If you are preparing for Class 9 CBSE English, this chapter is important for understanding how language expresses emotions. Words explores the idea that not all words carry real meaning, and that sincerity matters more than quantity.
Students often find this poem challenging because it deals with abstract ideas like emotional depth and communication. This page provides complete NCERT solutions to help you understand answers clearly and improve your writing in exams.
All sections are covered, including Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary in Context, and Writing Task.
Here is the full Chapter “Words” answer sheet with the questions and the answers. I have kept the question wording as it appears in the chapter and given direct answers under each one. For discussion and activity-based items, I have given model answers.
Reflect and Respond
I Why are words important? Can we communicate without words? How? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
Words are important because they help us express thoughts, feelings, ideas, needs, and experiences clearly. They help people connect, understand one another, and build relationships.
Yes, we can communicate without words through facial expressions, gestures, body language, signs, pictures, and actions.
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.
- We eat food to _ our hunger.
Answer: satisfy - The train will _ from the station at 5.00 p.m.
Answer: depart - The gardener was removing the _ to clean the flower beds.
Answer: weeds - The view from the top of the hill was _ the difficult climb.
Answer: worth - The herbs and spices _ flavour to food.
Answer: add - Flowers _ in spring.
Answer: bloom - We enjoyed a delicious _ after the ceremony.
Answer: feast
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. __.
Answer:
depart
pilgrim
weeds
joy
lonely
world
fruit
II Let us appreciate the poem.
- Read the poem again. Find any four sets of rhyming words and also write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Answer:
Four sets of rhyming words are:
heart — depart
care — air
earth — worth
needs — weeds
Rhyme scheme of the poem: A B A B in each stanza. - 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…
Answer:
Poetic device: Simile
The poet compares words to summer birds to show that they are fleeting and quickly disappear.
(ii) heart, a pilgrim upon earth…
Answer:
Poetic device: Metaphor
The heart is compared to a pilgrim to suggest that it is on a long journey through life, searching for meaning, comfort, and understanding.
(iii) words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds
Answer:
Poetic device: Simile
The poet compares empty words to weeds to show that they may be plenty, but they are often useless when true feeling is needed.
(iv) If words could satisfy the chest… Oft satisfy the least!
Answer:
Poetic device: Metaphorical expression
The poet uses “chest” to suggest the inner self or emotions and shows that words often fail to satisfy deep emotional needs.
(v) The world might hold a feast…
Answer:
Poetic device: Hyperbole
The poet exaggerates to show that if words could truly satisfy human feelings, the whole world would celebrate.
(vi) Like plants that make a gaudy show / All blossom to the root
Answer:
Poetic device: Simile / Visual imagery
The poet compares empty words to showy plants to suggest that they may look attractive on the surface but lack real value.
(vii) But whose poor nature cannot grow / One particle of fruit!
Answer:
Poetic device: Metaphor / Symbolism
“Fruit” symbolises result, value, or usefulness. The poet means that empty words produce no meaningful outcome. - Which words are repeated in the poem? Why does the poet use repetition?
Answer:
The words words, heart, and satisfy are repeated in the poem. The poet uses repetition to emphasise the central idea that words often fail to express deep feelings, while a few sincere words have great value. - 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 5. disillusionment and 6. admiration
Answer:
(iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment
III Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines.
If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast.
Answer:
The hyperbole is “The world might hold a feast.” It exaggerates the idea that everyone would celebrate if words could truly satisfy human feelings.
Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets. - I have __ things to do on this weekend. (lots of/tonnes of)
Answer: tonnes of - The player missed the basket by __. (a mile/ an inch)
Answer: a mile - My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a __. (night/decade)
Answer: decade - I will be back in __. (five minutes/two seconds)
Answer: two seconds
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.
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.
Answer:
Activity-based. The poem follows a regular lyrical beat, and the stressed syllables should be marked while listening to the teacher’s reading.
Critical Reflection
I Read the following lines and answer the questions.
- 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’?
Answer:
The poet has referred to the heart as ‘a pilgrim’ because it is shown as travelling through life in search of comfort, meaning, and true emotional expression.
(ii) When would a heart ‘need’ words?
Answer:
A heart would ‘need’ words in moments of love, pain, sorrow, loneliness, comfort, or emotional struggle.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The words are like weeds because __.
Answer:
they are many, but often useless when deep feelings need to be expressed.
(iv) Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing when it finds words to be of ‘little worth’.
Answer:
Sadness and disappointment.
(v) What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
Answer:
These lines suggest that true communication depends on sincerity and emotional depth, not merely on the number of words used. - 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’?
