Find easy and accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English (Kaveri) Chapter 6: Twin Melodies & A Friend Found in Music for the 2026–27 session. This chapter covers Twin Melodies and A Friend Found in Music. 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.
📖 What You Will Learn in Chapter 6:
Here you will find step-by-step answers to every exercise in Chapter 6: Twin Melodies & A Friend Found in Music. 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.
NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 Textbook Solutions
Twin Melodies — Before You Read
Q1. Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by first letter of the spellings of their names.
– S………………. S………………. S………………. S……………….
– M………………. V………………. G………………. B……………….
Answer:
– Row 1: Santoor, Sarangi, Sarod, Sitar
– Row 2: Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, Banjo
Q2. Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?
Answer: Yes, I play the acoustic guitar. If given another choice, I would choose the flute because its soft, melodious sound deeply relaxes the mind and brings a sense of inner peace.
Q3. Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, there is often a difference in music choices. Children and teenagers frequently prefer fast-paced, modern genres such as pop, rock, and fusion because of their energetic rhythms. Elders often prefer classical, devotional, or acoustic music because they value melody, traditional lyrics, and soothing compositions.
Q4. Work in pairs to complete the paragraph given on the next page by choosing the correct phrases given in the box. Discuss with your teacher whether the following phrases have a literal meaning or a figurative one.
Phrases in box: crescendo, wearing a look of distress, bite the bullet, found words, lost in his thoughts, bring it up, throw a party, winding up, sweating on, come around
The theatre club was 1. _______________________ their practice. Anil saw Sunny was 2. _______________________ and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. _______________________. Anil did not want to 4. _______________________ and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. _______________________ and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. _______________________. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. _______________________ to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. _______________________ to celebrate.
Answer:
1. winding up
2. wearing a look of distress
3. lost in his thoughts
4. bring it up
5. bite the bullet
6. come around
7. found words
8. throw a party
Meaning Classification:
– Literal phrases: winding up, wearing a look of distress, lost in his thoughts, throw a party.
– Figurative phrases: bite the bullet (to face a difficult situation courageously), bring it up (to introduce a sensitive topic), come around (to change one’s opinion or yield), found words (managed to speak despite nervousness).
Twin Melodies — Check Your Understanding (Act I)
Q1. Complete the table given below based on Act I of the play. Check your answers with the teacher.
– Setting:
– Where: Iqbal’s room
– Description of the room: a small rack, a wooden table stacked with books
– On the wall: posters of famous Indian flute players Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam
– Children and the instruments they play:
1. Iqbal: flute
2. Avinash: tabla
3. Peter: keyboard
4. Shruti: violin
– Speaker / Words of the Speaker / Reason table:
– Speaker: Avinash | Words: “Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!” | Reason: Expressing excitement and praising Shruti’s violin performance.
– Speaker: Shruti | Words: “There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa.” | Reason: Explaining her fear that her father will oppose her playing Western fusion music on the violin.
– Speaker: Peter | Words: “That’s the spirit!” | Reason: Encouraging Shruti when she decides to face her father.
Answer:
– Room description completion: a wooden table stacked with books.
– Posters on wall completion: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam.
– Instruments played: 2. Avinash: tabla, 3. Peter: keyboard, 4. Shruti: violin.
– Table entries:
– Speaker 1: Avinash (Praising Shruti’s brilliant practice session)
– Speaker 2: Shruti (Sharing her anxiety about her traditionalist father)
– Speaker 3: Peter (Applauding Shruti’s decision to speak to her father)
Q2. Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.
Answer: Yes, Shruti gathers the courage because she genuinely loves music, values her bandmates’ encouragement, and realizes that delaying the truth will only make matters worse.
Q3. What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?
Answer: Shruti’s father is likely to react with anger and disapproval. As a strict classical musician, he believes that playing Western fusion music on the violin is a desecration of the classical art form.
Twin Melodies — Check Your Understanding (Act II)
Q1. Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box given below. There are two extra words that you do not need. Check your answers with the teacher.
Box words: disapproval, plea, absent-minded, setback, surprised, scolded, courage, firm, clash, relief
Shruti seemed 1. _______________________ during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. _______________________ to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. _______________________ of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. _______________________ to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. _______________________ in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. _______________________ her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. _______________________ between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. _______________________, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.
