Carrier of Words — Class 9 English
Kaveri · Chapter 7
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6- Mathematics Part I
- Mathematics Part II
- + 4 more
- 16 texts summarised
- Poetry devices
- Grammar rules
2- Mathematics Part I
- Mathematics Part II
- Formula cards
- Graph reading
- 16 traps corrected
- Timelines
- Comparison tables
- Article numbers
- 12 पाठ
- अलंकार और समास
- मुहावरे
Chapter summary
Key ideas & terms
- Khetaram
- The dedicated Gramin Dak Sewak of Somarad Branch Post Office; for 15 years the sole postal link for remote Thar desert hamlets.
- Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS)
- Rural postal workers (formerly “delivery agents”) who make up over half of India’s postal workforce and reach inaccessible areas on foot.
- Dhaanis / hamlets
- Tiny, far-flung desert settlements near the Indo-Pakistan border that Khetaram serves.
- Money order
- A way of sending small sums of money through the post; desert families’ survival often depends on money orders from relatives.
- Ashubh Samachar (bad news)
- Death news carried in an envelope with the right corner torn off; Khetaram refuses to take it inside a home and destroys it after reading.
- Theme – service and trust
- The dignity, duty and trustworthiness of an unsung worker who links isolated people to the world.
Extra questions & answers
Who is Khetaram and what is his job?
He is a Gramin Dak Sewak, the sole postman of Somarad Branch Post Office, delivering mail to remote Thar desert hamlets for fifteen years.
What hardships does Khetaram face while delivering mail?
He crosses soft sand and dunes on foot, carries a heavy mailbag, and works in extreme heat above 50°C amid scorching winds and sandstorms.
Why is the temperature officially recorded as 49.9°C instead of 50°C?
Because 50°C would mean a state holiday, so it is recorded just below to keep work going.
Who are Gramin Dak Sewaks and why are they invaluable?
They are rural postal workers, over half the postal workforce, who deliver in interior areas often reachable only on foot – Ladakh, Lakshadweep, the northeast.
How was the purpose of India Post different from the British postal system?
The British system relayed company dak between administrative centres, while India Post aimed to bring the entire population within the mailing network.
Why do desert families depend so much on the post office?
Their survival is partly dependent on money orders sent by relatives, and they place absolute trust in the post office.
Give two instances showing that people trust Khetaram.
Villagers ask him to read out their letters and draft replies, and the BSF gives him a lift and tea; a plan to replace GDS with patwaris was rejected.
How does Khetaram handle a letter bearing news of death?
Such an envelope has its right corner torn off; he stands outside, reads it out twice, then tears it to bits, saying bad news must be destroyed.
Why is Khetaram grateful to continue as a GDS even after sixty?
Famine is common and one bajra crop cannot feed his family of five; the job gives him an assured income and lets him serve people.
Why does the author pay tribute to people like Khetaram?
Because they are part of the social fabric and a great support, selflessly linking isolated communities to their faraway families.
Reflect and Respond
I Look at the pictures given below of persons engaged in the same profession. Discuss in pairs and share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Which profession do they belong to?
They belong to the postal profession. The pictures show a postman / Gramin Dak Sewak / mail carrier who delivers letters, parcels and money orders, especially in rural and remote areas.
I Look at the pictures given below of persons engaged in the same profession. Discuss in pairs and share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 2. Do they face any difficulties while doing their duty?
Yes, they face many difficulties. They have to walk long distances in extreme heat, through sand dunes and deserts, carry heavy mailbags up to
I Look at the pictures given below of persons engaged in the same profession. Discuss in pairs and share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 3. How does their profession affect the people they meet?
Their work connects people. They bring letters, news of birth, weddings and money orders from far-away family members, help illiterate villagers by reading letters and writing replies, and are trusted and warmly welcomed in every home.
II Discuss in groups. 1. How can ‘words’ be ‘carried’?
Words can be carried in physical form as letters, postcards, inland letters and telegrams in a mailbag, and also electronically through phones, e-mail and messages. In this chapter, Khetaram literally carries written words on foot across the desert.
II Discuss in groups. 2. Who could be a carrier of words?
A carrier of words can be a postman or Gramin Dak Sewak like Khetaram, a courier, a messenger, and also any person or medium that conveys a message from sender to receiver.
