April 10, 2026
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Poem 2: Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations
Complete Poem Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1RiddlesPage 57
Read the four riddles and identify who these people are.
Answer:
| Riddle Clue | Person / Vocation |
|---|---|
| In furrows deep, secrets I sow; as time passes, I watch them grow. | Farmer |
| From wheel to kiln, my skill is born; step by step, an art takes form. | Potter |
| I lay foundations, brick by brick, to build a house, it’s me you pick. | Mason |
| I work with pots, pans, and spice, creating dishes that taste so nice. | Cook / Chef |
R2DiscussionPage 57
What is the role and relevance of the people identified in the riddles? How do they contribute to society?
Suggested Answer:
Farmers grow food and sustain life. Potters make useful and artistic clay objects. Masons build houses, schools, offices and public structures. Cooks prepare food and nourish people. All these vocations are important because they fulfil basic human needs and preserve skill, culture and dignity of labour.
Farmers grow food and sustain life. Potters make useful and artistic clay objects. Masons build houses, schools, offices and public structures. Cooks prepare food and nourish people. All these vocations are important because they fulfil basic human needs and preserve skill, culture and dignity of labour.
Check Your Understanding
1True / FalsePage 60
Based on your understanding of the poem, state whether the statements are true or false. Rectify the false statements.
Answer:
| Statement | Answer | Rectification, if needed |
|---|---|---|
| The poem highlights the skilled work of craftsperson. | True | — |
| The poet shares that musicians express emotions through their instruments. | True | — |
| The carpenters in the poem are admired for their logical work. | True | — |
| The electricians in the poem are recognised for their crucial role in lighting up lives. | True | — |
| The poem pays homage to shoemakers who manufacture quality footwear. | True | — |
| The poem celebrates the patriotism of the people of Bharat. | False | The poem celebrates the dignity, skill and identity of people engaged in different vocations across Bharat. |
| The poet feels that each vocation deserves to be respected. | True | — |
Poem Appreciation
A1Rhyme SchemePage 60
Rhyme Scheme and Lineation:
1. Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?
2. What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?
3. What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?
1. Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?
2. What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?
3. What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?
Answer:
1. The poem is written in free verse. It does not follow a strict rhyme scheme.
2. The varying length of lines gives the poem a natural, flowing and song-like rhythm. It also reflects the variety of vocations being celebrated.
3. Most lines begin by naming a vocation or worker and then describe the skill, sound, movement, or value connected with that vocation.
1. The poem is written in free verse. It does not follow a strict rhyme scheme.
2. The varying length of lines gives the poem a natural, flowing and song-like rhythm. It also reflects the variety of vocations being celebrated.
3. Most lines begin by naming a vocation or worker and then describe the skill, sound, movement, or value connected with that vocation.
A2SpeakerPage 60
Who appears to be the speaker and what is her/his role here?
Answer:
The speaker appears to be an observer of Bharat’s working people. The speaker’s role is to listen to, notice and celebrate the voices of different vocations. The speaker gives dignity to every form of skilled work and shows that every vocation contributes to society.
The speaker appears to be an observer of Bharat’s working people. The speaker’s role is to listen to, notice and celebrate the voices of different vocations. The speaker gives dignity to every form of skilled work and shows that every vocation contributes to society.
A3Tone and MoodPages 60–61
Fill in the blanks with suitable options from the box: serious, celebratory, hostile, reverential, joyful, sympathetic.
Answer:
A. The tone is celebratory and reverential, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
B. There is a joyful mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
A. The tone is celebratory and reverential, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.
B. There is a joyful mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.
A4ImageryPage 61
1. Select any two descriptions from the poem that evoke visual images.
2. Fill in the blanks: The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, ___________, and ___________.
2. Fill in the blanks: The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, ___________, and ___________.
Answer:
1. Two descriptions that evoke visual images are:
(i) “craftsperson… woven with colours and myriad hues”
(ii) “The boatmen gathering their nets from the shore”
2. The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, electricians humming, and boatmen singing.
1. Two descriptions that evoke visual images are:
(i) “craftsperson… woven with colours and myriad hues”
(ii) “The boatmen gathering their nets from the shore”
2. The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, electricians humming, and boatmen singing.
A5MetaphorPage 61
State whether the sentence about ‘delicious singing’ of the cook being a metaphor is true or false.
