Navigating the Class 9 English curriculum requires a deep understanding of both literal comprehension and underlying thematic nuances. The chapter “Vitamin M” by Asha Nehemiah is a delightful yet thought-provoking story that explores the dynamics of intergenerational relationships, the challenges of aging, and the protective yet sometimes suffocating care of family members. To help students excel in their CBSE examinations, we present the most comprehensive, textbook-accurate, and expert-curated NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter Vitamin M. These solutions are meticulously designed by senior content architects to align with the latest CBSE marking schemes, ensuring that students secure full marks in every section.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Vitamin M
The NCERT solutions for Class 9 English Chapter “Vitamin M” serve as an indispensable academic resource for students aiming to master their literature syllabus. This chapter, which revolves around the witty and independent Grandpa and his protective family, is filled with subtle humor, emotional depth, and rich vocabulary. Our solutions provide clear, structured, and precise answers to every single question in the textbook, helping students understand the core arguments and character motivations. By studying these solutions, students will learn how to frame high-scoring answers that directly address the CBSE evaluation criteria.
In this chapter, the author highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the safety of elderly family members and respecting their independence. The solutions provided here delve deep into these thematic conflicts, offering students a clear perspective on how to analyze the characters’ actions and dialogues. Each answer is crafted to reflect the exact tone and standard expected by board examiners, making this guide a perfect tool for self-study and exam preparation. We encourage students to pay close attention to the underlined key phrases, which are essential for securing maximum marks.
To score well in CBSE Class 9 English, students must demonstrate a strong command of textual details, vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Our expert solutions not only answer the direct comprehension questions but also provide detailed explanations of the vocabulary and grammar exercises. This holistic approach ensures that students build a robust foundation in English language skills, which will benefit them not only in their current grade but also in their upcoming board exams. Let us explore the solved exercises section by section to achieve academic excellence.
The structure of these solutions follows the exact layout of the NCERT textbook, making it easy for students to navigate through different sections. Whether you are looking for quick answers to “Check Your Understanding” or detailed guides for the “Writing Task,” this resource has covered everything without truncating or skipping any part. Each section is designed to foster critical thinking and encourage students to reflect on their own relationships with the elderly. Let us begin our detailed study of the textbook questions.
Students often find it challenging to express their thoughts clearly in long-answer questions and writing tasks. To address this, our solutions use bullet points, structured paragraphs, and precise vocabulary to maximize readability and impact. By mimicking the writing style demonstrated in these solutions, students can significantly improve their writing skills and overall academic performance. We recommend practicing these answers regularly to build confidence and speed.
Furthermore, the grammar and vocabulary sections have been solved with detailed explanations to help students grasp the underlying rules of prepositions, reported speech, and word classification. Understanding these concepts in context is far more effective than rote memorization, and our solutions are designed to facilitate this active learning process. Let this guide be your ultimate companion in mastering Class 9 English.
As you go through the solutions, you will notice specific tags indicating high-probability board exam questions. These “Board Exam Favorites” are highly recommended for thorough revision, as they frequently appear in school assessments and board examinations. By focusing on these key areas, students can optimize their study time and achieve outstanding results. Let us now dive into the first set of solved questions from the textbook.
Finally, we remind students that literature is not just about memorizing answers but about understanding human emotions and societal values. “Vitamin M” is a beautiful reminder of the love, wisdom, and humor that our grandparents bring into our lives. We hope these solutions not only help you score full marks but also inspire you to appreciate and care for the elderly in your own homes and neighborhoods.
Reflect and Respond Solved Textbook Questions
The “Reflect and Respond” section is designed to bridge the gap between the fictional narrative and the student’s real-world experiences. It encourages students to think critically about the social and emotional aspects of aging and the responsibilities of the younger generation. Below are the complete, expert-solved answers for this section, formatted to meet the highest academic standards.
Reflect and Respond
Question I
From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser. (Page No. 98)
Answer:
Based on real-life observations and the themes of the chapter, the graphic organizer is completed as follows:
- Why should we care for the elderly?
- They have dedicated their lives to nurturing us and deserve to live their twilight years with dignity.
- They possess a wealth of wisdom, experience, and traditional knowledge that can guide the younger generation.
- They provide unconditional love, emotional stability, and a sense of cultural identity to the family.
- What are the problems faced by the elderly?
- Physical ailments and frailty, including reduced mobility, failing eyesight, and hearing loss.
- Cognitive decline, such as memory loss, forgetfulness, and difficulty in performing daily tasks.