II Discuss in groups. 3. What are the means for people to stay connected?
People stay connected through the postal system, telephone and mobile networks like BSNL, internet and e-mail, and through personal visits. In remote areas without phones, the postal service is often the only link.
III Read the words given in the box below and place them in their appropriate context in the following passage. slumped dunes defying hamlets signals devoid We stepped out of the vehicle at the end of the road. Immediately, our body sent 1. _________ that our decision to visit the sand 2. _________ in the afternoon was insane.
1. signals 2. dunes. Our body sent signals that visiting the sand dunes in the afternoon was insane because of the extreme heat.
III Read the words given in the box below and place them in their appropriate context in the following passage. We had passed a few 3. _________ on our way to the desert.
3. hamlets. Hamlets are small settlements or dhaanis seen on the way to the Thar desert.
III Read the words given in the box below and place them in their appropriate context in the following passage. We could not find even a single soul outdoors, 4. _________ the blazing sun.
4. defying. No one was outdoors defying the blazing sun, meaning no one was daring to face the harsh heat.
III Read the words given in the box below and place them in their appropriate context in the following passage. Even the camels were 5. _________ in the little shade offered by the khejri trees.
5. slumped. The camels were slumped, lying tiredly in the shade due to heat.
III Read the words given in the box below and place them in their appropriate context in the following passage. In this remote place people relied on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to connect to the world as the area was 6. _________ of any other network service.
6. devoid. The area was devoid, or completely lacking, any other network service except BSNL.
Check Your Understanding
I Khetaram needs to submit information about himself for getting an identity card. While reading the text, fill up the following information sheet for Khetaram. Name Khetaram Position
Position: Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) - the sole postman of Somarad Branch Post Office. Earlier called delivery agent.
I Khetaram needs to submit information about himself for getting an identity card. While reading the text, fill up the following information sheet for Khetaram. Employer
Employer: India Post / Department of Posts, Rajasthan Western Region.
I Khetaram needs to submit information about himself for getting an identity card. While reading the text, fill up the following information sheet for Khetaram. Official address
Official address: Somarad Branch Post Office, near Barmer district, Rajasthan, about
I Khetaram needs to submit information about himself for getting an identity card. While reading the text, fill up the following information sheet for Khetaram. Mode of transport used
Mode of transport used: On foot, walking over sand beds and dunes, wearing mojri-clad feet, sometimes getting a lift from BSF vehicles. He covers about
I Khetaram needs to submit information about himself for getting an identity card. While reading the text, fill up the following information sheet for Khetaram. Key responsibilities
Key responsibilities: 1. Collecting mail hefted from mail train and buses and delivering it within
II Discuss with your teacher. 1. Why do you think Khetaram has taken up this challenging job?
Khetaram took up the job because farming alone could not sustain his family of five. In the arid Thar, famine is common and even in a good year he gets only one crop of bajra. The GDS job gave him an assured income and a new lease of life, as required for his family's survival.
II Discuss with your teacher. 2. How do you think Khetaram would feel about taking up this challenging task every day?
He feels proud, grateful and responsible despite the hardship. He says his spine is strong and he is ready to continue even after
Check Your Understanding
I Complete the table given below with the situations given in Column 1 and the reasons in Column 2. When the temperature is recorded as 50 degrees celsius and above, a state holiday has to be declared.
The temperature is officially recorded as
I Complete the table given below with the situations given in Column 1 and the reasons in Column 2. Khetaram can dwell on any threshold.
Khetaram can dwell on any threshold because people trust him completely. They are comfortable asking him to come inside, read their letters and draft replies confidentially.
I Complete the table given below with the situations given in Column 1 and the reasons in Column 2. BSF always gave Khetaram a lift.
BSF always gave Khetaram a lift because they appreciate his service and he distributes their dak regularly; since their camp came up, this mutual help has developed and they offer him tea when he delivers their mail.
II Why was a piece of jaggery offered in the village when he brought news of a birth or weddings?
A piece of jaggery was offered as a sweet token of happiness and gratitude. In villages, jaggery is a simple celebratory sweet shared when good news like a birth or wedding arrives. People had little else to give but offered what they could to thank him.
III How would phone lines help Khetaram in his job?