Answer:
1. absent-minded
2. courage
3. disapproval
4. plea
5. firm
6. scolded
7. clash
8. setback
Q2. Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer: Initially, it seems he will not go because he mockingly dismisses fusion music as noise; however, persuaded by his wife Leela off-stage, he secretly attends the rehearsal to observe her group’s performance.
Q3. Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, they will understand each other because their relationship is built on mutual love, respect, and a shared devotion to music. Once her father sees that Shruti respects classical raga notes within the fusion piece, he accepts her creative choice.
Twin Melodies — Check Your Understanding (Act III)
Q1. Work in pairs. Identify the true statements. Check the answers with your teacher.
1. During the rehearsal, Shruti’s parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance.
2. Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can’t join them for the performance, after practising one last time.
3. Shruti’s father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance.
4. Shruti’s father had followed the family’s tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did.
5. Shruti’s mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter.
6. Shruti’s father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music.
Answer:
1. True — Her parents enter silently during rehearsal, become engrossed, and clap enthusiastically at her performance.
2. True — In her aside, Shruti decides to practise one last time and then inform her friends that she must drop out.
3. False — Correct statement: Her father praised her, stating she did not lose sight of the raga notes even once.
4. False — Correct statement: Her father broke family tradition by playing the violin instead of joining his family’s traditional line of vocalists.
5. True — Leela reminded Nabin of his own past struggle when he went against family wishes to pursue the violin.
6. False — Correct statement: Shruti’s father accepts that he underestimated the power and adaptability of their music in fusion forms.
Twin Melodies — Critical Reflection
Q1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Shruti: There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa. He is very strict about these things. He will think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes. Papa firmly believes that Classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play. I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do. It’s just that I want to give this a try too. I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!
Iqbal: All ways are right ways, Shruti. He is your father, he will understand.
(i) Select the option that correctly identifies Shruti’s situation.
A. confident
B. indifferent
C. content
D. in a dilemma
Answer: Option D. in a dilemma
Reason: Option D is correct because Shruti is torn between respecting her father’s traditional beliefs and pursuing her own passion for fusion music.
(ii) What does Shruti mean by ‘the right way’, in the sentence, “I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!”?
Answer: By ‘the right way’, Shruti means finding a respectful and convincing manner to explain her interest in fusion music without hurting her father’s feelings or disobeying his artistic principles.
(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason.
We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because the older generation views classical purity as the only valid art form, whereas the younger generation seeks to experiment by blending traditional classical roots with modern global styles.
(iv) Explain how Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance to Shruti.
Answer: Iqbal assures Shruti by reminding her that a father’s love and understanding transcend artistic disagreements, encouraging her to communicate openly without fear.
(v) Fill in the blank with a phrase from the extract.
The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are an artist of any worth.
Answer: “of any worth” / “provoke thoughtful discussion are of any worth”
2. Nabin: I underestimated the power of our own music. I was afraid you would be lost to us. I realise that my fears were baseless. After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!
(Shruti hugs both of her parents)
(i) Select the suitable option to complete the sentence.
Nabin’s breakthrough in his understanding of artistic freedom, highlights a bridge between ______.
A. personal ambition and professional success
B. traditional values and modern expressions
C. strict discipline and casual learning
D. historical techniques and futuristic innovations
Answer: Option B. traditional values and modern expressions
Reason: Option B is correct because Nabin realizes that traditional Indian music can harmoniously integrate with modern Western music without losing its core identity.
(ii) Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The extract uses the word ‘lost’ both in the sense of losing one’s cultural roots and physical separation.
Answer: one’s cultural roots / artistic heritage
(iii) In the line, ‘Shruti hugs her parents’, which word from those given below, does not show what it conveys?
Words: reconciliation, harmony, duty, acceptance, understanding
Answer: duty
Reason: The hug represents warmth, reconciliation, love, and emotional acceptance, not a rigid sense of formal ‘duty’.
(iv) What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music following her father’s expression of trust and support?
Answer: It can be inferred that Shruti will confidently pursue her musical journey in fusion music with her father’s guidance, balancing classical precision with modern creative freedom.
(v) Identify the phrase that refers to the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and style.
Answer: “each bay, its own wind”
Q2. Answer the following questions.
1. Justify the title ‘Twin Melodies’. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
2. What are the different perspectives of Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash regarding confronting figures of authority? How do their attitudes towards Shruti’s dilemma with her father provide insight into their own characters and values?
