If you are preparing for Class 9 CBSE English, this chapter is important for understanding the role of communication and the dignity of labour. Carrier of Words highlights the life of a Gramin Dak Sewak and his contribution to society.
Students often find comprehension and inference-based questions challenging. 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 and Structures in Context, Listen and Respond, Speaking Activity, Writing Task, and Learning Beyond the Text.
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.
- Which profession do they belong to?
Answer:
They belong to the postal profession. They are postmen or postal workers. - Do they face any difficulties while doing their duty?
Answer:
Yes, they face many difficulties such as long distances, harsh weather, poor roads, and physically tiring work. - How does their profession affect the people they meet?
Answer:
Their profession helps people stay connected. They bring letters, money orders, important news, and emotional support to the people they meet.
II Discuss in groups. - How can ‘words’ be ‘carried’?
Answer:
Words can be carried through letters, postcards, messages, emails, and phone calls. - Who could be a carrier of words?
Answer:
A postman, courier, messenger, or any person carrying written or spoken messages could be a carrier of words. - What are the means for people to stay connected?
Answer:
Letters, telephones, mobile phones, postcards, emails, messaging apps, and the internet are means for people to stay connected.
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. We had passed a few 3. on our way to the desert. We could not find even a single soul outdoors, 4. the blazing sun. Even the camels were 5. in the little shade offered by the khejri trees. 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.
Answer:
signals
dunes
hamlets
defying
slumped
devoid
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
Employer
Official address
Mode of transport used
Key responsibilities
Answer:
Name: Khetaram
Position: Gramin Dak Sewak
Employer: India Post / Somarad Branch Post Office
Official address: Somarad Branch Post Office
Mode of transport used: On foot
Key responsibilities:
delivering mail to far-flung hamlets
carrying dak across the desert to the border area
reading out letters to villagers
writing replies for villagers
II Discuss with your teacher.
- Why do you think Khetaram has taken up this challenging job?
Answer:
Khetaram has taken up this challenging job because farming alone could not feed his family of five, and this job gave him an assured income. - How do you think Khetaram would feel about taking up this challenging task every day?
Answer:
Khetaram would probably feel tired but proud, responsible, and satisfied that he is helping people stay connected.
Check Your Understanding
I Complete the table given below with the situations given in Column 1 and the reasons in Column 2.
Column 1 | Column 2
When the temperature is recorded as 50 degrees celsius and above, a state holiday has to be declared.
Khetaram can dwell on any threshold.
BSF always gave Khetaram a lift.
Answer:
When the temperature is recorded as 50 degrees celsius and above, a state holiday has to be declared.
Reason: Therefore, even when the temperature crossed 50 degrees celsius, it was sometimes recorded as 49.9 degrees celsius.
Khetaram can dwell on any threshold.
Reason: People trust him and feel comfortable asking him to read letters and write replies.
BSF always gave Khetaram a lift.
Reason: They were kind to him, and he also distributed their dak.
II Why was a piece of jaggery offered in the village when he brought news of a birth or weddings?
Answer:
A piece of jaggery was offered because it was the simple village way of expressing joy, gratitude, and celebration when he brought good news.
III How would phone lines help Khetaram in his job?
Answer:
Phone lines would help Khetaram because he might become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak and carry both a cell phone and the post from home to home.
Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions.
- “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 ______________.
Answer:
one crop of bajra is not enough to feed a family of five.
(ii) Why did Khetaram term famine as ‘a way of life’?
Answer:
Khetaram termed famine as ‘a way of life’ because drought and scarcity are common in that arid region and have become a regular part of living there.
(iii) Give one reason why Khetaram had to take up a job to help his family to survive.
Answer:
Khetaram had to take up a job because farming could not provide enough food or income for his family.
(iv) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.
Other families: Money orders:: Khetaram: ______
Answer:
job
(v) What would ‘a good year’ signify?
Answer:
‘A good year’ would signify a year with enough rain and at least one proper crop of bajra. - 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
Answer:
B. Sender of the letter
(ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because ________________.
Answer:
the family needed to hear and understand the sad news clearly.
(iii) What was Khetaram’s philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?
