Class 9 English · Chapter 7

Samacheer Class 9 English - A Birthday Letter

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Sections in this chapter
Book Back Questions 6A 8B. Answer the following in about 80 - 100 words each. 2E. *Listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions. 5C. Match the words with correct Synonym and Antonym from the table. 1D. Identify, whether the following statements are of OPINION or FACT 1F. Answer the following questions based on the given reading passage. 5SPEAKING G. 1WRITING H. 1Grammar A. Choose the Correct Determiner 15Exercise 11Exercise B 1Exercise C 8Project D 1
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1Book Back Questions6 questions
Q.1From which prison did Nehru write this letter?v
Answer:

Nehru wrote the letter from Central Prison, Naini, Uttar Pradesh.

Q.2Which historical character inspired young Indira?v
Answer:

Joan of Arc inspired young Indira.

Q.3Did Nehru send any presents to Indira?v
Solution

Nehru explains that he could not send gifts as he was imprisoned; instead he sent his love and good wishes in the letter.

Answer:

No. He did not send any presents because he was in prison.

Q.4What helps the ordinary men and women to become heroes?v
Solution

Nehru points out that ordinary people, when placed in the extraordinary situations of national struggle and guided by strong ideals (such as freedom and truth), rise to heroic action.

Answer:

Circumstances and ideals—when great events or crises arise, ordinary people inspired by ideals and duty can perform heroic deeds.

Q.5Who is addressed as 'Bapuji'?v
Solution

'Bapuji' is the respectful Indian term commonly used for Mohandas K. Gandhi, and in Nehru's letter it refers to Gandhi.

Answer:

Bapuji refers to Mahatma Gandhi.

Q.6What should the soldiers of India respect?v
Solution

Nehru emphasizes that soldiers serve the nation and must respect the people and the principles for which the nation stands; they are not above the democratic will of the people.

Answer:

They should respect the people of India and the ideals of the nation (the people's rights and democratic will).

2A8 questions
Q.1Why could not Nehru send any presents to Indira?v
Solution

Nehru explains that imprisonment prevented him from sending material gifts; instead he sent his loving letter and best wishes.

Answer:

Because he was in prison at the time and therefore could not send gifts.

Q.2What cannot be stopped even by the high walls of prisons?v
Solution

Nehru suggests that personal feelings, thoughts, and the will to serve and love remain strong despite physical confinement; emotional bonds and ideals transcend prison.

Answer:

Love, affection, and the spirit of free thought and devotion cannot be stopped by prison walls.

Q.3Why did Nehru dislike sermonizing?v
Solution

Nehru believed that long moral lectures (sermons) were ineffective and that one should lead by example and sensible guidance rather than preachiness.

Answer:

Because he disliked telling people what to do in a moralistic way; he preferred action and example over preachy lectures.

Q.4What does history tell us?v
Solution

Nehru argues that history records the actions of people in great events and that ordinary people can become the makers of history through their deeds.

Answer:

History shows that great changes are often brought about by ordinary people who rise to the occasion and act courageously.

Q.5What do ordinary men and women usually think of?v
Solution

Nehru notes that most people are occupied with ordinary, everyday matters; heroism arises when such people respond to extraordinary needs.

Answer:

They usually think of home, family, daily duties and personal concerns rather than heroic or public deeds.

Q.6When do ordinary men and women become heroes?v
Solution

Nehru's point is that heroism is situational: ordinary people are transformed into heroes by responding selflessly in times of national or moral need.

Answer:

When great events or crises call for sacrifice and courage, ordinary people act for the common good and become heroes.

Q.7What does the phrase 'great drama' refer to?v
Solution

Nehru uses the metaphor of a drama to describe the large-scale historical events—struggles and sacrifices—that shape the nation's destiny.

Answer:

The 'great drama' refers to the national struggle and the unfolding events of the country's movement for freedom.

Q.8Why are the freedom fighters under Gandhi not afraid of anything?v
Solution

Nehru explains that followers of Gandhi draw courage from their commitment to truth and non-violence; their moral purpose makes them fearless.

Answer:

Because they are guided by strong moral conviction, non-violence, discipline and faith in the cause led by Gandhi.