3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
4. How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
6. Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Answer:
1. The title ‘Twin Melodies’ represents the harmonious blending of Eastern classical music and Western tunes, as well as the reconciliation between traditional parental wisdom and youth’s modern artistic expression. The play explores tradition and modernity by showing that modern fusion does not destroy classical heritage but rather gives it a contemporary platform.
2. Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash show supportive yet distinct attitudes toward authority. Iqbal believes in open, honest communication with elders; Avinash takes a pragmatic view that a minor scolding is worth enduring; Peter offers enthusiastic moral support. Their attitudes highlight strong peer unity, empathy, and respect for family bonds.
3. Nabin Sharma is a disciplined classical musician and loving father. Initially, his purist view makes him rigid, scorning fusion music as mere noise. However, after listening to Shruti’s group and being reminded of his own youthful rebellion by his wife, he transforms into an open-minded, supportive parent who trusts his daughter’s talent.
4. Shruti’s internal conflict contrasts her deep filial respect for her father’s classical ideals against her personal desire to experiment with fusion music. Her struggle shows that personal passion need not be a rebellion against family duty if pursued with sincerity, skill, and open dialogue.
5. The play’s conclusion is effective and realistic because Nabin’s change of heart stems from witnessing actual musical quality rather than a sudden unexplained shift. It resolves the emotional tension by showing that understanding requires listening to one another’s work.
6. Cultural diversity enriches the play through its multi-ethnic group of musicians — Iqbal (flute), Avinash (tabla), Peter (keyboard), and Shruti (violin) — demonstrating how different cultural instruments and backgrounds come together to create unified, beautiful fusion music.
Twin Melodies — Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Q1. Read the highlighted word given in the brackets. `SHRUTI (Aside)` — What is ‘aside’ used for?
(i) enables characters to talk about the story
(ii) shows what a character thinks or feels
(iii) makes a direct link between the audience and the character
(iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)
Answer: Option (iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)
Reason: An ‘aside’ allows a character to speak directly to the audience, revealing inner thoughts and feelings while remaining unheard by other characters on stage.
Q2. Non-lexical fillers (“Ahem ahem, I … er…”)
1. Why are they used?
– 1. to fill gaps while speaking
– 2. to increase clarity
– 3. to provide confidence
2. Choose suitable non-lexical fillers given in the box to describe the emoticons 1 to 4: whew, err, arrgh, hmmm, ahem-ahem
Answer:
1. Option 1. to fill gaps while speaking
Reason: Non-lexical fillers are vocal sounds used to fill pauses while a speaker gathers their thoughts.
2. Emoticons:
– Emoticon 1 (Shocked/relieved): whew
– Emoticon 2 (Coughing/clearing throat): ahem-ahem
– Emoticon 3 (Frustrated/angry): arrgh
– Emoticon 4 (Thinking/puzzled): hmmm
Q3. Match the meanings of music-related words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
1. rhythm
2. tempo
3. bass
4. baritone
5. cacophony
6. pitch
7. scale
Answer:
1. rhythm — (iii) the pattern of beats or time intervals in music
2. tempo — (iv) the speed or pace at which a piece of music is played
3. bass — (i) the lowest tone or part in music
4. baritone — (v) a male voice that falls between the higher and lower ranges
5. cacophony — (ii) a mixture of loud unpleasant sounds
6. pitch — (vii) the perceived frequency of a sound, how high or low a sound is
7. scale — (vi) a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards
Q4. Write the meanings of the underlined phrases based on your understanding of the usage in sentences.
1. “My mother told me, ‘When you follow trends without thinking, you drown your individual style.'”
2. “The pianist was appreciated for his sense of musicality.”
3. “When one of the performers in the group was injured, they felt their practise would go down the drain.”
Answer:
1. drown your individual style: suppress, lose, or destroy one’s unique artistic identity by imitating others.
2. sense of musicality: innate sensitivity, skill, understanding, and feeling for music.
3. go down the drain: be completely wasted or ruined without producing any result.
Q5. Exclamatory to Declarative conversion:
1. “Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!”
2. “Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!”
Answer:
1. Declarative: I enjoy performing this piece very much.
2. Declarative: The performance was extremely soulful and everyone did a wonderful job.
Q6. Write the sentences given below in reported speech.
1. “Wow Shruti! You’re a sensation!” suggested Avinash.
2. “What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.
3. “Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother.
4. Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day!
5. Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!
6. Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
Answer:
1. Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation.
2. Iqbal exclaimed with delight that it was an incredible achievement and added that he couldn’t believe they had pulled it off.
3. Shruti’s mother applauded enthusiastically that each note had been executed perfectly and the performance had been flawless.
4. Iqbal remarked jokingly that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.
5. Shruti apologized to her mother and promised that she would not hide anything from her again.
6. Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation then and remarked that the least she could do was to throw a party.
Q7. Report the following dialogue in the indirect form of speech.
Asma: Wow! What a unique experience I had at the art studio today!
Deepa: Tell me! I’m eager to hear!
Asma: I accidentally spilled paint all over my canvas.
Deepa: Oh, my goodness! What a pity!
Asma: No worries! The painting now looks better than my original plan!
Deepa: That’s incredible!
Answer:
Asma exclaimed excitedly that she 1. had had a very unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that 2. she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as 3. the painting then looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that 4. it was incredible.
Twin Melodies — Listen and Respond
Q1. Look at the given stringed musical instruments and decide which one could be the yazh.
Answer: Image 3 (the ancient Tamil harp/lute instrument with a crescent or fish-shaped wooden resonator and multi-string arrangement).
Q2. Listen to a musician describing the yazh and check if your choice was correct.
Answer: Choice verified based on the audio description of the ancient Indian harp.
Q3. Complete the notes below with not more than three words.
– The Yazh:
1. Type of instrument – The Indian harp
(i) Was used in: Sangam period music
(ii) Earlier version of: the Veena
2. Design:
(i) stem tip – shaped like head of mythological animal
(ii) resonator:
A. shape of a boat / fish
B. material – wood and leather
3. Design variety:
(i) peacock, elephant, dragon / fish, and bow string
Answer:
1. harp
(i) Sangam literature / ancient Tamil music
(ii) modern Veena
2. (i) head
(ii) A. boat / crescent, B. jackfruit wood
3. (i) elephant, fish / crocodile
Twin Melodies — Speaking Activity
Q1. Stress and intonation exercises on dialogues from the play.
Answer:
– Sentence 1: “I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do.”
– Stress: ‘don’t’ and ‘do’
– Intonation: Start with a gentle lower tone conveying concern, rising at the end to emphasize sincerity.
– Sentence 2: “Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.”
– Stress: ‘promise’ and ‘bring this up’
– Intonation: Firm, decisive tone on ‘promise’, slightly increasing in pitch on ‘bring this up’.
– Sentence 3: “Each bay, its own wind.”
– Stress: ‘each’ and ‘own’
– Intonation: Thoughtful, steady pitch rising gently on ‘own’.
Twin Melodies — Writing Task
Q1. In groups of four, create a play script based on the story of Anuradha (a teenage tabla player facing her father’s disapproval).
Answer:
Model Play Script:
Title: Beats of Determination
Setting: The living room of Anuradha’s house. A pair of tablas rests near a wooden chair.
Characters:
– Anuradha: A talented 15-year-old tabla player.
– Mr. Shastri: Her father, a traditional vocalist and school music teacher.
– Mrs. Shastri: Her supportive mother.
– Rohan: Her younger brother.
(The scene opens with Anuradha practising a fast rhythm on the tabla. Mr. Shastri enters, frowning.)
Mr. Shastri: (sternly) Anuradha! Stop that noise! How many times must I tell you? A girl from our family should focus on classical vocal music, not pounding the tabla!
Anuradha: (timidly, lowering her hands) But Papa… music is in the rhythm too. I have been invited to perform at the National Youth Cultural Fest next week!
Mr. Shastri: (crossing his arms) I forbid it. Classical singing is pure; tabla is merely accompaniment. You are wasting your time. (He turns and exits.)
Anuradha: (Aside, looking at the audience) Oh, how can I make Papa understand that the tabla is my true voice?
Mrs. Shastri: (walking in softly, placing a hand on her shoulder) Don’t lose heart, dear. Your father is stuck in old ways, but Rohan and I will talk to him.
Rohan: (enthusiastically) Yes, Di! You play amazingly. We will root for you!
Anuradha: (smiling through tears) Thank you… I will work hard and prove that rhythm has its own beauty!
(Curtain Falls)
A Friend Found in Music — Reflect and Respond
Q1. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What kind of music do you prefer to listen to — vocal or instrumental?