Answer:
Words can ‘satisfy the chest’ by giving emotional comfort, relief, or fulfillment to a person’s inner feelings.
(ii) How can words be ‘summoned to the test’?
Answer:
Words are ‘summoned to the test’ when they are used in real situations of need, pain, truth, or emotional support.
(iii) What does ‘the world’ holding ‘a feast’ imply?
Answer:
It implies universal joy and celebration if words could truly meet human emotional needs.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because __.
Answer:
they often fail to provide real comfort or true emotional expression when most needed.
(v) Select the word that does not mean the same as ‘oft’.
A. always
B. usually
C. frequently
D. often
Answer:
A. always
II Answer the following questions. - What is the comparison that the poet draws between words and ‘empty air’?
Answer:
The poet compares words to ‘empty air’ to suggest that they can disappear quickly and leave no real comfort, effect, or substance behind. - According to the poet meaningful words are more precious than a lot of them. Explain.
Answer:
According to the poet, a few meaningful and sincere words are more precious because they touch the heart and bring comfort, whereas many empty words may sound impressive but have no emotional value. - Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to ‘words’ in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I agree. The poet presents contrasts such as a few true words versus many empty words, the head versus the heart, and outward show versus real value. These contrasts help highlight the difference between sincere and superficial speech. - The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support this statement with examples from the text.
Answer:
The theme of loneliness appears in expressions such as “The heart, a pilgrim upon earth” and “A lonely home to cheer.” These suggest emotional isolation and the need for true, comforting words. - How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done to address this?
Answer:
The poet conveys the superficial nature of words by comparing them to summer birds, weeds, and plants that make a gaudy show but bear no fruit. To address this, people should speak thoughtfully, honestly, and sincerely, and make sure that their words come from genuine feeling.
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.
- satisfy the heart
Answer: (iv) makes one happy
Sentence: Her kind words satisfied the heart of the grieving child. - depart and leave but empty air
Answer: (vi) makes no impact
Sentence: Empty promises depart and leave but empty air. - hosts of words
Answer: (i) many words
Sentence: He used hosts of words but explained very little. - never touch the heart
Answer: (v) does not appeal to our emotions
Sentence: His speech was clever, but it never touched the heart. - wins its sunny way
Answer: (ii) cheers up a person
Sentence: Her gentle voice wins its sunny way into every sad room. - plants that cannot grow fruit
Answer: (iii) there is no outcome
Sentence: Ideas without action are like plants that cannot grow fruit.
II Create a ‘Word Map’ for each of the words from the poem given in the box.
depart
Meaning: to go away or leave
Synonym: leave
Antonym: arrive
Sentence: The train will depart at dawn.
Sketch or symbol: arrow moving away
pilgrim
Meaning: a person on a journey, often for a purpose
Synonym: traveller
Antonym: resident
Sentence: The pilgrim walked for days to reach the shrine.
Sketch or symbol: walking person
cheer
Meaning: to make happy or encourage
Synonym: comfort
Antonym: sadden
Sentence: Her visit brought cheer to the lonely child.
Sketch or symbol: smiling face
word
Meaning: a unit of language used for speaking or writing
Synonym: expression
Antonym: silence
Sentence: One kind word can heal a wounded heart.
Sketch or symbol: speech bubble
sunny
Meaning: bright, cheerful, full of light
Synonym: bright
Antonym: gloomy
Sentence: We enjoyed the sunny morning in the garden.
Sketch or symbol: sun
satisfy
Meaning: to fulfill a need or desire
Synonym: fulfill
Antonym: disappoint
Sentence: Honest effort can satisfy the mind.
Sketch or symbol: tick mark
heart
Meaning: the centre of emotions and feelings
Synonym: soul
Antonym: mind
Sentence: Her words came straight from the heart.
Sketch or symbol: heart symbol
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)
- The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest.
Answer: True - The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen for the contest.
Answer: True - The girl explained that people prefer to keep their personal experiences to themselves.
Answer: False - The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in reflecting the speaker’s confidence.
Answer: True - According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role to play in communication.
Answer: False - The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library.
Answer: True
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.
Answer:
I chose “It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi because it shows that sincerity matters more than mere speech. This quotation appealed to me because it teaches that emotions and honesty are more important than impressive language. I remember once comforting a friend who was upset. I did not know the perfect words to say, but my quiet support mattered more than long advice. That experience made me understand the truth of this quotation.
Writing Task
I Write an essay on any one quotation from speaking activity. Follow the guidelines given below while drafting the essay.
Answer:
It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. – Mahatma Gandhi
Words are powerful, but they are not always the most important part of communication. Mahatma Gandhi’s quotation, “It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart,” appealed to me because it highlights the value of sincerity over outward expression. This essay explains why genuine feeling matters more than fancy language.