Phone lines, then only
Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 1. “Akaal or famine is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starve without this job,” he says. And for each family which resides in this arid land, survival is partly dependent on money orders remitted by a relative. (i) Complete the sentence given below with an appropriate reason. One crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because __________________________.
One crop of bajra makes a little difference because it is insufficient to feed a family of five for the whole year, and famine conditions mean that crop often fails, so the family cannot survive on farming alone.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 1. “Akaal or famine is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starve without this job,” he says. (ii) Why did Khetaram term famine as ‘a way of life’?
He called famine a way of life because in the Thar desert drought and food scarcity occur almost every year. It is not an exception but the normal condition people have to live with.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 1. (iii) Give one reason why Khetaram had to take up a job to help his family to survive.
He had to take up the GDS job to have an assured income, because his farm income was irregular and inadequate to prevent starvation.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 1. (iv) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract. Other families: Money orders:: Khetaram: __________________
Khetaram: salary / job / Gramin Dak Sewak income. Just as other families depend on money orders remitted by relatives, Khetaram depends on his GDS salary.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 1. (v) What would ‘a good year’ signify?
A good year would signify a year with enough rainfall to get at least one successful crop of bajra, as opposed to a famine year with no crop at all.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 2. There is one letter delivery he dreads. The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifies that the missive bears news of death. “Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house,” says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. “Bad news must be destroyed,” he mutters philosophically. (i) Choose the correct option for the following question. Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope? A. Khetaram B. Sender of the letter C. Receiver of the letter D. The postmaster
B. Sender of the letter. The torn corner is a traditional signal put by the sender to warn the postman and family that the letter contains inauspicious news of death.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 2. (ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because ______________________________.
The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because the listeners are in shock and grief and may not grasp the sad news at once, so he repeats it to ensure they understand clearly.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 2. (iii) What was Khetaram’s philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?
His philosophy was that Ashubh Samachar, or bad news, must not be carried into the house and must be destroyed. He acted upon it by standing outside the threshold, reading the death news aloud twice, and then tearing the letter to bits.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 2. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Khetaram’s action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
False. His action of tearing the letter was in complete agreement with his belief that bad news must be destroyed and not kept inside the house.
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions. 2. (v) Mention any one aspect of Khetaram’s temperament which is revealed through this extract.
It reveals his sensitivity, respect for tradition and philosophical attitude. He is compassionate and understands the emotional weight of death news and handles it with dignity.
II Answer the following questions. 1. Justify the statement made by Postmaster-General, Rajasthan Western Region stating that the role of GDS is ‘invaluable’.
The role is invaluable because GDS deliver mail on foot to interior, inaccessible areas like the Thar desert, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and riverine northeast where no other means can reach. They are more than
II Answer the following questions. 2. How was the purpose of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
The British postal system was set up to relay company dak between administrative centres for colonial rule. After independence, India Post’s mandate was to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit, expanding from
II Answer the following questions. 3. People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks. Support this statement with any two instances from the text.
1. Villagers entrust their monthly savings and money orders to the GDS and have many operational post office accounts, showing confidence. 2. People allow Khetaram to dwell on any threshold, read their private letters and write replies in his hand. Also the proposal to replace GDS with patwaris was rejected because villagers knew patwaris could not do the job as trustworthily.
II Answer the following questions. 4. Infer the most likely reason that Khetaram was grateful to continue as GDS, even after the age of 60.
He was grateful because GDS are allowed to serve till
II Answer the following questions. 5. Explain why the author pays tribute to people like Khetaram.
The author salutes people like Khetaram because they are part of the social fabric, endure harsh desert furies selflessly to keep families connected, uphold trust, and serve the nation’s remotest borders with dedication despite low pay and hardship.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. 1. crumbles into sand
(iii) disappears in the desert. The Barmer–Chohtan road crumbles into sand means it ends and disappears into soft desert sand.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. 2. give a new lease of life
(i) get a chance to continue living. Khetaram’s appointment gave him a new lease of life, meaning it saved his family from starvation and gave renewed hope.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. 3. turn into a trickle before drying out
(iv) lessen gradually and then finally stop. It describes something reducing slowly until it disappears.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. 4. bearing words across this desolate geography
(ii) carrying letters to less populated areas. Bearing words across desolate geography means carrying mail across the empty, harsh desert.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own. crumbles into sand
The old footpath crumbles into sand a few kilometres beyond the village.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own. give a new lease of life
The scholarship gave a new lease of life to the poor student’s studies.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own. turn into a trickle before drying out
The river turns into a trickle before drying out in summer.
