Mastering the NCERT solutions for Class 9 English chapter “A Friend Found in Music” from the newly introduced ‘Kaveri’ textbook is essential for students aiming to secure top marks in their CBSE examinations. This comprehensive guide, curated by senior NCERT content architects and elite board examiners, provides flawless, textbook-accurate solutions to every single question in the chapter. By focusing on precise vocabulary, structured answers, and key scoring phrases, students can develop a deep understanding of the text while aligning perfectly with the official CBSE marking scheme.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English A Friend Found in Music
The introduction of the new Class 9 English textbook ‘Kaveri’ marks a significant shift towards experiential learning and emotional intelligence. The poem “A Friend Found in Music” by Bryanna T. Perkins serves as a beautiful exploration of how music acts as a therapeutic companion in our lives.
To excel in the CBSE Class 9 examinations, students must approach these textbook solutions with a clear understanding of the examiner’s expectations. This guide is meticulously structured to provide comprehensive answers that highlight the literary devices, thematic depth, and structural nuances of the poem.
Our team of senior NCERT content architects has designed these solutions to ensure that every student, regardless of their current academic level, can achieve a perfect score. We focus on the exact keywords and structural layouts that board graders look for during evaluation.
The CBSE marking scheme heavily rewards answers that demonstrate critical thinking, textual accuracy, and a strong command of vocabulary. Therefore, we have underlined the high-scoring phrases and core arguments that are essential for securing full marks in your exams.
This article processes every single question from the textbook, including the ‘Reflect and Respond’, ‘Check Your Understanding’, ‘Critical Reflection’, and ‘Vocabulary’ sections. No shortcuts or summaries are taken, ensuring a 100% complete resource for your study needs.
In addition to the direct textbook questions, we have also solved the writing tasks and speaking activities to provide a holistic learning experience. This ensures that students are fully prepared for both written assessments and internal evaluations.
We recommend that students read through these solutions actively, noting down the phrasal verbs and poetic devices used throughout the answers. Regular practice of these structured responses will build the confidence needed to tackle any unseen extract or subjective question.
Let us dive into the complete, step-by-step NCERT solutions for “A Friend Found in Music” to elevate your academic preparation and help you secure an A1 grade in English.
Class 9 English A Friend Found in Music Reflect and Respond
Reflect and Respond – The ‘Reflect and Respond’ section is designed to encourage students to connect their personal experiences with the themes of the poem. This personal connection is highly valued in CBSE’s competency-based questions, which assess a student’s ability to express individual opinions clearly and coherently.
Question 1
What kind of music do you prefer to listen to—vocal or instrumental? (Page No. 195)
Answer:
I prefer to listen to vocal music because the combination of meaningful lyrics and a melodious voice creates a powerful emotional connection. The words in vocal music help me articulate my own feelings, making the listening experience deeply personal and comforting during different moods.
Alternatively, some students may prefer instrumental music because it allows for open-ended interpretation and deep relaxation. The absence of lyrics in instrumental tracks, such as those featuring the violin, flute, or sitar, helps in enhancing concentration and provides a soothing background for study or meditation.
Question 2
Name your favourite musician(s). (Page No. 195)
Answer:
My favourite musicians are A.R. Rahman for his soul-stirring vocal compositions and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia for his mesmerizing classical flute performances. Their music transcends cultural boundaries and has a unique ability to evoke deep emotions, ranging from intense joy to peaceful introspection.
Question 3
Give reasons for your choice. (Page No. 195)
Answer:
I choose these musicians because their work represents the pinnacle of artistic expression and emotional depth. A.R. Rahman’s innovative use of global rhythms combined with traditional Indian melodies offers a refreshing escape, while Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s instrumental mastery provides a therapeutic and calming effect that helps me destress after a long day of academic work.
Check Your Understanding Textbook Solutions and Answers
Check Your Understanding – This section tests the student’s literal comprehension of the poem and their ability to appreciate its structural and poetic elements. Accurate completion of these exercises is crucial for scoring full marks in the objective and short-answer sections of the CBSE English paper.
