NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 4: Vitamin-M & I Cannot Remember My Mother PDF (2026-27)

Find easy and accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English (Kaveri) Chapter 4: Vitamin-M & I Cannot Remember My Mother for the 2026–27 session. This chapter covers Vitamin-M and I Cannot Remember My Mother (Rabindranath Tagore). 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.

NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 4 Textbook Solutions

Vitamin-M — Before You Read

Q1. From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser.
– Why should we care for the elderly?
– What are the problems faced by the elderly?
– What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced?
– How can we take care of the elderly?
Answer:
– Why should we care for the elderly? We should care for the elderly because they have devoted their lives to nurturing us, possess valuable life wisdom, and deserve dignity, love, emotional security, and physical support in their old age.
– What are the problems faced by the elderly? They often face health issues, failing memory, reduced physical strength, loneliness, social isolation, and a feeling of losing their independence.
– What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced? Natural biological aging, living in busy nuclear families, lack of physical assistance, rapid urban changes, and age-related health conditions.
– How can we take care of the elderly? We can spend quality time with them, listen to their experiences attentively, ensure timely medical care, respect their autonomy, and assist them patiently with daily tasks.

Q2. Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary.
Answer:
1. frail:
– Write the meaning of this word: physically weak, delicate, or fragile due to old age or illness.
2. shuddered:
– Write the meaning of this word: shook or trembled violently with fear, dread, or cold.
3. poky:
– Write the meaning of this word: small, cramped, and uncomfortable (referring to a room or building).
4. forbid:
– Write the meaning of this word: to order someone not to do something; prohibit.
5. pottering:
– Write the meaning of this word: occupying oneself in a leisurely, relaxed, or aimless manner with small tasks.
6. winced:
– Write the meaning of this word: made a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement out of pain, distress, or embarrassment.

Q3. Think 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.
Answer: My grandmother passed down a traditional family recipe for festive payasam along with stories from her village childhood. This recipe means a lot to me because preparing it during family festivals brings back warm memories of my growing-up years, filling our home with love, nostalgia, and a strong sense of cultural continuity.

Vitamin-M — Check Your Understanding (Part I)

Q1. Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Answer: Grandpa disliked living in the city because he hated its noise, crowd, and busy bustle. He missed his quiet small brick house in town with its big mango tree, and felt restricted living in a poky city flat where his independence was constrained.

Q2. Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Answer: Vidya did not want her father to go out alone because he had a failing memory, poor eyesight, and hearing difficulties. Just a month prior, he had slipped and fallen in his garden, lying outside all night, and had also gotten lost during a walk in the city.

Q3. Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so?
Answer: No, Ravi was not in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child. This is evident when he winced at his mother’s over-loud, patronizing tone toward Grandpa, feeling that treating an educated former lawyer like a baby was disrespectful.

Q4. Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Answer: Ravi was unable to strictly keep his promise of keeping Grandpa indoors because Grandpa slipped out on his own to buy the newspaper; however, Ravi fulfilled his underlying responsibility by secretly trailing Grandpa to ensure his safety.

Vitamin-M — Check Your Understanding (Part II)

Q1. Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa’s day out.
Answer:
1. Grandpa goes out to get Tamil newspaper.
2. Grandpa first stops at 1. the children’s park, buys 2. a paper-cone of peanuts, and watches children play.
3. Ravi hides behind a bush to observe.
4. Grandpa next goes to 3. a tea stall.
5. Grandpa drinks 5. a sugary cup of tea and eats two bananas and an ice cream.
6. Ravi gets scolded by 4. ribbon vendors and ducks behind a silver car.
7. Grandpa then crosses the road and enters a 6. barber shop.
8. Next Grandpa walks quickly to a 7. bus stop and boards a bus.
9. Ravi enters the bus only to discover that he had been fooled.

Vitamin-M — Check Your Understanding (Part III)

Q1. Describe how Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.
Answer: Upon finding Grandpa resting safely at home, Ravi experienced an overwhelming surge of relief and joy. This emotional reaction reveals that despite his annoyance at being tricked, he deeply loved, respected, and cared for his grandfather’s safety.