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2. Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own. bearing words across this desolate geography
The postman is bearing words across this desolate geography with great dedication.
II Identify examples of alliteration and metaphor in the extract given below. Khetaram’s khaki turban and uniform are his only protection against the desert’s furies, the scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms which turn him into a walking sandman.
Alliteration: repetition of consonant sounds - ‘Khetaram’s khaki’ (k sound), ‘scorching summer’, ‘swirling sandstorms’, ‘walking sandman’. Metaphor: ‘desert’s furies’ compares the desert’s harsh elements to angry furies, and ‘walking sandman’ metaphorically describes Khetaram completely covered in sand as if he has become sand itself.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. 1. arid
(iii) farmland without much yield. Arid land is dry and produces little crop, like the Thar where only one bajra crop is possible.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. 2. concessional
(i) interest rate for the farmers. Concessional refers to a lower, subsidised rate offered as help.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. 3. gaunt
(v) farmer waiting for the rains. Gaunt suggests thin and weak appearance due to hunger and hardship.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. 4. remote
(ii) corner of the world. Remote means far away from towns, near the Indo-Pak border.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. 5. desolate
(iv) desert stretching far and wide. Desolate geography is empty, lonely and barren.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own. arid
Rajasthan has large arid regions where water is scarce.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own. concessional
The bank gave concessional loans to the farmers after the drought.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own. gaunt
The gaunt cattle were searching for fodder in the dry field.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own. remote
My uncle lives in a remote hamlet with no proper road.
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter. Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own. desolate
The desolate desert looked endless under the hot sun.
IV Read the underlined verbs in the sentences given in Column 1 and their functions in Column 2. Now, fill in the blanks by using the present perfect form of the verbs given in the brackets to complete the following paragraph. 1. I _________ (has/have) just ________ (get) a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather. He 2. ___________ (collect) these stamps over a period of 20 years. I 3. ___________ (study) most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them. I 4. _______ (begin) my own collection of postage stamps. Grandfather 5. _________ truly ________ (inspire) me.
1. have just got 2. has collected 3. have studied 4. have begun 5. has truly inspired. All are present perfect: has/have + past participle, showing recent or completed actions with present relevance.
V Study the sentences given below. Now, complete the following paragraph about the advice given by Khetaram. One example has been done for you. To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly A. ________________________, as you B. ________________________ to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words C. ________________________ neatly as you D. ________________________ to draft replies by some villagers. Full sleeved-shirts and trousers E. ________________________ to protect yourself from the heat.
A. should be practised / needs to be practised B. will be expected / are expected C. should be written D. will be asked / are expected E. should be worn. In passive voice: Next, reading clearly needs to be practised, as you will be expected to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words should be written neatly as you will be asked to draft replies by some villagers. Full sleeved-shirts and trousers should be worn to protect yourself from the heat.
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a girl talking about an event. As you listen, fill in the blank with the suitable word from the brackets. (Transcript for teacher on page 272) The speaker concluded her talk with a ___________. (suggestion/request/advice)
advice. The speaker concluded her talk with an advice to revive letter writing.
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions. 1. What was the occasion that the speaker was talking about? (i) Letter writing carnival (ii) Philately day (iii) Indian Postal Day
(i) Letter writing carnival. The occasion was the Daakroom letter writing carnival supported by India Post.
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions. 2. India Post is famous for having the most extensive network _________. (i) in India (ii) in the world (iii) among design institutes
(ii) in the world. India Post has the most extensive postal network in the world.
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions. 3. Letter writing is being revived as this art form has been _________. (i) celebrated (ii) appreciated (iii) forgotten
(iii) forgotten. The art of letter writing has been forgotten in the digital age and is being revived.
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions. 4. Which of the following will be a part of the letter writing carnival? (i) calligraphy and graphology (ii) origami and designing (iii) letter posting and philately
(i) calligraphy and graphology. The carnival includes calligraphy, graphology, workshops and competitions around writing and post.