3B. Answer the following in about 80 - 100 words each.2 questions
Q.1Explain the important elements of Nehru's letter.v
Answer:

Pandit Nehru was imprisoned in Naini jail. As he was not able to send a gift to Indira on her birthday, he sends her a letter. Though presents are appreciated, letters can equally be cherished as gifts. Nehru did not like to sermonize or give advice. We have learned that it is important to do things without fear. We should recognize right from wrong. While facing problems, we can resolve them by discussing them with near and dear ones.
The value of the contribution of our leaders to fight for freedom and the value of qualities exhibited by these leaders. The two factors that make ordinary men heroes are, (i) full faith in a great cause and (ii) love and respect for the nation. Mahatma Gandhi inspired millions of people to fight for freedom. Nehru wants Indira to develop qualities like respect for her country’s honour, trust, patriotism, etc.
(OR)
Jawaharlal Nehru is in Naini prison. He usually gives a present to his young daughter Indira who is 13. But now he cannot do so. He writes a birthday letter to her as her present. He reminds of the historical character Joan of Arc. He empasises the significance of historical events. History even helps common people to become heroes. Great leaders inspire ordinary people to do noble deeds.
He admires Babuji whose magic message from the prison has stolen the hearts of India’s millions. It has made all to participate in the freedom movement. He sites the people working with no secrecy or hiding. Nehru wishes Indira to do anything not secretly. If she does so she will group up unafraid serene and unruffled, whatever may happen. Finally, he blesses her that she may grow into a brave soldier in India’s service.
“Openness can bring happiness, courage, and success”.

Q.2Imagine yourself as Indira and write a reply letter to your father, Nehru for the letter you received on your birthday.v
Answer:

Mussoorie,
October 27, 1930.
My dear dad,
My joy has no bounds to receive your Letter. I am amazed to have it as my birthday present. I feel as if you are sitting beside me and talking to me.
I am thrilled to read about the historic events how history has made simple, ordinary people to become heroes. It is overwhelming to know how Babuji’s magic message has stolen the hearts of India’s millions. As you say, we too take some part in this great drama of the freedom movement.
Your words are so powerful and I shall respect India’s honour which is a secret trust. I am grateful dad for imparting so much about the history of India. Like Babuji, I shall be truthful and have no room for secrecy or hiding. I’m sure to make friends with the sun and work in the lights.
With your hearty wish, I’ll grow up unafraid serene, and unruffled, whatever may happen. I’ve read the letter completely and energized very much. I’ll be a brave soldier in India’s service fulfilling your dreams.
With much love and deep regards.
Yours loving daughter,
Indira Priyadarshini.

4E. *Listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions.5 questions
Q.1Aadhav and Raghav are _____________.v
  1. a. brothers
  2. b. friends
  3. c. colleagues
  4. d. classmates
Answer:

(a) Brothers.

Q.2The brothers are planning to celebrate their ___________ wedding anniversary.v
  1. a. uncle's
  2. b. parents'
  3. c. grandparents'
  4. d. sister's
Answer:

(b) Parents'.

Q.3The wedding anniversary is on _____________.v
  1. a. March 2nd
  2. b. April 2nd
  3. c. May 2nd
  4. d. June 2nd
Answer:

(b) April 2.

Q.4As part of the celebration, the brothers have planned to make their parents to ____________.v
  1. a. visit an orphanage
  2. b. donate some money
  3. c. plant a mango sapling
  4. d. conduct a game
Answer:

(c) Plant a mango sapling.

Q.5State whether the statement is true or false. The brothers have decided to borrow money for the wedding anniversary celebration.v
  1. a. True
  2. b. False
Answer:

False. They use their savings to buy the sapling; they do not borrow money.

5C. Match the words with correct Synonym and Antonym from the table.1 questions
Q.CMatch the words with correct Synonym and Antonym from the table. S.No Word — Synonym — Antonym 1 wide — privilege — freedom 2 noble — valiant — public 3 oppress — valuable — coward 4 honour — personal — ignoble 5 worthy — gentle — dishonour 6 private — broad — narrow 7 brave — subdue — unworthyv
Answer:

1. wide - broad - narrow; 2. noble - gentle - ignoble; 3. oppress - subdue - freedom; 4. honour - privilege - dishonour; 5. worthy - valuable - unworthy; 6. private - personal - public; 7. brave - valiant - coward.