First, the quotation teaches us that truth and sincerity are more meaningful than empty speech. A person may use beautiful words, but if those words do not come from the heart, they lose their value. On the other hand, even a few simple words can have deep meaning if they are honest. For instance, when we pray, apologise, or comfort someone, what matters most is the feeling behind the words.
In addition, this quotation is relevant in daily life. Many people speak politely or impressively, yet their words may not be genuine. However, a person who speaks simply and honestly often leaves a stronger impact. For example, a student thanking a teacher with true gratitude may move the teacher more than a long formal speech without feeling.
Some may argue that words are necessary to communicate clearly and that emotions alone are not enough. This is partly true. Words do help us express ourselves. However, Gandhi’s point is not that words are useless, but that words without sincerity are hollow. Therefore, feeling must guide speech.
In conclusion, Gandhi’s quotation reminds us that the heart gives real meaning to words. Honest emotions, whether in prayer or daily communication, are more valuable than language that sounds good but lacks truth. In the end, it is not the number of words that matters, but the sincerity behind them.
Learning Beyond the Text
I In groups of six, follow the instructions to play the ‘Non-verbal’ game.
Answer:
Activity-based. Students should play the game by using expressions and gestures without speaking and identify them for points.
II Do you know?
The French priest Charles-Michel de l’Épée (1712–89) is recognised as ‘The Father of Sign Language and Deaf Education’.
Answer:
Charles-Michel de l’Épée is recognised as The Father of Sign Language and Deaf Education.
III You must have read poems and songs in English and in your own language. Now, read and enjoy the poem given below.
Answer:
Activity-based. Read and enjoy the poem “Weigh Your Words” by E. F. Hayward. The poem teaches that words should be chosen carefully because careless speech can hurt others
Believe in Yourself
Reflect and Respond
I Imagine that you are the person in the image.
- What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task?
Answer:
I would feel nervous, uncertain, and slightly afraid, but also hopeful and determined. - What might make you take the first step?
Answer:
The thought of achieving my goal, improving myself, and believing that I can succeed would make me take the first step.
II Think about a time when you had to face a challenge. - What was it, and how did you feel at the start of the journey?
Answer:
A challenge I faced was speaking on stage in front of my class. At the start, I felt scared, shy, and doubtful about myself. - How did you feel once you made the decision to move forward?
Answer:
Once I decided to move forward, I felt more confident, relieved, and ready to try my best.
III What does the phrase ‘believe in yourself’ mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with believing in yourself.
Answer:
To me, “believe in yourself” means trusting your abilities, having confidence, staying positive, and not giving up.
Words and phrases: confidence, courage, determination, self-trust, hope, resilience, positive thinking.
IV Select the correct meaning of ‘status quo’ based on the given sentence.
Even though some kids wanted to try new activities, most of them were happy with the status quo and didn’t want any changes. - A plan to make things more exciting.
- A situation to keep things the same.
- A decision where everything is completely different.
- A choice to change things quickly without thinking.
Answer: - A situation to keep things the same.
Check your Understanding
I Based on your understanding of the poem, select the correct central idea for each stanza from the options given.
Stanza 1
(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one’s future.
(ii) Facing challenges is a journey best taken with support and guidance from others.
Answer:
(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one’s future.
Stanza 2
(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.
(ii) Facing the future with confidence makes choices easier and more straightforward.
Answer:
(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.
Stanza 3
(i) Personal growth involves finding balance between comfort and change.
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Answer:
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Stanza 4
(i) The first step towards change may feel easy if you place your trust in others to guide you and provide support.
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.
Answer:
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.
II Rhyme Scheme
Fill in the blank to complete the following sentence.
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme _ that flows steadily through each stanza.
Answer:
A B A B
III Tone
State whether the following statements are true or false.
- The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging.
Answer: True - The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination by the end of the poem.
Answer: True
IV Speaker
Fill in the blanks with the correct options from those given in the brackets.
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/ she comes across as a (stranger/guide) who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take ___ (interest in/control of) his/her own future.
The use of direct address ‘You’ creates a close connection, as though the speaker is __. (talking directly to the reader/addressing the reader from a distance)
Answer:
guide
control of
talking directly to the reader
V Imagery
Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with the imagery they represent in Column 2. An extra representation is given. - There is no crowd to see…
Answer: (ii) Suggests a solitary journey, stressing individual effort. - push you back in fear?
Answer: (iii) Evokes the mental barrier that prevents growth.
Extra representation not used: (i) Represents the difficulty of beginning a new challenge or change.