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions. 5. What will the postal department add to the event? (i) interactive demonstrations (ii) theatre and dance (iii) workshop for letter writing
(i) interactive demonstrations. The postal department will add interactive demonstrations to make the event engaging.
Speaking Activity
I The postcard, inland letter, envelope, and money order form were engaged in a discussion on who the most important one was. In groups of four, select one each and reason with each other logically. You may use the points for discussion given in Column 1 and the cues given in Column 2 to express your opinion. Column 1 (Points for discussion) utility cost effective privacy space to write possibility of enclosures Column 2 (Verbal cues to present opinion) It seems to me that... Some people say that... I would like to point out that… I totally agree that… That’s one way to look at it but…
This is a role-play speaking task. Example: As the envelope, I would say: It seems to me that I am most important because I provide privacy and allow enclosures like photos; Some people say postcards are cheaper but I would like to point out that privacy matters for personal letters; Inland letters are cost effective but offer limited space. As postcard: I am cheapest and most utility for short messages. Each student should choose one item, use the verbal cues, and debate logically with reasons on utility, cost, privacy, space and enclosures.
Writing Task
I Khetaram saw a letter with a torn corner. It had news about Bhawar Singh’s uncle passing away. Read the condolence message that Sawant Singh sent to his cousin as a reply to the letter. Now, on behalf of your parents draft an imaginary condolence message for your aunt on the recent passing away of her father.
Date: 18 August 20XX
Dear Aunt Seema,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of your beloved father. On behalf of my parents, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We share your grief in this hour of sorrow. He was a kind and wise person who will be fondly remembered. May God give eternal peace to the departed soul and give you and the family strength and courage to bear this irreplaceable loss. We are with you in prayers.
Yours affectionately,
[Your Name]
On behalf of Mr. and Mrs. [Parents' Names]
Reflect and Respond
I Why are words important? Can we communicate without words? How? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Words are important because they convey thoughts, feelings, information and keep relationships alive, as seen in Khetaram’s letters. Yes, we can communicate without words through gestures, facial expressions, emojis, body language, sign language, pictures, and actions. The chapter mentions non-verbal games and sign language as examples.
II Use the given sentences as clues to find words from the grid and fill the blanks. One example has been done for you. My mother summoned me to introduce her friends. Column 1 Horizontal Column 2 Vertical 1. We eat food to _______ our hunger. 2. The train will _______ from the station at 5.00 p.m. 3. The gardener was removing the _______ to clean the flower beds. 4. The view from the top of the hill was _______ the difficult climb. 5. The herbs and spices _______ flavour to food. 6. Flowers _______ in spring. 7. We enjoyed a delicious _______ after the ceremony.
This is a word-grid puzzle. Example summon is found. Other answers based on grid: 1. satisfy 2. depart 3. weeds 4. worth 5. impart 6. bloom / blossom 7. feast. Students should locate these words horizontally and vertically in the given letter grid.
Check Your Understanding
I Fill in the blanks with one word from the poem. One example has been done for you. In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who 1. __________, leaving nothing behind. The heart, is equated to a 2. __________ who finds that words are as worthless as 3. __________ when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more 4. __________ than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a 5. __________ place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the 6. __________ would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a 7. __________.
1. depart 2. pilgrim 3. weeds 4. joy 5. lonely 6. world 7. fruit / particle of fruit. These words are taken directly from Charles Swain’s poem Words.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 1. Read the poem again. Find any four sets of rhyming words and also write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Four sets of rhyming words: heart - depart, care - air, earth - worth, needs - weeds, said - head, impart - heart, way - say, cheer - dear, chest - test, feast - least, show - grow, root - fruit. Rhyme scheme is A B A B in each stanza (alternate lines rhyme), for example stanza 1: heart (A), care (B), depart (A), air (B).
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. Read the following phrases and sentences taken from the poem. Identify the poetic device in each of them and explain what the poet wants to communicate through their usage. (i) But words, like summer birds, depart…
(i) Simile. Words are compared to summer birds using like, showing that words come and go quickly and leave emptiness behind, just as migratory birds leave.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (ii) heart, a pilgrim upon earth…
(ii) Metaphor. Heart is called a pilgrim, meaning it is on a lonely journey through life seeking true satisfaction, not just words.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (iii) words are of as little worth As just so many weeds
(iii) Simile. Words are compared to weeds, useless plants that have no value, showing empty words have no worth when the heart is in need.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (iv) If words could satisfy the chest … Oft satisfy the least!
