NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2: The Pot Maker & Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations PDF (2026-27)

Find easy and accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English (Kaveri) Chapter 2: The Pot Maker & Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations for the 2026–27 session. This chapter covers The Pot Maker (Temsula Ao) and Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations. All textbook questions, warm-up exercises, word meanings, grammar, speaking, and writing activities are answered in simple words so that Class 9 students can easily understand, remember, and write them in their school exams.

πŸ“– What You Will Learn in Chapter 2:

Here you will find step-by-step answers to every exercise in Chapter 2: The Pot Maker & Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations. The answers are written in clear, simple language to help you understand the stories and poems, learn new words, and score high marks in your school tests and exams.

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NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 Textbook Solutions

Before You Read

Q1. 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 potter, weaver, and basket maker (artisan). Five more vocations are carpenter, blacksmith, mason, electrician, and shoemaker.

Q2. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What is common among these pictures?
2. We refer to such skill-based work as v__ __ a __ __ o __ s.
3. Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.
Answer:
1. All the pictures depict traditional craftspersons engaged in manual, skill-based labor to create everyday utility items.
2. vocations
3. Handmade products are crafted individually with artistic care, unique variations, and traditional skills, whereas machine-made products are mass-produced rapidly in factories with uniform design, exact dimensions, and standardized quality.

The Pot Maker β€” Check Your Understanding (Part I)

Q1. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: No, pot making is not easy. It involves strenuous physical labor, such as trekking sixteen kilometers to the riverbank to collect clay, carrying heavy loads uphill to the village, pounding stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders, and precisely shaping and firing the pots.

Q2. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.
Answer: Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfill her dream because of her strong determination, passion, and persistent observation. Despite her mother’s refusal to teach her initially, she secretly visited expert potters to learn the techniques and master the craft.

Q3. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.
Answer: Initially, Arenla opposed Sentila learning pottery because she found it physically exhausting, messy, and financially unrewarding. However, after the village council intervened and Mesoba discussed the community tradition with Arenla, she agreed to guide Sentila.

The Pot Maker β€” Check Your Understanding (Part II)

Q1. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, Onula’s support helped Sentila greatly. Onula comforted Sentila when her first attempt failed, demonstrated how to shape a pot with confidence, and provided constructive advice on observing her mother when shaping the rim.

Q2. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?
Answer: This shows that Sentila is an attentive, observant, and dedicated learner who pays close attention to subtle hand movements, rhythm, and technical details to refine her craft.

The Pot Maker β€” Check Your Understanding (Part III)

Q1. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.
1. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila.
2. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell.
3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots.
4. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother.
5. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making.
6. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that she earned very little from it.
7. Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the work of two people.
8. Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was unsuccessful.
9. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her mother’s.
Answer:
1. Sentila was passionate about pottery but did not share it with her mother.
2. Sentila overheard her mother saying that pot making was a tiring job and that she earned very little from it.
3. Sentila observed how other expert potters crafted beautiful pots.
4. The village council called Mesoba to know about Arenla’s unwillingness to teach pottery to Sentila.
5. Sentila learnt the art of pot making for a year from her mother, but was unsuccessful.
6. Onula guided Sentila in the art of pot making.
7. Arenla made a new batch of pots and asked Sentila to continue the work as she was unwell.
8. Sentila was able to make pots quickly and skillfully, just one less than her mother’s.
9. Onula observed two rows of pots inside the work shed, which she felt was the work of two people.

The Pot Maker β€” Critical Reflection

Q1. 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.
Reason: Option A is correct because Arenla explicitly states that months of hard labor yield only a few rupees (a pittance).

(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Answer: Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because it earns much more money, provides clothing for the family, is not messy, can be done indoors in all weather, and requires less time compared to pottery.

(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Answer: Weaving can be done indoors in all seasons and yields a handsome financial return.

(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.
Reason: Option B is correct because ‘handsome’ here means substantial or large in amount, matching its usage in the text (“return is handsome”).

(v) ‘And the reward?’ What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Answer: The author uses a question mark to highlight the disappointment and irony in getting negligible earnings despite putting in months of exhausting physical labor.

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 flat 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: Sentila was too tense while handling the clay, causing the material to resist yielding the proper shape.

(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
Reason: Option C is correct because Onula showed empathy toward Sentila’s struggle and generously offered her time to teach her the skill.

(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.
Reason: Option A directly states the effect (“As a result”) produced by Sentila being overly tense while handling the clay.

(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 deeply discouraged, exhausted, and frustrated by her inability to shape the clay correctly.