6D. Identify, whether the following statements are of OPINION or FACT1 questions
Q.DIdentify whether the following statements are of OPINION or FACT: 1. On your birthday you have been in the habit of receiving presents and good wishes. (Opinion/Fact) 2. I have liked my talks with you. (Opinion/Fact) 3. The best way to find what is wrong and right is by discussing. (Opinion/Fact) 4. A letter can hardly take the place of a talk. (Opinion/Fact) 5. For the desire to hide anything means that you are afraid. (Opinion/Fact)v
Answer:

1. Fact; 2. Fact; 3. Fact; 4. Opinion; 5. Opinion.

7F. Answer the following questions based on the given reading passage.5 questions
Q.1What is the name of her diary?v
Answer:

The name is Anne Frank’s Diary Entry.

Q.2Why did Anne want to exchange the book 'Camera Obscura'?v
Answer:

Anne wanted to exchange the book Camera Obscura’ as her sister Margot already had it.

Q.3Who baked the homemade cookies?v
Answer:

Anne Frank herself baked the homemade cookies.

Q.4What game did Anne choose to play?v
Answer:

Anne chose volleyball to play.

Q.5Which gift did Anne value the most?v
Answer:

Anne valued the gift from Kitty the most.

8SPEAKING G.1 questions
Q.GImagine you are going to celebrate your forthcoming birthday at an orphanage/old-age home. Deliver a short speech about your birthday celebration by using the following hints. • The reasons for choosing an orphanage/old-age home. • The people who accompany you. • The food which you are going to offer them. • The useful gifts/articles which you are going to give them. • Other events like cake cutting, conducting games etc.v
Answer:

Good morning everyone,

I am celebrating my birthday today at this orphanage because I want to share my happiness and help those in need. I came with my family and close friends. We prepared simple, nutritious food — rice, curry, fruits and homemade cookies — to serve the children and staff. We also brought useful gifts: bedsheets, footwear and school supplies. After serving food, we will cut a cake together and play some games to entertain the children. I feel grateful and happy to spend my birthday bringing joy to others.

Thank you.

9WRITING H.1 questions
Q.HWrite a meaningful paragraph using the hints given below. Mahesh - celebrates - 14th birthday - an old-age home - family, friends - informs home in advance - delegates tasks - friends buy things necessary - arrives home early - decorates place - balloons, colour papers - inmates gathered - cuts cake - sing song, claps - distributes cakes - expresses his feelings - gets blessings - offers things - bedsheets, footwear etc. needed - fun, entertainment - happy and content.v
Answer:

Mahesh celebrated his 14th birthday at an old-age home with his family and friends. He informed the home in advance and delegated tasks so everything would be ready. His friends bought necessary items, and they arrived early to decorate the hall with balloons and coloured paper. When the inmates gathered, Mahesh cut the cake; everyone sang and clapped happily. He distributed cakes and offered useful gifts like bedsheets and footwear. Mahesh expressed his feelings and received many blessings. The event brought fun and entertainment, and he felt happy and content.

10Grammar A. Choose the Correct Determiner15 questions
Q.1Could you bring me ________ tools I left in the garden? (this, those, these)v
  1. a. this
  2. b. those
  3. c. these
Answer:

those.

Q.2________ Earth revolves around the sun. (the, a, an)v
  1. a. the
  2. b. a
  3. c. an
Answer:

The.

Q.3I found ________ one rupee coin in the playground while playing. (a, an, the)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Answer:

a.

Q.4There aren't ________ students in the library. (much, many, a lot)v
  1. a. much
  2. b. many
  3. c. a lot
Answer:

many.

Q.5It was ________ unforgettable experience. (a, an, the)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Answer:

an.

Q.6I haven't got ________ pictures in my bedroom. (some, any, many)v
  1. a. some
  2. b. any
  3. c. many
Answer:

any.