Answer:
Khetaram believed that bad news must be destroyed. He acted on this belief by standing outside the house, reading the death letter twice, and then tearing it to bits.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Khetaram’s action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
Answer:
False
(v) Mention any one aspect of Khetaram’s temperament which is revealed through this extract.
Answer:
Khetaram’s compassion is revealed through this extract.
II Answer the following questions. - Justify the statement made by Postmaster-General, Rajasthan Western Region stating that the role of GDS is ‘invaluable’.
Answer:
The role of GDS is invaluable because they carry letters, money orders, and messages to remote interior areas that are often inaccessible by any means except foot. They serve as an essential link between isolated communities and the outside world. - How was the purpose of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
Answer:
The British postal system in India was set up mainly to relay company dak between administrative centres, whereas after independence, the purpose of India Post was to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit. - People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks. Support this statement with any two instances from the text.
Answer:
People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks because they entrusted their monthly savings to the post office, and villagers comfortably asked Khetaram to read out letters and draft replies for them. - Infer the most likely reason that Khetaram was grateful to continue as GDS, even after the age of 60.
Answer:
Khetaram was grateful because the job gave him income, dignity, and an opportunity to continue serving people even after the age of 60. - Explain why the author pays tribute to people like Khetaram.
Answer:
The author pays tribute to people like Khetaram because they work selflessly in harsh conditions, connect remote communities, and form an important part of the social fabric of the country.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Study the phrases given in Column 1 and match them with their meanings in Column 2.
Column 1 | Column 2
crumbles into sand | (i) get a chance to continue living
give a new lease of life | (ii) carrying letters to less populated areas
turn into a trickle before drying out | (iii) disappears in the desert
bearing words across this desolate geography | (iv) lessen gradually and then finally stop
Answer:
crumbles into sand — (iii) disappears in the desert
give a new lease of life — (i) get a chance to continue living
turn into a trickle before drying out — (iv) lessen gradually and then finally stop
bearing words across this desolate geography — (ii) carrying letters to less populated areas
Now, use the phrases from Column 1 in sentences of your own.
Answer:
The narrow path crumbles into sand near the desert village.
This job gave the poor farmer a new lease of life.
The stream turned into a trickle before drying out in summer.
The postman was bearing words across this desolate geography every day.
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.
Answer:
Alliteration: “Khetaram’s khaki”, “scorching summer”, “swirling sandstorms”
Metaphor: “a walking sandman”
III Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2 in the context of the chapter.
Column 1 | Column 2
arid | (i) interest rate for the farmers
concessional | (ii) corner of the world
gaunt | (iii) farmland without much yield
remote | (iv) desert stretching far and wide
desolate | (v) farmer waiting for the rains
Answer:
arid — (iii) farmland without much yield
concessional — (i) interest rate for the farmers
gaunt — (v) farmer waiting for the rains
remote — (ii) corner of the world
desolate — (iv) desert stretching far and wide
Now, use the words from Column 1 in sentences of your own.
Answer:
The arid land could not support many crops.
The bank gave the farmers a concessional loan.
After months of drought, the farmer looked gaunt.
The village was so remote that no buses went there.
The desolate desert looked endless in the afternoon sun.
IV Read the underlined verbs in the sentences given in Column 1 and their functions in Column 2.
Column 1 | Column 2
She has found her book. | (i) finished actions (past event—present result)
I have just eaten a mango. | (ii) recently completed action
Have you ever seen a play before? | (iii) life experiences
I have finished my project. | (iv) accomplishment
Ajay has become a good bowler in five years. | (v) changes over time
I have seen this book in the library many times. | (vi) multiple actions at different times
I have studied in this school for six years. | (vii) action completed in the past but has its impact in present
Answer:
She has found her book. — (i) finished actions (past event—present result)
I have just eaten a mango. — (ii) recently completed action
Have you ever seen a play before? — (iii) life experiences
I have finished my project. — (iv) accomplishment
Ajay has become a good bowler in five years. — (v) changes over time
I have seen this book in the library many times. — (vi) multiple actions at different times
I have studied in this school for six years. — (vii) action completed in the past but has its impact in present
Now, fill in the blanks by using the present perfect form of the verbs given in the brackets to complete the following paragraph.
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.
Answer:
have, got
has collected
have studied
have begun
has, inspired
V Study the sentences given below.
- GDS delivers the mail at the border.