Q2. 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. Pot makers collect grey and red clay from the riverbank, mix it with water, and pound it inside bamboo cylinders to form a malleable dough. They insert their left hand into the clay lump, rotate it swiftly, and shape the exterior using a wooden spatula with a rhythmic tapping motion before refining the rim, sun-drying, and firing the pots in a kiln.
2. The village council warned Mesoba that pottery was a sacred community tradition, and if Arenla refused to pass her ancestral skill down to her daughter, it would amount to disrespecting community heritage.
3. Sentila felt disheartened, embarrassed, and frustrated because despite receiving formal instruction from her mother for a year, she failed to shape the mouth of the pots properly.
4. Onula stood in amazement because she saw two neat, identical rows of finished pots in the shed, realizing that Sentila had intuitively absorbed her mother’s precise technique and creative rhythm.
5. This statement symbolizes that cultural art forms, traditional crafts, and ancestral knowledge are collective heritage meant to be preserved and passed on to future generations rather than kept as private property.
6. The concluding line marks the artistic emergence of Sentila as a master potter who inherited her family’s talent, ensuring the continuity of her village’s traditional craft.
7. Perseverance is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving personal goals. Sentila faced discouragement from her mother, physical exhaustion, and repeated failures, but her persistent practice and passion ultimately allowed her to master pot making.

The Pot Maker β€” Vocabulary and Structures in Context

Q1. Classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.
dao, dough, pounding, bamboo, clay, kiln, spatula, basket, cylinders, rotating bed of hay, shaping
Answer:
– Tools/Implements: dao, bamboo, kiln, spatula, basket, cylinders
– Raw Materials: dough, clay, rotating bed of hay
– Process: pounding, shaping

Q2. 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.
bankrupt, credit, currency, debt, fiscal, inflation, investment, interest
Answer:
– Bankrupt: Legally declared unable to pay outstanding debts.
Sentence: The business went bankrupt after failing to adapt to market competition.
– Credit: An arrangement to receive goods or services before payment, based on trust.
Sentence: The farmer bought seeds on credit from the local supplier.
– Currency: A system of money in common use in a country.
Sentence: The Indian Rupee is the official currency of India.
– Debt: Money that is owed or due to be paid back.
Sentence: She worked hard to pay off her bank debt ahead of schedule.
– Fiscal: Relating to government revenue, taxes, and financial management.
Sentence: The government introduced new fiscal policies to support small-scale industries.
– Inflation: A general increase in prices resulting in a fall in purchasing value.
Sentence: High inflation increased the prices of essential food items.
– Investment: Money allocated with the expectation of generating future profit.
Sentence: Purchasing modern agricultural tools proved to be a sound investment.
– Interest: Money paid regularly at a specified rate for the use of borrowed money.
Sentence: The bank offered loans to local artisans at a low rate of interest.

Q3. 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 pottery was a traditional craft of the community that had to be preserved.
(ii) Mesoba explained why Arenla was reluctant to teach Sentila the art of pot making.
(iii) Onula’s promise was that she would guide Sentila to make a perfect pot.
(iv) Sentila observed her mother carefully when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which enabled her to master the intricate technique.
(v) The kiln, where the pots were fired on a bed of hay, required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.

Q4. 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

Q5. 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 heart was set on pot making, practised the craft diligently.
(ii) The village council, where the village elders assembled, sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
(iii) The potter’s hands, which moved with rhythmic dexterity, shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
(iv) Arenla, her mother, wanted her to learn weaving, which provided a more reliable income.
(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who eventually agreed to teach their daughter.

Q6. Determiners Activity
(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.
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.
Answer:
(i) Determiners from text: the, her, a, this, two, some, any, many, every
(ii) Blanks:
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in an elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted some unique tables, and one became the centrepiece in his furniture collection.
C. Many of the apprentices in the culinary class demonstrated their knife skills during the intense cooking session.