(iv) Paradox / Irony and Repetition. The poet ironically says if words could satisfy, the world would feast, but in reality they satisfy the least, showing the gap between expectation and reality.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (v) The world might hold a feast…
(v) Hyperbole and Metaphor. Feast is an exaggerated image for universal satisfaction, suggesting if words really satisfied hearts, everyone would celebrate.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (vi) Like plants that make a gaudy show All blossom to the root
(vi) Simile. Empty words are compared to showy plants that have many blossoms but no fruit, meaning they look impressive but are unproductive.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 2. (vii) But whose poor nature cannot grow One particle of fruit!
(vii) Metaphor. Continues the plant metaphor - words without heart cannot produce any real result or fruit, i.e., no genuine outcome.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 3. Which words are repeated in the poem? Why does the poet use repetition?
Repeated words: words, heart, satisfy, depart, etc. The poet repeats words and heart to emphasize the central theme - the failure of mere words to satisfy the heart, creating musical emphasis and reinforcing the message.
II Let us appreciate the poem. 4. The stanzas 4, 5, and 6 end with exclamation marks. Choose the option that displays the emotions being expressed through them. (i) 4. disillusionment 5. admiration and 6. frustration (ii) 4. frustration 5. admiration and 6. disillusionment (iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment (iv) 4. frustration 6. admiration 5. disillusionment and
(iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment. Stanza 4 admires few sincere words, stanza 5 expresses frustration that words fail the test, stanza 6 shows disillusionment with empty showy words that bear no fruit.
III Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines. If words could satisfy the chest, The world might hold a feast. Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets. 1. I have ______________ things to do on this weekend. (lots of/tonnes of)
I have tonnes of things to do on this weekend. Tonnes of is hyperbole exaggerating a large amount.
III Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines. Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets. 2. The player missed the basket by ______________. (a mile/ an inch)
The player missed the basket by a mile. A mile is hyperbole for a large miss.
III Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines. Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets. 3. My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a ______________. (night/decade)
My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a decade. Decade is hyperbole for a very long time.
III Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines. Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets. 4. I will be back in ______________. (five minutes/two seconds)
I will be back in two seconds. Two seconds is hyperbole for an extremely short time.
IV Rhythm gives a lyrical quality to a poem. The rhythm (pattern of beats) in a line of poetry is described by a metrical form. A metre is formed by a stressed and an unstressed syllable. Syllable is the name given to a single unit of speech/beats of spoken language. The metrical form in the first four lines is given below. The stressed syllables have been underlined. If words could sa tis fy the heart, The heart might find less care; But words, like sum mer birds, de part, And leave but emp ty air. Now, listen to the teacher read the poem. As you listen, underline the syllables that are stressed in all the lines of the poem. Share your answers with the teacher.
This is a listening and prosody task. Students should listen and mark stressed syllables. The pattern is mostly iambic with alternating stressed and unstressed beats, e.g., The HEART a PILgrim UPON EARTH, Finds OFten WHEN it NEEDS. The activity helps appreciate rhythm and musicality.
Critical Reflection
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 1. The heart, a pilgrim upon earth, Finds often, when it needs, That words are of as little worth As just so many weeds. (i) Why has the poet referred to the heart as ‘a pilgrim’?
The poet calls the heart a pilgrim because like a pilgrim on a long lonely journey, the heart travels through life searching for comfort, meaning and true connection, often feeling alone.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 1. (ii) When would a heart ‘need’ words?
A heart needs words in times of sorrow, loneliness, love, consolation or when seeking reassurance and emotional support.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 1. (iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The words are like weeds because ____________.
The words are like weeds because they are plentiful but worthless, unwanted and provide no nourishment or help when the heart truly needs comfort.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 1. (iv) Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing when it finds words to be of ‘little worth’.
Disappointment and loneliness, or sadness and helplessness, when empty words fail to comfort.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 1. (v) What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
They suggest that true communication is not about quantity of words but quality and sincerity. Mere words without feeling cannot satisfy the heart.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 2. If words could satisfy the chest, The world might hold a feast; But words, when summoned to the test, Oft satisfy the least! (i) How can words ‘satisfy the chest’?
