Bismillah Khan's paternal ancestors were (barbers, professional musicians).

Answer: Bismillah Khan's paternal ancestors were professional musicians.

 

4. Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from (Ali Bux, Paigambar Bux, Ustad Faiyaaz Khan).

Answer: Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from Ali Bux.

 

5. Bismillah Khan's first trip abroad was to (Afghanistan, U.S.A., Canada).

Answer: Bismillah Khan's first trip abroad was to Afghanistan.

 

III. Answer these questions in 30-40 words.

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

Answer: Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.

 

2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi?

Answer: The shehnai is different from the pungi in that it is made from a pipe with a natural hollow stem that is longer and broader, with seven holes on the body. It produces soft and melodious sounds, unlike the shrill noise of the pungi.

 

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

Answer: Traditionally, the shehnai was played in temples and at weddings. Bismillah Khan changed this by bringing the shehnai onto the classical stage, making it a part of Indian classical music.

 

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

Answer: Bismillah Khan got his big break in 1938 with the opening of All India Radio in Lucknow, where he soon became a frequently heard shehnai player on the radio.

 

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

Answer: Bismillah Khan played the shehnai on 15 August 1947 at the Red Fort.

          The event was historic because it marked India's independence, and he was the first Indian to greet the nation with his music.

 

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

Answer: Bismillah Khan refused to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A. because he was deeply attached to Benaras and the River Ganga. He felt that the atmosphere of Benaras and the presence of the Ganga could not be replicated anywhere else.

 

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

Answer: One instance is when Bismillah Khan said, "Whenever I am in a foreign country, I keep yearning to see Hindustan."

          Another instance is when he mentioned that while in Mumbai, he only thought of Benaras and the holy Ganga.

English Grammar Fill in the blanks Prepositions

 

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. The child was afraid ___ policemen.
2. I can not agree ___ your suggestion.
3. Anil felt pity ___ the thief.
4. Don't be angry ___ me.
5. You cannot rely ___ a liar.
6. Tobacco is injurious ___ health.
7. The prisoner was accused ___ murder.
8. The poor man died ___ cancer.
9. Flour is made ___ wheat.
10. We are proud ___ country.
Answer:
1. The child was afraid of policemen.
2. I cannot agree with your suggestion.
3. Anil felt pity for the thief.
4. Don't be angry with me.
5. You cannot rely on a liar.
6. Tobacco is injurious to health.
7. The prisoner was accused of murder.
8. The poor man died of cancer.
9. Flour is made from wheat.
10. We are proud of our country.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. The pupils were sitting ___ their desks.
2. I wrote the note ___ ink.
3. Please send reply ___ my letter.
4. I shall look ___ the complaint.
5. The principal presided ___ the meeting.
6. My father was angry ___ this book.
7. I cannot part ___ this book.
8. We all sympathize ___ the poor man.
9. Don’t boast ___ your wealth.
10. The lame man lives ___ begging.
Answer:
1. The pupils were sitting at their desks.
2. I wrote the note in ink.
3. Please send a reply to my letter.
4. I shall look into the complaint.
5. The principal presided over the meeting.
6. My father was angry with this book.
7. I cannot part with this book.
8. We all sympathize with the poor man.
9. Don’t boast of/about your wealth.
10. The lame man lives by begging.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. He often suffers ___ illness.
2. I bought this pen ___ five rupees.
3. Shoes are made ___ leather.
4. The student was sure ___ success.
5. I warned him ___ driving so fast.
6. The blind man lives ___ begging.
7. Always beware ___ false friends.
8. A greedy man hankers ___ money.
9. He sent the letter ___ hand.
10.The tiger lives ___ flesh.

Answer:
1. He often suffers from illness.
2. I bought this pen for five rupees.
3. Shoes are made of leather.
4. The student was sure of success.
5. I warned him against driving so fast.
6. The blind man lives by begging.
7. Always beware of false friends.
8. A greedy man hankers after money.
9. He sent the letter by hand.
10. The tiger lives on flesh.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1.The ship was bound ___ India.
2. Virtue consists ___ speaking the truth.
3. I was amazed ___ his conduct.
4. She gifted ___ a sweet voice.
5. I cannot agree ____ your proposal.
6. I have great regard ___ my teacher.
7. She is gifted ___ a sweet voice.
8. I can’t agree ___ your proposal.
9. I have great regard ___ for my teachers.
10. I am satisfied ___ your work.