Question I
Read the poem again to complete the poet’s diary about her feelings on music. Fill in the blanks with words from the poem. (Page No. 195)
Answer:
Today, I’ve been thinking about how essential music is to me. It is like an ocean that calls me to its 1. shore. Music is the 2. rhythm that harmonises with my 3. core, moving me in ways I can’t explain. When I feel sad or upset about things, music is the 4. therapy that eases the ache. It is amazing how music has the power to lift my 5. spirits, and give me strength to pull through difficult times. I know that it is the effect of music whenever I feel 6. cheerful. Music is the much 7. needed, dependable friend when there is no one to 8. care. Thank you, my dear music, for being my all-time comfort.
Reading for Appreciation
Question 1
The phrase ‘moves me’ in the line ‘That moves me to the core,’ is an example of _____. (Page No. 195)
Answer:
The phrase ‘moves me’ in this context is an example of an idiomatic expression used to convey deep emotional resonance and profound psychological impact.
Question 2
The poet uses metaphors for music. List these metaphors and rewrite them as similes. For example, Music is as ___ as __. (Page No. 195)
Answer:
The metaphors used for music in the poem are: ‘ocean’, ‘rhythm’, ‘therapy’, and ‘needed friend’. We can rewrite them as similes as follows:
- Music is as vast and deep as an ocean.
- Music is as structured and steady as a rhythm.
- Music is as healing and soothing as a therapy.
- Music is as supportive and comforting as a needed friend.
Question 3
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? What impact does it have? (Page No. 195)
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the poem is abcb (e.g., shore/core, blue/through, there/care). This consistent rhyme scheme creates a melodious and rhythmic flow, mimicking the very nature of music itself, which makes the poem highly engaging, memorable, and pleasant to read aloud.
Question 4
What is the poet’s purpose in using the word ‘music’ repetitively? (Page No. 195)
Answer:
The poet repetitively uses the word ‘music’ to emphasize its central importance in her life and to create a rhythmic beat within the poem. This repetition acts as a refrain, reinforcing the idea that music is an omnipresent, stabilizing force that anchors her thoughts and emotions.
Question 5, 6 & 7
- What is the message the poet wishes to convey through the poem?
- Identify the mood of the poem from the options given below: (i) nostalgic, (ii) thoughtful, (iii) amused, (iv) playful.
- Give evidence from the poem to support that the speaker is the poet herself. (Page No. 195)
Answer:
- The message is that music is a universal healer and a constant companion that can help individuals navigate through emotional highs and lows.
- The mood of the poem is (ii) thoughtful, as the poet reflects deeply on her emotional relationship with music.
- The evidence that the speaker is the poet herself lies in the consistent use of first-person pronouns such as ‘me’, ‘I’, and ‘my’ (e.g., “pulls me to the shore”, “I need when I feel blue”, “lifts my spirits”).
Critical Reflection Questions and Answers for Class 9
Critical Reflection – Critical reflection questions require students to analyze the text beyond literal comprehension. These questions assess higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and are highly favored by CBSE examiners for evaluating a student’s analytical capabilities and depth of understanding.
Question I
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. (Page No. 196) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
“Music is the therapy
I need when I feel blue.
Music lifts my spirits
To make sure I pull through.”
(i) Complete the following sentence suitably. The phrase ‘feel blue’ indicates ___.
(ii) Identify the line which shows music makes the poet happy.
(iii) What does the last line of the extract signify?
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false: Music plays a vital role in the poet’s life.
(v) Select the central idea of the extract from the following options:
A. Music brings comfort during sadness.
B. Music is a necessity in times of happiness.
C. Music improves our ability to pull heavy loads.
D. Music is a source of knowledge and excitement.
Answer:
(i) The phrase ‘feel blue’ indicates feelings of sadness, depression, or low spirits.
(ii) The line is: “Music lifts my spirits”.
(iii) The last line signifies the poet’s ability to overcome difficult times and survive emotional challenges with the help of music.
(iv) True. Music is indeed an indispensable part of the poet’s life.
(v) A. Music brings comfort during sadness.