VI Symbolism
Select the words/phrases from the box below to complete the given sentences.
unknown self-improvement courage
leap of faith stagnation - Comfort and the status quo represent _ and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
Answer: stagnation - The future symbolises the _, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires to step into.
Answer: unknown, courage - The first step symbolises the initial requirement to begin the journey of __ or personal development.
Answer: leap of faith, self-improvement
VII Metaphor
The poet uses a metaphor in the line, ‘The first step is the hardest’. Explain why this is metaphorical.
Answer:
This is metaphorical because the “first step” does not refer only to a literal step. It stands for the beginning of a challenge, a change, or a difficult decision in life.
VIII The poem uses antithesis in a couple of lines.
Identify the lines from the poem that show antithesis and explain why it is so.
Answer:
The lines “Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?” show antithesis because they contrast two opposite possibilities—moving ahead and being held back by fear.
The lines “There is such ease in comfort / To maintain the status quo, / But this isn’t what we are made for / This isn’t how we grow.” also show antithesis because they contrast comfort and staying the same with growth and change.
Critical Reflection
I Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
- Step up to the challenge
There is no crowd to see,
It’s just you and the future
And where you want to be.
(i) What does the line, ‘There is no crowd to see’ suggest about facing challenges?
Answer:
It suggests that facing challenges is often a personal journey and that one must rely on oneself rather than on public attention or approval.
(ii) Complete the following suitably.
The line ‘It’s just you and the future’ suggests that.
Answer:
the future depends on your own choices, actions, and determination.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate word/ phrase from the extract.
Latha will her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
Answer:
step up
(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.
A. The Struggles of Change
B. Facing the Future Alone
C. A Journey of Growth
D. The Power of Fear
Answer:
B. Facing the Future Alone
(v) Complete the analogy by using a word from the extract.
achieve: goal : : face :
Answer:
challenge
II Answer the following questions. - What is the significance of the metaphor, ‘The first step is the hardest’ in the context of personal growth?
Answer:
The metaphor shows that beginning any change or challenge is usually the most difficult part. It takes courage to leave one’s comfort zone, but once the journey begins, growth becomes possible. - What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
Answer:
The antithesis conveys that personal development involves a choice between comfort and change, fear and courage, staying the same and moving forward. Growth comes from choosing courage and action. - Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles? (Clue: Evaluate whether simply ‘believing in yourself’ is enough to overcome obstacles or other factors are also necessary.)
Answer:
Yes, the poet’s message is realistic to an extent. Believing in yourself is very important because it gives courage and confidence, but it is not enough by itself. Hard work, preparation, perseverance, guidance, and opportunities are also necessary. - Consider a situation where you or someone you know had to take a difficult first step towards a goal. How does the poem’s message about the importance of self-belief apply to this situation?
Answer:
A student who is afraid of public speaking may hesitate to take part in a speech competition. The poem’s message applies because self-belief helps the student take the first step, practise seriously, and speak with confidence despite fear.
Vocabulary in Context
I The phrase ‘status quo’ is a Latin expression that translates to ‘the state in which’ or ‘the existing state of affairs.’ Over time, it has become a popular term used in English to refer to the current situation or condition, especially when things remain unchanged.
Now, fill in the blanks in the given sentences with the Latin expressions used in English from the table.
(i) I enjoy reading fantasy books, Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
Answer: e.g.
(ii) After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a to borrow her notes next time.
Answer: quid pro quo
(iii) I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, .
Answer: etc.
(iv) The park is not very special ; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
Answer: per se
(v) We created an team to organise the school festival.
Answer: ad hoc
(vi) The movie started , with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.
Answer: in media res
II The line, ‘Will it pull you forward/or push you back in fear?’ is a rhetorical question.
- Read the following rhetorical questions and state what they intend to achieve.
(i) Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?
Answer:
It intends to urge immediate action and remind everyone of their shared responsibility.
(ii) Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?
Answer:
It intends to make the listener reflect and choose courage over fear. - Match the situations in Column 1 to the rhetorical questions in Column 2.
(i) Deciding whether to stand up for what is right
Answer: F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right?
(ii) Owning up to a mistake made in a group project
Answer: C. If I don’t take responsibility now, when will I?
(iii) Deciding whether to try something challenging, like public speaking
Answer: E. What’s the point of playing it safe if it means staying stuck?
(iv) Choosing between two career paths
Answer: D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to take?
(v) Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake
Answer: B. Isn’t it better to admit our mistakes than to let them define us?
(vi) Trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone
Answer: A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new?
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a conversation between two friends. As you listen, answer the following questions in one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 275)
- How did the boy feel before the play ?
Answer: so nervous - According to the girl, where does confidence come from?