Answer:
1. The ship was bound for India.
2. Virtue consists in speaking the truth.
3. I was amazed at his conduct.
4. She is gifted with a sweet voice.
5. I cannot agree to your proposal.
6. I have great regard for my teacher.
7. She is gifted with a sweet voice.
8. I can’t agree to your proposal.
9. I have great regard for my teachers.
10. I am satisfied with your work.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. The boy was charged ___ stealing.
2. You should be polite ___ your seniors.
3. I have a distaste ___ pop music.
4. Gandhi was convicted ___ lying.
5. The labourer lives ___ hand to mouth.
6. I warned him ___ driving so fast.
7. Always beware ___ false friends.
8. Great books deal ___ human problems.
9. The teacher was annoyed ___ me.
10. Socrates had no desire ___ wealth or comfort.

Answer:
1. The boy was charged with stealing.
2. You should be polite to your seniors.
3. I have a distaste for pop music.
4. Gandhi was convicted of lying.
5. The labourer lives from hand to mouth.
6. I warned him against driving so fast.
7. Always beware of false friends.
8. Great books deal with human problems.
9. The teacher was annoyed with me.
10. Socrates had no desire for wealth or comfort.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. Pay attention ___ what your teacher says.
2. He is satisfied ___ his job.
3. I am indebted ___ you for your help.
4. Assam rich ___ minerals.
5. One should be conscious ___ one’s wealth.
6. Man does not live ___ bread alone.
7. There is an exception ___ every rule.
8. You should not boast ___ your wealth.
9. Mr. Sarma presided ___ the meeting.
10. She prefers tea ___ cold drinks.

Answer:
1. Pay attention to what your teacher says.
2. He is satisfied with his job.
3. I am indebted to you for your help.
4. Assam is rich in minerals.
5. One should be conscious of one’s wealth.
6. Man does not live by bread alone.
7. There is an exception to every rule.
8. You should not boast of/about your wealth.
9. Mr. Sarma presided over the meeting.
10. She prefers tea to cold drinks.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. Nobody in the class could complete ___ Raju.
2. I cannot part ___ this book.
3. I was surprised ___ his behaviour.
4. He will come back ___ an hour.
5. The lame man lives ___ begging.
6. Do not run ___ money.
7. She was tired ___ waiting for him.
8. The train is bound ___ Howrah.
9. One should not boast ___ one’s wealth.
10. My sister excels ___ dancing.

Answer:
1. Nobody in the class could compete with Raju.
2. I cannot part with this book.
3. I was surprised at his behaviour.
4. He will come back in an hour.
5. The lame man lives by begging.
6. Do not run after money.
7. She was tired of waiting for him.
8. The train is bound for Howrah.
9. One should not boast of/about one’s wealth.
10. My sister excels at dancing.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. That man is devoid ___ common sense.
2. This film is suitable ___ children.
3. The girl parted ___ her parents in tears.
4. Do not boast ___ your wealth.
5. The ship was bound ___ India.
6. He goes to school ___ bus.
7. He has been suffering ___ fever.
8. Assam is rich ___ minerals.
9. I prefer tea ___ cold drinks.
10. Shoes are made ___ leather.

Answer:
1. That man is devoid of common sense.
2. This film is suitable for children.
3. The girl parted from her parents in tears.
4. Do not boast of/about your wealth.
5. The ship was bound for India.
6. He goes to school by bus.
7. He has been suffering from fever.
8. Assam is rich in minerals.
9. I prefer tea to cold drinks.
10. Shoes are made of leather.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. I cannot agree ___ your proposal.
2. The man repented ___ his past misdeeds.
3. She is gifted ___ a sweet voice.
4. Man doesn’t live ___ bread alone.
5. Always beware ___ false friends.
6. What is the time ___ your watch?
7. This is a quotation ___ Milton.
8. You should provide well ___ your children.
9. He has not yet recovered ___ his illness.
10. He sympathized ___ me in my sorrow.