Q.7He said that he wanted to become ________ engineer. (a, an, the)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Answer:

an.

Q.8Kokila gave a pen to ______ child in the classroom on her birthday. (any, all, each)v
  1. a. any
  2. b. all
  3. c. each
Answer:

each.

Q.9I've got to solve ________ math problems before I go to sleep. (all, some, any)v
  1. a. all
  2. b. some
  3. c. any
Answer:

some.

Q.10India is ________ largest democracy in the world. (a, an, the)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Answer:

the.

Q.11My father doesn't drink ________ coffee. (much, many, a lot)v
  1. a. much
  2. b. many
  3. c. a lot
Answer:

much.

Q.12I always keep ________ money in my wallet for emergencies. (any, every, some)v
  1. a. any
  2. b. every
  3. c. some
Answer:

some.

Q.13This year we are celebrating my sister's ________ birthday. (a, two, second)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. two
  3. c. second
Answer:

second.

Q.14I have ________ pencils with me. (a, three, third)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. three
  3. c. third
Answer:

three.

Q.15'What is that noise?' I think it is ________ aeroplane. (a, an, the)v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Answer:

an.

11Exercise11 questions
Q.55. It was ________ unforgettable experience.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Solution

Use 'an' before a vowel sound: 'an unforgettable experience.'

Answer:

b

Q.66. I haven't got ________ pictures in my bedroom.v
  1. a. some
  2. b. any
  3. c. many
Solution

Use 'any' in negative sentences with plural countable nouns: 'I haven't got any pictures.'

Answer:

b

Q.77. He said that he wanted to become ________ engineer.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Solution

Use 'an' before a word starting with a vowel sound: 'an engineer.'

Answer:

b

Q.88. Kokila gave a pen to ______ child in the classroom on her birthday.v
  1. a. any
  2. b. all
  3. c. each
Solution

'Each child' is correct when referring to every individual in a group: 'Kokila gave a pen to each child.'

Answer:

c

Q.99. I've got to solve ________ math problems before I go to sleep.v
  1. a. all
  2. b. some
  3. c. any
Solution

'Some' is used for an unspecified positive quantity needed to be done: 'I've got to solve some math problems.'

Answer:

b

Q.1010. India is ________ largest democracy in the world.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Solution

Use the definite article with superlatives: 'the largest democracy.'

Answer:

c

Q.1111. My father doesn't drink ________ coffee.v
  1. a. much
  2. b. many
  3. c. a lot
Solution

'Coffee' is an uncountable noun here, so use 'much'.

Answer:

a

Q.1212. I always keep ________ money in my wallet for emergencies.v
  1. a. any
  2. b. every
  3. c. some
Solution

'Some' is used for a definite but unspecified amount in positive sentences: 'some money'.

Answer:

c

Q.1313. This year we are celebrating my sister's ________ birthday.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. two
  3. c. second
Solution

Use the ordinal 'second' for 'the 2nd birthday': 'my sister's second birthday.'

Answer:

c

Q.1414. I have ________ pencils with me.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. three
  3. c. third
Solution

'Three' is the correct numeral: 'I have three pencils.'

Answer:

b

Q.1515. 'What is that noise?' I think it is ________ aeroplane.v
  1. a. a
  2. b. an
  3. c. the
Solution

Use 'an' before vowel sounds: 'an aeroplane.'

Answer:

b

12Exercise B1 questions
Q.BB. Observe the following call-outs. Reporter (C) has reported the sentences of Speaker (A). Now, help Reporter (C) report the rest of the sentences of Speaker (A). A (Speaker) B (Questioner) C (Reporter) What did he say? He said that he wanted to go. I have to go. (say) Can you hear me? What did she say? She asked if you could hear her. (ask) Consult the doctor. What did he say? He advised you to consult the doctor. (advise) I won't go to the party. What did he say? (say) When did you come? What did she say? (ask) Don't touch the wire. What did she say? (warn) What did he say? What did he say?v
Solution

1. 'I have to go.' (say) -> He said that he had to go.
2. 'Can you hear me?' (ask) -> She asked if she/he could be heard. (standard: She asked if I could hear her.)
3. 'Consult the doctor.' (advise) -> He advised (you) to consult the doctor. (already given)
4. 'I won't go to the party.' (say) -> He said that he would not (wouldn't) go to the party.
5. 'When did you come?' (ask) -> She asked when I had come. (or 'when he/she had come' depending on context)
6. 'Don't touch the wire.' (warn) -> She warned me/us not to touch the wire.