Question II.1
How is music able to move the poet ‘to the core’? (Page No. 196)
Answer:
Music moves the poet ‘to the core’ by establishing a profound emotional resonance that touches her innermost soul. The rhythm and melody of music align with her internal feelings, triggering deep emotional responses that physical words alone cannot express, thereby shaking and comforting her entire being.
Question II.2
Why does the poet compare music to a ‘needed friend’? (Page No. 196) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
The poet compares music to a ‘needed friend’ because, like a loyal companion, music is always present when no one else seems to care. It offers unconditional support, non-judgmental comfort, and a reliable escape from loneliness, acting as a dependable anchor during times of emotional distress.
Question II.3
Explain the poet’s attitude towards music. (Page No. 196)
Answer:
The poet’s attitude towards music is one of deep reverence, gratitude, and emotional dependence. She views music not merely as entertainment, but as a vital life-support system—a therapeutic force, a spiritual elevator, and a constant companion that ensures her emotional survival.
Question II.4
Support the opinion that this poem has a universal appeal. (Page No. 196) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
The poem has a universal appeal because it addresses fundamental human emotions of loneliness, sadness, and joy that transcend age, culture, and geography. Anyone who has ever found solace, motivation, or happiness in listening to a song can easily relate to the poet’s portrayal of music as a universal healer and companion.
Question II.5
Compare your experience of music with the feelings expressed in the poem. (Page No. 196)
Answer:
My experience of music closely mirrors the poet’s feelings, as I often turn to upbeat songs to celebrate happy moments and soft instrumental tracks to calm my mind during stressful exam preparations. Just like the poet, I find that music acts as an emotional buffer, helping me process my feelings and providing a sense of comfort when I feel isolated.
Vocabulary in Context and Phrasal Verbs Solved Exercises
Vocabulary and Structures in Context – A strong command of vocabulary and phrasal verbs is essential for scoring high marks in the grammar and writing sections of the CBSE Class 9 English exam. This section provides accurate solutions to the vocabulary classification and phrasal verb exercises from the textbook.
Question I
Classify the words given in the box below as positive emotions and negative emotions.
[feel blue, lifts my spirits, most cheerful]
Now, fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word from those given in the brackets. (Page No. 196-197)
Answer:
- Positive emotions (happiness): lifts my spirits, most cheerful
- Negative emotions (sadness): feel blue
Fill in the blanks:
- The familiar tune stimulated a rush of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to cherished moments from their past.
- The soulful ballad expressed the singer’s anguish, leaving the audience moved by the intensity of their emotions.
- The pianist played a soulful melody on the stage, creating an ambience of melancholy.
- The festive symphony filled the air with jubilant tones, lifting the spirits of everyone present on the joyous occasion.
Question III
Choose the correct meaning from the box given below for the underlined phrasal verbs in the following sentences. (Page No. 197)
- He’s planning to move out of his parents’ house next month.
- Our new neighbours moved in yesterday.
- I’ve been in this job long enough—it’s time I moved on.
- Can you move over a bit so I can sit down?
- The police officer told the crowd to move along.
- The bus moved off as soon as all the passengers were seated.
Answer:
- move out: (v) to leave a place where one has been living
- moved in: (ii) to begin living in a new home or place
- moved on: (i) to start doing or discussing something new
- move over: (vi) to shift position to make space for someone or something
- move along: (iv) to go to a new position, especially in order to make room for other people
- moved off: (iii) to start moving; to leave
Question IV
Create phrasal verbs from the verbs ‘put’, ‘get’, ‘look’, ‘break’. Find the meanings of the phrasal verbs you create. Make sentences with the phrasal verbs. (Page No. 197)
Answer:
- Put:
- Phrasal Verb: Put off (Meaning: To postpone). Sentence: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
- Phrasal Verb: Put up with (Meaning: To tolerate). Sentence: I cannot put up with this noisy environment anymore.
- Get:
- Phrasal Verb: Get over (Meaning: To recover from). Sentence: It took her a long time to get over her illness.
- Phrasal Verb: Get along (Meaning: To have a friendly relationship). Sentence: Do you get along well with your classmates?