Answer: taking action - What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
Answer: you’ll shine
II You will once again listen to the conversation. As you listen, select the four true statements from 1–7 given below. - The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage.
Answer: False - The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation.
Answer: True - The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance.
Answer: False - The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance.
Answer: True - The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practiced.
Answer: True - The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly.
Answer: False - The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence.
Answer: True
Speaking Activity
I Work in pairs. Read the three Sayings/Proverbs given below. For each one, think of a real-life situation where it could apply. Do the suggested role play and use the Saying/Proverb.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Answer:
Meaning: We should not form opinions about people only by their appearance or first impression.
Situation/Example: A student looked quiet and serious, so others thought he was unfriendly. Later, they discovered that he was kind, intelligent, and helpful.
Role-play:
Student 1: I thought you were rude because you never talked much.
Student 2: I am just shy at first, but I like helping others once I get comfortable.
Student 1: I realise now that I judged you too quickly.
Student 2: That is why we should not judge a book by its cover.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches us to know people better before judging them. - Actions speak louder than words.
Answer:
Meaning: What a person does is more important than what a person says.
Situation/Example: One student kept saying that he would improve his marks, while another quietly studied every day and actually improved.
Role-play:
Student 1: I will definitely score better this time.
Student 2: Then start revising regularly and completing your practice work.
Student 1: You are right. Just saying it is not enough.
Student 2: Exactly. Actions speak louder than words.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches us that effort and action bring real results. - When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Answer:
Meaning: Strong and determined people do not give up when life becomes difficult.
Situation/Example: A student found a science project very difficult and wanted to quit, but a friend encouraged him to continue. In the end, he completed it successfully.
Role-play:
Student 1: This project is too difficult. I think I should leave it.
Student 2: No, keep trying. Difficult times are when we become stronger.
Student 1: I am tired, but I do not want to give up.
Student 2: Good. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches perseverance and courage in difficult situations.
Writing Task
I Your class is conducting the morning assembly. You have been asked to deliver a speech on the topic, ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’. Draft this speech by following the guidelines given below.
Answer:
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. I am here to deliver a speech on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities.” It is rightly said, “Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.” Through this speech, I would like to share how challenges, though difficult at first, can help us grow, learn, and succeed.
Challenges are a natural part of life. They may make us feel scared, anxious, or uncertain. Many people fear change because it takes them out of their comfort zone. However, every challenge brings with it a lesson. When we face difficulties, we develop qualities such as courage, patience, discipline, and problem-solving skills. In this way, challenges help us become stronger and wiser.
Moreover, change often opens doors to new opportunities. A student who is afraid of speaking in public may discover confidence after giving one speech. A person who fails in an exam may learn to work harder and perform better the next time. Even in my own life, I have seen that difficult situations often teach the most valuable lessons. They push us to improve ourselves and move forward.
Therefore, we should not run away from challenges. Instead, we should face them with a positive mindset, self-belief, and determination. Don’t you agree that every difficulty carries the seed of growth? If we remain confident and keep trying, challenges can become stepping stones to success.
In conclusion, challenges are not obstacles alone; they are also opportunities for learning and progress. Let us believe in ourselves, accept change bravely, and turn every challenge into an opportunity. Thank you.
Learning Beyond the Text
I Explore the stories of Indian leaders who faced significant challenges and turned them into opportunities for success.
Now, find out about such personalities from your village, town, city, or state and present their success stories in class.
Answer:
Activity-based. Model response:
- Mary Kom
Mary Kom came from a humble background in Manipur and faced many struggles, including poverty and lack of resources. Through determination and hard work, she became a world champion boxer and an inspiration to millions. - Sudha Murty
Sudha Murty overcame social barriers and proved herself in the fields of engineering, writing, and social service. Her life shows that courage, education, and service can turn challenges into achievements. - Kalpana Saroj
Kalpana Saroj faced poverty, discrimination, and personal hardship, but she worked hard and became a successful entrepreneur. Her story is an example of courage and self-belief.
How to Use These NCERT Solutions
Read the poem carefully and focus on the central idea about the value of sincere words.
Attempt the questions on your own before checking the answers. This will improve your understanding and writing skills.
Pay attention to poetic devices like simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and imagery, as these are frequently asked in exams.
Why This Chapter is Important
This chapter highlights the difference between meaningful and empty words.
It teaches that sincerity and emotional truth are more important than impressive language.
Questions from this chapter often test interpretation, poetic devices, and theme-based understanding.
Who Should Use This
This content is useful for:
- Class 9 CBSE students
- Students preparing for English exams
- Learners struggling with poetry
- Students improving answer writing