Q2. What might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
Answer: Grandpa’s habit of gifting others on his own birthday signifies his inherent generosity, selflessness, and paternal affection. It demonstrates that he finds happiness in giving and treats his adult children and grandson as his beloved “babies.”

Q3. Why 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?
Answer: Grandpa gave Ravi The Best Detective Stories with a mischievous remark on “how to avoid getting fooled when trailing a suspect.” This suggests that Grandpa was fully aware that Ravi was tailing him all morning and deliberately led him on a wild goose chase.

Vitamin-M — Critical Reflection

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

1. Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke longingly of his small brick house in town. “Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!” But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up.

(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
A. regretful
B. apologetic
C. nostalgic
D. wistful
Answer: Option D. wistful
Reason: Option D is correct because ‘wistful’ reflects his gentle, longing desire for his peaceful past life in his town house.

(ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason.
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because it lacked the peace, quiet, spaciousness, and natural beauty of his small town home.

(iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Answer: Grandpa moved to the city because his daughter brought him there for safety and care after he slipped, fell, and lay helpless overnight in his town garden.

(iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, ‘you can even hear a leaf fall’.
A. end of one’s life
B. arrival of autumn
C. sign of good luck
D. pin drop silence
Answer: Option D. pin drop silence
Reason: Option D is correct because the phrase describes an environment that is completely silent and quiet.

(v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Answer:
– Advantage: He enjoyed complete freedom, tranquility, and a peaceful environment with his mango tree garden.
– Disadvantage: He had no family support during emergencies, such as when he fell and lay outside all night.

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.

(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather’s response.
A. apologetic
B. hurtful
C. calm
D. puzzled
Answer: Option C. calm
Reason: Option C is correct because Grandpa answered “coolly,” maintaining composure while teasing Ravi playfully.

(ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Answer: Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa coolly turned the tables on him, claiming Ravi had disappeared when Ravi had actually been exhausting himself secretly trailing Grandpa all morning.

(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Ravi’s mother was impatient because she mistakenly believed Grandpa had forgotten Ravi’s birthday due to failing memory.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Grandfather forgot that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago.
Answer: False.
Correction: Grandfather remembered perfectly well and maintained his lifelong custom of giving gifts to everyone in the family on his own birthday.

(v) Why did Grandpa say he didn’t know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Answer: Grandpa said this playfully because he knew Ravi had endured a chaotic morning hiding behind bushes, running after buses, and getting scolded by street vendors while tailing him.

Q2. Answer the following questions.

1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.
Answer:
– He clearly remembered intricate chess moves played decades ago by grandmasters like Karpov, Bobby Fischer, and Spassky.
– He accurately remembered his own birthday tradition of buying personalized gifts for every family member.

2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.
(i) Grandfather
(ii) Ravi
(iii) Ravi’s mother
Answer:
– (i) Grandfather: Independent/strong-willed and witty/generous.
– (ii) Ravi: Caring/responsible and observant/curious.
– (iii) Ravi’s mother: Protective/anxious and overbearing/impatient.

3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Answer: Ravi was worried because Grandfather consumed sugary tea, bananas, and ice cream — all of which were strictly forbidden by his doctor and daughter — making Ravi fear for his physical health.

4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: No, it was very difficult. Grandpa moved briskly, forcing Ravi to crouch behind elephant-shaped bushes, endure scolding from loud vendors, duck behind cars, dodge traffic, and sprint frantically to catch a moving bus.

5. ‘Ravi is a good detective’. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.
Answer:
– Argument in favour: He successfully maintained pursuit through crowds, park bushes, traffic, and public transport without giving up.
– Argument against: He failed to notice that his suspect had exchanged caps with a stranger at the barber shop, causing him to follow the wrong person onto the bus.

6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Answer: Yes, Grandfather was fully aware. He gifted Ravi The Best Detective Stories and explicitly advised him on “how to avoid getting fooled when trailing a suspect.”

7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?
Answer: Ravi’s mother needs “Vitamin-M” (Memory Vitamin) because she forgot her own father’s birthday and failed to remember his lifelong tradition of giving gifts to the family on that day.