Answer:
1. I cannot agree to your proposal.
2. The man repented of his past misdeeds.
3. She is gifted with a sweet voice.
4. Man doesn’t live by bread alone.
5. Always beware of false friends.
6. What is the time by your watch?
7. This is a quotation from Milton.
8. You should provide well for your children.
9. He has not yet recovered from his illness.
10. He sympathized with me in my sorrow.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. The old man is hard ___ hearing.
2. There was a noise children ___ play.
3. Her mother is ___ the town council.
4. The teacher knows his students ___ name.
5. Babysitters are a boon ___ parents.
6. I met him ___ street.
7. Please pay attention ___ your studies.
8. He is an authority ___ science.
9. The teacher is full control ___ the class.
10. Happiness consists ___ speaking the truth.

Answer:
1. The old man is hard of hearing.
2. There was a noise of children at play.
3. Her mother is on the town council.
4. The teacher knows his students by name.
5. Babysitters are a boon to parents.
6. I met him on the street.
7. Please pay attention to your studies.
8. He is an authority on science.
9. The teacher is in full control of the class.
10. Happiness consists in speaking the truth.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. One should be honest ___ dealing with fellowmen.
2. She is looking ___ a domestic help.
3. The burden seemed to much ___ him.
4. Health is preferable ___ wealth.
5. He is angry ___ his naughty sister.
6. The cow lives ___ grass.
7. He lives ___ hand to mouth.
8. He is appointed ___ the post.
9. She is junior ___ me by three years.
10. We go to school ___ bus.

Answer:
1. One should be honest in dealing with fellowmen.
2. She is looking for a domestic help.
3. The burden seemed too much for him.
4. Health is preferable to wealth.
5. He is angry with his naughty sister.
6. The cow lives on grass.
7. He lives from hand to mouth.
8. He is appointed to the post.
9. She is junior to me by three years.
10. We go to school by bus.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. I am senior ___ your sister.
2. The president presided ___ the meeting.
3. She excels ___ dancing.
4. He always runs ___ money.
5. Flour is made ____ wheat.
6. Write your answers ___ black ink.
7. The cow lives ___ grass.
8. The train is bound ___ Delhi.
9. Assam is rich ___ minerals.
10. I met him ____ on street.

Answer:
1. I am senior to your sister.
2. The president presided over the meeting.
3. She excels at dancing.
4. He always runs after money.
5. Flour is made from wheat.
6. Write your answers in black ink.
7. The cow lives on grass.
8. The train is bound for Delhi.
9. Assam is rich in minerals.
10. I met him on the street.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. Happiness consists ___ speaking the truth.
2. They are satisfied ___ your work.
3. Man doesn’t live ___ bread alone.
4. Rita excels ___ dancing.
5. He is looking ___ a domestic help.
6. The old man died ___ Covid-19.
7. Death is preferable ___ dishonour.
8. Mina comes ___ a rich family.
9. Butter is made ___ milk.
10. They are sitting ___ the dining table.

Answer:
1. Happiness consists in speaking the truth.
2. They are satisfied with your work.
3. Man doesn’t live by bread alone.
4. Rita excels at dancing.
5. He is looking for a domestic help.
6. The old man died of Covid-19.
7. Death is preferable to dishonour.
8. Mina comes from a rich family.
9. Butter is made from milk.
10. They are sitting at the dining table.

Q. Fill up the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
1. Ravi is senior ___ me by two years.
2. He was prevented ___ going to Delhi.
3. Flour is made ___ wheat.
4. Put the cup ___ the dish. (at/in/on/over)
5. The cows are ___ the field. (in/on/to/by)
6. Lila lives ___ her parents. (by/with/upon/at)
7. He is fond ___ reading novels.
8. This shop deals ___ stationery.
9. The train will stop ___ many stations.

Answer:
1. Ravi is senior to me by two years.
2. He was prevented from going to Delhi.
3. Flour is made from wheat.
4. Put the cup on the dish.
5. The cows are in the field.
6. Lila lives with her parents.
7. He is fond of reading novels.
8. This shop deals in stationery.
9. The train will stop at many stations.

English Grammar determiners Exercise

Fill up the blanks with appropriate determiners.

1. He is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: He is a man of few words.


2. I will give you ___ useful hint.
(a/an/the)
Answer: I will give you a useful hint.


3. He is ___ older than his wife.
(many/more/much)
Answer: He is much older than his wife.


4. Can you help me with ___ money?
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: Can you help me with a little money?


5. The teacher has given us ___ useful advice.
(many/few/much)
Answer: The teacher has given us much useful advice.


6. Switzerland is ___ European country.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Switzerland is a European country.