The Pot Maker β€” Listen and Respond

Q1. 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.
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:
Answer from class discussion; the chapter covers: stone sculpting techniques. The six correct steps are:
1. choose the stone (Step 6)
2. set up the different tools (Step 2)
3. carve to remove large unwanted portions of the stone (Step 1)
4. work to bring out the imagined shape (Step 9)
5. refine the creation within the stone (Step 5)
6. detach the creation from the stone as the final statue (Step 8)

The Pot Maker β€” Speaking Activity

Q1. Work in pairs and choose two characters from the story β€” Sentila and one other character [Arenla, Mesoba, Onula, or a village elder]. Prepare a role-play covering Sentila’s desire to learn pot making, the challenges she faces, and the advice offered.
Answer:
Model Role-Play between Sentila and Arenla:
Sentila: Mother, I want to learn pot making from you. I feel a deep passion for this craft whenever I watch you work.
Arenla: Sentila, pot making is a very demanding and messy vocation. Walking sixteen kilometers to carry clay uphill hurts my back, and the financial return is a mere pittance. I want you to learn weaving instead.
Sentila: I understand your concerns, Mother, but weaving does not inspire me. I am willing to put in hard labor and overcome physical exhaustion to learn our family art.
Arenla: If your determination is truly so firm, Sentila, I shall guide you in handling the clay and shaping the pots.

The Pot Maker β€” Writing Task

Q1. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about turning your passion into a profession.
Answer:
Model Reflective Write-up:
– Step 1 (Introduction): From a young age, I have been deeply fascinated by visual arts and graphic design.
– Step 2 (Skills and Passion): My skills include keen observation, digital sketching, and an understanding of color harmony.
– Step 3 (Potential): Combining creative passion with digital software proficiency opens opportunities in graphic design, publishing, and digital media.
– Step 4 (Examples and Reflection): Designing posters for school events helped me manage deadlines and incorporate constructive feedback.
– Step 5 (Conclusion): Aligning personal passion with professional skills fosters both career satisfaction and personal growth.

The Pot Maker β€” Learning Beyond the Text

Q1. Pottery is practised in many parts of our country. Match the pictures with the pottery it represents.
Styles: Khurja pottery (Uttar Pradesh), Blue pottery (Jaipur), Terracotta (West Bengal), Andretta pottery (Himachal Pradesh), Karigari pottery (Tamil Nadu), Longpi Black pottery (Manipur)
Answer:
1. Khurja pottery β€” Uttar Pradesh
2. Blue pottery β€” Jaipur (Rajasthan)
3. Terracotta β€” West Bengal
4. Andretta pottery β€” Himachal Pradesh
5. Karigari pottery β€” Tamil Nadu
6. Longpi Black pottery β€” Manipur

Q2. Read the riddles and identify who these people are.
1. In furrows deep, secrets I sow, As time passes, I watch them grow. Who am I?
2. From wheel to kiln, my skill is born, Step by step, an art takes form. Who am I?
3. I lay foundations, brick by brick, To build a house, it’s me you pick. Who am I?
4. I work with pots, pans, and spice, Creating dishes that taste so nice. Who am I?
Answer:
1. Farmer
2. Potter
3. Mason / Builder
4. Cook / Chef

Q3. What is the role and relevance of the people you identified in the riddles? How do they contribute to the society? Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
– Farmer: Cultivates food crops to nourish the population and ensure national food security.
– Potter: Crafts functional earthen vessels and artistic objects that sustain traditional cultural heritage.
– Mason: Constructs durable homes, educational institutions, and public infrastructure.
– Cook: Prepares wholesome meals essential for public health and daily sustenance.

Reading for Appreciation β€” Check Your Understanding

Q1. Based on your understanding of the poem, state whether the following statements are true or false. Also, rectify the false statements.
1. The poem highlights the skilled work of craftsperson.
2. The poet shares that musicians express emotions through their instruments.
3. The carpenters in the poem are admired for their logical work.
4. The electricians in the poem are recognised for their crucial role in lighting up lives.
5. The poem pays homage to shoemakers who manufacture quality footwear.
6. The poem celebrates the patriotism of the people of Bharat.
7. The poet feels that each vocation deserves to be respected.
Answer:
1. True
2. True
3. False. Corrected statement: The carpenters in the poem are admired for creating objects out of wood with mathematical precision.
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True

Reading for Appreciation β€” Let Us Appreciate the Poem

Q1. Rhyme Scheme and Lineation
(i) Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?
(ii) What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?
(iii) What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?
Answer:
(i) The poem is written in free verse without a rigid rhyme scheme.
(ii) The varying line lengths reflect the distinct rhythms, movements, and working styles of different vocations.
(iii) Most lines begin by identifying a specific worker or artisan, followed by a description of their creative labor.

Q2. Speaker
(i) Who appears to be the speaker and what is her/his role here?
Answer: The speaker is a patriotic observer celebrating the diverse workforce of ‘Bharat’, highlighting the dignity and artistic worth of every vocation.