8. Some 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.
Answer: I observed age bias when an elderly relative’s practical suggestion regarding house renovation was dismissed by younger adults as outdated without discussion, simply assuming that advanced age implies an inability to understand modern designs.

Vitamin-M — Vocabulary and Structures in Context

Q1. Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2.
Words: pottering, boomed, twirling, crouch, bustle, crawl, creeping, thudded, ducked, shrieks, zigzagging, whirr, evicted, briskly, sprinting, grunted, jumping, darted, trailing, snoring
Answer:
– Column 1 (Movement words): pottering, twirling, crouch, bustle, crawl, creeping, ducked, zigzagging, briskly, sprinting, jumping, darted, trailing
– Column 2 (Sound words): boomed, thudded, shrieks, whirr, grunted, snoring

Fill in the blanks in the story of Detective Shankar:
Detective Shankar, 1. trailing the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. bustle of the city, quickened his pace 3. briskly. The suspect’s heavy footsteps 4. thudded across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar, 5. twirling his magnifying glass, had to 6. crouch behind the market stalls, 7. zigzagging through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. grunted when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. sprinted into the night leaving only the distant 10. whirr of the sleeping city behind.

Q2. Study the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words.
Sentence: Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.
Answer:
1. QU A ND AR Y
2. PR E D I C A M E NT

Q3. Fill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary.
Answer:
1. craftily:
– Meaning: in a clever, sly, or cunning manner
– Part of Speech: Adverb
– Synonym: cunningly / slyly
– Antonym: honestly / naively
2. dilemma:
– Meaning: a situation requiring a difficult choice between alternatives
– Part of Speech: Noun
– Synonym: quandary / predicament
– Antonym: certainty / solution
3. furious:
– Meaning: extremely angry or enraged
– Part of Speech: Adjective
– Synonym: enraged / infuriated
– Antonym: calm / pleased
4. boomed:
– Meaning: uttered or produced a loud, deep, resonant sound
– Part of Speech: Verb
– Synonym: thundered / roared
– Antonym: whispered / mummured
5. humiliation:
– Meaning: the state of feeling embarrassed or disgraced
– Part of Speech: Noun
– Synonym: embarrassment / disgrace
– Antonym: honour / pride
6. attire:
– Meaning: clothes or apparel, especially formal ones
– Part of Speech: Noun
– Synonym: outfit / garments
– Antonym: bareness / nudity

Q4. Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. One meaning is extra.
Answer:
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
(Extra meaning: (ii) to be confused)

Q5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
Answer:
I walked (i) through the village, crossed a bridge (ii) over a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) near a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) in the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) along a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) towards the unknown.

Q6. Read the dialogues and choose the correct answer.
Answer:
A. The words in the quotes are (i) interrogative sentences.
B. Sentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) Yes, No type interrogative sentences.
C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) Wh- type interrogative sentences.
So, there are (iv) two types of interrogative sentences.

Q7. Complete the following sentences in reported speech based on the conversation between Arvind and Priya.
Answer:
Arvind asked Priya if she 1. helped in taking care of her grandparents at home, for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. took turns making sure they were alright. Priya further asked Arvind 3. if he had grandparents living with him. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend. He further enquired 5. how she managed her grandparents’ medical needs. Priya responded by saying that they 6. had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.

Vitamin-M — Listen and Respond

Q1. You will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen, complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear.
Answer:
1. Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with stress management.
2. Meditation leads to a better health condition both physically and mentally.
3. Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving emotional well-being.
4. It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a daily habit.
5. Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling daily challenges.

Vitamin-M — Speaking Activity

Q1. Revisit the story and select different questions. Work in pairs and practise speaking them aloud according to the intonation rules.
Answer:
– “What did you both do today?” (Falling intonation – Wh-question)
– “Are you playing hide and seek?” (Rising intonation – Yes/No question)
– “You’re not going out alone, are you?” (Falling intonation – Unsure question tag)

Q2. Make a presentation about a brief personal experience highlighting care for the elderly.
Answer:
Model Presentation:
“Good morning everyone. Today I would like to share a brief personal experience about caring for my aging grandfather. When he was recovering from knee surgery, I assisted him daily with his walking exercises and read the morning newspaper to him. Through this experience, I learned that elderly people require patience, gentle encouragement, and emotional presence far more than physical assistance alone”.