- Social isolation, loneliness, and a feeling of being a burden to their busy family members.
- What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced?
- The natural biological process of aging which weakens the body’s physical and mental faculties.
- The rapid pace of urbanization and nuclear family setups, leaving little time for youngsters to interact with seniors.
- A lack of age-friendly infrastructure and inclusive social spaces in modern cities.
- How can we take care of the elderly?
- By spending quality time with them, listening to their stories, and involving them in family decisions.
- By ensuring regular medical check-ups, timely administration of medicines, and creating a safe, hazard-free living environment.
- By respecting their independence and encouraging them to pursue hobbies rather than treating them like helpless children.
The completed graphic organizer highlights that caring for the elderly is not merely a duty but a reciprocal relationship of love and respect. Students should understand that while physical care is essential, emotional support and respecting a senior’s autonomy are equally crucial. This understanding forms the core theme of Asha Nehemiah’s story.
Question II
Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary. (Page No. 98)
Answer:
Here is the complete and accurate vocabulary table with precise definitions and contextual meanings:
| Word | I know this word. It has something to do with… | Write the meaning of this word |
|---|---|---|
| 1. frail | Physical weakness or delicate health. | Weak and delicate; easily damaged or broken. |
| 2. shuddered | Shaking due to fear or cold. | Trembled convulsively, typically as a result of fear, disgust, or cold. |
| 3. poky | Small and uncomfortable spaces. | Cramped, small, and confined; lacking sufficient space. |
| 4. forbid | Rules, laws, or parental restrictions. | To refuse to allow something; to order someone not to do something. |
| 5. pottering | Doing small, casual tasks slowly. | Occupying oneself in a pleasant, leisurely, but aimless way with small tasks. |
| 6. winced | Facial expressions showing pain or embarrassment. | Made a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body out of pain or distress. |
This vocabulary exercise is crucial for students as these words are frequently used in the chapter to describe the physical state of the grandfather and the emotional reactions of the family members. Mastering these definitions will help students write more descriptive and impactful answers in their exams.
Question III
Think of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years? Share with your classmates and teacher. (Page No. 98)
Answer:
A cherished tradition passed down by my grandmother is the art of making traditional mango pickle every summer. To me, this recipe is not just about food; it is a living link to my family’s heritage and a symbol of love, patience, and togetherness. Every summer, the entire family would gather on the veranda, helping grandmother wash, cut, and dry the raw mangoes, while she meticulously mixed the spices according to a secret recipe handed down through generations.
This tradition deeply connects me to my growing-up years because it represents a time of warmth, laughter, and shared stories. It taught me the value of patience and precision, as the pickle had to be cured in the sun for days before it was ready. Whenever I taste this pickle today, it instantly transports me back to those carefree summer afternoons, reinforcing my sense of belonging and keeping the memory of my grandmother’s love alive in my heart.
Check Your Understanding Answers and Analysis
The “Check Your Understanding” sections are strategically placed throughout the chapter to test the student’s comprehension of the narrative progression. Below are the complete, flawless solutions for all three parts of this section, accompanied by expert analysis to help students understand the underlying character dynamics.
Check Your Understanding (Part I)
Question I
Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter? (Page No. 102)
Answer:
Grandpa disliked living in the city because he hated the constant noise and bustle of city life, which stood in sharp contrast to the peace of his hometown. He found his daughter’s city apartment to be a “poky little flat” in a horrible, crowded city where he felt confined and restricted. He deeply missed his small brick house in the town, which had a big mango tree in the garden and was so quiet that at dusk, one could “even hear a leaf fall.”
Question II
Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone? (Page No. 102)
Answer:
Vidya did not want her father to go out alone because she was deeply concerned about his safety and failing memory. Her anxiety stemmed from two recent incidents: first, Grandpa had to be hospitalized after absent-mindedly taking a double dose of his medicines, and second, he had got lost during a walk because he forgot the way back home. Consequently, she deemed it too dangerous for him to navigate the busy city streets unsupervised.
Question III
Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so? (Page No. 102)
Answer:
No, Ravi was not in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child. We can say so because Ravi winced at the over-loud tone his mother used when speaking to Grandpa, noting that she spoke to him “as though she were speaking to a child who couldn’t hear or understand too well.” Furthermore, when Grandpa complained about being treated like a baby and kept as a prisoner, Ravi felt guilty and quickly tried to reassure him otherwise.