2. Name your favourite musician(s).
3. Give reasons for your choice.
Answer:
1. I prefer listening to instrumental music, especially acoustic guitar and flute melodies.
2. My favourite musicians are Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and A.R. Rahman.
3. I prefer instrumental music because without spoken words, the melodies allow my imagination to wander freely, providing deep mental relaxation and emotional comfort after a busy school day.
A Friend Found in Music — Check Your Understanding
Q1. Read the poem again to complete the poet’s diary about her feelings on music. Fill in the blanks with words from the poem.
Today, I’ve been thinking about how essential music is to me. It is like an ocean that calls me to its 1. ____. Music is the 2. _____ that harmonises with my 3. _____, moving me in ways I can’t explain. When I feel sad or upset about things, music is the 4. _____ that eases the ache. It is amazing how music has the power to lift my 5. ____, and give me strength to pull through difficult times. I know that it is the effect of music whenever I feel 6. ____. Music is the much 7. _______, dependable friend when there is no one to 8. ______. Thank you, my dear music, for being my all-time comfort.
Answer:
1. shore
2. rhythm
3. core
4. therapy
5. spirits
6. cheerful
7. needed
8. care
Q2. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. The phrase ‘moves me’ in the line ‘That moves me to the core,’ is an example of idiomatic expression / metaphor.
2. The poet uses metaphors for music. List these metaphors and rewrite them as similes.
– Metaphor 1: “Music is the ocean” -> Simile: Music is as deep and magnetic as the ocean.
– Metaphor 2: “Music is the therapy” -> Simile: Music is as soothing as therapy.
– Metaphor 3: “Music is the needed friend” -> Simile: Music is as loyal as a needed friend.
3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? What impact does it have?
– Rhyme Scheme: AABB (shore/core, blue/through, there/care).
– Impact: It creates a simple, musical, and comforting rhythm that echoes the gentle, therapeutic nature of music.
4. What is the poet’s purpose in using the word ‘music’ repetitively?
– Purpose: Repetition (anaphora) emphasizes that music is the central, constant, and indispensable presence in every emotional phase of the poet’s life.
5. What is the message the poet wishes to convey through the poem?
– Message: Music is a universal source of emotional healing, comfort, and companionship that uplifts our spirits during lonely or sad times.
6. Identify the mood of the poem from the options given below: (i) nostalgic, (ii) thoughtful, (iii) amused, (iv) playful.
– Mood: (ii) thoughtful (and appreciative).
7. Give evidence from the poem to support that the speaker is the poet herself.
– Evidence: The repeated use of first-person personal pronouns (“me”, “my”, “I need”, “my spirits”) shows the speaker is expressing her own personal, firsthand emotional experiences.
A Friend Found in Music — Critical Reflection
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Music is the therapy / I need when I feel blue. / Music lifts my spirits / To make sure I pull through.
(i) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘feel blue’ indicates feeling sad, depressed, or emotionally low.
(ii) Identify the line which shows music makes the poet happy.
Answer: “Music lifts my spirits”
(iii) What does the last line of the extract signify?
Answer: “To make sure I pull through” signifies that music gives the poet inner strength and emotional resilience to overcome difficult emotional struggles.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Music plays a vital role in the poet’s life.
Answer: True.
(v) Select the central idea of the extract from the following options.
A. Music brings comfort during sadness.
B. Music is a necessity in times of happiness.
C. Music improves our ability to pull heavy loads.
D. Music is a source of knowledge and excitement.
Answer: Option A. Music brings comfort during sadness.
Reason: Option A is correct because the extract highlights music as a therapy that lifts spirits when feeling blue.
Q2. Answer the following questions.
1. How is music able to move the poet ‘to the core’?
2. Why does the poet compare music to a ‘needed friend’?
3. Explain the poet’s attitude towards music.
4. Support the opinion that this poem has a universal appeal.
5. Compare your experience of music with the feelings expressed in the poem.
Answer:
1. Music moves the poet ‘to the core’ by touching her deepest subconscious emotions, providing profound comfort that transcends ordinary words.
2. The poet compares music to a ‘needed friend’ because when human companions are absent or uncaring, music offers constant, non-judgmental presence, warmth, and solace.
3. The poet’s attitude towards music is deeply appreciative, reverent, and grateful. She views music not merely as entertainment, but as a vital emotional therapy and lifelong companion.