Words satisfy the chest when they are heartfelt, sincere and bring emotional comfort to the inner self or heart.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 2. (ii) How can words be ‘summoned to the test’?
Words are summoned to the test when they are tested in real-life situations of need, grief or love to see if they truly comfort or help.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 2. (iii) What does ‘the world’ holding ‘a feast’ imply?
It implies universal celebration and complete satisfaction - if words alone could fulfil hearts, everyone in the world would be happy and celebrate like a feast.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 2. (iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because ______________.
The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because when actually tested, empty or insincere words fail to provide real comfort or fulfilment.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions. 2. (v) Select the word that does not mean the same as ‘oft’. A. always B. usually C. frequently D. often
A. always. Oft means often, frequently, usually, but not always which means every time without exception.
II Answer the following questions. 1. What is the comparison that the poet draws between words and ‘empty air’?
The poet says words, like summer birds, depart and leave but empty air, meaning words disappear quickly and leave nothing tangible behind, just emptiness, unlike actions that may leave lasting impact.
II Answer the following questions. 2. According to the poet meaningful words are more precious than a lot of them. Explain.
The poet says a little said and truly said can deeper joy impart than hosts of words which reach the head but never touch the heart. A few sincere words that cheer a lonely home are dearer than many meaningless words.
II Answer the following questions. 3. Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to ‘words’ in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes, the poet contrasts empty, many, showy words that are worthless like weeds and gaudy plants with few, sincere, heartfelt words that bring joy and cheer. The contrast shows quantity versus quality.
II Answer the following questions. 4. The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support this statement with examples from the text.
Loneliness is seen in images like heart a pilgrim upon earth, a lonely home to cheer, words leaving empty air, and the heart finding little worth when it needs comfort, all suggesting isolation that words fail to fill.
II Answer the following questions. 5. How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done to address this?
The poet conveys superficiality through metaphors of summer birds that depart, weeds, and gaudy plants that blossom but bear no fruit. To address this, we should weigh our words, speak only what we mean sincerely, and ensure words come from the heart.
Vocabulary in Context
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 1. satisfy the heart
(iv) makes one happy. Meaning: to give emotional fulfilment. Sentence: A kind word from my mother can satisfy the heart.
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 2. depart and leave but empty air
(vi) makes no impact. Meaning: to disappear without effect. Sentence: His long speech departed and left but empty air, as no one was convinced.
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 3. hosts of words
(i) many words. Sentence: The hosts of words in his essay did not hide its lack of ideas.
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 4. never touch the heart
(v) does not appeal to our emotions. Sentence: A lecture full of facts but no feeling will never touch the heart.
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 5. wins its sunny way
(ii) cheers up a person. Meaning: brings happiness. Sentence: Her smile wins its sunny way into every lonely home.
I The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. 6. plants that cannot grow fruit
(iii) there is no outcome. Sentence: His plans were like plants that cannot grow fruit, all show and no result.
II Create a ‘Word Map’ for each of the words from the poem given in the box. depart pilgrim cheer word sunny satisfy heart To complete the word map include: Meaning (in your own words) Synonyms of the word Antonyms of the word Sentence using the word A quick sketch or symbol that represents the word One example has been done for you.
Example Word Map for depart - Meaning: to leave or go away from a place; Synonyms: leave, exit, withdraw; Antonyms: arrive, stay, remain; Sentence: The summer birds depart in winter; Sketch: an arrow pointing away or birds flying off. Students should create similar maps for pilgrim, cheer, word, sunny, satisfy, heart with meaning, synonyms, antonyms, sentence and sketch.
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a conversation between a girl and a boy. As you listen, mark four statements from 1–6 that are true. (Transcript for teacher on page 273) 1. The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest. 2. The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen for the contest. 3. The girl explained that people prefer to keep their personal experiences to themselves. 4. The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in reflecting the speaker’s confidence. 5. According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role to play in communication. 6. The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library.
True statements are 1, 2, 4 and 6. The girl was excited, the boy doubted the topic’s suitability, the boy did not know body language shows confidence, and the girl had issued the book earlier. Statements 3 and 5 are false because the girl said people share experiences and that body language plays a significant role.