7. We will stay here for ___ while.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: We will stay here for a little while.


8. We have only ___ minutes to spare.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: We have only a few minutes to spare.


9. We will stay here for ___ while.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: We will stay here for a little while.


10. There are just ___ apples left.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: There are just a few apples left.
 

11. Reading is ___ useful hobby.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Reading is a useful hobby.
 

12. I received ___ help from him.
(many/more/much)
Answer: I received much help from him.
 

13. He received ___ help from his teacher.
(much/more/many)
Answer: He received much help from his teacher.
 

14. I can depend on ___ friends I have.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: I can depend on the few friends I have.
 

15. ___ guidance will be enough for me.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: A little guidance will be enough for me.
 

16. My brother is studying in ___ European University.
(a/an/the)
Answer: My brother is studying in a European University.
 

17. He gave away ___ money he had to the beggar.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: He gave away the little money he had to the beggar.
 

18. ___ of my friends helped me much in my distress.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: A few of my friends helped me much in my distress.
 

19. I got ___ help from my mother than my father.
(much/more/many)
Answer: I got more help from my mother than my father.
 

20. ___ union leader will address the workers.
(a/an/the)
Answer: A union leader will address the workers.
 

21. I received ___ encouragement from my parents.
(much/more/many)
Answer: I received much encouragement from my parents.
 

22. My brother is ___ NCC cadet.
(a/an/the)
Answer: My brother is an NCC cadet.
 

23. He does not trust ___ friends he has.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: He does not trust the few friends he has.
 

24. A busy person has ___ time to waste.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: A busy person has little time to waste.
 

25. He gave me ___ one rupee note.
(a/an/the)
Answer: He gave me a one rupee note.
 

26. Can you lend me ___ books?
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Can you lend me a few books?
 

27. He is ___ older than his wife.
(much/more/many)
Answer: He is much older than his wife.
 

28. He will stay here for ___ while.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: He will stay here for a little while.
 

29. ___ of the boys has done his work.
(each/some/every)
Answer: Each of the boys has done his work.
 

30. Is there ___ sugar in the pot?
(little/few/any/much)
Answer: Is there any sugar in the pot?
 

31. I cannot give you ___ money.
(any/some/many)
Answer: I cannot give you any money.
 

32. Our Principal is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Our Principal is a man of few words.
 

33. She does not get ___ time for studies.
(many/much/some)
Answer: She does not get much time for studies.
 

34. My brother is ___ NCC cadet.
(a/an/the)
Answer: My brother is an NCC cadet.
 

35. This story is ___ interesting.
(very/much/some)
Answer: This story is very interesting.
 

36. He has to feed his family with ___ money he earns.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: He has to feed his family with the little money he earns.
 

37. Socrates studied only ___ about the stars.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: Socrates studied only a little about the stars.
 

38. He has to manage with ___ money he earns.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: He has to manage with the little money he earns.
 

39. This is ___ European lady I was talking about.
(a/an/the)
Answer: This is the European lady I was talking about.
 

40. We found the house without ___ difficulty.
(much/more/many)
Answer: We found the house without much difficulty.
 

41. Rajanikanta is called ___ Scott of Assam.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Rajanikanta is called the Scott of Assam.
 

42. This is ___ room I work in.
(a/an/the)
Answer: This is the room I work in.
 

43. ___ of the apples were rotten.
(many/more/much)
Answer: Many of the apples were rotten.
 

44. Only ___ of the applicants were suitable.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Only a few of the applicants were suitable.
 

45. I expect only ___ encouragement from your site.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: I expect only a little encouragement from your site.
 

46. The workers decided to form ___ union.
(a/an/the)
Answer: The workers decided to form a union.
 

47. Did you buy ___ bread today?
(some/any)
Answer: Did you buy any bread today?
 

48. Only ___ among the invitees turned up.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Only a few among the invitees turned up.
 

49. Do you have ___ books on Astrology?
(some/any)
Answer: Do you have any books on Astrology?
 

50. You will have to manage ___ money you have.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: You will have to manage with the little money you have.
 

51. ___ undergraduate cannot apply for the post.
(a/an/the)
Answer: An undergraduate cannot apply for the post.
 