When the subject does the action, the sentence is in active voice. - The mail is delivered by the GDS at the border.
This implies that the ‘mail’ receives the action ‘deliver’.
This sentence is in passive voice because the subject is receiving the action. - Khetaram’s nephew wants to join the GDS. He asks Khetaram how to prepare for it. Khetaram gives him the following advice.
(i) You will need a lot of stamina for this job.
(ii) Practise reading clearly as some of the villagers will expect you to read out the letters.
(iii) Write words neatly as some villagers will ask you to draft replies.
(iv) Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself from the heat.
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.
Answer:
A. will have to be practised
B. will be expected
C. will have to be written
D. will be asked
E. should be worn
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)
Answer:
request
II You will listen to the girl talking about the event again. As you listen, choose the correct option for the following questions.
- What was the occasion that the speaker was talking about?
(i) Letter writing carnival
(ii) Philately day
(iii) Indian Postal Day
Answer:
(iii) Indian Postal Day - India Post is famous for having the most extensive network _.
(i) in India
(ii) in the world
(iii) among design institutes
Answer:
(ii) in the world - Letter writing is being revived as this art form has been _.
(i) celebrated
(ii) appreciated
(iii) forgotten
Answer:
(iii) forgotten - 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
Answer:
(i) calligraphy and graphology - What will the postal department add to the event?
(i) interactive demonstrations
(ii) theatre and dance
(iii) workshop for letter writing
Answer:
(i) interactive demonstrations
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…
Answer:
It seems to me that the envelope is the most important because it gives privacy, allows enclosures, and provides enough space for communication. Some people say that the postcard is more cost effective, and that is true. I would like to point out that the inland letter is also useful because it is cheaper and offers more privacy than a postcard. I totally agree that the money order form is very important when money has to be sent. That’s one way to look at it, but for general communication, the envelope seems the most useful.
Writing Task
A condolence message communicates your feelings to someone whose relative or a person close to them has just passed away. It mentions how sorry you feel for the loss and your prayers for strength to the family members.
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.
Answer:
20 July 20XX
Dear Aunt,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of your father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We can understand how painful this loss must be for you and your family. In this difficult hour, we pray to God to give eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to all of you to bear this great loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Yours sincerely,
Ramesh and Meena
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.
Answer:
The ‘Daakroom’ carnival was created to revive the art of letter writing and encourage people, especially children, to reconnect with postal communication in creative ways.
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.
Answer:
Philately is the study of postage stamps and postal history. A philatelist studies stamps, including rare ones found in museums.
- Study the postage stamps given below and discuss who or what they depict.
Answer:
From left to right, the stamps depict:
Sarojini Naidu
Bhagat Singh
A cultural celebration or folk dance scene
Painted Stork
An Indian heritage monument - 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.
Answer:
personalities:
Sarojini Naidu — poet and freedom fighter
Bhagat Singh — revolutionary freedom fighter
celebrations:
Folk dance / festival stamp — shows India’s cultural celebrations and traditions
centenaries:
A centenary stamp may be issued to honour the hundredth birth anniversary of a national figure or event
nature:
Painted Stork — represents Indian birdlife and biodiversity
our heritage:
An Indian monument stamp — represents India’s architectural heritage and historical pride
III In the past, telegram was a mode of fast communication, commonly used to quickly send short and specific messages, such as greetings and condolences. Its pricing structure was based on the number of words to be transmitted, and therefore, needed to be precise. The following form was used for sending such telegrams.
Answer:
Sample telegram message:
DEEPLY SADDENED BY GRANDFATHER’S DEMISE STOP HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY STOP MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE STOP
How to Use These NCERT Solutions
Read the chapter carefully to understand Khetaram’s life and responsibilities.
Try answering questions on your own before checking the answers. This will improve your comprehension and writing.
Focus on themes like communication, responsibility, and social service because these are commonly asked in exams.
Why This Chapter is Important
This chapter highlights the importance of communication in connecting people.
It shows the challenges faced by postal workers and their contribution to society.
Questions from this chapter often test comprehension, inference, and vocabulary.
Who Should Use This
This content is useful for:
- Class 9 CBSE students
- Students preparing for English exams
- Learners improving answer writing
- Students focusing on comprehension-based questions