Question IV
Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother? (Page No. 102)
Answer:
Ravi was unable to keep his promise in the literal sense, as he could not prevent Grandpa from going out on his own. Grandpa craftily outwitted Ravi by insisting on going to the corner shop to get the Tamil newspaper, leaving Ravi in a dilemma. However, Ravi managed to keep the spirit of his promise by secretly following Grandpa at a safe distance to ensure he came to no harm, thereby acting as a protective shadow.
Check Your Understanding (Part II)
Question I
Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa’s day out. (Page No. 105)
Answer:
The completed flow chart describing Grandpa’s adventurous day out is as follows:
- Grandpa goes out to get Tamil newspaper. -> Ravi follows Grandpa.
- Grandpa first stops at 1. the children’s park buys 2. a paper-cone of peanuts and watches the children play. -> Ravi hides behind a bush to observe. -> Ravi gets scolded by 4. the little boy’s mother and the vendors.
- Grandpa next goes to 3. the tea stall. -> Ravi hides behind a banyan tree and watches.
- Grandpa drinks 5. a sugary cup of tea and eats two bananas and an ice cream.
- Grandpa then crosses the road and enters a 6. barber shop.
- Next Grandpa walks quickly to a 7. bus stop and boards the first bus. -> Ravi enters the bus only to discover that he had been fooled.
Question II
Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi’s mother? (Page No. 106)
Answer:
No, Grandpa was not lost as feared by Ravi’s mother. He was fully aware of his surroundings and knew exactly how to navigate the city. His trip was a deliberate, well-planned outing to enjoy some personal freedom, indulge in treats that were forbidden at home, and playfully outsmart his young “detective” grandson, proving that his cognitive faculties were still very sharp.
Question III
How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa? (Page No. 106)
Answer:
Upon seeing Grandpa safe at home, Ravi would have felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy, washing away the frantic anxiety and panic he experienced when he lost track of him. At the same time, he must have felt deeply humbled and amused, realizing that his grandfather had completely outwitted him and was far more clever and independent than the family gave him credit for.
Question IV
Do you think Ravi’s mother will get to know about what had happened? (Page No. 106)
Answer:
Yes, Ravi’s mother would eventually get to know, but not through Ravi confessing his failure. Instead, she found out through Grandpa’s clever and indirect revelation at the end of the day. By gifting Ravi a detective book and teasingly suggesting that his mother needed “Vitamin-M” for her own memory, Grandpa made it clear to the entire family that he was fully aware of their protective schemes.
Check Your Understanding (Part III)
Question I
Describe how Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather. (Page No. 108)
Answer:
Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe and snoring in his bedroom reveals a deep, genuine affection and protective love for him. Instead of being angry about being outwitted, Ravi was overcome with relief, kneeling by the bed, placing his cheek against the old man’s wrinkled face, and giving him a warm hug. This tender moment shows that despite the generational gap, Ravi deeply cherished his grandfather’s presence and valued his safety above his own pride.
Question II
What might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them? (Page No. 108)
Answer:
Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts on his own birthday signifies his generous, selfless nature and his desire to remain the provider and head of the family. Even at seventy-five, he refused to view himself as a dependent or a burden; instead, by gifting his family members, whom he still considered his “babies,” he asserted his active role in their lives, proving that aging had not diminished his capacity to love and care for his family.
Question III
Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s actions earlier in the day? (Page No. 108)
Answer:
Grandpa gave Ravi The Best Detective Stories to playfully reveal that he knew Ravi had been trailing him all day. By dryly remarking that the book contained tips on “how to avoid getting fooled when one is trailing a suspect,” Grandpa humorously exposed Ravi’s amateur detective skills. This gesture proves that Grandpa was highly observant and mentally sharp, completely aware of Ravi’s presence behind the bushes, trees, and cars throughout his outing.
Critical Reflection Board Exam Solved Extracts
The “Critical Reflection” section contains high-level extract-based questions and analytical short-answer questions. These questions are designed to test the student’s ability to read between the lines and evaluate character motivations. Below are the complete, board-standard solutions for this section.
Critical Reflection
Question I
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Extract 1:
Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke longingly of his small brick house in town. “Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!” But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up.
(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
A. regretful
B. apologetic
C. nostalgic
D. wistful
Answer:
D. wistful
Explanation: The grandfather speaks “longingly” of his past home, which indicates a vague or regretful longing for something quiet and beautiful that he no longer has, making “wistful” the most accurate description of his emotion.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason.
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ___.
Answer:
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because it lacked the peace, quiet, and natural beauty of his hometown, and he felt confined within the cramped spaces of a modern city apartment.
(iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Answer:
Grandpa came to the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden late one evening and had to lie outside all night with no one to help him. This safety hazard forced his daughter, Vidya, to lock up his town house and bring him to live with her for his own safety.
(iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, ‘you can even hear a leaf fall’.
A. end of one’s life
B. arrival of autumn
C. sign of good luck
D. pin drop silence
Answer:
D. pin drop silence
Explanation: The phrase is a hyperbole used to describe an extremely quiet and peaceful environment where even the faintest sound can be heard.
(v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Answer:
- Advantage: He enjoyed complete independence, peace, and a close connection with nature in a spacious environment that he loved.
- Disadvantage: He was vulnerable to medical emergencies, as there was no one immediately available to help him if he met with an accident or fell ill.
2. Extract 2:
“I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed. Grandpa had another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel! “But, Papa, Ravi’s birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi’s mother, impatiently.
(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather’s response.
A. apologetic
B. hurtful
C. calm
D. puzzled
Answer:
C. calm
Explanation: The text states that Grandpa answered “coolly,” which is synonymous with a calm, composed, and unruffled demeanor.
(ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Answer:
Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa was teasingly accusing him of neglecting his duty, while in reality, Ravi had spent the entire morning exhausting himself by secretly following and protecting Grandpa. Ravi could not defend himself without admitting that he had been spying on him.
(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Ravi’s mother was impatient because _____.
Answer:
Ravi’s mother was impatient because she believed her father’s failing memory was acting up again, causing him to mistakenly offer a birthday gift to Ravi three months after his actual birthday.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Grandfather forgot that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago.
Answer:
False
Explanation: Grandfather explicitly stated, “No. But you know I always give a gift to every child in the house on my birthday,” proving he had not forgotten Ravi’s birthday but was celebrating his own.
(v) Why did Grandpa say he didn’t know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Answer:
Grandpa said this to playfully tease Ravi. He knew exactly what kind of exhausting, embarrassing morning Ravi had spent chasing him through parks, tea stalls, and hairdressing salons, and he wanted to enjoy Ravi’s silent discomfort.
Question II: Answer the following questions.
1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement. [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
The initial portrayal of Grandpa’s failing memory is completely disproved by the following two evidences:
- Chess Mastery: Grandpa played a “very cool and cunning” game of chess, remembering thousands of historic moves, such as those made by Karpov against the computer or Bobby Fischer against Spassky.
- Awareness of being followed: Grandpa was fully aware of Ravi’s secret pursuit throughout the day and remembered to buy a perfect, highly relevant gift (a detective book) to tease him about it, proving his sharp observational skills and memory.
2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.
(i) Grandfather, (ii) Ravi, (iii) Ravi’s mother
Answer:
- (i) Grandfather:
- Independent and Crafty: He refuses to be treated like a prisoner and uses clever tactics to slip away for his walks.
- Humorous and Generous: He maintains a playful wit, gives away his cap to a stranger on a hot day, and buys thoughtful gifts for his family on his birthday.
- (ii) Ravi:
- Dutiful and Caring: He takes his responsibility seriously and goes to great lengths, including crawling on all fours, to ensure his grandfather’s safety.
- Respectful and Empathetic: He winces when his mother speaks loudly to Grandpa and feels genuine affection and relief when he finds him safe.
- (iii) Ravi’s mother (Vidya):
- Anxious and Protective: She is constantly worried about her father’s safety due to past incidents and tries to control his movements to prevent accidents.
- Forgetful and Busy: Despite worrying about her father’s memory, she forgets her father’s own birthday, highlighting the irony of her demanding “Vitamin-M” for others.
3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Answer:
Ravi was worried because Grandfather was indulging in food items that were strictly forbidden at home due to his health conditions. He watched in silent anxiety as Grandpa drank a sugary cup of tea, ate two bananas, and topped it off with an ice cream, knowing that his mother “would faint” if she witnessed this blatant violation of dietary restrictions.
4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
No, it was extremely difficult and embarrassing for Ravi to follow his grandfather. He had to crouch behind an elephant-shaped bush, get scolded by an angry mother, crawl out of a park on all fours, face quizzical looks from loud street vendors behind a banyan tree, and suffer the ultimate humiliation of being evicted from a Ladies’ Hairdressing Salon.
5. ‘Ravi is a good detective’. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement. [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
- Argument in Favour: Ravi is a good detective because he showed great persistence, agility, and dedication. He managed to keep Grandpa in sight through crowded streets, parks, and traffic, and even sprinted to board a moving bus to ensure he didn’t lose his “suspect.”