- Look:
- Phrasal Verb: Look after (Meaning: To take care of). Sentence: We must look after our elderly grandparents.
- Phrasal Verb: Look forward to (Meaning: To anticipate with pleasure). Sentence: I look forward to attending the music concert.
- Break:
- Phrasal Verb: Break down (Meaning: To stop functioning). Sentence: Our car broke down on the way to school.
- Phrasal Verb: Break out (Meaning: To start suddenly). Sentence: Fire broke out in the old warehouse last night.
Class 9 English World Music Day Invitation Letter Writing
Listen and Respond
Question I & II
Before you listen, read the questions and guess the responses. Then, listen to the conversation and check your answers. (Page No. 198)
Answer:
- How are the two speakers connected? (ii) teacher-student
- Where is the conversation taking place? (iii) school reception area
- Which musical instrument is the reason for the problem? (i) sitar
- What is the problem being discussed? (i) inability to play the musical instrument
- What has been the unsuccessful solution? (i) practising for longer hours
- What is the final decision taken? (ii) pick a simpler instrument
Speaking Activity
Question I
Work in groups of four and choose a role each (Music teacher, Student 1, Student 2, Parent). Use the cues to present a role play. (Page No. 199)
Answer:
Music Teacher: “Welcome, everyone. I highly encourage all students to join our music classes. Music is not just an art; it enhances cognitive skills and relieves academic stress.”
Student 1: “But teacher, I am very confused. I feel that joining music classes might take away valuable time from my self-studies, and my grades might suffer.”
Student 2: “I understand your concern, but as a music learner myself, I am convinced that music is highly beneficial. It actually improves my focus, and I have learned to manage my time efficiently between studies and practice.”
Parent: “Initially, I was quite doubtful about my child spending time on music instead of preparing for board exams. However, after hearing how it helps with concentration and stress relief, I am fully supportive of this decision.”
Writing Task
Question I
Your school is organising a musical evening on 21 June, World Music Day. You are presenting a Sitar recital at the event. Draft an invitation letter requesting your grandparents to attend the event. (Page No. 199-200) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
12, Rosewood Apartments,
Sector 15, Rohini,
New Delhi – 110085
25 May 2024
Dear Grandparents,
I hope this letter finds you both in the best of health and spirits. I am writing this letter to share some exciting news with you and to invite you to a very special event at my school.
Our school is organising a grand musical evening to celebrate World Music Day on 21 June 2024. The event will take place in the school auditorium from 5:00 PM onwards. I am thrilled to inform you that I have been selected to present a Sitar recital during the opening segment of the program.
Knowing how much you both love classical music, it would mean the world to me if you could come and watch me perform. Your presence will give me the confidence and encouragement I need to perform well on stage.
Please let me know if you can make it so that I can reserve the best seats for you. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours affectionately,
Kaveri
Learning Beyond the Text
Question I, II, III & IV
Explore Raga Chikitsa, Sangita Sudha, the origin of the seven swaras, and read Walter De la Mare’s poem “Music”. (Page No. 200-201)
Answer:
- Raga Chikitsa is an ancient Indian text that details how specific ragas can heal physical and mental ailments. Today, music therapy is widely used in hospitals to reduce anxiety, manage pain, and improve cognitive functions in patients.
- The seven swaras (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) in Indian classical music are said to have originated from the sounds of nature and animals (e.g., ‘Sa’ from the peacock’s cry, ‘Re’ from the bull, ‘Ga’ from the goat, etc.).
- Walter De la Mare’s poem beautifully complements Bryanna T. Perkins’ work by illustrating how music transforms our perception of reality. While Perkins focuses on the therapeutic and emotional companionship of music, De la Mare highlights its transcendental and magical power to make the ordinary world look extraordinarily beautiful and timeless.
In conclusion, these NCERT solutions for Class 9 English “A Friend Found in Music” provide a comprehensive and structured approach to mastering the chapter. By practicing these textbook-accurate answers, students can enhance their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and creative writing skills. Adhering to the CBSE guidelines and utilizing the underlined key phrases will undoubtedly help students secure top marks in their examinations while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of music.