Vitamin-M — Writing Task

Q1. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Our Inspiring Elderly’.
Answer:

# Our Inspiring Elderly
By Ravi Kumar, Grade 9-A

Elderly members in our families and society are a treasure trove of wisdom, resilience, and life experiences. While modern society often focuses on youth and speed, our elders remind us of the enduring power of patience, morality, and perseverance.

In every household, grandparents act as quiet pillars of support. They have navigated numerous economic, social, and personal trials throughout their lives, emerging with insights that no textbook can teach. From sharing traditional stories to guiding us through personal dilemmas, their presence offers emotional stability in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Many elderly individuals continue to inspire us by overcoming age-related health challenges with remarkable grace. My own grandfather, a retired legal professional, maintains an active, independent spirit despite physical frailties. His dedication to lifelong learning and quiet generosity teaches me to approach life’s hurdles with optimism rather than complaint.

In conclusion, caring for our elderly is not merely a social obligation but a privilege. By listening to their memories, respecting their choices, and involving them actively in our daily lives, we honor the foundation upon which our society stands. Let us ensure that our elders feel valued, cherished, and empowered every single day.

Vitamin-M — Learning Beyond the Text

Q1. Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa’s walking stick.
Answer: Image 1 (or the stick featuring a classic smooth curved/hooked dark handle as described in the story context).

Q2. Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show.
Answer:
– Photograph 1: Clicked during Diwal 2024 at our ancestral house in Mysore. Features my grandparents, parents, sister, and me. Memorable because four generations celebrated together.

Q3. Read the excerpt from ‘The Lost Child’ by Mulk Raj Anand and discuss with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: The excerpt illustrates how a child’s sense of security is deeply rooted in his parents’ presence, showing that emotional attachment to family surpasses all material desires.

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Before You Read

Q1. Discuss how children’s relationship with their mother can influence their emotions and memories.
Answer: A child’s relationship with their mother forms their foundational emotional security, shaping their capacity for empathy, self-expression, and lasting memories of love, warmth, and comfort.

Q2. Match the words given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
Answer:
1. hover — (v) linger or remain near a place
2. hum — (i) sing a tune with your lips closed
3. cradle — (vi) a small bed for a baby
4. shiuli — (ii) a type of flower (coral jasmine)
5. morning service — (iv) rituals conducted in a temple
6. gaze — (iii) look steadily for a long time

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Check Your Understanding

Q1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
Answer:
– Stanza 1:
1. The poet remembers his mother while he plays with his playthings.
2. The poet remembers the tune but not the mother’s face.
3. Setting: indoor
– Stanza 2:
1. The poet remembers his mother in the autumn season.
2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of shiuli flowers.
3. Setting: outdoor / indoor transition
– Stanza 3:
1. The poet feels that his mother gazes at him from the distant blue sky.
2. Setting: indoor (looking out through the bedroom window)

Q2. The 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.
Answer:
– Stanza 1:
– Lines from the Poem: “…the tune of some song that she used to hum while rocking my cradle”
– Senses: Auditory (hearing)
– Stanza 2:
– Lines from the Poem: “…the scent of the shiuli flowers floats in the air, / the smell of the morning service in the temple comes to me as the smell of my mother.”
– Senses: Olfactory (smell)
– Stanza 3:
– Lines from the Poem: “I feel that the stillness of my mother’s gaze on my face has spread all over the sky.”
– Senses: Visual (sight)