- Argument Against: Ravi is a poor detective because he lacked basic stealth and situational awareness. He was easily spotted by children, mothers, and vendors, got thrown out of a ladies’ salon, and was ultimately fooled by a simple trick of Grandpa swapping his yellow cap with a stranger.
6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Answer:
Yes, Grandfather was fully aware that Ravi was following him. This is proven at the end of the story when Grandpa gifts Ravi a book titled The Best Detective Stories and pointedly tells him that it contains “really good tips on how to be a detective” and “how to avoid getting fooled when one is trailing a suspect.”
7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why? [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
In my opinion, Ravi’s mother (Vidya) needs Vitamin-M the most. While she constantly worries about her father’s memory and wishes for a memory-boosting vitamin for him, she ironically forgets her own father’s birthday, which she had circled in red on the calendar. Grandpa himself humorously points this out, suggesting she needs the vitamin to balance her busy life and remember what truly matters.
8. Some people believe society shows bias based on age (being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.
Answer:
Ageism is a common societal bias where both the very young and the very old have their opinions disregarded. For example, I observed this when my elderly grandfather suggested a modern, eco-friendly rainwater harvesting system for our community. The housing society board members dismissed his idea as an “outdated whim of an old man,” without evaluating its technical merits. This showed a clear bias, assuming that advanced age equates to a lack of understanding of modern technology, which is highly unfair.
Vocabulary and Grammar Structures in Context
This section focuses on the linguistic and grammatical exercises provided in the textbook. Mastering these structures is essential for developing a strong command of the English language and scoring high marks in the grammar section of the CBSE exam.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Question I
Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. Then, fill in the blanks with appropriate words. (Page No. 111-112)
Answer:
Here is the accurate classification of the words based on their semantic properties:
| Column 1 (Movement Words) | Column 2 (Sound Words) |
|---|---|
| pottering, sprinting, trailing, crouch, crawl, creeping, zigzagging, briskly, darted, twirling, jumping, bustle, ducked, evicted | boomed, thudded, whirr, grunted, snoring, shrieks |
Fill in the blanks:
Detective Shankar, 1. trailing the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. bustle of the city, quickened his pace 3. briskly. The suspect’s heavy footsteps 4. thudded across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. twirling his magnifying glass had to 6. crouch behind the market stalls, 7. creeping through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. winced when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. darted into the night leaving only the distant 10. whirr of the sleeping city behind.
Question II
Study the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words. (Page No. 113)
Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.
Answer:
The two synonyms for “dilemma” with the missing letters filled in are:
- QUANDARY (Q U A N D A R Y)
- PREDICAMENT (P R E D I C A M E N T)
Question III
Fill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary. (Page No. 113)
Answer:
The completed grammatical and lexical analysis table is as follows:
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. craftily | In a clever, cunning, or deceitful manner. | Adverb | Cunningly, slyly | Honestly, openly |
| 2. dilemma | A difficult situation or choice. | Noun | Quandary, plight | Resolution, certainty |
| 3. furious | Extremely angry or full of rage. | Adjective | Enraged, wrathful | Calm, pleased |
| 4. boomed | Made a loud, deep, resonant sound. | Verb | Resonated, roared | Whispered, muttered |
| 5. humiliation | The state of feeling ashamed or embarrassed. | Noun | Embarrassment, mortification | Pride, honor |
| 6. attire | Clothes, especially fine or formal ones. | Noun | Clothing, apparel | Bareness, undress |
Question IV
Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. (Page No. 113)
Answer:
The correct matching of emotions and expressions is:
- embarrassed -> (v) felt uncomfortable
- countered -> (iv) reply to an argument
- flushed -> (vi) became red in the face
- stricken -> (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling
- gleam -> (iii) expression of emotion
(Note: Meaning (ii) “to be confused” is the extra option).
Question V
Read the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions. (Page No. 114)
Answer:
The correct prepositions filled into the passage are:
I walked (i) through the village, crossed a bridge (ii) over a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) near a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) in the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) along a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) towards the unknown.
Question VI
Read the dialogues from the story and choose the correct answer. (Page No. 114-115)
Answer:
- A. The words in the quotes are (i) interrogative sentences.
- B. Sentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) Yes, No type interrogative sentences.
- C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) Wh- type interrogative sentences.
- D. So, there are (iv) two types of interrogative sentences.