Answer:
True. The phrase “delicious singing” is metaphorical because it connects the cook’s singing with taste and pleasure. It suggests that the cook’s work and song are both enjoyable, graceful and full of life.
True. The phrase “delicious singing” is metaphorical because it connects the cook’s singing with taste and pleasure. It suggests that the cook’s work and song are both enjoyable, graceful and full of life.
A6PersonificationPage 61
Select the line that tells us that the poet personifies vocations by attributing human-like qualities to them.
Answer:
The line is: “The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.”
Here, vocation is given a “voice”, which is a human-like quality. This suggests that work is not silent or mechanical; it expresses the worker’s personality, skill and identity.
The line is: “The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.”
Here, vocation is given a “voice”, which is a human-like quality. This suggests that work is not silent or mechanical; it expresses the worker’s personality, skill and identity.
A7RepetitionPage 61
Why might the poet have begun and ended with the same line—‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!’?
Answer:
The poet begins and ends with this line to emphasise the central idea of the poem: Bharat celebrates the dignity and diversity of work. The repetition gives the poem a circular structure and creates a song-like effect. It also reinforces the message that every vocation has its own voice and value.
The poet begins and ends with this line to emphasise the central idea of the poem: Bharat celebrates the dignity and diversity of work. The repetition gives the poem a circular structure and creates a song-like effect. It also reinforces the message that every vocation has its own voice and value.
A8AlliterationPage 61
Identify two examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer:
Two examples of alliteration are:
1. “varied vocations” — repetition of the v sound.
2. “mathematical precision” — repetition of the m sound is mild in the phrase context, and the sound pattern gives rhythm to the line.
Another clear sound pattern can be noticed in “walk, dance, run, jump”, which creates rhythmic movement.
Two examples of alliteration are:
1. “varied vocations” — repetition of the v sound.
2. “mathematical precision” — repetition of the m sound is mild in the phrase context, and the sound pattern gives rhythm to the line.
Another clear sound pattern can be noticed in “walk, dance, run, jump”, which creates rhythmic movement.
A9SymbolismPage 61
Each vocation in the poem symbolises something more than just a job. What does it symbolise?
Answer:
Each vocation symbolises dignity, identity, skill, creativity and social contribution. The carpenter symbolises precision and craftsmanship, the electrician symbolises light and service, the boatman symbolises courage and connection with nature, the shoemaker symbolises care for human movement, and the cook symbolises nourishment and joy.
Each vocation symbolises dignity, identity, skill, creativity and social contribution. The carpenter symbolises precision and craftsmanship, the electrician symbolises light and service, the boatman symbolises courage and connection with nature, the shoemaker symbolises care for human movement, and the cook symbolises nourishment and joy.
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPage 62
Read the extract beginning “The shoemakers affirming the quality of their work...” and answer the questions.
Answer:
1. The word “affirm” refers to (ii) to declare with confidence.
2. According to the poet, quality shoes help the feet to walk, dance, run, jump and return home comfortably and safely.
3. “Return home” symbolises safety, comfort, completion of daily journeys and the emotional warmth of coming back to one’s own place.
4. The phrase that tells us every worker’s contribution is distinct is “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else.”
5. “…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home” refers to the many journeys, activities and movements made possible by the shoemaker’s work.
1. The word “affirm” refers to (ii) to declare with confidence.
2. According to the poet, quality shoes help the feet to walk, dance, run, jump and return home comfortably and safely.
3. “Return home” symbolises safety, comfort, completion of daily journeys and the emotional warmth of coming back to one’s own place.
4. The phrase that tells us every worker’s contribution is distinct is “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else.”
5. “…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home” refers to the many journeys, activities and movements made possible by the shoemaker’s work.
CR 2Long AnswerPages 62–63
Answer the following questions.
1. Why does the poet say, ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear’?
The poet says this because Bharat is presented as a land where many different vocations exist together with dignity. The poet hears the sounds, songs, rhythms and voices of workers and sees them as a celebration of skill, identity and social contribution.
2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?
The electrician humming suggests joy, confidence and pride in work. It shows that the electrician does not treat work as a burden, but as a meaningful service that brings light into people’s lives.
3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’
This line means that a person’s work is deeply connected with who they are. Their vocation reflects their skill, tradition, effort, creativity and self-respect. Work is not merely a means of earning; it gives identity and dignity.