Q3. Tone and Mood
(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable options from the box given below.
serious, celebratory, hostile, reverential, joyful, sympathetic
A. The tone is ______________ and ______________ , depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
B. There is a _____________ mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
Answer:
A. The tone is reverential and celebratory, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
B. There is a joyful mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.

Q4. Imagery
(i) Select any two descriptions from the poem that evoke visual images.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable phrases.
The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, _______________, and _______________, emphasising the sounds associated with each vocation.
Answer:
(i) 1. “woven with colours and myriad hues”
2. “work with cables and wires to brighten our lives”
(ii) The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, electricians humming, and the delicious singing of the cook, emphasising the sounds associated with each vocation.

Q5. Metaphor
(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
The mention of ‘delicious singing’ of the cook is a metaphor because it implies that the quality of the singing is so enjoyable or pleasing that it can be equated to the experience of tasting something delicious.
Answer: True

Q6. Personification
(i) Select the line that tells us that the poet personifies vocations by attributing humanlike qualities to them.
Answer: “The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.”

Q7. Repetition
(i) Why might the poet have begun and ended with the same line β€” ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!’?
Answer: The poet repeats this line to emphasize national unity in diversity and reinforce the central theme of honoring every profession across Bharat.

Q8. Alliteration
(i) Identify two examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer:
1. “varied vocations”
2. “brighten our lives”

Q9. Symbolism
(i) Each vocation in the poem symbolises something more than just a job. What does it symbolise?
Answer: Each vocation symbolizes individual identity, self-expression, personal dignity, and a valuable contribution to the nation’s collective progress.

Reading for Appreciation β€” Critical Reflection

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

The shoemakers affirming the quality of their work, for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home. The delicious singing of the cook, or the rhythm of designer, mason, each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else,

1. The poet says that the shoemakers ‘affirm’ the quality of their work. What does ‘affirm’ refer to here?
(i) to make adjustments in
(ii) to declare with confidence
(iii) to label the goods
(iv) to justify the efforts
Answer: Option (ii) to declare with confidence
Reason: Option (ii) is correct because ‘affirm’ means to declare with firm confidence the excellence and durability of their craftsmanship.

2. What do quality shoes help with, according to the poet?
Answer: Quality shoes protect and support feet that walk, dance, run, jump, and return home safely.

3. What does ‘return home’ symbolise besides the literal act of returning?
Answer: ‘Return home’ symbolizes emotional peace, rest, family comfort, and the fulfilling completion of a daily journey.

4. Identify the phrase that tells us that every worker’s contribution is distinct.
Answer: “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else”

5. Complete the following with suitable words.
…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home refers to _____________.
Answer: every hardworking individual in society carrying out daily activities.

Q2. Answer the following questions.
1. Why does the poet say, ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear’?
2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?
3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’
4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.
5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.
6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?
Answer:
1. The poet says this to celebrate the vast diversity of skilled labor and traditional crafts that contribute to the progress and identity of India.
2. The electrician ‘humming’ suggests enthusiasm, joy, and satisfaction in starting a new workday.
3. This line signifies that a person’s chosen work gives them a sense of purpose, self-respect, and unique identity in society.
4. Yes, every vocation is essential because society relies on an interconnected network of farmers, builders, cooks, electricians, and artisans to function smoothly.
5. The poet celebrates all vocations to promote the dignity of labor and eliminate social hierarchies, showing that every job β€” from shoe making to electrical work β€” is equally respectable and essential.
6. The poet uses auditory imagery (singing, humming, music of lutes), visual imagery (vibrant colors, wires), and tactile imagery (crafted wood, sturdy shoes) to present daily work as an art form.

Reading for Appreciation β€” Vocabulary in Context

Q1. People of different vocations are being described in the poem. Match the vocations given in the box below with the descriptions that follow.
ASHA worker, confectioner, sericulturist, welder, horticulturist, goldsmith
1. A person who studies or grows garden plants: ___________
2. A trained female community health worker: ___________
3. A producer of raw silk: ___________
4. A person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates: ___________
5. A metalworker who specialises in working with precious metals: ___________
6. A person who fuses materials together: ___________
Answer:
1. horticulturist
2. ASHA worker
3. sericulturist
4. confectioner
5. goldsmith
6. welder

Q2. Identify the word from Column 2 that is not the synonym of the words given in Column 1.
1. myriad β€” (i) countable, innumerable, numerous, abundant
2. hues β€” (ii) shades, tints, drawing, colour
3. precision β€” (iii) exactness, accuracy, correctness, calculation
4. varied β€” (iv) assorted, diverse, uniform, different
5. delicious β€” (v) mouth-watering, inedible, tasty, flavourful
Answer:
1. countable (Myriad means innumerable/countless.)
2. drawing (Hues refer to colors and shades.)
3. calculation (Precision refers to exactness and accuracy.)
4. uniform (Varied means diverse and assorted.)
5. inedible (Delicious means tasty and flavorful.)