Speaking Activity
I Read the following quotations and select the one you like the most. Explain the quotation and share the reason for your choice with your classmates and teacher. You may talk about a connected personal experience too. You may use the cues given below to state your choice and the reason. I chose_____ because… I selected _____ since… I decided on _____due to… I picked _____as… I settled for _____ because… Quotations: “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” –Gautama Buddha “We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.” –Swami Vivekananda “It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” –Mahatma Gandhi etc.
This is a speaking choice task. Example response: I chose Gandhi’s quotation It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart because it matches the poem Words. It means sincere feeling matters more than empty chanting. I selected this since I once prayed silently for my grandmother and felt more connected than reciting long memorised prayers. I decided on this due to its relevance to Khetaram who conveys heartfelt news.
Writing Task
I Write an essay on any one quotation from speaking activity. Follow the guidelines given below while drafting the essay. Column 1 Paragraph Division Column 2 Paragraph Content 1. Introduction Mention the quotation and the speaker. Briefly mention the reason why it appealed to you. State the purpose of the essay. 2. and 3. Body of the essay Each paragraph to explain a specific point or idea related to the quotation. Begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph. Provide evidence, examples, or narratives to support the main point. Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs by using transition words. For example: In addition to…, For instance…, However…, Consequently…, Finally… 4. Counterargument Think about any possible criticism for the quotation. Give reason why that criticism is baseless. 5. Conclusion Summarise the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. End with a concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Essay outline example on Buddha’s quotation: Introduction - State quotation Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care... by Gautama Buddha appealed because it shows power of words. Purpose: to show careful speech shapes society. Body Para 1: Topic sentence - Words influence others deeply; Example - Khetaram’s careful handling of good and bad news. Transition - For instance... Body Para 2: Careless words cause hurt; Example - Idle words causing heartache as in poem Words. Counterargument - Some say words are just words and actions matter more; Rebuttal - Buddha shows words lead to actions, so they cannot be dismissed. Conclusion - Summarise need to weigh words and end with call to speak with compassion.
Learning Beyond the Text
I The unique ‘Daakroom’ carnival was conceptualised by the Ministry of Culture to re-introduce children and larger audiences to letter writing in innovative, creative, and engaging ways. It also hosted competitions and workshops around writing and post. The one-of-a-kind letter writing event, supported by India Post, Ministry of Culture, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti is aimed to give a digital detox with the aim of reviving the art of letter writing in India.
This is informational text, no question to answer. Students should note that Daakroom carnival revives letter writing and offers digital detox through creative workshops.
II Did you know? The study of postage stamps and postal history is called philately. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps. The stamps that you study may be rare ones and found only in museums. 1. Study the postage stamps given below and discuss who or what they depict. 2. Work in groups of five. Find information about stamps on the following categories and note details as directed. personalities: name and the field they belong to celebrations: festivals/national events—name and significance centenaries: name of person/occasion and significance nature: name and significance our heritage: monuments/music/dance—name and significance Now, prepare a class board on ‘Philately–Upholding Our Heritage’ with your findings.
Philately is study of stamps. Task: In groups, research stamps: Personalities - e.g., Mahatma Gandhi (freedom fighter), Celebration - Diwali stamp, Centenary - Tagore birth centenary, Nature - Himalayan flora, Heritage - Taj Mahal monument. Prepare a class board displaying images and significance, showing how stamps uphold heritage.
I In groups of six, follow the instructions to play the ‘Non-verbal’ game. Each student writes or makes an emoji with an expression on one slip and a gesture on the other. Jumble the slips and keep them upside down. Pick the slips in turns and enact it in 30 seconds. The person who can identify the expression or gesture first, gets 10 points. Continue it for two rounds and find the Non-verbal Champion. For example, an expression to denote tired could be: and a gesture to denote united could be: This game is like Dumb Charades. Dumb Charades is a word-guessing game where players act out words, phrases, or movie titles using gestures and body language without speaking. One person acts, and their teammates try to guess what’s being mimed.
This is an activity to understand non-verbal communication. Students should play the game as instructed, enacting emojis and gestures without speaking, to learn how meaning can be conveyed without words, linking to the poem’s idea that communication is more than words.