Answer:

Provided below are the reported forms for the direct sentences:

13Exercise C8 questions
Q.11. Pushpa said, "Do not spoil the eco-system."v
Solution

Imperative changes to 'told/asked/advised' + 'not' + base verb: 'Pushpa told them not to spoil the ecosystem.' (corrected 'eco-system' to 'ecosystem')

Answer:

Pushpa told them not to spoil the ecosystem.

Q.22. Ebin said, "Have you booked the tickets to Delhi?"v
Solution

Yes/no question becomes 'asked whether/if' and present perfect shifts to past perfect: 'asked whether I had booked the tickets to Delhi.'

Answer:

Ebin asked whether I had booked the tickets to Delhi.

Q.33. Rehman said to Tilak, "When are we leaving to our native?"v
Solution

Corrected phrasing 'leaving to our native' -> 'leaving for our native place'. Wh-question becomes 'asked ... when' and present continuous shifts to past continuous: 'were leaving.'

Answer:

Rehman asked Tilak when they were leaving for their native place.

Q.44. Maha said, "Lakshan, you should get up early in the morning."v
Solution

Change from direct to indirect speech: remove the quotation marks, use a reporting verb ('told' because it is a command/suggestion to a person), and change the vocative structure to a clause. 'Should' remains unchanged.

Answer:

Maha told Lakshan that he should get up early in the morning.

Q.55. Gladin said to his mother, "Can you, please, buy me a hot-chocolate?"v
Solution

Change the question into a reported request: use 'asked' + object + infinitive. Corrected 'hot-chocolate' to 'hot chocolate' and changed 'me' to 'him' for indirect speech.

Answer:

Gladin asked his mother to buy him a hot chocolate.

Q.66. "Tomorrow I have to take a test in English", said Sudha.v
Solution

Change time expression and tense for reported speech: 'tomorrow' → 'the next day'; present 'have to' → past 'had to'; add 'that' and change pronoun 'I' → 'she'.

Answer:

Sudha said that she had to take a test in English the next day.

Q.77. Amali said to her sister, "I need your help to arrange the books in the shelf."v
Solution

Change pronouns and tense for reported speech: 'I' → 'she', present 'need' → past 'needed'. Corrected 'in the shelf' to standard 'on the shelf'. Use 'told' for reporting a statement/request.

Answer:

Amali told her sister that she needed her help to arrange the books on the shelf.

Q.88. "Why don't you use crayons for colouring?" said Prabhu to his son.v
Solution

Convert the direct question into reported question: use 'asked' and change present tense and question form into a clause. 'Don't' becomes 'didn't' (backshift).

Answer:

Prabhu asked his son why he didn't use crayons for colouring.

14Project D1 questions
Q.DD. Write a Diary entry each day for a month and compile them into a book. You may also name your diary as Anne Frank did. Diary writing is one of the most personal and informal categories of writing. A diary writing can be based on an experience, a scene, a description or narration of certain event or any other thing or activity that the writer considers worth writing in his/her personal diary. The style and tone is generally informal and personal. However, it depends on the subject. You can freely express your viewpoints and feelings. As the diary is writer's personal document, the diary entry doesn't need any signature.v
Solution

The project asks students to produce daily personal diary entries and compile them. Keep entries informal, honest, and reflective. Include date/title, brief account of events, feelings, and any reflections or plans. No signature is necessary since a diary is personal.

Answer:

Task: Maintain daily diary entries for a month and compile them. Example (Day 1):

Dear Diary,
Today was my first day of this month-long diary. I woke up early, helped my mother with breakfast and went to school. In the afternoon I finished a project and practiced the piano. I felt proud when my teacher praised my work. Before bed I read a short story and planned my goals for tomorrow. Goodnight.

(Note: entries are personal and informal; no signature required.)