Reading for Appreciation β€” Listen and Respond

Q1. You will listen to two friends, a boy and a girl discussing the occupations of their parents. As you listen, answer the following question in two to three words only.
What does the boy use to understand the details of the tools?
Answer: Diagrams and manuals (Answer from class discussion; the chapter covers: tool guides and diagrams).

Q2. You will listen to the girl and the boy once again. As you listen, answer the questions by selecting the correct option.
1. The girl is __________ about taking food for her mother at the factory.
(i) happy (ii) boastful (iii) unsure
2. The boy thinks that the job of the girl’s mother carries a lot of __________.
(i) luck (ii) risk (iii) responsibility
3. The girl __________ why the boy is good at science exhibitions.
(i) wonders (ii) questions (iii) realises
4. The girl shares her __________ about joining the weekend discussion on tools.
(i) doubts (ii) wish (iii) ideas
Answer:
1. (i) happy
Reason: Option (i) is correct because she expresses pleasure in helping her mother.
2. (iii) responsibility
Reason: Option (iii) is correct because operating factory equipment involves significant accountability.
3. (iii) realises
Reason: Option (iii) is correct because she understands the connection between his practical interest and science projects.
4. (ii) wish
Reason: Option (ii) is correct because she expresses an interest in participating in the discussion.

Reading for Appreciation β€” Speaking Activity

Q1. Create groups of five. Each student in the group will represent one vocation and speak for 1 – 2 minutes about their vocation.
Answer:
Model Speech (Electrician):
“Hello everyone, I represent the electrician’s vocation. My job involves working with wires, circuits, and electrical systems to light up homes, schools, and offices safely. Although handling high voltage carries physical risks, bringing brightness and power to people’s lives gives me immense satisfaction.”

Reading for Appreciation β€” Writing Task

Q1. Design a poster for Career Mela.
Answer:

CHART YOUR FUTURE AT CAREER MELA
ENTRY: FREE
Organised by: ABC Senior Secondary School
Purpose: Explore Diverse Vocations & Meet Industry Experts
Date: 25 October 2026Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: School Auditorium
Highlights: Live Skill Demonstrations, Interactive Workshops
Slogan: “Discover Your Passion, Shape Your Vocation!”
Issuing Authority: Career Guidance Cell

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Reading for Appreciation β€” Learning Beyond the Text

Q1. Read and enjoy the poem ‘The Lamplighter’ by R.L. Stevenson.
Answer:
Text Reading Reference: The poem describes a child watching the lamplighter, Leerie, light street lamps at dusk, expressing childhood wonder and admiration for simple vocations.

Q2. Read the story ‘Quality’ by John Galsworthy. Write its review and make a presentation highlighting the decline of traditional crafts vs. industrialisation.
Answer:
Model Book Review:
The story Quality by John Galsworthy depicts the life of Mr. Gessler, a dedicated German bootmaker in London who prioritizes quality and craftsmanship above commercial profit. Confronted by mass production and aggressive advertising from large firms, Mr. Gessler refuses to compromise on material or workmanship, ultimately facing financial ruin and tragic starvation. The story poignantly contrasts the soul of traditional hand craftsmanship with the cold efficiency of industrial mass production.

Q3. Visit the website https://www.msde.gov.in/ and collect information on any one vocation of your choice.
Answer:
Model Information:
– Chosen Vocation: Solar Panel Technician (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).
– Reason for Choice: Growing demand for clean energy and sustainable technology.
– Helpfulness to Society: Promotes renewable energy usage and reduces environmental pollution.

Q4. Create a Haiku poem and share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Hands work with grey clay, (5 syllables)
Wheel turns round in quiet grace, (7 syllables)
Pot born from the fire. (5 syllables)

More Class 9 English Kaveri Chapters & Study Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What stories and poems are included in Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2?
Ans: Chapter 2 includes The Pot Maker (Temsula Ao) and Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations, along with textbook comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, and writing activities.

Q2: Are these solutions easy for Class 9 students to learn?
Ans: Yes. All answers are written in simple, clear English using direct points and explanations from the official NCERT textbook, making them easy to learn and write in school exams.