Q3. Read the poem silently once again and complete the following.
Answer:
1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) “playthings” / “play” and (ii) “stillness… sky”.
2. An example of onomatopoeia is “hum”.
3. The poem uses imagery by appealing to our senses of hearing (the humming tune), smell (the sweet scent of shiuli flowers and incense), and sight (the distant blue sky) to make us feel the gentle, loving presence of his mother.
4. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because its gentle rhythm, touching memories, and honest feelings make it read like a peaceful song.
5. The tone of the poet is tender, loving, and thoughtful because he remembers his mother with deep affection through her soothing song and fragrance.
6. The title ‘I Cannot Remember My Mother’ creates a touching, emotional, yet deeply loving mood, showing that even though he cannot picture his mother’s face, he still feels her love all around him.
7. The poet uses ‘I cannot remember my mother’ as a refrain because it emphasizes that while he forgot her physical face, her loving presence is alive in his heart.
8. The symbols used in the poem include:
– The humming tune: Symbolizes maternal comfort, lullabies, and early childhood security.
– The shiuli flowers / temple service: Symbolize purity, morning prayers, devotion, and sacred maternal warmth.
– The blue sky: Symbolizes the mother’s vast, omnipresent, protective gaze watching over the child from above.

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Critical Reflection

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

1. I cannot remember my mother / only sometimes in the midst of my play / a tune seems to hover over my playthings,

(i) Complete the sentence. The poet is reminded of his mother during his playtime while handling his playthings.

(ii) What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line ‘a tune seems to hover over my playthings’?
A. It enhances the joy of play.
B. It disrupts the playtime atmosphere.
C. It activates memories of the mother.
D. It symbolises the carefree nature of childhood.
Answer: Option C. It activates memories of the mother.
Reason: Option C is correct because the hovering tune brings an unconscious emotional recollection of his mother’s lullabies.

(iii) In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker’s playtime?
Answer: The hovering tune serves as an invisible bridge connecting the child’s present play to his mother’s comforting presence from early infancy.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime.
Answer: True.

(v) How could the poet feel his mother’s presence, even though she isn’t there?
Answer: The poet feels her presence through deep sensory associations — a lingering cradle song, the scent of autumn shiuli flowers, and the peaceful expanse of the blue sky.

2. I feel that the stillness of my mother’s gaze on my face has spread all over the sky.

(i) What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother’s gaze spreading over the sky?
Answer: The poet suggests that his mother’s loving, protective gaze has become universal and omnipresent, watching over him peacefully from the vast sky above.

(iv) What is the purpose of likening the mother’s gaze to the sky?
Answer: The purpose is to show that although his mother is no longer physically alive, her silent affection is infinite, boundaryless, and permanently surrounding him.

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The tone of the poet in the given extract is serene and reverent because he feels enveloped by his mother’s eternal, peaceful presence across the entire sky.

Q2. Answer the following questions.

1. What is the emotional impact of the refrain, ‘I cannot remember my mother’?
Answer: The repeated line makes us feel how deeply the child misses his mother, but it also shows that her tender love and memories will stay in his heart forever.

2. Interpret the connection between the poet’s mother and the following:
(i) shiuli flowers
(ii) humming tune
Answer:
– (i) shiuli flowers: Their sweet morning fragrance evokes the sacred atmosphere of his mother’s morning temple prayers during autumn.
– (ii) humming tune: It represents her gentle cradle songs that comforted him during infancy, lingering softly in his memory.

3. What role does nature play in the poet’s description of the memory of his mother?
Answer: Nature acts as a living canvas through which the mother’s memory manifests; autumn air, floral scents, and the silent blue sky reflect her purity, tenderness, and eternal protection.

4. What can be inferred about the poet’s perception of the mother – child relationship?
Answer: It infers that the bond between a mother and child is spiritual and everlasting, transcending physical separation and death through unconditional love.

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Vocabulary in Context

Q1. Work in pairs to classify the sensory words given in the box below.
Words: rustle, sticky, glowing, hiss, rough, chilled, aroma, gigantic, stale, sizzle, minuscule, scent, gloomy, deafening, vibrant, pungent, squeaky, stinky, crimson, fluffy, fragrant, smooth, slimy, ear-splitting, hairy
Answer:
– Visual (Sight): glowing, gigantic, minuscule, gloomy, vibrant, crimson
– Auditory (Sound): rustle, hiss, sizzle, deafening, squeaky, ear-splitting
– Olfactory (Smell): aroma, stale, scent, pungent, stinky, fragrant
– Tactile (Touch): sticky, rough, chilled, fluffy, smooth, slimy, hairy