52. The society gives ___ respect to a thinker.
(many/more/much)
Answer: The society gives much respect to a thinker.
 

53. This is not ___ usual happening.
(a/an/the)
Answer: This is not the usual happening.
 

54. The girl has ___ good qualities.
(much/more/many)
Answer: The girl has many good qualities.
 

55. Can you help me with ___ money?
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: Can you help me with a little money?
 

56. Our Principal is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Our Principal is a man of few words.
 

57. Did you buy ___ oranges?
(some/any/many)
Answer: Did you buy any oranges?
 

58

. Our teacher gave us ___ useful advice.
(many/much/more)
Answer: Our teacher gave us much useful advice.
 

59. Kalidas is ___ Shakespeare of India.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Kalidas is the Shakespeare of India.
 

60. He has ___ friends who stand by him.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: He has few friends who stand by him.
 

61. Did you have ___ difficulty in finding the house?
(much/any/many)
Answer: Did you have any difficulty in finding the house?
 

62. His brother is ___ university student.
(a/an/the)
Answer: His brother is a university student.
 

63. I appreciate even ___ help they gave me.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: I appreciate even the little help they gave me.
 

64. An umbrella is ___ useful thing.
(a/an/the)
Answer: An umbrella is a useful thing.
 

65. Have you ___ book to read?
(any/some)
Answer: Have you any book to read?
 

66. Many guests were invited, but only ___ turned up.
(the few/a few/few)
Answer: Many guests were invited, but only a few turned up.
 

67. This is ___ European lady I was talking about.
(a/an/the)
Answer: This is the European lady I was talking about.
 

68. I cannot give you ___ money.
(any/some/many)
Answer: I cannot give you any money.
 

69. We found the house without ___ difficulty.
(much/many/more)
Answer: We found the house without much difficulty.
 

70. Sri Lanka is ___ Island.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Sri Lanka is an island.
 

71. ___ of the boys was rewarded.
(each/every/any)
Answer: Each of the boys was rewarded.
 

72. He gave away ___ money he had to the beggar.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: He gave away the little money he had to the beggar.
 

73. Reading is ___ hobby.
(a/an/the)
Answer: Reading is a hobby.
 

74. Only ___ of the candidates were suitable.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Only a few of the candidates were suitable.
 

75. They won the match without ___ difficulty.
(any/much/many)
Answer: They won the match without much difficulty.
 

76. ___ of the competitors will get a certificate.
(each/every/any)
Answer: Each of the competitors will get a certificate.
 

77. I don’t expect ___ help from them.
(some/any/many)
Answer: I don’t expect any help from them.
 

78. My brother is ___ NCC cadet.
(a/an/the)
Answer: My brother is an NCC cadet.
 

79. First, read ___ books you have with you.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: First, read the few books you have with you.
 

80. ___ of the oranges were rotten.
(many/much/more)
Answer: Many of the oranges were rotten.
 

81. Socrates gave ___ useful advice to his pupils.
(much/more/many)
Answer: Socrates gave much useful advice to his pupils.
 

82. Hurry up! We have only ___ time left.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: Hurry up! We have only a little time left.
 

83. The workers decided to form ___ union.
(a/an/the)
Answer: The workers decided to form a union.
 

84. The painter is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: The painter is a man of few words.
 

85. ___ honorary secretary gets no salary for holding the post.
(an/an/the)
Answer: An honorary secretary gets no salary for holding the post.
 

86. ___ of the candidates must produce his/her identity card.
(any/each/every)
Answer: Each of the candidates must produce his/her identity card.
 

87. India won the match with ___ bit of luck.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: India won the match with a little bit of luck.
 

88. ___ men are free from faults.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Few men are free from faults.
 

89. ___ hour has passed since he left us.
(a/an/the)
Answer: An hour has passed since he left us.
 

90. ___ of the students will be given a copy of the magazine.
(every/each/any)
Answer: Each of the students will be given a copy of the magazine.
 

91. Please give me ___ money you have.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: Please give me the little money you have.
 

92. He will come back within ___ hour.
(a/an/the)
Answer: He will come back within an hour.
 

93. ___ men are free from faults.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: Few men are free from faults.
 

94. Leap year falls in ___ four years.
(any/every/each)
Answer: Leap year falls in every four years.
 

95. ___ learning is a dangerous thing.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: A little learning is a dangerous thing.
 