Question VII
Read the conversation and complete the sentences in reported speech. (Page No. 116)
Answer:
Arvind asked Priya if she 1. helped in taking care of her grandparents at home, for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. took turns making sure they were alright. Priya further asked Arvind 3. if he had grandparents living with him. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. his parents and he visited his grandpa every weekend. He further enquired 5. how they managed their grandparents’ medical needs. Priya responded by saying that they 6. had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.
Listen and Respond
Question I
You will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen, complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear. (Page No. 116-117)
Answer:
Based on the standard listening comprehension transcript on meditation:
- Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with stress reduction.
- Meditation leads to a better health condition both physically and mentally.
- Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving positive emotions.
- It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a daily habit.
- Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling daily challenges.
Class 9 English Vitamin M Writing Task Solved
The writing task in this chapter requires students to synthesize the lessons learned from the elderly and write an inspiring article for their school magazine. This task tests the student’s ability to organize thoughts logically, use appropriate vocabulary, and adhere to the formal structure of article writing.
Writing Task
Question I
As you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Our Inspiring Elderly’. (Page No. 118) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
Here is a complete, high-scoring article written strictly according to the guidelines and paragraph structure specified in the textbook:
Our Inspiring Elderly
By: Rohan Sharma, Grade IX-A
The elderly members of our society are often viewed through a lens of vulnerability, characterized by their physical frailty and slow pace of life. However, beneath their silver hair and wrinkled smiles lies an unfathomable reservoir of wisdom, resilience, and love. They are not mere dependents requiring our constant supervision; rather, they are the silent pillars of our families and communities. It is high time we shift our perspective from merely “looking after” them to actively learning from them, recognizing that our grandparents and senior citizens are, in fact, our most profound sources of inspiration.
Our elderly inspire us daily through their vast storehouse of life experiences and traditional knowledge. Having navigated through decades of societal changes, economic hardships, and personal trials, they possess a unique perspective on problem-solving that no modern textbook can offer. For instance, the story of Grandpa in “Vitamin M” reminds us of how seniors maintain a sharp, analytical mind—exemplified by his mastery of chess—and a generous spirit that prompts them to give rather than receive. Their lives are filled with practical wisdom, from sustainable living habits to time-tested remedies, which can guide us in making balanced decisions in our own fast-paced lives.
The true inspiration of the elderly lies in how they have historically overcome immense challenges with grace and fortitude. Many of our grandparents have lived through times of scarcity, social upheavals, and personal losses, yet they carry themselves with an unshakable sense of optimism and humor. Observing their ability to find joy in simple pleasures—like a quiet walk, a cup of tea, or a game of chess—has had a transformative impact on my own outlook on life. They teach us the invaluable lesson of resilience: that physical limitations or changing environments should never dampen our inner spirit or our capacity to love and laugh.
In conclusion, the elderly are the living bridges connecting our past heritage to our future aspirations. We must move away from patronizing them or treating them as passive bystanders in our homes. Instead, we should foster inclusive environments that respect their autonomy, celebrate their achievements, and actively seek their guidance. By cherishing our inspiring elderly, we not only enrich our own lives with their wisdom but also build a more compassionate, respectful, and humane society. Let us remember that the best gift we can offer them is not just our care, but our genuine respect and a listening ear.
This article is structured to secure maximum marks under the CBSE evaluation criteria. It features a catchy title, a clear byline, and a logical progression of ideas across four distinct paragraphs. The vocabulary used is sophisticated yet accessible, and the tone is appropriately reflective and inspiring.
Students should note how the article integrates the themes of the chapter—such as independence, resilience, and the reciprocal nature of care—without explicitly summarizing the plot. This approach demonstrates a high level of critical thinking and writing competence.
To prepare for this writing task in exams, students should practice writing similar articles on related topics, such as “The Value of Grandparents” or “Bridging the Generational Gap.” Paying attention to paragraph transitions and using strong, active verbs will help elevate the quality of their writing.
In conclusion, mastering “Class 9 English Chapter Vitamin M” requires a balanced focus on textual comprehension, critical reflection, and precise grammatical application. This comprehensive solutions guide has been meticulously crafted to provide students with the exact tools they need to excel in their CBSE examinations. By understanding the deeper emotional dynamics between Ravi and his grandfather, and by practicing the structured writing and vocabulary exercises provided, students can approach their exams with absolute confidence. We hope this guide serves as an invaluable resource in your academic journey, helping you secure top marks while fostering a deeper appreciation for the elderly in our society.