4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.
Yes, every vocation is important because society depends on different kinds of work. Farmers provide food, electricians provide light, carpenters make useful objects, cooks prepare meals, shoemakers make footwear and masons build homes. Life becomes easier and meaningful because of their services.
5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.
The poet celebrates all vocations because every honest form of work deserves respect. In my context, a teacher educates students, a driver helps people travel, a tailor stitches clothes, a sweeper keeps the surroundings clean, and a shopkeeper provides daily necessities. Each worker contributes to society in a unique way.
6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?
The poet uses visual imagery through colours, hues, nets, shoes and tools. Auditory imagery appears in the sounds of lutes, humming, singing and rhythm. These images make everyday work appear lively, artistic and beautiful.
The poet says this because Bharat is presented as a land where many different vocations exist together with dignity. The poet hears the sounds, songs, rhythms and voices of workers and sees them as a celebration of skill, identity and social contribution.
2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?
The electrician humming suggests joy, confidence and pride in work. It shows that the electrician does not treat work as a burden, but as a meaningful service that brings light into people’s lives.
3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’
This line means that a person’s work is deeply connected with who they are. Their vocation reflects their skill, tradition, effort, creativity and self-respect. Work is not merely a means of earning; it gives identity and dignity.
4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.
Yes, every vocation is important because society depends on different kinds of work. Farmers provide food, electricians provide light, carpenters make useful objects, cooks prepare meals, shoemakers make footwear and masons build homes. Life becomes easier and meaningful because of their services.
5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.
The poet celebrates all vocations because every honest form of work deserves respect. In my context, a teacher educates students, a driver helps people travel, a tailor stitches clothes, a sweeper keeps the surroundings clean, and a shopkeeper provides daily necessities. Each worker contributes to society in a unique way.
6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?
The poet uses visual imagery through colours, hues, nets, shoes and tools. Auditory imagery appears in the sounds of lutes, humming, singing and rhythm. These images make everyday work appear lively, artistic and beautiful.
Vocabulary in Context
V1VocationsPage 63
Match the vocations with the descriptions.
Answer:
| Description | Vocation |
|---|---|
| A person who studies or grows garden plants. | Horticulturist |
| A trained female community health worker. | ASHA worker |
| A producer of raw silk. | Sericulturist |
| A person whose job is making or selling sweets and chocolates. | Confectioner |
| A metalworker who specialises in working with precious metals. | Goldsmith |
| A person who fuses materials together. | Welder |
V2SynonymsPage 64
Identify the word from Column 2 that is not the synonym of the word in Column 1.
Answer:
| Word | Options | Not a Synonym |
|---|---|---|
| myriad | countable, innumerable, numerous, abundant | countable |
| hues | shades, tints, drawing, colour | drawing |
| precision | exactness, accuracy, correctness, calculation | calculation |
| varied | assorted, diverse, uniform, different | uniform |
| delicious | mouth-watering, inedible, tasty, flavourful | inedible |
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPage 64
Listen to two friends discussing the occupations of their parents. What does the boy use to understand the details of the tools?
Answer:
This is an audio-based task. The exact answer should be filled after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Likely answer format: The boy uses a diagram / chart / manual / book to understand the details of the tools.
This is an audio-based task. The exact answer should be filled after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Likely answer format: The boy uses a diagram / chart / manual / book to understand the details of the tools.
L2Audio BasedPages 64–65
Listen again and answer the questions by selecting the correct option.
Answer:
These answers should be checked against the classroom audio/transcript.
1. The girl is __________ about taking food for her mother at the factory.
Options: happy / boastful / unsure
2. The boy thinks that the job of the girl’s mother carries a lot of __________.
Options: luck / risk / responsibility
3. The girl __________ why the boy is good at science exhibitions.
Options: wonders / questions / realises
4. The girl shares her __________ about joining the weekend discussion on tools.
Options: doubts / wish / ideas
These answers should be checked against the classroom audio/transcript.
1. The girl is __________ about taking food for her mother at the factory.
Options: happy / boastful / unsure
2. The boy thinks that the job of the girl’s mother carries a lot of __________.
Options: luck / risk / responsibility
3. The girl __________ why the boy is good at science exhibitions.
Options: wonders / questions / realises
4. The girl shares her __________ about joining the weekend discussion on tools.
Options: doubts / wish / ideas
Speaking Activity
S1Role SpeakingPage 65
Represent one vocation from the poem and speak for 1–2 minutes about who you are, what you do, where you work, your experiences, problems and message.