96. I gave ___ one rupee note to the beggar.
(a/an/the)
Answer: I gave a one rupee note to the beggar.
 

97. My father is ___ older than my mother.
(many/much/more)
Answer: My father is much older than my mother.
 

98. I buy ___ books every month.
(few/a few/the few)
Answer: I buy a few books every month.
 

99. I need ___ money I have.
(little/a little/the little)
Answer: I need the little money I have.
 

100. Please give me ___ time to finish the work.
(little/a little/the little)
 Answer: Please give me a little time to finish the work.
 

101. Then I will take you to ___ University.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Then I will take you to a University.
 

102. Ramen comes home twice ___ month.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Ramen comes home twice a month.
 

103. Mr. Bell rang ___ bell of alarm and I woke up.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Mr. Bell rang the bell of alarm and I woke up.
 

104. A busy person has ___ time to waste.
(little/a little/the little)
 Answer: A busy person has little time to waste.
 

105. Only ___ of the applicants were found suitable.
(few/a few/the few)
 Answer: Only a few of the applicants were found suitable.
 

106. My brother is ___ NCC cadet.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: My brother is an NCC cadet.
 

107. We found the house without ___ difficulty.
(much/more/many)
 Answer: We found the house without much difficulty.
 

108. He has to feed his family with ___ money he earns.
(little/a little/the little)
 Answer: He has to feed his family with the little money he earns.
 

109. Our Principal is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
 Answer: Our Principal is a man of few words.
 

110. ___ rich are not always unkind.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: The rich are not always unkind.
 

111. The Principal gave the students ___ sound advice.
(many/more/much)
 Answer: The Principal gave the students much sound advice.
 

112. Every school has ___ union of the students.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Every school has a union of the students.
 

113. Is there ___ coffee left in the pot?
(any/some/much)
 Answer: Is there any coffee left in the pot?
 

114. My brother had gone ___ hour ago.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: My brother had gone an hour

 ago.
 

115. A busy person has ___ time to waste.
(little/a little/the little)
 Answer: A busy person has little time to waste.
 

116. The classes started after ___ bell had rung.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: The classes started after the bell had rung.
 

117. ___ of their property was lost in the flood.
(many/much/more)
 Answer: Much of their property was lost in the flood.
 

118. They won the match without ___ difficulty.
(any/much/many)
 Answer: They won the match without much difficulty.
 

119. Reading is ___ useful hobby.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Reading is a useful hobby.
 

120. I gave him ___ books I had.
(few/a few/the few)
 Answer: I gave him the few books I had.
 

121. Kalidas is ___ Shakespeare of India.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Kalidas is the Shakespeare of India.
 

122. Mr. Barua is a man of ___ words.
(few/a few/the few)
 Answer: Mr. Barua is a man of few words.
 

123. Ms. Manisha married ___ European gentleman.
(a/an/the)
 Answer: Ms. Manisha married a European gentleman.
 

124. I want only ___ encouragement from you.
(little/a little/the little)
 Answer: I want only a little encouragement from you.
 

125. ___ of the participants will be given a certificate.
(each/every/any)
 Answer: Each of the participants will be given a certificate.
 

126. My friend is ___ M.A. in English.
(a/an/the/that)
 Answer: My friend is an M.A. in English.
 

127. ___ book you have mentioned is out-of-print.
(a/the/many/some)
 Answer: The book you have mentioned is out-of-print.
 

128. Kindness is ___ great virtue.
(the/much/that/a)
 Answer: Kindness is a great virtue.
 

129. ___ Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world.
(the/this/that/a)
 Answer: The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world.

NCERT Class 9 English Textbook Beehive: The Road not taken summary

 The Road not taken summary

The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost explores the theme of choices and their impact on our lives. It is often interpreted as a reflection on the decisions we make and how they shape our personal journeys. Here's a detailed analysis of the poem:

 Lines 1-5:
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,  
And sorry I could not travel both  
And be one traveler, long I stood  
And looked down one as far as I could  
To where it bent in the undergrowth;"

- Two roads diverged in a yellow wood: The speaker comes across a fork in the road in a forest with yellow leaves, indicating autumn.
- And sorry I could not travel both / And be one traveler: The speaker expresses regret that they cannot travel both paths simultaneously.
- Long I stood / And looked down one as far as I could / To where it bent in the undergrowth: The speaker spends a significant amount of time contemplating one of the paths, trying to see as far ahead as possible before it disappears into the underbrush.