4. The poem has universal appeal because everyone, regardless of age or culture, experiences periods of sadness, loneliness, or joy where listening to music provides comfort and emotional strength.
5. Like the poet, whenever I feel overwhelmed by exam stress or loneliness, listening to gentle instrumental tunes instantly relaxes my mind and lifts my mood, making me feel supported.
A Friend Found in Music — Vocabulary in Context
Q1. Classify the words given in the box below as positive emotions and negative emotions.
Phrases/words: feel blue, lifts my spirits, most cheerful, nostalgia, elation, despondence, anguish, melancholy, despair, jubilant, euphoric
Answer:
– Positive emotions (happiness): lifts my spirits, most cheerful, elation, jubilant, euphoric
– Negative emotions (sadness): feel blue, despondence, anguish, melancholy, despair, nostalgia
Fill in the blanks:
1. The familiar tune stimulated a rush of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to cherished moments from their past.
2. The soulful ballad expressed the singer’s anguish, leaving the audience moved by the intensity of their emotions.
3. The pianist played a soulful melody on the stage, creating an ambience of melancholy.
4. The festive symphony filled the air with jubilant tones, lifting the spirits of everyone present on the joyous occasion.
Q2. Phrasal verbs with ‘move’:
Match the underlined phrasal verbs in sentences 1-6 with their correct meanings (i)-(vi).
1. He’s planning to move out of his parents’ house next month.
2. Our new neighbours moved in yesterday.
3. I’ve been in this job long enough — it’s time I moved on.
4. Can you move over a bit so I can sit down?
5. The police officer told the crowd to move along.
6. The bus moved off as soon as all the passengers were seated.
Answer:
1. move out — to stop living in a particular house or place
2. moved in — to begin living in a new home or place
3. moved on — to start doing or discussing something new
4. move over — to change position to make space for someone else
5. move along — to keep moving or clear an area
6. moved off — to start moving or depart (of a vehicle)
A Friend Found in Music — Listen and Respond
Q1. Listen to the conversation between two people and select the correct responses.
1. How are the two speakers connected? — (i) parent-child
2. Where is the conversation taking place? — (i) music centre
3. Which musical instrument is the reason for the problem? — (ii) santoor
4. What is the problem being discussed? — (i) inability to play the musical instrument
5. What has been the unsuccessful solution? — (i) practising for longer hours
6. What is the final decision taken? — (ii) pick a simpler instrument
A Friend Found in Music — Speaking Activity
Q1. Work in groups of four and present a role play using the given cues (Music teacher, Student 1, Student 2, Parent).
Answer:
Model Role-Play:
– Music Teacher: Welcome! I strongly encourage both students to join our school orchestra this term. Music enhances focus and reduces stress.
– Student 1: Sir, I am confused. I am worried that daily practice will take away time from my board exam preparation.
– Student 2: I used to feel that way too, but music actually helps me study better! It refreshes my mind, and I manage my study schedule easily.
– Parent: I was initially doubtful about balancing academics and music, but hearing this, I fully support my child joining the music class!
A Friend Found in Music — Writing Task
Q1. Write an informal letter to a friend sharing how music helped you overcome a stressful situation.
Answer:
Examination Hall, ABC School,
City X
11 October 2026
Dear Rahul,
I hope this letter finds you in high spirits. I am writing to share a personal experience about how music recently came to my rescue during a very stressful week.
Last month, I felt completely overwhelmed while preparing for our term examinations. The heavy syllabus gave me sleepless nights, and I was feeling extremely anxious and low. One evening, noticing my stress, my elder sister suggested I take a thirty-minute break and listen to classical flute melodies.
I put on my headphones, closed my eyes, and listened to the peaceful notes. Almost instantly, I felt the tension leave my shoulders. The soothing rhythm acted like therapy, calming my racing thoughts and lifting my spirits. That short music break refreshed my mind so much that I was able to resume my studies with renewed energy and focus.
Since that day, music has become my go-to friend whenever I feel stressed. Do write back and tell me what kind of music you listen to when you need to relax!
Yours affectionately,
Ankit
More Class 9 English Kaveri Chapters & Study Resources
- ⬅️ Previous: Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities & Nine Gold Medals
- ➡️ Next: Chapter 7: Carrier of Words & Words
- 📚 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 6?
Ans: Chapter 6 includes Twin Melodies and A Friend Found in Music, 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.