Sample Answer: Carpenter
Good morning everyone. I am a carpenter. I work with wood and create useful things such as tables, chairs, doors, shelves and cabinets. My workplace may be a workshop, a construction site or a customer’s home. My work requires measurement, precision, creativity and patience.
I enjoy turning plain wood into something beautiful and useful. However, I also face problems such as dust, noise, long working hours and the risk of injury from sharp tools. My message to everyone is that skilled work deserves respect. Every object we use in daily life is the result of someone’s labour and craftsmanship.
Good morning everyone. I am a carpenter. I work with wood and create useful things such as tables, chairs, doors, shelves and cabinets. My workplace may be a workshop, a construction site or a customer’s home. My work requires measurement, precision, creativity and patience.
I enjoy turning plain wood into something beautiful and useful. However, I also face problems such as dust, noise, long working hours and the risk of injury from sharp tools. My message to everyone is that skilled work deserves respect. Every object we use in daily life is the result of someone’s labour and craftsmanship.
Writing Task
W1Poster CompletionPage 66
Complete the poster for a school Career Mela.
Answer:
GREEN VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOL
announces
CAREER MELA
to spread awareness about various careers
Date: 25 February
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: School Auditorium, Green Valley Public School
Highlights:
V Details, information and guidance provided for all streams
V Counsellors for all career fields
V Interactive sessions with professionals
CHART YOUR FUTURE AT CAREER MELA
Entry Tickets: FREE
Sponsors: Career Guidance Cell
Issuing Authority: Principal, Green Valley Public School
GREEN VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOL
announces
CAREER MELA
to spread awareness about various careers
Date: 25 February
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: School Auditorium, Green Valley Public School
Highlights:
V Details, information and guidance provided for all streams
V Counsellors for all career fields
V Interactive sessions with professionals
CHART YOUR FUTURE AT CAREER MELA
Entry Tickets: FREE
Sponsors: Career Guidance Cell
Issuing Authority: Principal, Green Valley Public School
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Reading ActivityPages 67–68
Read the poem “The Lamplighter” by R.L. Stevenson and enjoy the childhood fascination for different vocations.
Suggested Response:
“The Lamplighter” presents a child’s admiration for Leerie, the man who lights street lamps every evening. The child finds the lamplighter’s work magical and wishes to become like him when older. The poem shows how children often find wonder and dignity in simple everyday vocations.
“The Lamplighter” presents a child’s admiration for Leerie, the man who lights street lamps every evening. The child finds the lamplighter’s work magical and wishes to become like him when older. The poem shows how children often find wonder and dignity in simple everyday vocations.
LB 2Research ActivityPage 68
Collect information on any one vocation of your choice and prepare a presentation explaining the reason for your choice and how it is helpful to society and self.
Sample Answer: Electrician
Reason for choice: I chose the vocation of an electrician because electricity is essential in modern life. Electricians help homes, schools, hospitals, shops and offices function safely.
How it helps society: Electricians install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, lights, fans, machines and appliances. They help prevent electrical accidents and make everyday life convenient.
How it helps the self: This vocation provides livelihood, practical skill, independence and respect. A trained electrician can work in homes, industries, construction sites or even start an independent service business.
Reason for choice: I chose the vocation of an electrician because electricity is essential in modern life. Electricians help homes, schools, hospitals, shops and offices function safely.
How it helps society: Electricians install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, lights, fans, machines and appliances. They help prevent electrical accidents and make everyday life convenient.
How it helps the self: This vocation provides livelihood, practical skill, independence and respect. A trained electrician can work in homes, industries, construction sites or even start an independent service business.
LB 3HaikuPage 68
Create a Haiku poem and share it with your classmates and teacher.
Suggested Haiku:
Hands shape silent clay
Dreams rise from the spinning wheel
Pots bloom in sunlight
Note: A Haiku usually has three lines with a 5–7–5 syllable pattern.
Hands shape silent clay
Dreams rise from the spinning wheel
Pots bloom in sunlight
Note: A Haiku usually has three lines with a 5–7–5 syllable pattern.
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