 Lines 6-10:
"Then took the other, just as fair,  
And having perhaps the better claim,  
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;  
Though as for that the passing there  
Had worn them really about the same."

- Then took the other, just as fair: The speaker chooses the other path, suggesting it is equally appealing.
- And having perhaps the better claim, / Because it was grassy and wanted wear: The speaker reasons that this path might be better because it appears less traveled and more overgrown.
- Though as for that the passing there / Had worn them really about the same: The speaker admits that, upon closer inspection, both paths have been worn equally by previous travelers.

 Lines 11-15:
"And both that morning equally lay  
In leaves no step had trodden black.  
Oh, I kept the first for another day!  
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,  
I doubted if I should ever come back."

- And both that morning equally lay / In leaves no step had trodden black: Both paths are covered with fresh leaves, indicating that neither has been recently traveled.
- Oh, I kept the first for another day!: The speaker decides to save the first path for another time.
- Yet knowing how way leads on to way, / I doubted if I should ever come back: The speaker acknowledges that once a choice is made, it often leads to other choices and paths, making it unlikely to return and try the other path.

 Lines 16-20:
"I shall be telling this with a sigh  
Somewhere ages and ages hence:  
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —  
I took the one less traveled by,  
And that has made all the difference."

- I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence: The speaker imagines that in the future, they will reflect on this decision with a sigh, suggesting a sense of nostalgia or contemplation.
- Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — / I took the one less traveled by: The speaker recounts choosing the less traveled path.
- And that has made all the difference: The choice is seen as significant and impactful, shaping the speaker's life in meaningful ways.

 Interpretation:
The poem emphasizes the significance of choices and the inherent uncertainty and consequences that come with them. The roads symbolize different paths in life, and the speaker's choice represents a critical decision. The poem suggests that while one may reflect on the choices made, it is impossible to know how different choices might have altered one's life. The final lines highlight the importance of individuality and the unique journey each person undertakes based on their decisions.

NCERT Class IX English (Beehive) The Lake Isle of Innisfree Summary

Summary of "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by William Butler Yeats:

First Stanza:

"I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade."

In this stanza, the poet expresses his intention to leave his current life and go to Innisfree, a place that represents peace and solitude for him. He plans to build a simple cabin from natural materials and live a self-sufficient life by planting bean rows and keeping a hive for bees. The idea of living alone, surrounded by nature's sounds, particularly the buzzing of bees, appeals to his desire for tranquility.

Second Stanza:

"And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evenings full of the linnet’s wings."

In the second stanza, the poet elaborates on the peaceful atmosphere he expects to find on Innisfree. He describes how peace will gradually envelop him, like the morning mist, accompanied by the gentle sounds of nature, such as crickets chirping. The imagery of glimmering midnight, the purple glow of noon, and evenings filled with the fluttering of linnet's wings further enhances the serene and almost magical quality of the island, which stands in stark contrast to his current surroundings.

Third Stanza:

"I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core."

In the final stanza, the poet reiterates his resolve to go to Innisfree. He reveals that the thought of the island is always with him, both day and night, and that he can hear the soothing sound of the lake water lapping against the shore, even when he is standing in the noisy, grey streets of the city. This persistent longing in his "deep heart's core" symbolizes his deep emotional connection to Innisfree and the peace it represents.

 

"The Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a lyric poem that captures the poet's deep yearning for the peace and serenity of Innisfree, a place where he spent much of his youth. The poem reflects his desire to escape from the noise and stress of city life to the tranquility of nature.

The poet imagines himself building a small, simple cabin on the island, made of natural materials like clay and wattles. He envisions living a self-sufficient life, growing beans, keeping bees, and enjoying the solitude of the "bee-loud glade." The peacefulness of the island is beautifully described through images of the morning's soft light, the glimmering midnight, and the quiet sounds of the linnet's wings in the evening.

Despite being physically in the city, the poet feels an irresistible pull toward Innisfree. The sound of the lake water lapping against the shore is a constant presence in his mind, symbolizing his deep, inner longing for the island's peace. The poem expresses a profound connection to nature and the desire to return to a simpler, more harmonious way of living.

 

SEBA Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 0: Revision 1