Q2. Fill in the blanks with sensory words in the box for the passage written by Sarojini Naidu.
Answer:
Come and share my exquisite March morning with me: this sumptuous blaze of gold and sapphire sky; these 1. smooth lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. perfumes of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. sweetness; the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. shrill ecstasy of life in nesting time. And, do you know that the scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart’s blood, these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. scents are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. essence, this 7. flaming blue and gold sky is the ‘very me’…

Q3. Write numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations.
Answer:
– Picture 1 (Hands gathering white flowers): 3. fragrant breeze of blooming buds
– Picture 2 (Mother rocking cradle): 4. gentle lullaby, a soft melody
– Picture 3 (Kites in the sky): 5. colourful sky, painting a lively sight
– Picture 4 (Sunset over water): 6. attractive canvas painting the horizon
– Picture 5 (Playing tabla/music): 1. beats of music echo in air
– Picture 6 (Burning incense sticks): 2. melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Listen and Respond

Q1. You will listen to four short extracts of people expressing their childhood memories. Match each statement 1 – 6 to each speaker (i) – (iv).
Answer:
– Statement 1: Speaker (iii)
– Statement 2: Speaker (i)
– Statement 3: Speaker (iv)
– Statement 4: Speaker (ii)

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Speaking Activity

Q1. Speak about an object, song, or place that is memorable for you using sensory details.
Answer:
Model Presentation:
“A memorable object for me is my grandmother’s brass temple bell. It has an intricate carved handle and a smooth, cool metallic texture. Every evening, its resonant ringing sound filled our home alongside the sweet aroma of burning sandalwood incense. This bell reminds me of peaceful family prayers and fills me with emotional serenity whenever I hear it today.”

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Writing Task

Q1. Write a diary entry describing a school trip to a scenic place that appealed to all your senses.
Answer:

Sunday, 11 October 2026
9:00 PM

Dear Diary,

Today was one of the most unforgettable days of my life as our school took us on an educational excursion to the scenic valley of Ooty. We departed early in the morning, watching the misty sunrise illuminate the rolling green hills and tea plantations.

The crisp, cool mountain air felt invigorating against my face, carrying the soothing aroma of eucalyptus trees and damp pine soil. Walking through the botanical gardens, my eyes were met with a vibrant burst of scarlet roses, yellow marigolds, and deep blue hydrangeas. The gentle rustling of leaves and the melodious chirping of mountain birds created a serene natural symphony that washed away all my exam stress.

Sitting by the calm lake in the afternoon, watching the sunlight shimmer across the ripples, filled me with deep inner peace and gratitude. This trip was not just a fun outing, but a sensory celebration of nature’s beauty that will stay etched in my memory forever.

Ravi

I Cannot Remember My Mother — Learning Beyond the Text

Q1. Gather information on unique flowers of India (Shiuli, Neelakurinji, etc.).
Answer:
– Shiuli (Parijat/Harsingar): Found across India; features small white petals with an orange stem; emits a sweet, intoxicating fragrance; blooms exclusively at night and drops to the ground at dawn; holds deep spiritual significance in mythological lore.
– Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana): Found in the Western Ghats (Nilgiri Hills); vibrant purplish-blue flowers; light floral aroma; blooms once every twelve years, transforming entire hillsides into a blue carpet.

Q2. Read and enjoy the poem ‘I Remember, I Remember’ by Thomas Hood.
Answer:
Poem Reading Reference: The poem shows a clear contrast between the innocent joy and fun of childhood and the serious difficulties of grown-up life.

More Class 9 English Kaveri Chapters & Study Resources

• ⬅️ Previous: Chapter 3: Winds of Change & Canvas of Soil
• ➡️ Next: Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities & Nine Gold Medals
• 📚 All Class 9 NCERT Books: Class 9 NCERT Books (2026–27)
• 📖 Full Library: All NCERT Books PDF (Class 1–12)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What stories and poems are included in Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 4?
Ans: Chapter 4 includes Vitamin-M and I Cannot Remember My Mother (Rabindranath Tagore), 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.